Second City Celebrancy

How I began

Our founder spent eleven years as a hospice chaplain before starting Second City Celebrancy in 2019. She kept meeting families who wanted a meaningful service but didn't have a congregation or clergy member to turn to — and who ended up with something generic as a result. The business started as one person taking weekend bookings and has grown to four celebrants covering the city and the collar counties.

Why families choose me

Because we write the service around the person, not around a template. Families often tell us that what they wanted most was for the service to sound like the person it was for — the right stories, the right tone, and none of the phrases nobody in the family would actually use. We're also straightforward about logistics. You'll get a written quote before you commit, a draft of the service before the day, and a direct phone number for the celebrant who will actually be leading it. No call centers, no handoffs.

How long the work usually takes

Most families are working on a one- to two-week timeline, and that's comfortable for us. Here's roughly how it goes: Initial call — same day or next day, 15 minutes, no charge Planning meeting — 60 to 90 minutes, usually within 48 hours of booking Draft of the service — sent to you within three days of that meeting Revisions — as many rounds as you need, up to 24 hours before The service itself —

Ownership