Lucinda.Inglis.Celebrant

06/08/2026

Every ceremony I write, whether it’s a wedding, funeral, naming ceremony or vow renewal - starts with a first draft that I send to my clients before the day itself.

I still get butterflies every single time I press ‘send’. There’s always that little voice asking, “Have I really captured their story?” I hope I never lose that feeling because every ceremony deserves the same care, thought and attention.

This ceremony was for a much-loved journalist. His wife, also a journalist, made it clear she didn’t want anything over-sentimentalised. She wanted honesty, authenticity and a true reflection of the man she loved.

Receiving this review afterwards meant more than I can say. ❤️

22/07/2026

Today marks the end of an incredible chapter.

After 21 years at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust (25 if you count the three years I trained there), today is my last day in the NHS.

It’s been the greatest privilege to work alongside some of the most talented, compassionate healthcare professionals. For the past 15 years I’ve had the honour of caring for people at the end of life, and for the last nine years as Matron for our palliative care team. Those experiences, and the people I’ve met, have shaped me into the person I am today, and I will be forever grateful.

Four years ago, everything changed.

When my mum died suddenly, we chose a celebrant-led funeral. Despite it being one of the hardest days of our lives, I look back on it with nothing but comfort, gratitude and even joy. Our celebrant Beauhemia Celebrant somehow transformed unimaginable grief into a celebration full of stories, tears and laughter. It was then I knew I wanted to give that same gift to other families.

Two years ago I began my celebrancy training, and I found something that filled my heart in exactly the same way nursing always had.

Then came my first wedding—completely by accident after a friend recommended me. I thought I’d only ever conduct funerals, but I fell in love with weddings too. The joy, the emotion, the privilege of telling a couple’s story and standing beside them on one of the happiest days of their lives was simply magical. Add to that the honour of welcoming new little humans through baby naming ceremonies, and I realised I’d found my calling: celebrating life’s biggest moments—from first chapters to final farewells.

So tomorrow, I take the biggest and bravest step of my career.

I’m leaving the NHS to become a full-time celebrant.

I’ll always be a nurse at heart, because caring for people will always be at the centre of who I am. It will just look a little different now.

If you’re looking for a celebrant for a wedding, baby naming ceremony or funeral—or know someone who is—I would be truly honoured to be part of your story.

Here’s to celebrating every chapter of life… including this new one. ❤️

11/07/2026

First wedding of the year and I think I’ve found my fave venue ever! is something unlike anything else I’ve seen. It’s only about 3 miles from Andover but you’d never know it. The woods went on forever…..

08/07/2026

I was in two minds as to whether to post this. I’ve always felt a bit weird about self promotion but I am so unbelievably grateful that someone has gone out of their way to nominate me for this award that I never knew existed until a few days ago. I don’t think I’d ever feel comfortable asking anyone to nominate me so the fact it’s popped up all by itself makes it even more special. ❤️ I didn’t think my cup could be more full after seeing Alanis Morrissette (my teen queen) this weekend but it most certainly is now. BEST WEEK EVER!

05/07/2026

Alanis Morrisette ❤️

21/06/2026

Thinking of my lovely Dad today, and of all the fathers I’ve supported families to say farewell to over the years, both in palliative care and as a celebrant. Sending love to everyone today, whatever this day means for you. Xx

05/05/2026

Two of my brilliant colleagues championing such an important cause. Talking about what you feel would be important at the end of your life is so much less frightening when you’re well. I already know where I imagine I’d prefer to be looked after at the end of my life (home) and I’ve already chosen the songs I’d like played at my funeral. Take time to consider these things early. P.S. isn’t Joanna Louise Bate’s hair fab!

Talking about end of life care can feel hard. Many of us avoid it because it feels uncomfortable or overwhelming. But being open about what matters to us can make a real difference.

During Dying Matters Awareness Week, we’re encouraging open, honest conversations about what matters most to people towards the end of their life. These conversations help people feel heard and respected, and can guide care in a way that reflects their wishes, values and beliefs.

As part of our Let’s talk campaign, we’ve launched 2 new short films to inspire these conversations. One film encourages us all to think and talk about what’s important if we become seriously unwell. The other guides healthcare professionals to have thoughtful, culturally sensitive conversations with patients and families. The films are based on real-life experiences and are available in different languages and accessible formats.

Thanks to funding from Guy’s & St Thomas’ Charity, we’ve also introduced video playing devices and support packs in our hospitals, and in GP practices and care homes across Lambeth and Southwark. These allow staff to share helpful resources with patients in real time, guiding informed and empowering discussions.

Joanna Bate, matron for palliative and end of life care, said: “We know these conversations aren’t always easy, but they’re incredibly important. We hope these resources help patients, families and staff feel more supported to talk about end of life care, in a way that feels right for them.”

Find out more: www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/letstalk

04/05/2026

Trying to navigate a world without your mum there to guide you, reassure you, and pick you up when things go wrong is so bloody hard.

Thankfully, this lovely family found themselves in the hands of , who supported and held them through organising their mum’s funeral.

Her daughters chose the most beautiful floral coffin, with the flowers tied together with ribbon. At the end of the ceremony, they were gently taken apart so each of them could take a bunch home — something small, but so meaningful, to hold onto.

01/05/2026

Handfasting 🤍
If you’ve never come across handfasting before, it’s a really lovely (and very old!) symbolic gesture from Celtic wedding traditions—it’s actually where the phrase “tying the knot” is believed to come from.
It’s most commonly used in wedding ceremonies, but it works just as beautifully for vow renewals or even naming ceremonies too.
You can make your own cords if you’re feeling crafty (honestly, I’m not crafty at all and I still managed to make the ones in this pic), or you can use fabrics from clothing or items that mean something to you both (or you can leave it to the professionals and buy them on Etsy).
During the ceremony, I can do the wrapping, or you can have someone special involved and I’ll guide them through it.
I’ve got a wedding coming up this autumn where the couple’s children will be wrapping the cords, which is such a lovely way to include them.
There are loads of ways to make it feel personal, so it can be as simple or as meaningful as you want it to be 🤍

24/04/2026

After over 20 years in the NHS, where care is free at the point of access, becoming a celebrant—and charging for such personal moments—hasn’t always felt easy.
When a neighbour of 10+ years passed away, I offered support and guidance on the key things to think about, pointing them in the direction of a couple of funeral directors who I knew would look after them all. They chose and were so glad they did. I didn’t offer my services because I worried they might think all the help I’d given came with an expectation.
But they asked me to lead the ceremony and I was so grateful as I really really wanted to do this for her and for them.
What an honour. A farewell full of laughter, stories, and a brilliant singalong (who doesn’t love an opportunity to belt out an Adele song… and the attendees gave it all they got!) celebrating a feisty, hardworking woman who lived life her way… and even brushed shoulders with Kray brothers back in the day.