Hi, I'm Julie

Image of Julie Bentley

Hello and Welcome

Firstly, I’m aware that if you are looking at my web page, then it is likely you have been recently bereaved and so let me begin by offering you my sincere condolences.

Planning a funeral can feel hard. It can feel like there is much to work through and consider and it can be a daunting experience on top of dealing with the death itself. If you are feeling a bit overwhelmed right now, know that is normal. It’s OK.

About me

I am often asked what prompted me to want to be a funeral celebrant, rather than say a wedding celebrant. Surely weddings would be much more fun people say! The truth is that ever since I experienced bereavement as a teenager when my dad died, I have been interested in how we deal with bereavement and death in the UK. As well as dad dying many years ago, I have also experienced the death of both my beloved mum and brother as well as several other important people in my life.

I have long felt that death and dying continued to be a taboo and often funerals I have attended have felt impersonal, rushed, and unsatisfactory. When I discovered Humanism twenty years ago (and realised I was a Humanist!), I found a different way to mark the ending of life. I attended humanist funerals that were not formulaic and rushed and because they were not filled with the requirements of a traditional religious funeral, they were also very personal to the deceased. I became a funeral celebrant because I can think of no bigger privilege and satisfaction than supporting people through a funeral, which I believe is such an important part of the bereavement process.

I can lead ceremonies for Cremations, Burials, Internment, Scattering of Ashes as well as Memorial services.

Whether it be a small quiet affair in a crematorium or burial ground or a raucous send off in a community hall, pub, or home, I will accompany you in the planning and preparation and will then deliver the ceremony on the day. In a Humanist funeral there is very little that cannot be made possible (within the law of course) and the occasion can be truly personalised and tailored for you. What’s most important is that you feel the event was right for the person who has died, truly reflecting your (and their) wishes.

Image of Julie Bentley

Julie Bentley

Where I work

I live in Essex and deliver funerals across Essex as well as in London and Suffolk. I am willing to travel further afield in certain circumstances so if you are interested in me conducting your funeral ceremony, but you don’t live in Essex, London or Suffolk drop me an email to see what might be possible.

Fees from...

£250 for funerals in Essex and Suffolk There will be an additional charge for travel to other locations. In certain circumstances, I will reduce or waive the fee.

How to contact me
Email

juliecelebrantservices51@gmail.com

Website

humanist.org.uk/juliebentley

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.