How Humanist Officiants Work and How to Find One

Without clergy to default to, many families planning a secular service turn to a humanist officiant — someone trained specifically to build and lead a ceremony around a person’s actual life rather than religious liturgy.

What does a humanist officiant do before the service itself?

Most humanist officiants begin with a substantial conversation with the family - learning about the person’s life, relationships, personality, and what the family wants the service to feel like. This conversation typically shapes the entire structure of the ceremony that follows, since there’s no fixed liturgy to fall back on. The officiant then generally writes and leads the service itself, weaving together family input, personal stories, and whatever elements (music, readings, moments of reflection) fit the specific person being honored.

Do humanist officiants need a specific certification?

Many humanist officiants complete specific training through humanist organizations for exactly this role, though certification standards and requirements vary. When connecting with a potential officiant, it’s entirely reasonable to ask about their training, experience, and how they typically approach preparing a service - this isn’t an intrusive question, it’s a normal part of finding the right fit for a specific family.

How much does a humanist officiant typically cost?

Fees vary considerably by region and by the individual officiant, generally landing in a similar range to what clergy honoraria or other officiant fees run in a specific area. Asking directly about cost early in the conversation is standard practice, not something to feel awkward about.

Where do we find one?

Humanist organizations often maintain directories of trained celebrants, and many funeral homes experienced with secular services maintain their own referral relationships as well. Independent celebrant directories are another option, particularly in areas with a smaller humanist community presence.

Can a family member or friend serve as officiant instead of hiring one?

Yes - there’s no requirement to hire a professional officiant at all. Some families prefer a close family member or friend to lead the service personally. Some humanist celebrants are willing to offer guidance on structure and content even when they aren’t the ones leading the day itself, which can be a helpful middle option for families who want some professional input without handing over the role entirely.

What should I tell my family?

If you’d want a humanist officiant specifically, or have a preference for a family member leading instead, saying so in advance saves your family from having to make that decision without your input.

Add this to your Final Day Plan: whether you’d want a humanist officiant or a family member to lead your service, and any specific stories, music, or people you’d want included - since there’s no fixed template here, your own wishes are what shapes the day.

Availability, cost, and training standards vary by region - reaching out directly to a specific organization or individual is the most reliable way to get current information.