A celebrant is a professional trained to create and lead personalized ceremonies that honor life’s important moments — especially during times of loss. Unlike clergy, celebrants are not bound to any specific religion or tradition. Instead, we work with you to craft meaningful, inclusive rituals that reflect your values, beliefs, and the unique story of your loved one.
At Ritual & Reverence, we offer more than a standard service — we co-create a meaningful experience. Unlike traditional funeral officiants who may follow a set script or religious framework, we begin with you. Every ceremony is shaped by your stories, your values, and the essence of the person you’re honoring.
Let us help you mark life’s meaningful moments—births, living funerals, memorials, and everything in between—with care, creativity, and intention. From personalized ceremonies and ritual design to music, memory-sharing, and support groups, we’re here to walk beside you. Whether you're celebrating a new beginning or honoring a life well lived, we’ve got you.
We serve individuals and families of all backgrounds and traditions with warmth, compassion, and reverence.
- Thoughtfully crafted funeral ceremonies that reflect your loved one’s life and values
- Graveside and burial services with meaningful ritual and care
- Eulogy and obituary writing/ support
- Collaboration with funeral homes, clergy, or other service providers
- MC and coordination before and on the day of the event
- Family Support
We offer personalized memorial ceremonies that honor the spirit, values, and stories of your loved one.
- Ceremonies tailored to reflect the individual’s life and legacy
- Collaborative planning with family and friends to ensure the tone feels personal and authentic
- Meaningful rituals—both traditional and creative—that honor grief and celebrate life
- Guest participation opportunities, such as readings, music, or memory-sharing
- Support selecting a location that suits your vision—be it a home, garden, community space, or outdoors
- Guidance in incorporating cultural, spiritual, or secular elements according to your values and wishes
We Honor life’s meaningful moments with gatherings that celebrate legacy, connection, and joy.
- Celebrate someone nearing the end of life with stories, blessings, and shared reflection
- Create a space of love and gratitude while the honoree is present
- Milestone Birthdays
Mark significant birthdays—50th, 60th, 90th and beyond—with ritual, storytelling, and symbolic elements
and heartfelt tributes
- Personalized Ceremony Elements
Craft custom readings, music, and rituals that reflect the spirit of the honoree
- Tribute & Toast Writing Support
Collaborate to write toasts, blessings, or speeches that feel authentic and emotionally resonant
We Mark life’s meaningful beginnings and transitions with ceremonies that celebrate identity, connection, and growth.
- Baby Naming Ceremonies
Welcome a child with a personalized, inclusive ritual
Incorporate blessings, readings, and symbolic elements
Invite family participation and create lasting keepsakes
- Name Affirmation & Release Ceremonies
Honor identity transitions with thoughtful, affirming rituals
Release a former name and celebrate a new one with meaning
We Honor the beauty of grief, remembrance, and legacy with offerings that invite reflection, comfort, and connection.
- Grief Rituals & Shiva gatherings
Create space for mourning with meaningful communal or private rituals
- Death Cafes & Listening Table
Engage in open, thoughtful dialogue about death, dying, and what matters most
Gather with others in a relaxed setting to reduce fear and build community
- Planning Your Own Funeral or Memorial
Design a ceremony that reflects your life, values, and wishes
Explore readings, music, legacy messages, and ritual elements
Leave a gift of clarity and meaning for your loved ones
Founder of Ritual & Reverence Erica Pelavin, PhD, is a psychologist, educator, and celebrant who has spent over two decades supporting individuals and communities through life’s most meaningful transitions. With a deep belief in the healing power of ritual.