FUNERAL CEREMONIES with Brighton and Hove Funeral Celebrant Mark Inscoe
Nowadays, there are far more choices available on the death of a loved one. Crematorium chapel ceremonies are most popular, but these need not be religious services. If the choice is to be a burial, the funeral ceremony can be held in a variety of religious or non-religious spaces and then an interment ceremony at the graveside. More and more people are choosing natural burial sites, often set in beautiful landscapes, perhaps with significance to the deceased.
~ SCATTERING OF ASHES CEREMONIES ~
There are various options available for what you choose to do with the ashes. The ashes of your loved one can presented in a simple or a decorative urn, or a simple container ready for scattering in a memorial garden or at a place special to the deceased. Nowadays, ashes can even be incorporated into beautiful jewellery. If you choose, as your celebrant I can compose and deliver a suitable mini-ceremony which can take place immediately following the funeral ceremony or at a later date.
~ MEMORIAL CEREMONY ~
Most people choose to celebrate the life of their deceased. But a funeral ceremony, usually close to the time of death, can be overwhelming. Often, some family and friends cannot attend at short notice. Sometimes the funeral venue is limited to the number of people it can accomodate. Nowadays, direct cremation is an increasingly popular choice, where there is no ceremony at the time.
A personalised Celebration of Life
An ideal choice is to have a memorial event such as a Celebration of Life Ceremony, some time afterwards, allowing for more attendees, and also time to plan ahead. As a funeral celebrant, these ceremonies are often more joyful, marking the personality and acheivements of the deceased.
Working closely with you
My role as a funeral celebrant, is to coordinate with you and your funeral director (if you choose to use their services) to create and deliver a perfect and fitting tribute to the deceased, a deeply individual moment of remembrance.
We will meet to discuss your wishes and those of the deceased to create a dignified ceremony of remembrance. Funeral wishes may determine the choice of music, poetry or readings, but otherwise I can help with suggestions. You might like to incorporate symbolic moments such as candle lighting into the ceremony. Some religious content can easily be included. It’s entirely your choice.
Together, we can build the perfect funeral ceremony.
YOUR DAY ~ YOUR WAY
A civil funeral definition; ‘A funeral that is driven by the wishes, beliefs and the values of the deceased and their family, not by the beliefs or ideology of the person conducting the funeral.’
(Prof.Tony Walter)
Funeral for Dad Thornton Crematorium, Liverpool July 2023
Mark Inscoe is a wonderful man and brilliant Celebrant. He worked with us to give my father the best possible send off ever. His attention to detail, compassion, understanding and professionalism was first class. He helped a very difficult day become one of celebration and gratitude. Many people (including the undertaker!) wanted his details for future ceremonies – this can only prove how special Mark is. Thank you xx
Andrew Martin *****5*****
Funeral for Dad hd tribe chapel, worthing. aug. 2023 & ‘Celebration of life’ Long Furlong barn, findon sept. 2023
Mark was an absolute pleasure to work with from start to finish. He led the small intimate funeral service for my late Father in August 2023 followed by a much larger celebration of life at Long Furlong Barn at the end of September.
😊Joanna 😊 *****5*****
Mark was very easy to build rapport with and took time to really understand my Father’s character and the impact he had on other people’s lives. He portrayed this beautifully in his tribute to my Father. Mark was incredibly organised, very easy to communicate with and took time to get things just right for us. He was wonderful with all our guests too. I can highly recommend Mark – you will be in excellent hands. Thank you so much Mark.
Funeral for ‘Jim’ Woodvale Crematorium, Brighton. Oct. 2023
I highly recommend Mark as a celebrant. Following a friend’s death Mark was appointed to act as celebrant at the funeral service. He took the time to understand the character of the deceased and wrote a moving and personalised tribute which was delivered in a caring and professional manner at the funeral. Many of those attending the service commented afterwards how well the service was conducted.
P. Christmas *****5*****
Funeral for Dad Downs Crematorium, Brighton. April 2023
His personality, preparation and presentation make Mark Inscoe the consummate professional that he is. His contribution to my late brother’s memorial service, made the occasion dignified but not too solemn, simple yet very moving. All that we could ask. Thoroughly recommended.
