Hi, I'm Rachel

Image of Rachel Essex

My name is Rachel Essex and I am an accredited Humanist funeral celebrant based in South London. A Humanist funeral is one that allows family and friends to choose how best to remember and say goodbye to someone who has impacted and will continue to impact on them. I can guide you sensitively, thoughtfully and creatively through the process of delivering a Cremation, Burial or Ashes ceremony, a Memorial after a Direct Cremation or any other celebration of a loved one that is most authentic to them, the story of their life and the memories you have of them whether that takes place in a formal or more informal setting. 

I acknowledge my Jewish cultural heritage and provide a space that welcomes people of all faiths as well as those without - moments of reflection can be used in prayer for those that wish - but I am not religious, I am committed to Humanism and the idea that we have only one life to live. My ceremonies are not acts of worship but do provide ritual and solemnity as well as recognising that there is often humour in how people are remembered by those closest to them.

My journey to becoming a celebrant began with the Humanist funerals I have organised and attended, impressed by how well they reflected the person they were celebrating. I have experienced bereavement both anticipated and untimely and know that grief is particular. It is a privilege to help find the words befitting both you and the person you mourn. I have a degree in English Language and Literature from Oxford University and am able to advise on readings and poetry.

Ceremonies usually include a Tribute or Eulogy. I can write this based on your stories, recollections and details of the life and times of your loved one, entrusted to me in our initial meeting. I will send you a draft script for your approval and thoughts and you will have more than one opportunity to revise it as things occur to you. Family and friends are welcome to speak on the day itself and I can facilitate that.

Being a celebrant is a coalescence for me of skills gained over years of doing a number of freelance jobs. I have been not only a writer, but a carer so I know how to meet people both empathetically and professionally when they are vulnerable. I have been an actor so I know how to deliver a script with clarity.

I also provide pre-planned ceremonies if you want to discuss and make choices for your own funeral.

Please get in touch with no obligation, to see if I am the right celebrant for you.

Rachel was the celebrant for my mother’s Humanist funeral in April this year.

She did an absolutely brilliant job and made the day perfect which means so much at a difficult and emotional time.

Rachel met me and my sister to discuss how we envisioned a celebration of our mother’s life to be. We immediately felt that we were in really good hands, as she’s a great listener, and heard our confusing, emotional accounts with great patience, then went away and turned them into an eloquent tribute. She got the tone just right, and reflected our Mum’s character and values, with the right balance of solemnity and humour. It really set the tone for the whole day, and everyone who was there commented on how much our mum would have loved it.

On a practical level, Rachel guided me and my sister through the process so well. She helped us find appropriate music and quotes, and kept us on schedule with various deadlines that could have been overwhelming.

On the actual day, she’d thought of everything, having researched the details of the actual Crematorium, sensitive to the fact that anything unexpected can throw you off balance. We felt really supported; I highly recommend Rachel as an exceptional Humanist Celebrant.

— Stacey Williams

Rachel was truly excellent. She was invaluable in helping us to create a really wonderful, fitting celebration for my mum – not just drafting the eulogy, but also advising on music, readings and the order of ceremony.

Rachel really helped us to clarify our thinking about the elements of the service, and then to feel supported and as relaxed as possible on the day itself. She was extremely patient, responsive and really went the extra mile.

— Alfred Le Prevost

I just wanted to express our deepest thanks for the beautiful ceremony you created and led for mum. The service was truly moving, thoughtfully written, sensitively delivered and imbued with such warmth and grace. Your careful crafting of the script captured her spirit perfectly, and it was clear how much care and insight went into every word.

Many people mentioned afterwards that they had never attended a humanist funeral before, and they were deeply touched by how meaningful and personal it felt…how wonderfully you led the service; poised, compassionate, and with genuine heart.

Your delivery was so natural and heartfelt, eloquent without ever feeling formal, tender without sentimentality. It brought together everyone in the room and honoured Mum in the most beautiful way. Thank you, truly, for giving us a ceremony that reflected her life and essence so perfectly.

— Steven Clack

Rachel's help & kindness, above & beyond her role, I'm sure, really was much appreciated.The service, the music, I'm sure my aunt was having a little smile to herself.She made a very sad day a day to celebrate & remember. 

— Annmarie Hannon

Rachel was the celebrant for my wife's memorial in October, attended by family and friends. She crafted and led a moving ceremony that honored her life with warmth and grace, perfectly balancing solemnity and heartfelt moments. Everyone present remarked on how personal and fitting it felt, easing us through an emotional day.

From our first meeting, Rachel listened patiently and helped shape a clear vision for the service. She guided me expertly in developing my eulogy, filling in around that with reflections of my wife's life, spirit and values. Her recommendation for music added the right touch. She made the planning process feel supportive rather than overwhelming.

On the day, Rachel delivered the ceremony with natural poise and compassion, her thoughtful words bringing us all together in celebration and remembrance. She anticipated every detail, ensuring a seamless flow that let us focus on farewell. Her kindness went above and beyond, turning profound loss into a beautiful tribute.

— Christopher Kimbell

Image of Rachel Essex

Rachel Essex

Where I work

I work in London and the surrounding areas but if you have a request for somewhere further afield, do contact me and we can discuss its feasibility.

Fees from...

P.O.A.

How to contact me
Email

rachel.essex@humanistceremonies.org.uk

Phone

07941 965722

Website

humanist.org.uk/rachelessex

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.