Secular funeral without a priest — how to organise one and what to expect

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What is a secular funeral and how does it differ from a religious one?
• Who leads a secular funeral? The role of the funeral celebrant
• How a secular funeral unfolds — step by step
• Where to hold a secular funeral and how much does it cost?
• Music, poetry and personal touches at a secular funeral
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Summary
• Related Articles

Introduction

We understand that organising a farewell for a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences in life. If you are considering a secular funeral — without the involvement of clergy or liturgical elements — we want to assure you that it is a dignified, fully legitimate form of farewell that places the memories of the deceased and their unique life at its centre.

Secular funerals in Poland are growing in popularity. According to funeral industry estimates, roughly 2-3% of burial ceremonies in the country take place without religious elements — and the percentage is gradually rising, particularly in larger cities. The decision to hold a civil funeral (pogrzeb cywilny) may arise from many reasons: the wishes of the deceased themselves, the family's worldview, or simply the desire for a ceremony that is as personal and authentic as possible.

Regardless of the motivation, a secular funeral deserves the same respect and care as any other form of farewell. In this article we explain step by step what a funeral without a priest (pogrzeb bez ksiedza) entails, who leads it, how the ceremony proceeds, where it can be held and what it costs. We write with those in mind who are encountering this form of burial for the first time and need reliable, practical information.

It is worth remembering that a secular funeral does not mean a farewell devoid of emotion, ritual or symbolism. Quite the opposite — it is a ceremony that allows the family to create a fully personalised script reflecting the character, passions and values of the person being mourned. Modern families increasingly combine traditional forms of farewell with contemporary ones — one such complement is a digital memorial on Kinmory, which allows you to gather memories and photographs of your loved one in a single place accessible to everyone.

What is a secular funeral and how does it differ from a religious one?

A secular funeral (pogrzeb swiecki) is a farewell ceremony conducted without religious elements and without the participation of clergy. Instead of prayers and liturgy, the ceremony features speeches from loved ones, memories of the deceased, music chosen by the family and literary readings. The ceremony is every bit as dignified, solemn and respectful as a church funeral — it differs in form, not in the depth of feeling.

Key differences — comparison table

Why more and more Poles are choosing secular funerals

The growing popularity of secular funerals in Poland has several sources. Firstly, the secularisation of society — according to recent CBOS surveys, the proportion of Poles identifying as non-religious or non-practising is steadily increasing, especially among younger people.

Secondly, many families want a ceremony that is more personal than the standard liturgical format. A secular funeral allows the entire time to be devoted to memories, stories about the deceased's life and the expression of feelings — without the constraints imposed by religious ritual.

Thirdly, an increasing number of people express during their lifetime the wish for their farewell to take place without the involvement of the Church. Honouring this final wish is an act of deep respect for the deceased.

It is worth emphasising: choosing a secular funeral is neither "better" nor "worse" than a church funeral. It is simply a different path — and each one deserves respect.

Who leads a secular funeral? The role of the funeral celebrant

A secular funeral is led by a funeral celebrant (mistrz ceremonii / celebrant swiecki) — a professional who specialises in conducting farewell ceremonies without religious elements. This role can also be fulfilled by a family member or close friend of the deceased — although in practice the presence of an experienced celebrant ensures a smooth, dignified service.

Professional funeral celebrant — where to find one

The funeral celebrant (mistrz ceremonii pogrzebowej) is a profession that is gaining significance in Poland. A professional celebrant:

• Meets with the family before the ceremony to learn about the deceased's life story, character, passions and values
• Prepares a script tailored to the family's wishes — from the structure of speeches to the choice of music
• Conducts the service with empathy and professionalism, maintaining a dignified atmosphere
• Coordinates proceedings — keeping time, introducing speakers, managing moments of silence and music

Where to look for a funeral celebrant:

1. Funeral homes (zaklady pogrzebowe) — many funeral homes work with secular celebrants and can recommend a trusted person
2. Industry directories — online funeral service portals increasingly feature a "secular funeral" category
3. Personal recommendations — it is worth asking among acquaintances whether anyone has experience with a particular celebrant
4. Celebrant associations — organisations bringing together funeral celebrants operate in Poland

