Hi, I'm Craig

Image of Craig Ellis

I am a funeral celebrant based in North Yorkshire and Humberside, creating meaningful, non-religious ceremonies that reflect the life of the person who has died.

My path into funeral celebrancy began after a significant bereavement in my own life. That experience changed the way I understood grief and led me to become involved with Cruse Bereavement Support. Over the years, I have worked and volunteered across different areas of bereavement support, including helpline work, volunteer coordination and training new volunteers.

This experience has given me a deep understanding of grief, but I also recognise that every loss is different. My role is not to tell you how to grieve, but to listen carefully, understand what matters to you and help create a ceremony that feels right.

When we meet, I will invite you to tell me about the person who has died. We may talk about their family, work, friendships, interests, favourite places and the small habits that made them who they were. These details help me write a tribute that feels personal and true, rather than generic.

Every ceremony is created around the individual. Some are quiet and reflective, while others include humour, music and stories that bring warmth to the day. There is no single right way to say goodbye. What matters is that the ceremony reflects the person and gives those attending a meaningful way to remember them.

I create inclusive ceremonies for people of all backgrounds, identities and family structures. Although my services are non-religious, I understand that families may hold different beliefs, and I can include a reading, prayer, or hymn where appropriate.

I can lead ceremonies at crematoriums, burial grounds, natural burial sites and memorial venues. I also create memorial services for families who want more time, a different setting or a more personal gathering.

From our first conversation to the day itself, I will guide you through the process with care. I can help shape family contributions, support anyone wishing to speak and step in to read their words if they feel unable to do so on the day.

Families often tell me they feel heard and reassured. I aim to bring a calm presence and create a ceremony that honours the person’s life with honesty and meaning.

Covering all of North Yorkshire and Humber, I would be privileged to help you create a farewell that feels personal, sincere and true to the person you are remembering.

Image of Craig Ellis

Craig Ellis

Where I work

I am based just outside York and cover all of North Yorkshire and Humberside

Fees from...

£240

How to contact me
Email

craigelliscelebrant@gmail.com

Phone

07365 911083

Google

See my Google listing

HUMANIST CEREMONIES™ is the network of more than 550 celebrants, trained by national charity Humanists UK to a gold standard to provide memorable and meaningful humanist ceremonies to non-religious people. Operating throughout England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands, we deliver authentic, tailor-made and heartfelt ceremonies for life’s key moments. They are always inclusive and welcoming, regardless of the beliefs of those attending.

You can trust Humanist Ceremonies celebrants: We are DBS-checked, fully insured, and regularly peer reviewed for quality assurance. We are committed to a code of conduct, and have a transparent and robust complaints process in the rare case of a problem. We all pay a monthly fee to Humanists UK to further support the work of the charity, and are part of a regional network for like-minded celebrants for support and learning.

Humanist funerals

Humanist funerals, memorials and ash ceremonies are a fitting way to honour a unique life with warmth, sensitivity and meaning, but without reference to religion or an afterlife. They put the story of the person who has died at the heart of the ceremony, paying tribute to them and the legacy they leave, and provide an opportunity to bring people together, not just to share sadness but to celebrate a life lived.