Hi, I'm Nick

Image of Nick Phillips

First, thank you so much for considering a humanist funeral, now the choice of many who prefer not to have organised religion as part of their final tribute to their loved one.

I am a professional celebrant, trained and accredited by Humanists UK. I create and lead non-religious, yet inclusive funerals and memorials that are made wtih you to make an authentic personalised tribute as a heartfelt reflection of the individual's life and values. It is after all their life and story, and it needs telling well!

I work closely with family and friends to create a space to share a sense of loss, certainly, but also to celebrate a life as it was lived and will be remembered. Please see my testimonials below which give an idea of how I work.

Many have ideas already discussed as to what should be included in any remembrance, which I am delighted to work with, but I am equally ready to offer a steer or two on music, readings, or symbolic actions, if you are at a loss as to how to start - understandable at what is undoubtedly a difficult time.

Please contact me if you are after a professional celebrant to lead a non-religious ceremony for your loved one. I'm happy to have a no-obligation first chat to expain better what I do and how it works. Above all I aim to support you through this challenging time, and hope I can be of valuable service.

You were extraordinary Nick. - to get a measure of what our mother was like, without ever having met her, and to express her personality and life so sensitively and vividly for us also. You were a comforting and kind presence throughout a tough and challenging time, and ultimately throughout the funeral itself. Thank you again, I will never forget you.

— Funeral Hull October 2025

"Nick co-curated a funeral with the family so that now, when we look back, we just say it was perfect. He handled every detail with such grace and sensitivity at a time when we couldn’t see beyond our grief. My husband’s story was told through music and readings, and Nick led us through the ceremony with such skill that we somehow got to the end with smiles through the tears. I had such confidence in Nick, which took away the worry and the strain and the panic you feel when you want your most loved one truly represented. We were all at sea on the day, but Nick calmly and peacefully guided us through and became part of the family’s story forever."

— Testimonials for Funerals

Nick Phillips was the celebrant for my wife Jo’s funeral, and I honestly couldn’t have hoped for anyone better. From the very first conversation, it was clear that Nick was not only deeply professional but also warm, compassionate, and an exceptional listener. He took great care to really understand Jo, her story, her character, her humour, and the depth of love that surrounded her, and he told that story with such clarity, sensitivity, and grace that it moved everyone in the room.

So many of our friends and family commented afterwards on how remarkable Nick was. He struck exactly the right tone, blending heartfelt emotion, with gentle humour, never losing sight of the weight of the moment but also helping us find light within it. His storytelling was simply outstanding; he gave a true sense of who Jo was, and his words were personal, honest, and deeply respectful.

Nick brought comfort in a time of heartbreak, and for that, I am forever grateful. I would wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a celebrant who truly listens, truly cares, and delivers something unforgettable.

— Andy W 30-07-25

"Nick is an exceptional funeral celebrant, caring and compassionate, weaving complex elements of the ceremony together with both humour and gravitas as appropriate. He inspires absolute confidence from the outset and is a consummate storyteller. One of the most beautiful funerals I have ever witnessed."

— Peer review

Image of Nick Phillips

Nick Phillips

Where I work

I am based in Liverpool and work mostly in Mereyside and the surrounding areas. With family in Hull, I also conduct ceremonies in East Yorskhire, from the Humber to York and Scarborough. I am also happy to undertake distance/overseas ceremonies by negotiation.

Fees from...

250

How to contact me
Email

nickpcelebrant@gmail.com

Website

humanist.org.uk/nickphillips

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.