Ceremony led by the family — practical tips

If you decide that the ceremony will be led by someone from the family or circle of friends, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Preparing a script — even a short ceremony needs structure. It is worth writing down the order of elements, speech texts and technical cues (when to play music, when to hold a moment of silence)
• Emotional burden — leading the farewell for a loved one is extremely difficult emotionally. It is wise to have a "backup" speaker in case emotions make it impossible to continue
• Rehearsal — if possible, it is worth visiting the funeral chapel beforehand to familiarise yourself with the space and equipment (sound system, area for photographs)
• Timing — a typical ceremony lasts 20-45 minutes. Too short may give the impression of haste, too long may exhaust participants at an emotionally difficult moment

Certified secular celebrants

In Poland there is no single mandatory certification for funeral celebrants — it is not a legally regulated profession. However, many celebrants have completed specialist courses and training covering:

• The psychology of grief and supporting people in crisis
• Public speaking and ceremony-leading techniques
• Funeral law and administrative procedures
• Funeral etiquette

When choosing a celebrant, it is worth asking about their experience, requesting references and discussing your expectations regarding the tone and flow of the ceremony.

How a secular funeral unfolds — step by step

A typical secular funeral comprises several key elements: welcoming the mourners, a moment of silence, speeches and memories of the deceased, readings of favourite poems or literary texts, music chosen by the family, the lighting of memorial candles and farewell at the graveside or urn. The order and selection of elements are fully flexible.

The ceremony in the funeral chapel — what it looks like

Below is an example script for a secular funeral. This is a suggestion — every ceremony is different, because every life is different.

1. Welcome (3-5 minutes) The funeral celebrant welcomes those gathered, introduces themselves and outlines the flow of the service. They may begin with a quotation, poem or short reflection on memory and farewell.

2. Moment of silence (1-2 minutes) A time for quiet reflection and contemplation. It may be accompanied by instrumental music — for example, the deceased's favourite piece.

3. Life story (5-10 minutes) The celebrant presents a biography of the deceased — not a dry curriculum vitae, but the story of who they were, what they loved, what set them apart and what kind of person they were.

4. Memories from loved ones (10-15 minutes) Family and friends share their memories. These may be prepared speeches or spontaneous words. The celebrant gently moderates this part.

5. Readings and poetry (3-5 minutes) Literary works, poems or texts that were important to the deceased or that express the family's feelings are read aloud. These may be prose excerpts, lyrics or letters.

6. Music (3-5 minutes) A musical piece is performed or played. It may be the deceased's favourite song, a classical work or music specially chosen for the occasion.

7. Candle-lighting / memorial ritual (2-3 minutes) A symbolic gesture — lighting candles, laying flowers, arranging photographs. This is the moment when participants can individually say goodbye to the deceased.

8. Words of farewell and closing (2-3 minutes) The celebrant speaks final words, thanks everyone for their presence and informs them of what follows — the funeral procession (kondukt zalobny), burial and memorial meal (stypa).

Personal touches — photographs, objects, music

A secular funeral offers exceptional freedom in personalising the ceremony. Here are the elements families most often include:

• Photo slideshow — a multimedia presentation with photographs from different stages of the deceased's life
• Personal objects — items displayed on a table: books, hobby tools, sports trophies, medals
• Letters — reading a letter written to the deceased or by the deceased (e.g. a farewell prepared in advance)
• Video — playing a video recording featuring the deceased
• Flowers in colour — instead of traditional white and mourning colours, flowers in the deceased's favourite colour
• A shared gesture — for example, releasing balloons, planting a tree, singing a favourite song together

Procession and burial

After the ceremony in the funeral chapel, the funeral procession (kondukt zalobny) proceeds to the grave or columbarium. In the case of a secular funeral:

• The procession takes place without prayers — in silence or accompanied by music
• At the graveside, the celebrant speaks final words of farewell
• The family lays flowers and lights memorial candles (znicze)
• If the deceased is cremated, the urn may be interred in a columbarium or a grave — the ceremony follows the same pattern

Where to hold a secular funeral and how much does it cost?

