Paul Standbrook | Family & Funeral Celebrant

Hello, I’m Paul Standbrook and I’m Dad and Grandad to a close-knit, large extended family. I live with my partner Sam (also a Celebrant) in a little cottage in the country and she and I share long experience of providing support at important times in people’s lives. Over the last twenty years I have built a deep insight and a keen interest in people and in the way in which key events impact their lives. I have become very aware of the difference an effective Celebrant can make, whether in leading a bespoke and unique ceremony for your wedding or union, helping you celebrate the naming of a new life, or in supporting you as you say goodbye to a loved one and celebrate their life in a funeral ceremony which truly tells their story. My many personal and professional experiences in working closely and effectively with people as they navigate some of the happiest, saddest or most challenging times in their lives has given me a great satisfaction in what I do, continues to be a huge privilege and is the reason I chose to become a Celebrant.

I have had a long and varied career encompassing time spent in the merchant navy, the police force, in manufacturing and, for almost twenty years, in a range of charities focussed on supporting people. My personal and professional experiences have given me some real insights into the issues people face and the importance of making sure that those key events in your life are well organised and deeply meaningful, accurately capturing your thoughts, ideas and wishes and creating powerful lasting memories. My learning and experiences have given me a deep empathy for the human condition so that I can help you clarify what is most important to you, ensuring that your wishes are always paramount and that you always feel fully in control of the process.

I tailor my services in line with your wishes and I am happy to offer whatever level of service you need, from simple advice and background support to complete preparation, management and delivery of your ceremony. I have volunteered, managed and led in a range of charities working with people, often at pivotal times in their lives and I have organised, hosted and spoken at a wide range of events. This has given me a comprehensive toolkit of skills which I put to good use to make sure that everyone involved in your ceremony is well informed of your wishes and that we all work together as a team to deliver the results you want.

My passion and my strength is in supporting you to be empowered. To help you find real clarity about exactly what you want, why you want it and how we will work together to deliver that.

For weddings:
You may be seeking to make your special celebration modern or traditional, full of fun or full of romance, relaxed or formal or any combination of these and many other elements. I will work with you to understand your needs. to make sure all the preparations are in place and to deliver the ceremony you have dreamed of, making sure you are at the very centre of proceedings.

For funerals:
You can be confident that I will provide the support you need to make the ceremony exactly what you want it to be. I will make sure I understand as much as possible about the life of your loved one, the impact of that life on those they loved and the way in which you wish to say goodbye. As well as the inevitable sadness, a funeral is also a celebration of a life lived and a ceremony in which tears may be tempered with gentle respect and fond memories which may sometimes even raise a smile in the recollection of happier times.

For other ceremonies:
There are many milestones in life and there can be great power and often much pleasure in providing a bespoke celebration of any or all of them. Whatever you wish to celebrate, be it a birth, a coming of age, a retirement or even a divorce, I will work with you to deliver a unique ceremony which captures that milestone and build lasting memories to treasure.

I very much look forward to working with you, now or in the future, to create the perfect ceremony for you or your loved ones.