Funeral professionals and others interested in creating more meaningful, personalized funeral ceremonies will have an opportunity to become certified celebrants this fall when Connecticut hosts its first Certified Celebrant Training.
The 2.5-day program, scheduled for Oct 13–15, 2026, in New Haven, will be hosted by Connecticut funeral director Matt Bailey and co-taught with the InSight Institute.
Bailey is a certified celebrant and certified celebrant trainer and has previously presented the program with Glenda Stansbury through the National Funeral Directors Association and other funeral service associations and organizations.
The training is designed for funeral professionals, clergy, chaplains, hospice workers and others who want to develop the skills necessary to create and deliver meaningful ceremonies that reflect the lives and personalities of the people being honored. The program also is open to people outside the funeral profession who want to learn celebrant skills.
Celebrant training has become increasingly relevant as families seek alternatives to traditional religious services and look for ceremonies that are more personalized. Certified celebrants work with funeral directors and families to create funeral, memorial and tribute services that reflect the individual life being remembered.
Bailey said in a LinkedIn post that registrations for the New Haven program are coming in strong and that, based on the current pace, a waiting list may become necessary as the event approaches.
That means if you want to attend the training, it’s absolutely imperative that you sign up now.
The training will focus on learning how to write and deliver meaningful ceremonies, while providing participants with practical tools they can take back to their funeral homes and use immediately. Bailey described the program as an opportunity for two-and-a-half days of learning, conversation, creativity and practical application.
The New Haven program will be held at the Elm City Club, according to event information shared by Bailey.
Bailey, president of Bailey Family Funeral Homes in Connecticut, has been a certified celebrant since 2015 and has served as a certified celebrant trainer through the InSight Institute. He is also one of the popular personalities on The Graveyard Shift, a podcast sponsored by Passare.
The training is particularly timely for funeral homes looking to expand their ability to serve families who want personalized ceremonies. As consumer preferences continue to evolve, celebrant-led services can provide funeral professionals with another way to help families create ceremonies centered on the story, personality and values of the person who died.
Learn more and reserve your seat.
