Hi, I'm Elizabeth

Image of Elizabeth Tomlinson

My approach is warm and empathetic, and I would be honoured to help you celebrate the life of your loved one. Although I cannot take away your grief, I can help you create a personal ceremony, one that is authentic and reflects their character, values, and the life they lived. I recognise that not all relationships are easy; indeed, many are complicated, and some are suffused with difficult emotions. I have a nonjudgmental approach and will do my utmost to sensitively respond to your requirements.

About Me

I am a nurse with a wealth of experience in both hospital and community settings. I have worked in areas as diverse as hospice, maternity, and intensive care, caring for people at every stage and age of life, from acute medical care to palliative care in clinical and home settings. I care deeply about the importance of a good death and see my work as a celebrant as a natural extension of that commitment.

I have also spent many years practising as a family law barrister, specialising in child protection. Throughout my career, I have supported families through challenging times with compassionate guidance. My years as a courtroom advocate have given me a strong foundation in writing and public speaking. As a funeral celebrant, trained to the highest standards by Humanists UK, I create and lead impactful non-religious funerals, celebrations of life, memorials, and ash ceremonies.

Creating a ceremony is deeply personal and calls for understanding and diligence. The arrangements should reflect the personality, beliefs, and wishes of the person who has died, while also meeting the needs of family and close friends. It is my intention to design a ceremony which not only reflects the life of your loved one but also enriches the lives of those who attend.

What I offer

I would be happy to meet with you to discuss your requirements and learn about your loved one's life so I can create a bespoke ceremony that reflects their unique story. If helpful, I can also suggest meaningful readings, poetry, and other elements. I would also be happy to have an informal chat and answer any questions so you can decide whether I am the right celebrant for you.

Image of Elizabeth Tomlinson

Elizabeth Tomlinson

Where I work

I am based in St Albans, Hertfordshire, and am happy to work within Hertfordshire and travel to surrounding counties and central and North London.

Fees from...

Cremation or Burial: £250

Memorials: £350

Interment of Ashes: £200

How to contact me
Email

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.