# Non-religious, civil & celebration-of-life funerals

> A non-religious or civil funeral can be as personal as you like. It is usually led by an independent or civil celebrant, and can mix non-religious tributes with a hymn or prayer if the family wants. In the UK there is no legal requirement to have any ceremony, use a funeral director or hold the funeral in a particular place — only to register the death and dispose of the body lawfully.

Source: https://funeralfinder.org/faiths/non-religious/ — FuneralFinder

## Key facts

- **Who leads:** A civil or independent celebrant, a friend or family member
- **Religious content:** Optional — a civil ceremony can include a hymn or prayer if you wish
- **Legal requirements:** Register the death and obtain the right paperwork; a ceremony itself is optional
- **Popular options:** Direct cremation with a later memorial, natural burial, or a party-style celebration of life

## Your options

Non-religious funerals range from a traditional service at a crematorium to a woodland burial, a gathering in a pub or garden, or a [direct cremation](/uk/direct-cremation/) followed by a memorial months later. Some families organise everything themselves — see our guide to [arranging a funeral without a funeral director](/uk/guides/arranging-a-funeral-without-a-funeral-director/).
Every family and community is different. Use this as a starting point, follow the wishes of the person who died, and ask their faith leader or community for guidance.

## Etiquette

- **What to wear:** Whatever the family asks.
- **What to say:** Share a memory or simply say you’re sorry.
- **Flowers:** Welcome unless donations are requested.

## FAQs

### Do you have to have a funeral service?

No. In the UK there is no legal requirement to hold a ceremony. You must register the death and arrange a lawful burial or cremation; many people choose direct cremation and hold a memorial later.