Our wedding exceeded all our plans and expectations, and you were a huge part of that. We loved meeting with you and planning the ceremony. It all felt so personal and fun but at the same time having the right sense of formality and occasion. All our guests have not stopped raving about the day and they all say how amazing you were. A friend said you “embodied everything about what it means to be in love!!” Honestly Eithne, we are so delighted we found you, and we will never forget.
-Ed and Ciarán, 2018
Hello, I’m Eithne.
As a committed and empathetic celebrant with the Humanist Association of Ireland, I am delighted to join couples who wish to publicly declare their commitment to each other; families who wish to celebrate the life of a loved one, welcome a new family member, or celebrate “little big days” – and to facilitate these occasions in the manner of their own choosing.
I believe having the choice to make these celebrations/commemorations “your way” can be a thoughtful and liberating experience. I am lucky to have pursued a professional career as an actress and singer, so you will be in safe hands with me as your celebrant. I am happy to travel to your venue, and can deliver ceremonies in both Irish and French for couples if required.
(In fact, I relish the chance to deliver a few words in any other language - and have done so on many occasions!)
Weddings
Your wedding day, do lá phósta, votre jour de mariage!
I conduct personal and meaningful ceremonies - informal and relaxed, while also legally binding, your wedding ceremony can include:
Your families
Your music
Your readings
Your rituals
Get in touch to start planning your special day!
Funerals/Memorials
It is a privilege to assist families in celebrating their loved ones’ lives, remembering the richness of their existence and connection to their time on this beloved Earth.
A Humanist funeral is all about the person who has died and the family and friends who are mourning them. Ahead of the funeral I like to sit down with the family and hear the stories and songs that will inform this personal ceremony. I always liaise with funeral directors to organise the ceremony and communicate the family’s wishes, taking some of the burden off the family and friends during this difficult time.
As well as funerals, I conduct memorials on anniversaries, or scattering of ashes - those times when we recall our loved ones.
Naming Ceremonies
The joy of “Welcome to our World”!
For me, there is no greater honour than being invited by parents - many of whom I have previously married - to celebrate the arrival of their new child.
A short, joyous naming ceremony can involve Guideparents, Grandparents, tree-planting, music, poetry... or whatever feels right for you and your family.
You may also take this chance to make wishes or promises for your baby’s future - which they will doubtless hold you to when the time comes!!
Milestone Ceremonies/“Little Big Days”
At a time when young children are exploring their world, how lovely to engage with like-minded families in a ceremony to celebrate their “age of reason”. A Milestone Ceremony - or “Little Big Day” - gives children aged 7-8 a chance to celebrate this stage of life in a communal and secular setting.
In 2023 I conducted a bilingual Milestone Ceremony for 7 families in Inchicore, Dublin. From the initial contact in November 2022 to the ceremony in May 2023, I met with parents and children to introduce myself and encourage the children’s involvement in environmental projects which helped them bond as a group. The week before the ceremony we all met up for a mountain hike, so we were all firm friends once the Big Day came around!
Milestone Day ‘Flying Free’ pin, designed by Eithne and made by goldsmith Juliet Cummins