M PLUMB 5*****
Funeral for sister, Debra woodvale crematorium, brighton. april 2023
Mark demonstrated real empathy for our situation. He helped and advised us to navigate this difficult period. He was very professional and spoke clearly during the service.
R POWERS 5*****
Funeral for Mum Downs crematorium, brighton. august 2023
Mark was caring, kind and compassionate during our time of intense grief. He was thorough in his research and questions, which were asked sensitively. We were very happy with the beautiful service in memory of our late mother that he delivered. We would have no reservations in using his services should the time arise again.
A & N SWINDEN 5*****
Funeral for Mum HD Tribe Chapel, Shoreham. Sept. 2023
I can thoroughly recommend Mark’s services. He went to great pains to familiarise himself with Edna’s life history and her personality. The time spent on this preparation was evident in the tribute which he delivered with compassion and humour at the funeral. Following the service, many of the mourners commented on how much they had enjoyed his address and how closely it resembled the Edna that they remembered.
P. MASON 5*****
Funeral for Alex’s Nana Woodvale Crematorium, Brighton. Feb 2023
Mark it was perfect, everyone commented at the wake how good you were and how personal it was to all of us. I really appreciate the time and effort you put into the whole service. We are very thankful. Kind regards,
Alex Clarke
Funeral for Nicky Woodvale Crematorium, Brighton July 2023
Mark was an excellent choice of celebrant for my mother’s funeral. He was extremely professional throughout and took his time to understand who my Mum was and how we wanted to honour her. He listened to our suggestions and allowed us to shape his comments. On the day itself, he led the service with grace, confidence and compassion. We couldn’t have asked for anything more.
R SINGER-SMITH 5*****
Funeral for a beloved son, at Wealdon Crematorium. October 2023
***** At the funeral, Mark celebrated the life of my 21 year old son beautifully. Many of those who attended remarked on how incredibly well he handled what was, inevitably, an extremely emotional — and exceptionally well-attended — occasion. Prior to the day itself, Mark had dealt with our grief-stricken family with great care and empathy, in difficult circumstances. I could not recommend him more highly. *****
KF
Funeral/Celebration of Life for a beloved father-in-law, big Eric. The Downs Crematorium, January 2024
***** Mark was the celebrate at my father in law celebration of life yesterday.
Lyn B
He was perfect and did the most wonderful tribute. It was as if he knew my father in law. He has a great talent in the way he wrote the tribute & his presentation. He helped to make a very sad day more joyful & helped us feel more peaceful that we gave a loved one a good send off. We will be forever grateful. Thank you Mark. *****
funeral/Celebration of Life for a partner – a joyful life cut short too early. January 2024
***** Dear Mark,
JC
Fridays service what can I say.
I’m still overwhelming emotional every time i think about how exceptionally professional you were.
The service you delivered on Friday for David was way more than I could ever imagine.
I can never thank you enough for navigating the perfect send off for my amazing partner.
From the bottom of my heart THANK YOU For your amazing service. XX.
Much respect *****
Funeral for Dad. Woodvale Crematorium, Brighton. February 2024
*****
Mark is a fantastic celebrant, who delivered a very heartfelt and person service for my late Dad’s funeral and as a family we were glad that we had Mark to deliver the service!
Shane *****
Thanks from 3 siblings for Father’s funeral. Brighton Feb 2024
*****
Mark was the celebrant for my father’s funeral. We met before hand and I felt so comfortable telling him stories of my dad. During such a horrible time for myself and siblings, Mark was friendly, caring and put our minds at ease. On the day we listened to Marks beautiful words, bringing both tears and laughter at the way he told my dad’s stories. I can’t thank Mark enough for that day and would recommend him to anyone. Thank you Mark, from myself and siblings.
Mali *****
A lovely endorsement from a loving wife – HD Tribe, Broadwater. July 2024
*****
Mark was a wonderful celebrant for my husbands funeral. Mark was .professional and compassionate at all times. The script he wrote for the service was beautiful and hit just the right tone for the type of service we wanted. I highly recommend Mark.