Secular funerals can be held at municipal cemeteries (cmentarze komunalne) without any restrictions, in funeral home chapels and at crematoria. At parish cemeteries, organising a secular funeral is sometimes possible after consultation with the administrator — although not all parishes agree to this.

Municipal cemeteries

Municipal cemeteries, managed by local authorities (gminy), are open to all forms of burial — both religious and secular. These are the most common venues for civil funerals in Poland. The cemetery administration does not interfere with the form of the ceremony.

Funeral home chapels

Most modern funeral homes have farewell rooms adapted for secular ceremonies:

• The rooms are usually neutral in decor or have movable religious elements (crosses, paintings) that are discreetly covered during a secular ceremony
• Facilities: sound system, projector, space for flowers and photographs
• Some funeral homes also offer a memorial garden — an outdoor space for ceremonies in open-air conditions

Parish cemeteries — is it possible?

The situation is more complex in the case of parish cemeteries, which constitute the majority of cemeteries in Poland, particularly in smaller towns:

• Some parishes accept burial without a religious ceremony — this must be arranged with the parish priest (proboszcz)
• Others may require at least a blessing of the grave
• If refused, the alternative is a municipal cemetery in the nearest larger city
• Polish law guarantees every citizen the right to burial regardless of religion — if only a parish cemetery exists in a given municipality, the parish is obliged to provide a burial place

Cremation and secular funeral

Cremation is often chosen in combination with a secular funeral. Several dozen crematoria operate in Poland, and the farewell ceremony can take place:

• Before cremation — in the farewell room at the crematorium
• After cremation — with the urn, at a cemetery or at another location chosen by the family

It is worth knowing that Polish law requires that ashes be interred in a cemetery — scattering ashes in a forest or over water is not permitted. More about the cremation procedure can be found in the article on cremation in Poland.

How much does a secular funeral cost?

The costs of a secular funeral are comparable to those of a church funeral and typically range from 8 000 to 15 000 PLN. The main difference is that instead of a mass offering (200-500 PLN), the family pays the celebrant's fee (500-2 000 PLN). The remaining cost components — funeral home services, coffin or urn, cemetery plot — are identical regardless of the form of ceremony.

Cost breakdown — overview

Approximate prices as of March 2026. Actual costs may vary depending on the region and the scope of services chosen. Please contact your local funeral home for an up-to-date quote.

It is worth remembering that every family is entitled to the burial allowance from ZUS (zasilek pogrzebowy) of 7 000 PLN, which partially covers funeral costs — regardless of whether the funeral is religious or secular. Details about funeral costs in Poland are covered in the article on funeral costs in 2026.

Music, poetry and personal touches at a secular funeral

One of the greatest advantages of a secular funeral is the complete freedom in choosing music, literary texts and personal elements. There are no liturgical restrictions — the family can create a ceremony that perfectly reflects the personality and tastes of the deceased.

Music at a secular funeral

The choice of music is a highly individual matter. Here are the most popular directions:

• Classical music — works by Chopin, Bach, Mozart, Schubert. Chopin's "Funeral March" (Marsz zalobny) remains one of the most frequently chosen pieces, including at secular funerals
• The deceased's favourite music — songs that accompanied them in life, regardless of genre
• Film scores — soundtracks from films that held special meaning for the deceased
• Instrumental music — live performance (violin, piano, guitar) lends the ceremony a unique character
• Polish songs — many families choose Polish ballads and songs that carry messages of memory, love and the passage of time

Poetry and readings

Popular choices at secular ceremonies:

• Poems by Wislawa Szymborska (e.g. "Cat in an Empty Apartment" / "Kot w pustym mieszkaniu", "Nothing Twice" / "Nic dwa razy")
• Poetry by Czeslaw Milosz (e.g. "A Song on the End of the World" / "Piosenka o koncu swiata")
• Prose excerpts — from books the deceased loved
• Letters and texts written by the family especially for the ceremony
• Quotations from philosophers, thinkers and writers
• Song lyrics read aloud as poems

