Elaine Geekie Celebrant

My Story

Hi, my name is Elaine. Thank you for visiting my website I hope that I can have the honour of meeting you and walking beside you on whichever journey life is taking you on at this moment.

I reside in Aberdeenshire with my husband and our dogs. I value opportunities to engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds and age groups. With a grounded approach and a keen interest in listening to others' experiences, I have developed a deep appreciation for meaningful stories. My personal experience with grief led me to support others within the funeral industry, which ultimately inspired me to continue my education and pursue a vocation as a celebrant.

I trained with Neil Dorward and Annie Scrimgeour at the 'Celebrant Training Academy Scotland' and I passed with Distinction.

I take pride in designing ceremonies that reflect the individuality of each person or significant life event, ensuring that every occasion is thoughtfully tailored to your needs.

Ceremonies ought to represent our identities, acknowledge the impact we have on others, and commemorate significant moments for lasting remembrance.

WHy Choose a celebrant?

If you wish to acknowledge significant milestones in life with a personalised approach that highlights your individuality and move beyond traditions that may not align with your values, engaging a celebrant may be an ideal choice.

Civil Funerals began in Australia in 1973 and since then the world has slowly begun to realise that funerals, and indeed all ceremonies should reflect what people wish, need and want.

Celebrants differ from Humanist in that Humanists are atheists and therefore can not provide spiritual content. They can not say that your loved ones are now reunited with family members in heaven. They can not say that your baby is "resting in the arms of angels" nor can they play music that has any spiritual connection such as Robbie Williams "Angels"

One of the most significant advantages of choosing a celebrant is the absence of rigid guidelines or restrictions. With a celebrant, your ceremony can be tailored entirely to your wishes, whether you desire a religious, semi-religious, or completely non-religious service.

The content and format are entirely up to you. For example, you might opt or a traditional hymn to begin the ceremony, followed by a favourite song to conclude the occasion. This flexibility ensures your ceremony is a true reflection of your personality, belies, and preferences, creating a meaningful and memorable experience.

This poem by fellow Celebrant Gwyn Davies explains it all beautifully. The poem describes our funeral work, but all the same principles apply to any ceremonies you wish me to craft.

Celebrant, celebrant, what is it you do?

I'm a little old fashioned and haven't a clue.

Celebrant, celebrant, what is it your do?

Are you religious, or is that taboo?

Who is your target, where is your goal?

I'm a little confused, as to what is your role?

Are you religious, or the atheist sort,

I'm a bit in the dark and need to be taught.

Well, let me enlighten, I'll try to explain,

I'm there as a person to ease the pain.

It isn't about me or any belief,

I help the loved ones with their grief.

There's more than two options, to help people through,

So I'll try to explain, what us celebrants do.

We take an approach, with a personal touch,

For loves ones in need of the help for a crutch.

Some aren't religious, but still want a prayer,

Or even a hymn, and we're happy to share.

It just doesn't matter what our belief,

We'll use an approach, that helps bring belief.

So as you can see, it's not black or white,

We offer a service that we just make right.

Right for the person, whose life has passed on,

And try to help those hurting, as their loves one has gone.

We tick all the boxes, some people say,

We make it special, in our own unique way.

Times are changing, changing so fast,

We must try to move forward, not stuck in the past.

To help bring comfort, is our real aim,

Each service is special, no two the same.

Happy to meet to discuss what we do,

At a time or a place chosen by you.

Compassionate Celebrant Services

Funeral Services

I provide personalised funeral services that honour and celebrate the life of your loved one. Working closely with family and friends, I create a meaningful ceremony that reflects the individual’s personality, values, beliefs and life story. Whether traditional or contemporary, religious elements included or entirely non-religious, the service is carefully written and delivered with dignity, warmth and respect.

--£220-£250--

Stillborn, Infants & Under 18's Funeral Services

The loss of a baby or young person is deeply heartbreaking, and every family’s grief is unique. I offer gentle, compassionate support to help create a ceremony that honours your child’s life, however brief it may have been. Together we can design a meaningful and sensitive service that allows family and friends to remember, acknowledge love, and say goodbye in a way that feels right for you.

--No Fee Applies--

Memorial Services

Scattering of Ashes

A memorial service provides an opportunity to celebrate and remember a loved one’s life, often held after a private funeral or at a time that suits family and friends. I work with you to create a thoughtful and personal ceremony that reflects cherished memories, stories and the lasting impact of the person you are remembering.

--£200--

Scattering of Ashes

Scattering ashes can be a peaceful and symbolic way to say a final goodbye. I create simple, respectful ceremonies that mark this moment with meaning, reflection and remembrance. Whether held at a favourite place or a special location chosen by the family, the ceremony can include readings, memories and quiet moments to honour your loved one.

