Jon Matson-Higgins, Minister and Celebrant

25/09/2026

I’m really pleased to share that Jon Matson-Higgins, Minister and Celebrant, is now operating as a more sustainable business.

I’ve been looking carefully at the way I run my business, from the energy I use and who I bank with, through to my website hosting, suppliers, travel, printing and everyday working practices.

Wherever possible, I’m choosing more environmentally responsible options and reducing unnecessary waste and resource use.

Of course, sustainability isn’t something you simply achieve and then forget about. I’ll continue reviewing how I work and looking for ways I can reduce my environmental impact even further.

For me, it’s about making responsible choices wherever I reasonably can, both now and for the future.

A small business doing its bit for a more sustainable future.

https://jonmatsonhiggins.co.uk/sustainability/

01/08/2026

Struggling with what to say at a funeral? Discover thoughtful suggestions to help you honor your loved ones.

01/08/2026

How Far in Advance Should You Book Your Wedding Celebrant?

Many couples wonder when they should book their celebrant.
The simple answer is usually as early as possible, especially for spring and summer weddings.
Booking early helps secure your preferred date and also gives plenty of time to build your ceremony together without pressure.
It can also make the whole planning process feel calmer and more organised.
For more information about me and the services I offer, please take a look at my About Jon Matson-Higgins page and my Wedding Celebrant page.
If you would like to talk things through, ask a question, or discuss your plans, please don’t hesitate to get in touch via my contact page.

Advice on when couples should book a wedding celebrant for their ceremony.

01/08/2026

How I Cope with My Own Emotions and Grief as a Funeral Minister and Celebrant

How I Cope with My Own Emotions and Grief as a Funeral Minister and Celebrant, isne of the questions I'm sometimes asked after a funeral service is, "How do you do this work all the time?"
It's a good question, and one I'm always happy to answer.
The truth is that being a funeral minister and celebrant can be emotionally challenging. It isn't simply about standing at the front of a chapel and leading a service. It's about walking alongside people during some of the hardest days of their lives, listening to their stories, supporting them through their grief and helping them say goodbye to someone they love.
Every funeral is about a real person, a real family and a real loss. There is nothing ordinary about that, and I don't think there ever should be.
To support families properly, I believe you have to remain compassionate. You have to care.

Join me as I share how I manage my own emotions and grief while serving as a funeral minister and celebrant.

01/08/2026

Small Weddings, Big Meaning

Many couples worry about their wedding feeling too formal or uncomfortable.
The best way to create a relaxed atmosphere is to focus on authenticity rather than perfection.
Use music you genuinely love.
Include stories and moments that matter to you.
Allow yourselves time to breathe and enjoy the day.
When a wedding feels natural and personal, guests feel relaxed too.
For more information about me and the services I offer, please take a look at my About Jon Matson-Higgins page and my Wedding Celebrant page.
If you would like to talk things through, ask a question, or discuss your plans, please don’t hesitate to get in touch via my contact page.

Looking for relaxed and personal wedding ideas? Discover unique themes that can make your special day truly memorable.

01/08/2026

Could you soon get married anywhere? Discover how to create a memorable wedding without breaking the bank. New Government Wedding Law Proposals Explained

If you're planning your wedding and have always dreamed of getting married on a beach, in a woodland, in your own garden or somewhere that is special to you, exciting changes could be on the horizon.
The UK Government has launched a public consultation on the biggest proposed reform of wedding law in England and Wales for almost 200 years. While nothing has changed yet, these proposals could completely transform where couples can legally marry and who can conduct their ceremony.
What Is the Government Proposing?
The current wedding laws are based on legislation dating back to the 1800s. Over the years, the way couples choose to celebrate their marriage has changed considerably, but the law has remained largely the same.

Could you soon get married anywhere? Discover how to create a memorable wedding without breaking the bank. New Government Wedding Law Proposals Explained

01/08/2026

Can a Family Pet Visit the Chapel or Crematorium to Say Goodbye?

For many of us, pets are not “just animals”.
They are part of the family.
They sit with us when life is difficult, they comfort us without saying a word, and they become part of our everyday lives. Because of this, more families are now asking if a loved one’s pet can visit the chapel of rest or crematorium to say a final goodbye.
In some situations, this may be possible, but it is very important that permission is always asked for first.
Every crematorium, funeral director, and venue has its own rules and policies about animals entering the chapel or grounds. Some may allow it in certain circumstances, while others may not. Because of this, families should never assume it will automatically be allowed.
I always advise families to speak with the funeral director first so they can contact the crematorium or venue directly and ask for permission before any arrangements are made.

Can a family pet join you at the chapel or crematorium? Explore the guidelines and permissions necessary for such visits.

01/08/2026

Supporting Children at a Funeral, Helping them Understand and Feel Safe

When a child attends a funeral, it can raise a lot of questions for the adults around them. Should they be there? Will they understand? How will they react?
Across Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Rutland and Northamptonshire, many families find themselves navigating this for the first time.
Children experience grief differently to adults. They may not fully understand what has happened, and their emotions can come and go quickly. One moment they may be upset, and the next they may be playing or asking questions.
Being honest, in a gentle and age-appropriate way, can help. Using clear language, rather than avoiding the subject, allows children to begin to understand what is happening.
It can also help to prepare them for what they will see at the funeral. Explaining the setting, the people, and what will happen can make the experience feel less unfamiliar.

Learn how to navigate the sensitive process of Supporting Children at a Funeral, providing comfort and clarity during a tough moment.

01/08/2026

Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Wedding Celebrant

Choosing the right wedding celebrant is an important part of creating the right atmosphere for your wedding day.
Your celebrant is not simply somebody standing at the front reading words from a page.
They are the person helping guide one of the most emotional and meaningful moments of your lives together.
Because of this, it is important to find somebody you genuinely feel comfortable with.
One of the first things to ask yourselves is whether the celebrant feels approachable and easy to talk to.
Do they listen carefully?
Do they understand your personalities and wishes?
Do they make you feel relaxed rather than nervous?
Every celebrant has their own style.
Some are more formal, while others are warm, relaxed, and conversational.
There is no right or wrong approach, but it is important to choose somebody whose style feels right for you.
You may also want to ask how the ceremony is written and personalised.

Choosing a wedding celebrant? Discover important questions to ask before choosing a wedding celebrant to make the best decision.

01/08/2026

How to Cope with Grief in the Days After a Funeral

The days leading up to a funeral are often filled with activity, decisions, phone calls, visitors and people asking questions.
There is usually a sense of movement, even in the middle of grief.
There are arrangements to make.
Music to choose.
Readings to think about.
Family members to speak with.
Memories to gather.
And often, a funeral service to help plan.
But once the funeral has taken place, everything can suddenly become very quiet.
For many people across Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Rutland and Northamptonshire, this can be when grief feels most present. The structure has gone. The visitors have gone home. The funeral has happened. And then, quite suddenly, you are left with your thoughts.
This quieter time after the funeral can feel very different from the days before it.
Some people feel relief.
Some people feel numb.
Some feel lost.
Some feel exhausted.
And some feel all of these things at once.

Understand how to cope with grief in the days after a funeral by exploring strategies to support your emotional well-being.