Secular funeral and tradition

It is worth emphasising that a secular funeral does not have to mean a complete break with tradition. Many families combine secular elements with traditional Polish customs:

• A memorial meal (stypa) after the ceremony — a shared meal in memory of the deceased
• Lighting memorial candles (znicze) and laying flowers at the grave
• Death notices (nekrologi) and funeral announcements (klepsydry) — informing people of the time and place of the ceremony
• Mourning (zaloba) — wearing dark clothing during the ceremony and in the period that follows

Did you know? More and more families — after both religious and secular funerals — are creating digital memorials on Kinmory, where loved ones from around the world can share memories, photographs and stories about the deceased. A digital memorial on Kinmory complements traditional forms of remembrance — gathering photos, videos and memories in one place, always accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a secular funeral legal in Poland?

Yes, a secular funeral is fully legal. Polish law does not require a religious ceremony for a burial. Every citizen has the right to any form of farewell — whether religious or secular. The Act on Cemeteries and Burial of the Deceased (Ustawa o cmentarzach i chowaniu zmarlych) does not impose an obligation to hold a religious service. The only formal requirements are possessing a medical death certificate (karta zgonu) and a death certificate (akt zgonu), regardless of the form of the ceremony.

How much does a funeral celebrant cost?

The fee for a funeral celebrant (mistrz ceremonii pogrzebowej) ranges from 500 to 2 000 PLN, depending on the scope of services and the celebrant's experience. The price usually covers a meeting with the family, preparation of a personalised ceremony script and conducting the service. Some celebrants also offer help with choosing music, readings and multimedia elements.

Can religious hymns be sung at a secular funeral?

Yes — a secular funeral does not exclude religious elements if the family wishes. The celebrant adapts the script to the family's needs and beliefs. The key characteristic of a secular funeral is that the ceremony is led by a secular celebrant rather than a member of the clergy — the content, including hymns, prayers or biblical readings, can be whatever the family chooses and depends entirely on their wishes.

How can I find a funeral celebrant in my area?

You can find a funeral celebrant (mistrz ceremonii pogrzebowej) through funeral homes (zaklady pogrzebowe), which work with secular celebrants. It is worth asking at the funeral home — many firms include secular ceremonies in their services and can recommend a trusted celebrant. You can also search in online directories of funeral services or through recommendations from people who have had experience with this form of farewell.

Summary

• A secular funeral (pogrzeb swiecki) is a dignified farewell ceremony conducted without religious elements and without the participation of clergy
• A funeral celebrant (mistrz ceremonii / celebrant swiecki) leads the service — they can be found through funeral homes or industry directories
• The ceremony is fully legal — Polish law does not require the presence of clergy or religious rites
• Venues: municipal cemeteries (without restrictions), funeral home chapels, crematoria
• Costs are comparable to a church funeral — from 8 000 to 15 000 PLN, including a celebrant fee of 500-2 000 PLN
• Full personalisation — the family decides on music, readings, symbolic elements and the structure of the ceremony
• Secular funerals in Poland — approximately 2-3% of all funerals, a growing trend (especially in larger cities)
• The burial allowance from ZUS (zasilek pogrzebowy, 7 000 PLN) is available regardless of the form of ceremony

Related Articles

• Catholic funeral — ceremony step by step — comparison with a church funeral
• Organising a funeral step by step — a practical guide — general information about arranging a burial
• Funeral costs in Poland in 2026 — a detailed breakdown of costs
• Cremation in Poland — procedure and cost — cremation is often combined with a secular funeral

Modern families complement traditions with digital memorials

A secular funeral gives the family complete freedom in shaping the form of farewell. A digital memorial on Kinmory is a natural extension of this philosophy — a lasting memory page that the family can build together, adding photographs, memories and words of farewell, regardless of faith or tradition.

Create a memorial on Kinmory