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Ruth Graham

An independent wedding, family and funeral civil celebrant covering the West Midlands area

Hello there

My name’s Ruth Graham; I’m a civil celebrant and writer of two books "A Thousand Goodbyes" and "Coffins & Confetti" (see links to books below). I cover the West Midlands area which includes Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield and surrounding areas.

Ruth Graham - Independent Celebrant, West Midlands

An independent celebrant is free to conduct all kinds of services. From humanist (no religion whatsoever), through to a service with maybe a prayer or a hymn (or several), through to more spiritually-orientated content.

Whether you’re looking for a funeral celebrant, or somebody to conduct a marriage, baby naming or vow renewal, I approach it from the angle that it’s not about me. It’s about your wishes and views… I then facilitate these completely, helping and guiding where necessary. And with regard to content – it’s all possible - from poetry to music, to special readings and recollections, so don’t be afraid to ask!

I consider this work a huge privilege. Whether you need a Midlands wedding celebrant; a celebrant in Birmingham for a naming ceremony, or someone to provide a fitting funeral for a loved one - I am happy to make myself available to you.

An eclectic background in music, theatre, writing and counselling has given me a broad spectrum on life, and an appreciation of all that goes hand-in-hand with that great roller-coaster known as being human!

I very much look forward to hearing your story, and helping you to tell it in the most appropriate and satisfying way possible.

Thank you, Ruth.

My Amazon Books: "A Thousand Goodbyes" (2021) and "Coffins & Confetti" (2023).

A Thousand Goodbyes: The Surprising Life Of A Funeral Celebrant

When Ruth Graham left the world of stand-up comedy to become a funeral celebrant, she’d imagined a less combative career. Over a thousand services later … she knows better. Probably her most demanding role to date, Ruth has needed every ounce of diplomacy, courage, humour and her wits about her to juggle the daily challenges. From grief-stricken families to amorous widowers through to plate-smashing, warring siblings and even a flock of stoned doves at a Rasta funeral. As the story unfolds we witness her new career developing into a 24/7 commitment. Will it break her? Or will it be the spur she needs to get her own life in order? Jaw-dropping, informative, moving and hilarious in turn, ‘A Thousand Goodbyes’ is a reminder that nobody is guaranteed a tomorrow; whilst encouraging everyone to seize their day.

Coffins & Confetti: (A Celebrant's Memoir Of Life, Loss & Love)

Ruth Graham invites us to join her on the next part of her journey as an Independent Civil Celebrant. She honestly believed she'd seen it all - apparently not! Once again, we're exposed to the best, worst (and funniest) examples of human behaviour in Ruth's latest memoir, Coffins & Confetti, but this time the tears and laughter are set against the poignant backdrop of the writer’s own search for true and lasting love.

Please click on the images below for more information:

Some Examples of my Feedback

A special thank-you to you for the wonderful service you performed for Mom yesterday. It was perfect. Every one commented that is was a joyous celebration that summed Mom up exactly. One of Moms friends said it was the nicest funeral service she had ever attended. We, as a family, felt it was the perfect send off and were heartened by all the lovely words and sentiments.

Thank-you once again

With Best Wishes from Jane, Neil, Joshua, Lily and family x

Funeral Celebrant Birmingham

Thanks so much for Sunday, it just worked out so much better than I imagined it! Everyone has complimented us on how much more personal it was than other christenings they have been to. It was great!

On a similar note, the venue asked if you would mind if they had your details to share with people, as they really enjoyed it too, and wanted to recommend you on their website.   It really was brilliant.

Natalie and Jack.

Naming Celebrant, Birmingham

We wanted a personal, beautiful day that represented us as people but one that wasn’t ‘over the top’. The balance was struck perfectly. All our ideas were incorporated, with some lovely unique suggestions from Ruth too. She pulled it all together, and delivered the service beautifully, with warmth and humour. Our day was exceptional, thanks in no part to this amazing lady!

Mark Wilcox/David Whitehead, Lincoln

Wedding Celebrant Birmingham

Thank you so much for your lovely service for Don this morning.   I could not have asked for anything finer.

Without exception everyone commented on what a beautiful service it was and the fact that they could hear every word which, bearing in mind the age of most people, is some compliment!!

You made something I was really dreading so easy. I cannot thank you enough for helping to make today so memorable in so many lovely ways. Kind regards, Wendy

Funeral Celebrant, Sutton Coldfield
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