Creating a personal ceremony

Celebrants we are pleased to work with

A funeral celebrant can help you create and lead a ceremony that reflects the life, character and beliefs of the person who has died. Here you can meet some of the independent celebrants who work with families we support.

Meet the celebrants

A calm and personal approach

Each celebrant brings their own experience and way of working. We can discuss the style of ceremony you have in mind and help you consider who may feel like a good fit. Availability will depend on the date and time of the funeral.

Denise Engler

I am a fully trained Funeral Celebrant and a Ceremony Registrar for East Sussex County Council. I believe a funeral should be more than a final goodbye: it should also be an uplifting celebration of the person’s life, where it is okay to cry and be sad, but also to smile and laugh. I trained as an actress and occasionally work as a supporting artist. My garden is my happy place, and I enjoy spending time with my husband, two sons and three grandchildren — who are, of course, the best grandchildren in the world.

Laura Rusbridge

In my role as a celebrant, I have always felt it is such a privilege to help families at such a difficult time in their lives. I create special services, just how you would like them to be. Whether it is a more traditional service or a joyous celebration of life, I believe each service is as unique as the person who has passed. With my many years' experience, I create memorable and personal services honouring each person's life. I offer unwavering support and advice throughout our time together and beyond.

Jennie Turner: Humanist Funeral Celebrant

I am an experienced celebrant creating personal funerals and celebrations of life. Humanist funerals celebrate a life in a non-religious way, focusing on someone’s story, personality and relationships rather than religious beliefs or an afterlife. Each ceremony is tailored to your wishes and can include an introduction, tribute, reading, poems, music, reflection and the farewell. Family members or friends may wish to contribute. I help choose music, poems and readings to celebrate a life in a unique way. I’m here to support you during this time and help you create the most fitting funeral for your loved one.

Nick Tier

My aim is to make every ceremony individual; to ensure that your loved one’s life is celebrated and remembered in the way that you would like. A little about me: I was a teacher for 25 years before re-training as a Celebrant. I qualified in April 2025 with the Academy of Modern Celebrancy. I am a member of the Celebrant Guild. I sing in two choirs and act in a play every summer. I speak French fluently and Spanish conversationally. I am the stadium announcer at Lewes Football Club! I have a knowledge of poetry and readings, both secular and religious.

Helen Egner

As a funeral celebrant it is my role to listen to the family recounting memories of their loved one, creating a completely unique ceremony celebrating their life. This includes happy moments, achievements, special holidays, their passions, stories that made them laugh. We incorporate music they may have selected themselves, poetry and readings that spoke to them or encapsulates who they were. Whilst always respectful, the ceremony is moving, often filled with laughter and smiles. We mourn their passing with affection, gratefully giving thanks for time together. Empathetic, caring, understanding and experienced I am the reliable support through difficult times.

Choosing a celebrant

You do not need to make the decision alone

We will listen to what matters to your family and explain the ceremony choices available. If you would like a celebrant-led service, we can help you find someone whose approach suits the farewell you are planning.

The celebrants shown here are independent professionals. Their inclusion is intended to introduce the people we work with and does not represent a ranking or order of preference.

Talk through the ceremony

We can help you find the right approach for your family

Call our family team for a calm conversation about the type of ceremony you would like and the next practical step.

Call 01435 868844

Urgent telephone assistance available 24 hours a day

Start here

Funeral services

Simpler cremation

Costs and documents

Wealden Funeral Services