I am Meriel Whale, a celebrant in Lewes and the South East of the UK
Covering East and West Sussex and Surrey
Offering both classic and spiritual ceremonies, that will be perfectly matched to you and what you need
‘We just wanted to say a massive thank you for making our day so special. The ceremony was absolutely beautiful, and we felt so lucky to have you lead it. So many of our guests commented on how wonderful you were.’
Why choose me as your celebrant?
I‘ll create something completely personal and unique for you - memorable for all the right reasons
I’ll work closely with you to create exactly the right ceremony for you or your loved one. We’ll meet face to face or online so that I can get to know you. I’ll write and deliver a beautiful bespoke ceremony that makes you feel proud, content and satisfied. You won’t regret choosing me.
Planning any kind of ceremony can feel overwhelming. You want someone to walk you through the process so you get a ceremony that is deeply personal, whether it’s the uniting of people in love, a naming for a baby, child or adult or a ceremony to say goodbye.
There’s no such thing as ‘one size fits all with me. Instead, I’ll work with you to make sure the ceremony feels just right.
I won’t be fazed by difficult, different or challenging situations but will meet you person to person with compassion and understanding.
You’ll be fully seen by me as important and valuable, good enough to be met with compassion, good enough to be celebrated. I’ll be there for you as you are, creating the ceremony you need and want. You’ll be able to feel comfortable and safe with me.
What we create together can be a celebration, a commemoration, something healing, something beautiful. Something that supports you to step forward into a new life. You’ll experience affirmation and celebration as you are.
I’ll create something inclusive
Everyone deserves to feel included and celebrated as they are, and to feel safe when planning a ceremony, or attending one.
I’m a counsellor and have worked with all kinds of difference over the years. I’m proudly gay and a trans ally, neurodivergent and a childless person. I’ve done additional training in spiritual aspects of ceremonies, and in handfasting.
I’ve worked and volunteered with older people, disabled people, neurodivergent people and queer people and I can make everyone feel welcome, making necessary adaptations so all are included. My neurodivergence means that for me, there are no hard and fast rules, there’s only what you want and need.
I can be thoughtful and serious, as well as lighthearted and fun, but most of all, I will be calm, focused and committed, seeing my work through to the end with an ethos characterised by reliability, organisation, love and care.
A ceremony written and delivered by me will be memorable for all the right reasons.
You’ll be in safe hands with me
The ceremonies I offer include:
Wedding and partnership ceremonies (taking place after the legal ceremony), including Commitment Ceremonies and Vow Renewals
Baby naming ceremonies and naming and welcoming ceremonies for older children and naming ceremonies for adults, especially those affirming a trans identity. Please contact me for prices.
Funeral ceremonies, ash scattering and interment ceremonies, Memorial and Celebration of Life ceremonies
Ceremonies for companion animals and pets. Please contact me for prices.
Writing all or part of a ceremony so it can be delivered by someone close to you
About me
I was born in Birmingham in 1972 and have lived in York, Cambridge, London, Edinburgh and India, settling in Lewes in 2005. I write novels and run workshops in writing for wellbeing, creative writing and navigating grief. I also work as a counsellor, carer, theatre practitioner and special needs tutor and teacher. I create ceremonies for everyone and am fully inclusive of childless, neurodivergent and queer communities with lived experience of all these identities. I have a quirky, classy dress sense, loving good shoes and good tailoring. I can be quiet and spiritual as well as confident and outgoing. Whatever I do, I do in a heartfelt and honest way, with full commitment. I love to read, wild swim and to walk. I bring empathy, understanding and energy to all I do.