Beth Hale - Independent Celebrant

04/12/2024

G'day legends! Guess who's heading back to the land of kangaroos, meat pies, and questionable internet speeds? Yep, this pocket-rocket, award-winning, red-headed celebrant is packing her bags for a much-needed holiday in Australia to spend time with my family (and OMG THANK YOU to my good friend Jude, and all the 2025 couples that have made this possible by assisting in settling their final balance early – I love you forever).

This year’s festive season is all about dodging huntsman spiders the size of dinner plates, steering clear of cranky snakes, and wrestling the occasional jellyfish (because nothing says “Merry Christmas” like nature trying to kill you). 🕷️🐍🐙

Now, just because I’m on the other side of the globe, my couples and families get VIP service—wherever I am. Weddings don’t just stop because I’m having a cheeky Lamington or hugging a koala, so here’s the lowdown on how I’m keeping the magic alive.

 Set Those Boundaries
I’ll be checking emails and messages at the crack of dawn before the heat melts my face off. Quick replies? You bet. Just don’t expect me to answer while dodging waves at Bondi. Setting clear response times means keeping everyone happy without feeling like I’m chained to my laptop.

Stay Connected Remotely
Technology is a lifesaver (most of the time, unless the Wi-Fi goes walkabout). Video calls are still on the cards for those lovely clients who need to hash out details or brainstorm ceremony ideas—just don’t mind me if you hear kookaburras laughing in the background.

The best part? I'll be catching up with Mum, Dad, my siblings, and the whole extended clan of aunts, uncles, nieces, cousins and old friends. It’s gonna be a proper family reunion, full of laughter, banter, and probably some competitive backyard cricket.

Have a happy and safe Crimbo, catch ya’s on the other side!!

29/11/2024

Tying the knot? Nah, these legends took it literally with their hand fasting ceremony. Racheal and Harley didn’t just say “I do” — they got their hands tied by yours truly. And no, it wasn’t some weird hostage situation, I swear.

Hand fasting goes way back to ancient times (think before smart phones and slang words like skibidi and slaaay), symbolising unity with some beautifully chosen ribbons. Each colour tied around their hands represents a piece of their story. There was love, trust, adventure… and probably snacks, knowing these two.

If you’re wondering, yes—I did shed one teeny tiny celebrant tear (but it was badass and not cringe, I promise). Racheal and Harley, you absolute legends, I feel stoked to have played a part in this epic love story.

FYI, as your celebrant I can incorporate ANY kind of ritual into your ceremony - from candle lighting (which I'm doing tomorrow!), sand blending to tree planting - or maybe you could create your OWN ritual - become the next trendsetter why dontcha?

Congrats to R & H on their nuptials, and thank you for asking me to be a part of your special day

27/11/2024

Over fifty 'new views' this week...G'day lurkers, stop hiding and hit that 'like' button! Lemme know who you are and what you do!!! 🥰 (photo cred Max Turner photography)

19/11/2024

LET'S TALK ABOUT LIVING FUNERALS, SHALL WE?

Alright you lot, let's talk about something that'll make you laugh, cry, and maybe ponder a bit about life—living funerals. Yes, you heard it right! It's a party you can actually attend yourself, even if it's a bit morbid on the surface (it's not though...we all die, don't forget it!). Forget waiting around for others to talk about how bad ass you are when you're dead....Instead, why not join the convo while you're still very much part of it—whisking the spotlight away from Hamlet’s dreary 'to be, or not to be'.

But hang on…what are you on about you crazy little aussie bird?

You know how you always hear people at funerals saying, "I wish I'd told them…"? or “They would have LOVED this”… Well, a living funeral (FUNeral) is the perfect chance to sort that out. It provides a genuine opportunity for people who are old AF or terminally ill to take the reins and be part of the celebration of their own life.

Your living funeral is your last hurrah—except you're there to enjoy it. Imagine a party where the guest of honour gets to sip a cocktail (or mocktail) with their friends and family, share a laugh, and hear heartfelt sentiments.

Let's face it, though. Once you announce you're throwing a living funeral, you might get the odd eyebrow raise. Some folks reckon it's just an excuse to toot your own horn. But honestly, who cares? We all need a bit of fanfare! Plus, you're on your way out, so who gives a toss about what people think? ALSO it can be just as much about you appreciating those who've been a part of your life. Goes both ways, doesn’t it?

Throw your arms open to this heartfelt tradition and celebrate your life while you can still enjoy a beer with mates. If you want to know more, you know how to find me!

See ya in the spirit of giving and giggles,

Beth 🥰💫🤙🏻

22/09/2024

I miss doing this so much 😪.

