Non-religious funeral services
We're here to help you plan the send-off you want, whether it's a simple Humanist ceremony or a big celebration of life funeral.
Access immediate support
If you need help, we're here. Our team is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
What to expect
A guiding hand
It's normal to feel confused or overwhelmed when a person dies. Our patient, step-by-step guidance means you can take your time and make choices you're comfortable with.
A listening ear
Your individual needs and ideas inform everything we do. We listen to you, give you time to reflect and go above and beyond to make sure all your needs are met.
A friendly face
Arranging a funeral is never easy. We understand. That's why we treat our clients with compassion, patience and respect – always.
"They were patient and understanding – especially with it being the Christmas period, which made it a little harder. But Nitesh was always available for any questions we had, whether it was anything small or big. Nitesh and his team helped us create a beautiful, personalised ceremony."
An AFD client
What is a non-religious funeral service?
A non-religious funeral service does not follow the rituals or customs of any particular faith. It can be completely non-religious, with no mentions of God or any religious music. Or it can include elements of different faiths that reflect the unique beliefs of the person who has died.

With non-religious funerals, there are no rules. The focus is on saying goodbye in a way that feels right for you. Some people choose simple Humanist funeral services that feel quiet, respectful and dignified. Others want informal celebration of life funerals that feel more like parties.
Whatever you have in mind, we'll guide you through every step with patience and compassion.
Trusted for non-religious funerals since 2021
Akshardham Funeral Directors (AFD) is a multi-faith funeral home founded in 2021. Through our founding funeral director, Nitesh Patel, we've helped people in London arrange non-religious and Humanist funerals for nearly 20 years.
Our approach is guided by you. When you come to us, we listen carefully to your needs and provide patient, compassionate guidance to help you plan a send-off that feels right.

And we never push you or rush you to make a decision. It's all about having the time, the space and the listening ear you need to step back and reflect on what you want.
Tailored support for the funeral you want
Experienced and qualified team
Compassion and respect – always
Your funeral choices
Arranging a funeral is a very personal decision. While our non-religious funeral services cover the main types of funerals in the UK, we're always happy to help you make special arrangements. Have something unique in mind? Please don't hesitate to contact us to discuss your needs.
Cremation
From
£2,375
This option includes a funeral ceremony at your choice of venue. Whether you want a celebration of life cremation or something more traditional, we'll support you right up to the day of the funeral.
Direct cremation
From £2,100
A direct cremation is a more affordable option that doesn't include a funeral ceremony. If you don't want a lot of fuss, direct cremation could be right for you.

Burial
Please call for price
There are lots of options for burial funerals, including natural burial, a graveside service and a traditional cemetery burial. You can find out more about your choices here.

More ways to personalise the funeral
It's important to know that the price of a funeral doesn't include optional extras like floral arrangements or transport for the family. Learn more about the different ways you can personalise the funeral and how we can help.
Limousine hire
Coffins and caskets
Floral tributes
Horse and carriage hire
Orders of service
Catering and more
Where to find us
Do you want to arrange a visit? You'll find our funeral home in Edgware, North London – not too far from Hendon, St Marylebone and Golders Green crematoriums.
Your questions answered
If you don't see the answer you need,
please get in touch. Our friendly team is always happy to help.
Can you have a non-religious funeral in a church?
Non-religious funeral services usually aren't held in churches or other places of worship. However, they can happen in almost any other venue. That includes crematorium and cemetery chapels, natural burial grounds and even places like hotels and football grounds.
Who conducts a non-religious funeral?
Anyone can conduct a non-religious or Humanist funeral service. However, most people ask a funeral celebrant to lead the service.
A funeral celebrant is a professional who writes and conducts funeral ceremonies. Some specialise in certain types of funerals, such as Humanist or celebration of life funerals. Others are happy to lead all kinds of religious and non-religious funerals.
Do you need help finding a funeral celebrant? We can put you in touch with trusted celebrants who work throughout London and the UK. Feel free to contact our team for help.
What is a celebration of life funeral service?
A celebration of life funeral service can be anything you want it to be. It can be formal or informal. It can be a burial or a cremation. It can feel like a big party or be quieter and more reflective.
The important thing is that a celebration of life funeral focuses on honouring the person who has died in a positive way. It's about looking back at their life story and celebrating what made them special. For this reason, celebrations of life often shy away from the more sombre side of funerals, such as strict dress codes and mournful music.
What is a Humanist funeral service?
A Humanist funeral service is a particular type of non-religious funeral that follows Humanist beliefs. These funerals focus on the person who died – their achievements, their personality and their legacy – while still recognising the sadness in saying goodbye.
Humanist funerals don't usually feature any religious songs, readings or imagery. They're typically led by a specially trained Humanist celebrant.
How much does a Humanist funeral cost?
It depends on the funeral director you choose, where you live and the kind of funeral you want. To give you an idea, our full cremation package costs £2,375 for a funeral in North London.
Learn more about our London funeral costs.