--£150--

Pet Memorial Services

Pets are cherished members of our families, bringing companionship, comfort and unconditional love. A pet memorial ceremony provides a chance to acknowledge their importance and celebrate the joy they brought into our lives. I can help you create a heartfelt tribute that honours your beloved companion and the special bond you shared.

--£100--

Renewal of Vows, Commitment & Anniversary Ceremonies

Whether you are celebrating a milestone anniversary, renewing your wedding vows, or marking a commitment to one another, I create joyful ceremonies that reflect your unique relationship. These occasions offer a wonderful opportunity to celebrate your journey together, reaffirm your love and share meaningful moments with family and friends.

--£180-£200--

Naming Ceremonies & Life Celebration

Naming ceremonies and life celebrations are beautiful ways to welcome a child or celebrate an important life milestone. These ceremonies can include promises from parents, family members or mentors, symbolic rituals, and personal readings. Each ceremony is thoughtfully designed to reflect your family’s values, hopes and the joy of the occasion.

--£180-£200--

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at elainegeekiecelebrant@hotmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

What is the process when you choose me as your funeral, memorial or Scattering of Ashes celebrant?

I will call you as soon as the funeral director notifies me of the death of your loved one and arrange to meet with you.

When I visit, I will spend a few hours chatting to your about your loved one. Show me photographs, tell me stories. I want to know them and hear all about their life. If somebody can't make it and have stories they would like to share then I will take contact details and make sure everybody gets to be part of the ceremony. We can also discuss choice of music, poems or readings that you may wish to include.

After we meet, I will take all of your memories and lovingly create a tribute. This usually takes about two days and will be uniquely tailored to reflect the personality of your loved one and what they meant for you. All my tributes are sensitively written and respect dignity but can include humour if that is what you wish and would give a true representation of your loved one.

Once written, I will share a draft copy with you via email and together we can make as many changes and tweaks as you need until we have created something perfect and beautifull.

The evening before the funeral I will give you a call to see how you are and double check all of the details, making sure everything is as you wish it to be for the ceremony.

I will meet you at your chosen location on the day of the funeral and can conduct services at crematoriums, hotels, funeral homes or gravesides.

After the ceremony I will provide you with a memorial copy of the eulogy on parchment paper so that you can keep forever the words that we have chosen to honour your loved one's life.

You may wish to keep things simple and traditional, or you may want some elements that will leave people remembering the ceremony for years to come. The choice is always yours and I am happy to explore options with you to make the ceremony unique.

I can also write services of memorial if some time has passed since your loved one died. And it is my honour to speak words at an interment or scattering of ashes to allow you to say a final goodbye.

Whatever your wishes, however you want to remember is always your choice and I would be honoured to help you through this difficult time but hopefully start you on your journey of healing.

What is the process when your choose me as your Naming Ceremony celebrant?

I will meet you at your home for an hour or so, listen to your story, hear your ideas and together start creating your ceremony. We will discuss music, readings and poetry that you may like on the day.

Parents can create "Promises" for their child or ask others to do so. These can express intentions in raising the child or affirm unconditional love. I am happy to help write them if needed.

I will send you a draft of the ceremony via email and we can make as many changes as you need until we have created a ceremony that will truly be a gift to your child.

On the day of the ceremony, I will arrive at your chosen location, which can be absolutely anywhere and is only limited by your imagination. The ceremony will take approximately 25 minutes and include a presentation of a naming certificate.

Afterwards I will leave you to carry on with your celebrations but not before giving you a parchment copy of the words we spoke over your child as a lasting reminder of just how special they are.

Naming ceremonies are all about wonderful new beginnings. This is just the start of some exciting days ahead. Let's celebrate that!!

What does a naming ceremony typically include?

Typical ceremonies include (but are not limited to):

Welcoming the child
Poems, readings, music and reflections
Announcing the significance of their name
Parents sharing their hopes and dreams for their child
Other important people sharing their hopes and dreams for the child and for the parents
Time for presenting significant gifts or speeches
Closing words and a presentation of a Certificate to mark the day.

What is a Renewal of Vows & Commitment Ceremony?

Perhaps you're marking a significant milestone anniversary.

There are times when we simply want to let everyone know that, while we may be growing older, the love we share remains everlasting.

If marriage isn't your preference, you may still want to make a commitment together before friends and family.

Perhaps you've faced difficult years and endured challenges, but now you want to publicly reaffirm your commitment to your shared journey.

No matter your reason, allow me to craft a brief ceremony that adds something truly special to your day and celebration.

Let's meet and celebrate your relationship - share your story, express you love, and renew your vows. I can speak for you or help you revisit special moments like your first dance.

Let's make something meaningful together.