11/08/2024

HAPPY SUNDAY FANS.

Now, I know you all set your alarm for 7am on a Sunday to listen to your favourite celebrant speak on BBC Radio interview LIVE....but incase you didn't, you can check it out at 1hr 14 mins by clicking on this link from BBC Sounds!! The interview with BBC Danny was broadcast on Radio Solent, Berkshire and Oxford.

Lemme know what you think. Will type up a transcript at some time tomorrow
🥰🥰🥰⚰️⚰️⚰️

Danny's here with stories to uplift and inspire on your Sunday morning.

06/08/2024

Death is a part of life you lot!!

It's time we have a chinwag about something important—talking to your favourite celebrant and funeral arranger (errrrr...me!) about involving children in the funeral planning process. 🕊️

With all the media attention surrounding the tragic Southport incident, it's more important than ever to be open about death, dying, and funerals with our kids. It's not scary AT ALL—promise!

SO....Join me this Sunday from 7.10am on BBC Sounds as I chat with Danny on BBC Radio Oxford, BBC Radio Berkshire, and BBC Radio Solent. We'll be having an open convo about what’s *still* considered a taboo subject. Let's make sure our children aren’t scared to open up about dying and bereavement. After all, as we have all recently seen, death does not discriminate, and gosh dammit funerals are open to kids too!

👉 Action: Have an open discussion with your kids about death and share this message with others. After the interview I will create a transcript for my deaf and hard of hearing friends.

LET'S GO!

03/08/2024

Happy 4th birthday to Briar, my mini me. I love you soooooooo much 🥰🥰🥰

30/06/2024

Pay attention you lot! I got front row for Shania at Glasto (perks of being small!) So look out for me on the TV waving the Coffin Club UK flag!!

15/06/2024

Tomorrow, on Father's day please come along to the crematorium at Garford to remember your dad's or grandads since passed. I'll be there helping to lead the service alongside some other wonderful celebrants, ministers and musicians. Happy Father's Day to you x

Join us on16th June at 10.30am to celebrate the fathers, grandfathers, uncles or other father-like figures that are no longer with us.

12/06/2024

"Here to offer compassionate support when you need it most”. 💕

Lost a loved one recently and need a top-notch celebrant who’s professional yet brings a bit of light-heartedness to the table? Look no further!

As an independent celebrant working also as a funeral arranger within two respected local funeral directors in South Oxfordshire, I’m dedicated to honouring your loved ones with personalised, meaningful services. I’m here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring every detail is handled with care and respect.

I believe in compassionate care and support during the toughest times, here to honour your loved ones with personalised, meaningful services that truly reflect their life stories.

Along with my legendary FDs and their crew, we are dedicated, professional, and always ready to offer guidance and comfort every step of the way. Just ask the families:

Personalised Services: We believe in honouring a loved one's life with a unique and meaningful service. "The personalised service we received for my grandmother's funeral was beyond what we imagined. Beth truly listened to our stories and made the ceremony a beautiful tribute to her life." - Michael R.

Professionalism & Dedication: From the first phone call to the final goodbye, our team is here to guide and support you. "From the first phone call, I knew we were in good hands. The professionalism and care shown by Beth was outstanding. She helped us navigate every decision with grace and understanding." - Emily

Compassionate Support: During the hardest times, our compassionate care makes a world of difference. "I cannot thank Beth enough for her support during the hardest time of my life. Her compassion and guidance truly made a difference in honouring my father's memory." - Sarah K.

So, if you’re looking for a celebrant who can keep things light-hearted yet professional, and works seamlessly with top-notch funeral directors, look no further. Let's give your loved one the send-off they deserve. Reach out and let's chat. 🤝🌅

30/05/2024

APPRECIATION POST!!

First of all, to my partner in crime, my wedding photographer extraordinaire, and occasional chauffeur Nick for consistently being his amazing self. I appreciate you! 🧁

Secondly, to this fabulous couple Ray and Sam for being such a friendly and loving couple, for ALL the banter and serious convos during our getting to know eachother chats, and for being so stunning and simply amazing on your wedding day. These gorgeous people invited us to join them in the celebrations, and at the end presented yours truly with a beautiful handwritten card, chocolates and a bottle of fancy fizz (which I have yet to drink!). Couples like you are why I LOVE MY JOB SO MUCH!

22/05/2024

🌸✨ Wedding Season is in Full Swing! ✨🌸

2024 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for lovebirds tying the knot! With 6 ceremonies already celebrated and 10 more to go, I couldn't be more thrilled to be your award-winning Aussie pocket-rocket celebrant, bringing laughter, romance, joy, and a touch of elegance to your big day.

