James Montgomery-Heffernan

Hello, I’m James – Welcome to JMH Celebrancy

I’m James Montgomery-Heffernan, the founder of JMH Celebrancy, based in Shepperton, Surrey. I create personal, meaningful and inclusive ceremonies for funerals, celebrations of life, weddings, vow renewals and naming ceremonies across Surrey and surrounding areas.

I’ve always been a people person, with a genuine interest in hearing people’s stories and understanding what makes them unique.

Before becoming a celebrant, I spent many years in senior leadership roles within housing and community services, supporting individuals and families through challenging and often sensitive circumstances. These experiences taught me the importance of listening, compassion, dignity and making people feel genuinely understood.

Those values are at the heart of JMH Celebrancy.

Funerals and Celebrations of Life

Saying goodbye to someone you love is never easy. I work closely with families to create meaningful farewells that reflect their loved one’s personality, relationships and memories. I believe funerals can include warmth, laughter and wonderful stories alongside the sadness, celebrating the moments that made someone special.

Weddings and Celebrations of Love

Every love story is different, and your ceremony should reflect yours. Whether romantic, traditional, relaxed or wonderfully unconventional, I’ll help create a celebration that feels authentic, memorable and personal to you both. From heartfelt vows to symbolic rituals, your ceremony should tell your story in your own way.

Naming and Welcoming Ceremonies

Welcoming someone into a family deserves to be celebrated. Whether it’s a newborn baby, an older child, an adoption or a blended family, I create ceremonies that celebrate love, belonging and the important people in a child’s life.

A Little More About Me

I’m warm, approachable and compassionate, with a sense of humour and a genuine passion for making people feel comfortable. Inclusion and accessibility are especially important to me, and I welcome people of all backgrounds, beliefs, identities and family circumstances.

I’ve completed the Centre of Excellence Becoming a Celebrant course and am nearing completion of my Level 3 Diplomas in Funeral Celebrancy and Couples & Naming Celebrancy with IPC Celebrant Training.

I’m also proud to be a member of the Association of Independent Celebrants (AOIC).

For me, celebrancy is about more than delivering words. It’s about listening, building trust and creating moments that people will treasure.

Whatever the occasion, I’d love to hear your story and help you create something wonderfully personal.

JMH Celebrancy – For every hello, I do and goodbye.

www.jmhcelebrancy.co.uk