Barrie May Celebrant

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Barrie May Celebrant I’m Barrie May, a celebrant based in Hockley, Essex.

I create personal, meaningful ceremonies for funerals, weddings, vow renewals, and memorials, helping you honour love and legacy with a compassionate, tailored approach.

Today was a very special and meaningful day for me. Having spent over 30 years serving in the fire service before retiri...
27/09/2026

Today was a very special and meaningful day for me.
Having spent over 30 years serving in the fire service before retiring and beginning my journey as a celebrant, it was a real honour and privilege to be asked to read out plaque holder's stories for the National Red Plaque Fire Service Memorial

The fire service was such a huge part of my life. It gave me friendships, memories and experiences that will stay with me forever. So to return in a different role, as a celebrant, and help mark the lives and service of those who dedicated so much to protecting others, was something I felt very proud to be part of.

These ceremonies are about remembering people, recognising their service and making sure their contribution is not forgotten. Whether they served on the fireground, in Fire Control or behind the scenes, every role mattered and every person played their part.

Standing there today, I couldn't help but reflect on my own time in the service and the many people I had the privilege of working alongside.

From firefighter to celebrant, my role may have changed, but one thing remains the same — being there for people at some of the most significant moments in their lives.
Today was a reminder of just how much that means to me.
It was an honour. It was a privilege. And, for me personally, it was a very proud moment. ❤️‍🔥

15/08/2026

This week has been a particularly varied one in my role as a celebrant.

I have had the privilege of leading a graveside funeral service for a much-loved lady, a memorial service celebrating the life and career of a highly respected senior police officer, and a funeral service for an old school friend and workmate.

That last one was, understandably, a difficult service for me personally, but it was also an absolute honour to be able to stand alongside his family, share their memories and help them say goodbye.

Every family I work with has their own story, their own memories and their own way of saying farewell. Whether it is a graveside service, a cremation or a memorial, I never take for granted the trust placed in me at such an important time.

It is a real privilege to support families, to listen to their stories and to help create a service that reflects the person they loved.

I feel very fortunate to do what I do.

Barrie May Celebrant

30/05/2026

The peace and tranquility of Greenacres Epping Forest. GreenAcres Living Memorial Parks

This Valentine’s Day, I’m celebrating a very different kind of love 💘🐾Wilma.She came to us from the RSPCA after spending...
14/02/2026

This Valentine’s Day, I’m celebrating a very different kind of love 💘🐾

Wilma.

She came to us from the RSPCA after spending six long months in kennels, and we adopted her in October 2024. A rescue with a big heart, a strong spirit, and a daily reminder of what truly matters.

Wilma teaches me about resilience — showing up each day despite what you’ve been through.
She keeps me grounded in routine — walks, feeds, structure, and consistency.
She nudges me towards exercise — even when the sofa feels more tempting.
And above all, she shows me love and affection in their purest form.

These things can be challenging. They take effort, patience, and commitment. But they’re also the very things that help us heal, grow, and stay connected to ourselves and to each other.

As a celebrant, I see every day how love isn’t just about grand gestures. It’s in the quiet dedication, the daily care, and the choice to show up again and again.

This Valentine’s Day, Wilma is my reminder that the best kind of love is the one that challenges you… and makes you better for it.

If you’ve got any questions about the services, I offer please feel free to get in touch!
[email protected]
07833 878446
https://barriemaycelebrant.co.uk

Happy Birthday to me, 56 today and conducting a funeral at Forest Park Crematorium Families always come first. I am abso...
11/02/2026

Happy Birthday to me, 56 today and conducting a funeral at Forest Park Crematorium

Families always come first. I am absolutely dedicated to providing heartfelt ceremonies for funerals, weddings, and memorials with empathy and care 365 days of the year.

If you’ve got any questions about the services I offer please feel free to get in touch!

[email protected]
07833 878446
https://barriemaycelebrant.co.uk

Last summer, cruising into Hungerford on our canal boat, I was struck by how peaceful and beautiful the town felt, sunli...
07/02/2026

Last summer, cruising into Hungerford on our canal boat, I was struck by how peaceful and beautiful the town felt, sunlight dancing on the water, nature in full bloom, and a calmness all around.

But this place also carries a very heavy chapter in its history. On 19 August 1987, a man in the town went on a shooting spree, killing 16 people, including a police officer and tragically his own mother, and injuring many others before taking his own life, one of the deadliest mass shootings in UK history.

The sadness of that day is still remembered and honoured, but what I saw on that summer’s day was a community that has lived on, continued to heal, and allowed life to grow around that pain. There’s still beauty here, laughter, and life thriving.

It reminded me that even deep wounds can slowly soften with time. Everything that was “bad” doesn’t have to define the whole story, with time and patience, hearts and places can heal and flourish again🌱

Trust time. Trust nature. Healing takes space and it can happen.

[email protected]
07833 878446
https://barriemaycelebrant.co.uk

Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate this Valentine’s Day? ❤Getting married, surprising your partner with a beautif...
01/02/2026

Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate this Valentine’s Day? ❤

Getting married, surprising your partner with a beautiful eternity ring or even reaffirming your love by renewing your vows? I’d love to help you mark the moment as your celebrant! 💍

I can create a truly personal ceremony full of romance and heartfelt connection. Every ceremony is tailored to you and can include whatever feels most meaningful readings, poetry, music, or symbolic elements like candle lighting.

Whether you prefer a religious or non-religious ceremony, you can choose to re-exchange your rings or introduce new ones as part of your vow renewal.

Get in touch today and let’s start planning your unforgettable celebration of love.

[email protected]
07833 878446
https://barriemaycelebrant.co.uk

Hello everyone, I hope you're all surviving the January blues- only a few days left!It's been a busy couple of months fo...
27/01/2026

Hello everyone,

I hope you're all surviving the January blues- only a few days left!

It's been a busy couple of months for me, I've spent a few days at GreenAcres Living Memorial Parks Epping Forest this week amongst the tranquil backdrop of trees, squirrels and of course....the iconic Patrick the Peacock 🦚

It is always an honour and a privilege to be supporting families through difficult times. But don't just take my word for it, you can now read some of the testimonials from my recent clients here- https://barriemaycelebrant.co.uk/testimonials

If you’ve got any questions about the services, I offer please feel free to get in touch!

[email protected]
07833 878446
https://barriemaycelebrant.co.uk

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Hockley

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