So far, I've had the absolute pleasure of officiating at some stunning venues:

🌳 Acorn Barn in Oxfordshire

🏛 Old Rectory in Berkshire

⛳ Skylark Golf Club in Hampshire

🏰 Norwood Park in Nottinghamshire

🏡 Ufton Court in Berkshire

And the fun doesn't stop there! Upcoming weddings will be held at:

🏠 A Manor House in Warwickshire

🏡 Lains Barn in Oxfordshire (x4!! Yes, four times the charm!)

🌲 Wasing Park in Berkshire

🏡 Tythe Barn in Oxfordshire

Bring it on, 2024 brides! Ready to laugh, cry, and celebrate love? Let’s make your big day unforgettable together!



💍✨💖

30/04/2024

G'day Legends,

Guess what? Your favourite celebrant has gone and done something drastic – I’ve changed my email address! Yep, you heard right. It’s out with the old and in with the new. My previous inbox decided to throw a tanty, exceeded its storage like a bloke trying to fit into his budgie smugglers from ten years ago, and well...I’m also sporting a fancy new/old surname. Fancy that!

So, what’s the new digital letterbox, you ask? Drumroll, please... It’s [email protected]!

Whack that one into your contacts, will ya? And don’t fret, I’ll be shooting out an email to all my current couples, families, and work pals —basically, anyone who’s put up with me so far. That’s once I figure out how to wrangle my old email into submission one last time.

Welcome to the next chapter of my fascinating life. You can expect the same top-notch banter, just coming at you from a new address. Sarcasm? Always. Genuine updates and a bit of a laugh? You bet.

Thanks a bazillion for sticking around. Keep it real and stay sassy, folks.

Cheers,

Beth

19/04/2024

Just living my best life making your "I do" moment as epic as a finale of your favourite Aussie soap - but, you know, with less drama and more love. 😂 Here I am, caught in the act, doing what I do best: weaving love stories with a sprinkle (alright, a generous dash) of humour, and ensuring the vibes are as good as a beach day with no flies.

These snaps by my mates with cameras capture me in my element, alongside the legends of the day (that's you, the bride and groom), spinning tales of love, laughter, and the kind of cheekiness that makes every ceremony as unique as a kangaroo in a dinner jacket. 🦘

If you're keen on a wedding day filled with belly laughs, tear-jerker moments that are more sweet than sappy, and an ode to your love story that's as unforgettable as finding a parking spot at Bondi on a hot day, I'm your celebrant.

Slide into my DMs or give us a bell - let's make your big day legendary. 🎉










photography2

01/04/2024

For many, the heartbreak endures silently, but we're here to say your grief is seen and your loss, recognised. The recent introduction of official certificates for baby loss acknowledges the significance of your child, no matter the stage.

If you, or a loved one, has gone through this form of loss, know you're not alone. There's an entire community that understands the depths of this pain and stands by you.

Remember, talking about loss isn't taboo; it's therapeutic.

Joining in the silent conversation of , it's crucial to share what the certificate of loss looks like—a recognition not just of what could have been but of what was, no matter how brief, no matter how unseen.

It’s a story that remains untold in many lives, much like my own, where at 9 weeks, a kindling life faded before it could flourish. But with recent governmental measures to acknowledge this unique brand of heartache with official certificates, our society takes a step toward the light—towards understanding and solace.

I wanted to share my certificate with you. These certificates are more than paper. They symbolise a tangible acknowledgment of the depth of love and loss felt, and they tell the world, "It mattered."

Your baby mattered. ❤️

Please know you're not alone. Behind the shadows of loss, there are hands that reach for yours, sharing the burden of your silence, offering solace, and confirming your pain is valid and real.

Speak if you can. Listen when you can.

Feel free to share your stories in the comments or seek support among this community. We are here, together in this journey of remembering and healing.

01/04/2024

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

So from tomorrow I start a brand new adventure combining my fabulous celebrant work with a funeral arranger position with my most favourite independent funeral director. I am so so so blessed to have been given this opportunity to learn more about this wonderful industry, and I am grateful to be given the opportunity to train alongside the work to become a fully qualified funeral director.

On that note, I am still very much a wedding celebrant (an award winning one at that ya big horses asses!) and I'm stoked to be fully booked this year.

I'm looking forward to this next chapter very much. I WANT TO THANK ALL MY FD BUDDIES WHO HAVE SUPPORTED AND HAD FAITH IN ME OVER THESE PAST THREE YEARS (you know who you are..I love you and I appreciate you!)

To members of the community....if you would like me to help you say farewell to your loved one, this must be done through the FD I am associated with. Pls PM me if I can help you.

Here's to the next chapter...❤💫🕯⚰️🪦❤