Eileen *****
Funeral and Celebration of Life for ‘Bird’. Leatherhead Crematorium July 2024
*****
Mark was recommended to us and to be honest he could not have been more perfect. From our initial meeting, communications and support he was so caring. The whole process was dealt with compassionately and with a genuine commitment to making sure the tribute to our Dad was the very best it could be.
Annette Morris *****
On the day Mark arrived early to make sure arrangements were as they should be, met us And gave us his support. The tribute was warm, fitting and beautifully delivered . All who attend commented that it captured the essence of our darling Dad.
If you are considering booking Mark believe us you will not be disappointed
The Morris Family – Epsom
Funeral for our friend and neighbour Roy Downs Crematorium. Brighton. August 2024
*****
Mark was the ideal celebrant. He visited us to gain an overall picture of what we wanted, and we immediately liked him. He is very personable, thoughtful and amusing, and listened carefully to what we had to say with helpful suggestions for poems and readings. He offered us a draft celebration and was quite happy to adapt it according to our wishes.
Charles & Karina *****
He has a strong acting background so is confident in delivery and speaks in a light hearted and amusing way whilst remaining serious and caring.
He conducted the service confidently and was discreetly organised.
We would thoroughly recommend him.
Funeral for ‘Ben’. Wealden Crematorium, Horam. August 2024
*****
On behalf of us all, I wanted to thank you for putting together such a lovely ceremony and delivering it with such eloquence, compassion and humour.
Caroline *****
It really was reflective of dad. Mum has already received calls this morning saying how lovely the ceremony was.
Your ability to capture the essence of someone from what is essentially a short meeting, is a real skill.
It has been a pleasure meeting you, and we are sure that Dad would have liked you very much.
With best wishes from us all.
Celebration of Andy’s life. Woodvale Crematorium. Brighton. August 2024
*****
Mark managed to express our thoughts and memories of my brother in a very caring and sometimes funny way.
Graham Mills *****
We do not live local and it was nice to know everything was arranged with professionalism and kindness .Mark is a kind and compassionate celebrant using his listening skills and expertise to draw out a mixed bag of thoughts and memories from all who knew the deceased and recombine them into a coherent speech that presents the best image of your loved one at the funeral.
Malcolm *****Funeral for steve. The Downs Crematorium. Brighton September 2024
*****
Mark was the perfect choice as Celebrant for the funeral of my later partner, Steve. We met up and spoke at length about Steve, and Mark crafted a wonderful tribute to him. He had really taken the time to get to the heart of the man and even helped us to choose the right music. Steve was a perfectionist and I know that he would have very much approved!
GriffFuneral for Debbie. Woodvale Crematorium. February 2025
*****
We couldn’t have asked for a better celebrant for our mother’s funeral service than Mark. He spent time to get to know mums life and delivered a wonderful, personal service of which many of the attendees commented on. He was always professional and compassionate.
Hayley Phillips *****
Celebration of the life of a beloved mum. Worthing crematorium. april ’25.
Oh, Mark, thank you so much for yesterday, it went perfectly, you, my friend (oh yes, you are on my friendship list) were wonderful. Mum would have adopted you on the spot! I’m sure you get offered this a lot, but if you ever had the time (or the wish) please call in, you would be most welcome. Please let us know when you’re next performing (not a funeral – we‘re not that desperate to go out!), but theatre-wise. You’ve created a bit of a fan base with my family. Once again, we couldn’t have done it without you! you were just what was needed to get through a difficult day. Take care and enjoy!!
Jaqueline S.
Funeral for a Best Friend. Golders Green Crematorium. June ’25
Marks sensitivity, compassion, patience and talent as a celebrant made arranging a funeral and grieving so much easier. A lovely man who did a wonderful job. We knew we were in safe hands from the get go.
Simon & Michael *****
My Best Friend Duncs. Golders Green Crematorium. June ’25
When you are going through such an emotional time after losing someone you love you need positivity , light and guidance .Mark is all of these …and more . He helped us shape a beautiful unique service for our loved one with great compassion . He led the service professionally and spoke with wonderful ease and great respect and made the service very special indeed for which I am very grateful.
Rachel S. *****
He’s the best !