Barrie May Celebrant

15/06/2025

Happy Heavenly Fathers Day to my dear Dad

Today, we celebrate the dads, stepdads, grandads, and father figures who shape our lives with love, laughter, and a steady hand.

As a local Essex celebrant, I’ve had the honour of sharing some truly special moments with families — from weddings to naming ceremonies and everything in between. One thing is always clear: the role of a father is truly priceless.

Here’s to the jokes we pretend not to laugh at, the advice we sometimes do listen to, and the love that lasts a lifetime.

Wishing all the wonderful dads out there a joyful and well-deserved Father’s Day!

02/05/2025

It was a pleasure and an honour to lead a service at South Essex Crematorium today with Drew and Son Independent Family Funeral Directors. The Drew Family always provide a caring and personal service and I fully recommend them

30/03/2025

🌸 Remembering Mum This Mother’s Day 🌸

For those whose mums are no longer here, Mother’s Day can be bittersweet. It’s a day filled with love, memories, and a longing for one more hug, one more conversation, one more “I love you.” 💕

Whether you light a candle, visit a special place, or simply close your eyes and remember her laughter, know that love never fades. She lives on in your heart, in your stories, and in the way you carry her love forward.

Today, we honour all the incredible mums watching over us from above. Share a memory or a message for your mum in the comments below. Let’s celebrate their beautiful legacies together. 🌷✨

21/03/2025

An absolute honour to lead a funeral service today at Maldon Fields Crematorium . Thoughts with all the family and friends that attended today. Perry at Maldon Fields was excellent as all the staff there were 👍

08/03/2025

Today, on International Women’s Day, we honour the strength, love, and resilience of women everywhere. As a Celebrant, I have the privilege of witnessing and crafting life’s most meaningful moments—from weddings and vow renewals to naming ceremonies and celebrations of life.

Behind every ceremony is a story of a woman’s courage, love, and legacy. Whether it’s a bride stepping into a new chapter, a mother welcoming a child, or a matriarch being honoured for her wisdom, today is a reminder of the incredible impact women have in shaping our lives and communities.

To all the women creating, nurturing, and leading—you are celebrated today and every day.

Tag a woman who inspires you! 💜

14/02/2025

Wanting to make this Valentine’s Day special? Why not give your partner a stunning eternity ring or maybe even renew your vows!

Let me help you make this occasion special by being your celebrant! I’ll create a one-of-a-kind ceremony filled with love and romance.

Your ceremony can include anything that holds significance for you—readings, poems, music, or symbolic rituals such as candle lighting. It can be religious or non-religious, and you might choose to rededicate your rings or exchange new ones.

So get in touch with me today to arrange your special day!

[email protected]
07833 878446

https://barriemaycelebrant.co.uk

11/02/2025

I have successfully orbited 55 times around the Earth-hooray!

Here’s what I’ve learnt over the years and why it’s showed me the path to becoming a celebrant.

I grew up watching the original Star Wars films in 1977, and from that moment, I was hooked. The epic struggle between light and dark, good and evil, has always resonated with me deeply. Over the years, the stories of hope, redemption, and resilience in the face of adversity have inspired both my personal life and my career.

At the age of 19, I began a rewarding career with Essex Fire and Rescue Service in 1989, later retiring from the London Fire Brigade in 2021. Throughout those years, I forged lasting friendships that provided strength during both the challenging and uplifting moments. These relationships taught me the value of community, resilience, and support—qualities I carry with me into every aspect of my life.

As a listening volunteer for the Samaritans, I have honed key skills in empathy and active listening, which are at the heart of my Celebrant work. These experiences have deepened my ability to truly connect with others, offering understanding and compassion during life’s most significant milestones.

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

31/01/2025

Well done to those who guessed…Spare-parent!

This could be the new non-religious term of the traditional “God Parent”. More people are choosing to opt out of having religious connotations when having a baby naming or welcoming ceremony.

It can take place anywhere you wish, whether in your home, garden, or at a venue that’s special to you.

I will work with you to craft a ceremony that truly reflects your hopes, values, and emotions. This personalised ceremony will beautifully capture the joy of welcoming your child, leaving you with cherished memories to last a lifetime.

Ready to begin? Let’s arrange a chat to start planning

[email protected]
07833 878446

https://barriemaycelebrant.co.uk

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.

15/01/2025

Fully recommend Drew and Son Independent Family Funeral Directors. Experienced, and will cater for your needs in a caring sincere manner

14/01/2025

Last week, I had the privilege of visiting the GreenAcres Living Memorial Parks, Epping Forest, a truly stunning woodland that helps people navigate the journey of loss with care and compassion.

As a celebrant, I know how important the right setting is for a farewell. GreenAcres offers something truly special—squirrels darting through the trees, gentle music drifting through the courtyard, and a sense of deep peace that surrounds you. It’s a place where memories can be cherished and loved ones honoured in the most beautiful way.

A huge thank you to Tracey, Leigh, and Lisa, who are not only incredibly professional but also warm, kind, and approachable. Their dedication makes all the difference to the families they support.

If you’re planning a funeral or memorial and would like a caring, personal ceremony, I’d be happy to help.

Please feel free to get in touch via my website https://barriemaycelebrant.co.uk/ or send me a message on social media to discuss how we can create a meaningful farewell together.

GreenAcres Living Memorial Parks

06/01/2025

As a funeral celebrant based in Hockley, Essex, I am deeply passionate about helping families create meaningful and personalized memorial ceremonies. It is a privilege to guide you through one of life’s most significant moments, crafting ceremonies that reflect the unique life and story of your loved one.

Whether religious, semi-religious, or non-religious, I work closely with you to design a ceremony that aligns with your values. From traditional burials and cremations to entirely bespoke tributes, I offer flexibility and compassion to ensure the ceremony honors your loved one in a way that feels right for you. These moments provide families with the opportunity for closure, bringing people together to remember, share stories, and find comfort.

Memorial ceremonies offer a thoughtful, personal, and versatile way to celebrate a loved one’s life. Unlike conventional funerals, memorial services allow flexibility in both timing and location. Whether you choose a setting that’s intimate and private, such as at home, or a special location like a park, beach, or garden, I will help you create a tribute that resonates.

These ceremonies can incorporate music, photos, videos, and meaningful rituals, providing a deeply personal experience that celebrates the unique life and legacy of your loved one. As a funeral celebrant in Essex, I offer a warm, supportive, and tailored approach to every ceremony, helping families honor their loved ones in a way that brings lasting comfort.

If you’re looking for a funeral celebrant in Essex, I would be honoured to help you create a memorable and heartfelt tribute- https://barriemaycelebrant.co.uk