A Celebrant’s Guide to Ceremonies in West Sussex, Hampshire and Surrey

Planning a ceremony is one of those moments in life where you want everything to feel just right. Whether you’re arranging a funeral, a naming ceremony, a wedding blessing or a milestone celebration, choosing the right setting and the right people to support you makes all the difference.

As an independent celebrant based in Chichester, I work with families across West Sussex, Hampshire and Surrey, creating personal, meaningful ceremonies in places that feel special to them. This guide brings together some of the beautiful locations, venues and local areas where I regularly support families, along with a sense of what each region offers.

🌿 Ceremonies in West Sussex

West Sussex is full of peaceful, characterful places that lend themselves beautifully to ceremonies of all kinds. From the rolling South Downs to the coast, there’s a real mix of settings for families to choose from.

Chichester

My home patch, and a wonderful place for ceremonies. Chichester offers everything from intimate indoor spaces to outdoor settings with views of the Downs. It’s also home to several crematoria and natural burial grounds that provide calm, supportive environments for funerals and memorials.

Arundel, Midhurst and Petworth

These historic towns are perfect for families looking for charm and character. Whether it’s a naming ceremony in a garden, a memorial in a woodland space or a vow renewal in a heritage venue, these areas offer a sense of warmth and tradition.

Worthing and the South Coast

Coastal ceremonies have a unique atmosphere. From relaxed naming ceremonies near the beach to heartfelt funerals overlooking the sea, the coastline offers a gentle, reflective backdrop.

🌼 Ceremonies in Hampshire

Just over the border, Hampshire brings its own blend of countryside, coast and community.

Portsmouth and Havant

These areas are ideal for families wanting accessible venues with strong local connections. Portsmouth’s maritime history and Havant’s green spaces both offer meaningful settings for funerals, memorials and naming ceremonies.

Petersfield and the South Downs National Park

For families who love nature, the Downs provide a peaceful, grounding environment. Outdoor ceremonies, woodland burials and quiet memorial gatherings work beautifully here.

Fareham and Gosport

These towns offer a mix of modern venues and traditional spaces, making them versatile for everything from baby naming ceremonies to celebration‑of‑life services.

🌸 Ceremonies in Surrey

Surrey’s leafy villages and elegant venues make it a lovely area for families wanting something calm, refined and personal.

Guildford, Godalming and Haslemere

These towns are surrounded by countryside and offer a wide range of ceremony spaces. Whether you’re planning a funeral, a naming ceremony or a renewal of vows, there’s a real sense of community and care here.

Farnham and the Surrey Hills

The Surrey Hills are perfect for families who want a ceremony that feels close to nature. Outdoor spaces, barns and woodland areas all lend themselves to personal, heartfelt gatherings.

🌱 Why choose an independent celebrant?

Working with an independent celebrant means your ceremony is shaped entirely around you. There are no scripts, no restrictions and no expectations. Whether you’re planning a funeral, a naming ceremony, a gender‑affirming celebration, an adoption welcome or a milestone event, everything is created with your family’s story at the centre.

Families across West Sussex, Hampshire and Surrey often tell me they appreciate having someone calm, organised and local who can guide them through the process and create something that feels genuinely personal.

🌟 Supporting families across the South

Wherever you are — Chichester, Arundel, Portsmouth, Worthing, Petersfield, Guildford or anywhere in between — I’m here to help you create a ceremony that feels right for you.

If you’d like to talk through ideas or explore what’s possible, I’m always happy to chat.