Quebec is one of the most secular societies in North America. It is no surprise, then, that secular funeral ceremonies have grown steadily over the past two decades. For many families, a ceremony without religious content is simply the most honest reflection of the life they are honouring.
What a secular ceremony is
A secular funeral ceremony is a celebration of life — organized without prayers, sacred texts, or reference to any particular religious tradition. It is typically led by a civil celebrant or humanist officiant, a trained professional who guides meaningful, personalized ceremonies.
A secular ceremony can take place in a funeral home chapel, a park, a family chalet, a community hall, or any location that held significance for the deceased. There is no required venue.
What it typically includes
- Personal tributes: Family and friends share memories, anecdotes, and significant moments
- Music: The deceased's favourite songs — classical, popular, folk, or any genre — with no restrictions
- Readings: Poems, philosophical texts, personal letters, passages from beloved books
- A moment of silence or reflection: Space for each person to pause and remember in their own way
- Symbolic rituals: Placing flowers, lighting candles, displaying photos or videos
- Commemoration: May include a meal, gathering, or activity reflecting the deceased's passions
Who can officiate?
In Quebec, there is no legal requirement to have a religious officiant for a funeral ceremony. The ceremony can be led by a family member, a close friend, a civil celebrant, or an officiant from the Alliance humaniste du Québec. Professional celebrants can help you structure the ceremony, write the text, and guide the proceedings so the day is dignified and memorable.
Secular and spiritual elements can coexist
A secular ceremony is not necessarily anti-religious. Some families choose to include a moment of meditation, a spiritually themed text, or invite those who are believers to share a silent prayer. The key is that the ceremony is centred on the person, not on institutional tradition.
How to specify it in a pre-arrangement
If you want a secular ceremony, you can specify this explicitly in your pre-arrangement contract. Indicate the type of ceremony desired, your preferred location, and even the songs or readings you want. It is one of the most concrete ways to ensure your ceremony truly reflects who you are.
Updated: March 2026