Oaktree Ceremonies

03/10/2025

GOOD NEWS
The Ministry of Justice have issued a press release announcing plans for wedding law reform. This is GOOD NEWS for Independent Celebrants for THREE reasons:

The Press Release states:

‘Planned changes follow Law Commission recommendations from July 2022…’ Note: The Law Commission report specifically made recommendations that independent celebrants be included in the groups able to perform legally binding ceremonies

Changes are intent on “..making it more straightforward for couples to have legally binding religious ceremonies - including Sikh, Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu weddings - and allow non-religious groups, such as Humanists, to conduct legally binding ceremonies for the first time. Independent Celebrants fall into ‘non-religious’ groups.

MISREPORTED
Sadly in some social media, the details have been mis-reported implying Humanists only will be able to conduct legally binding weddings.

However The Daily Mail have written an accurate report – here is a quote from David Barrett – Home affairs Editor

‘The Government has outlined what is described as the biggest overhaul to marriage law since the 19th century. It will also allow non-religious groups to stage legally binding marriage ceremonies…’

What you can do
✅Please comment on any social media to correct any misrepresentation and state “It will allow non-religious groups to conduct legally binding ceremonies’.

And if you so wish do speak with your local MP about the benefits of this.

I certainly will be!!

23/09/2025

Why Do We Carry Coffins on Our Shoulders?🤔

It’s more than just tradition — it’s a final act of love and honour

Lifting the coffin onto our shoulders symbolises the weight of loss and the respect we hold for the one who has passed.

It’s a way for loved ones to say, “You mattered. We’ll carry you, even now.”

In many cultures, this act represents spiritual elevation, communal grief, and a deep personal connection.
It reminds us that mourning is not something we do alone — we carry it together.

A solemn gesture. A shared burden.
A farewell with reverence and respect. 🕊️

21/06/2025

The fifth year I have supported this wonderful organisation. Supporting our armed forces and veterans is so important to me and I am really pleased to do my bit.

15/06/2025

28/03/2025

Today marked a huge milestone in my Celebrant Career as I completed my 1000th Funeral Service.

When I look back at the journey I have been on, from the creation of Oaktree Ceremonies to my first Service back in October 2020, I feel immensely proud of the success and reputation I have built in my role.

It is quite incredible to think that I have assisted 1000 families during their hardest times and that I have been able to bring them just a little comfort when they have needed it. I truly believe in the work I do as a funeral celebrant and I am now also able to assist my families with their Wills, Powers of Attorney and advice on estate and probate administration.

The business has grown, it has evolved and I am so proud of what I have achieved so far.

A final mention should go to my phenomenal wife who has been by my side through every challenge, every hurdle and success. She has been my rock and her support has been simply amazing.

05/01/2025

It's 2025 already, and where did that time go.

If you were lucky enough to become engaged over the Christmas or New Year period, then a huge congratulations to you. And now the fun starts.

As a Wedding Celebrant I am in a position to be able to assist you in many different aspects of your Wedding be it from the ceremony, to ideas for locations and even recommending suppliers who I have worked closely with.

But most importantly, I can work with you to create the most personal, unique and special Wedding Ceremony that not only captures you as a couple with your love story and personalised Vows but can include your family and different rituals if required.

Your possibilities are endless, so if you would like a no obligation chat about your options, then drop me a message and check out my reviews on Google.

02/01/2025

This training is so valuable. Having experienced a day with Lorna Vyse - Author last year the training has assisted me hugely in my daily work. If highly recommend signing up and investing in this and adding value to your own CPD.

An offer for Funeral Celebrants!

Are you committed to providing compassionate support to grieving families, especially children and young people? If so, I'm thrilled to invite you to an exclusive CPD opportunity in February, 2025 tailored just for you! Be quick as there are only 12 places available!

📆Date: Tuesday, 25th February 2025
⏰Time: 9:30am to 4:00pm
📍 Location: Breckland Council Office, Dereham, Norfolk NR19 1EE
💰Cost: Only £95 per person (2024 prices held!)

Reserve your place now via https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/childhood-bereavement-awareness-training-for-funeral-celebrants-tickets-1126168733999?aff=oddtdtcreator to make sure you don't miss out on this amazing opportunity.

Join me for a custom designed Childhood Bereavement Awareness training session created specifically for funeral celebrants. This full day session aims to equip you with additional knowledge and essential tools to effectively support bereaved families, ensuring that children and young people receive the care and understanding they deserve during difficult times.

This training will provide you with practical tools and insights to help navigate the complexities of supporting grieving children, as well as the opportunity to chat to likeminded celebrants. Don't miss this chance to deepen your expertise and make a real difference.

Send me a DM if you have any questions or check out the FAQs on Eventbrite

24/12/2024

From all of us at Oaktree Ceremonies, we wish you a peaceful and joyous Christmas.

17/12/2024

This evening, I am honoured to be leading the Light up a Life Service for the phenomenal in Ipswich.

The work the Hospice carry out locally is wonderful, and to be able to remember loved ones this evening at what is the hardest time of year, in this way is so important.

There will be beautiful words, poems, carols and music from the Pop Club Choir. The service will culminate in the lighting of candles, which will be placed around the Hospice pond.

13/09/2024

Such a wonderful morning of Learning with

Posted • What an incredible week of learning and teaching. My highlight was delivering childhood bereavement awareness training to a group of funeral celebrants on Tuesday. It was a privilege to talk to them about how well placed they are to talk to grieving families about supporting and empowering bereaved children and young people. Encouraging those honest, open, sensitive and tender conversations about children attending and participating in a funeral, if they wish. The course feedback has been amazingly positive and I will be delivering similar sessions very soon if you're interested.

I asked for permission to take some photos but this was the only one I managed! Thanks to everyone who came along and took part by sharing your skills and knowledge. Wood - Funeral Celebrant celebrants and many more.

08/08/2024

Such an important opportunity to discuss child bereavement with a true specialist Lorna Vyse - Author and to confirm the date is Tuesday 10th September

A training session for funeral celebrants focused on effectively supporting children coping with loss.

04/07/2024

The fun continued last weekend with the wedding of E&G at the stunning venue which is . The sun shone, the outside wedding ceremony space was beautiful and we included a sand ceremony involving different members of the family, which was so unique.

Half the congregation were French so I had arranged for the Ceremony to be translated so that they were able to follow and I spoke French throughout the whole day also.

I say whole day, because after the ceremony I donned my red tails and was toastmaster for the couple until just after their first dance. I don't tend to speak much of this part of what I can do, but it is an option for my wedding couples from this year.

I was supported by the incredible who was such a joy to work with and very laid back. is so muc h fun and such a lovely soul. who I always turn to for my Vow Booklets created some wonderful booklets im sage green for me and of course we were entertained by who is such a great guy and boy can he play the sax!!

There was so much love throughout the day and I had so much fun. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with E&G over the past eighteen months.