14th September 2015

London funeral celebrant

Rosalie Kuyvenhoven - London funeral celebrant

About me

Hello and lovely to meet you. Thanks for your interest in my services.

I help people find creative ways to say their farewells, honour a life and enhance memories of their special person. I can’t think of a more beautiful, rewarding and honourable thing to do.

Since I was a child, I have been fascinated by how people deal with the big questions of life. Today, many people are no longer affiliated to one particular faith or spirituality. They get inspired by elements from various sources, religious and secular.

As a celebrant, it’s a real privilege to bring these elements together, creating a unique ceremony that truly reflects people’s life story, personalities and interests. I offer inclusive ceremonies for all ages, beliefs, backgrounds, sexualities and gender identities.

I am based in London but work all over the UK and abroad.

Inspiration

My job is all about love, the wonder of life, and creativity. I get inspired by books, movies, art works, and the stories of the people I work with. In my blog and on my instagram page, I share my knowledge and fascination with the wonderful way of how people give meaning to grief, the impermanence of life and love through rituals and ceremonies.

Originally from the Netherlands, I live in North London with my husband and our two children. I enjoy walking in the woods, drinking cocktails, browsing clothes and hats in vintage shops, watching cult movies with my husband and teasing my children. Their witty comments, playful view on life and endless fantasy inspired me to write a children’s book, The adventures of Rosie and William.

Recognition

In 2018 I won the National Celebrant Award for Outstanding Funeral Services. I was completely stunned and extremely honoured to receive this recognition for the work I do. I am also a Regional Finalist for the Wedding Industry Awards 2019. In 2016 I was runner-up celebrant of the year for the Good Funeral Awards and in 2017 a finalist in the same category.

More than funerals

I also conduct wedding ceremonies for creative and adventurous couples with a special focus on bilingual and international weddings. Check out my dedicated wedding ceremony website here.

If you’d like to se me in action, please have a look at this video, where I led a tribute ceremony for Hornsey Town Hall, June 2018:

.
Skills and qualifications.

Ceremony and ritual design
I hold an MA in Theology and have a broad knowledge of rituals and diverse experience in conducting ceremonies on both religious and non-religious contexts. I have completed training in the following subjects:

  • Non-religious Pastoral Care (accredited by Humanists UK)
  • Grief Training (also co-host a course on this subject with Caroline Lloyd. More information can be found here)
  • Baby and Infant Loss
  • Complicated Grief
  • LGBT+ Awareness
  • Dementia (I am a Dementia Friend as well as Dementia Champion)

Certified and award-winning celebrant
I hold certificates in Family and Funeral Celebrancy and I am a member of the Fellowship of Professional Partnership of Celebrants in the UK, a professional network that enables me to constantly update my knowledge and skills related to designing and delivering contemporary ceremonies and rituals. I am a tutor at the Celebrants Collective and recommended on the The Celebrant Directory. I am also a member of the Good Funeral Guild. In 2018 I was winner of the National Celebrant Award for Outstanding Funeral Celebrancy. In 2016 I was Celebrant of the Year runner-up for the Good Funeral Awards and in 2017 a finalist.

Coaching and development
I have extensive skills in coaching, change management, project management, conducting workshops, and constructing learning and development solutions for individuals and teams. I currently apply these skills in my role as Death Cafe facilitator, Celebrant mentor and trainer.

International and broad perspective
I have been working as a change management consultant for more than twelve years. In this period, I also obtained my MBA and have worked with people from various international backgrounds.

Wedding Industry Award