Anne Barber is the Managing Director of Civil Ceremonies Ltd and a pioneer in the development of non-religious ceremonies in the United Kingdom. In 2002, she created and established Civil Funerals in the UK, a milestone that transformed the way families could honour loved ones with personal and meaningful services. Building on this success, she founded the Institute of Civil Funerals in 2004, which has since become a recognised body dedicated to the training and support of civil celebrants across the country.
Anne’s professional journey began in the corporate sector, where she held senior roles including New Project Director at Lifecycle Marketing Ltd and Distribution Director at Bounty Services (UK) Ltd. These experiences provided her with strong expertise in management, innovation and service delivery, skills that she later channelled into the civil ceremonies sector. Over the past two decades, she has worked extensively with Local Authorities and Registration Districts across the UK to establish and embed a wide range of services including Naming Ceremonies, Renewal of Marriage Vows Ceremonies, Commitment Ceremonies and Civil Funerals.
Anne is also a published author, having written The Complete Guide to Naming Ceremonies in 2008, a practical and widely respected handbook for celebrants and families alike. Recognising the need for accessible resources in the sector, she went on to establish celebrantsupplies.co.uk, a dedicated platform offering materials and support for celebrants. In 2014, demonstrating her commitment to social responsibility and community support, she co-founded the Child Funeral Charity with industry colleagues, an organisation that provides vital assistance to families facing the loss of a child. Anne continues to serve as a trustee of the charity.
Academically, Anne holds a BA (Hons) in Business Studies and an MBA, qualifications which underpin her expertise in leadership, strategic development and organisational growth. Her unique blend of business acumen, entrepreneurial spirit and compassion has enabled her to shape Civil Ceremonies Ltd into a respected leader in the sector.
Through her vision, dedication and innovation, Anne has not only professionalised civil ceremonies in the UK but also inspired a generation of celebrants, leaving a legacy of choice, dignity and inclusivity for families nationwide.