About James McCoy
I am an independent celebrant based in Edinburgh, trained by the International College of Professional Celebrants (ICPC) in early 2021.
I create personalised ceremonies that reflect your values, your story, and what matters most to you – whether secular, spiritual, or somewhere in between. My approach is thoughtful and collaborative, with a focus on making you feel supported and heard.
With a calm, reassuring presence, a background in writing, and extensive experience in public speaking, I take time to listen carefully and craft ceremonies that feel authentic, meaningful and true to the occasion. Whether you’re planning a wedding, a funeral, a naming ceremony or another milestone, I am here to help you mark it with confidence, clarity and care.
In addition to my work as a celebrant, I also run Eulonique, a separate service that helps people write their own eulogies and legacy letters in advance. Both sides of my work are rooted in the same values—care, clarity and helping people mark life’s moments in a way that feels true to them.
What Others Have Said
“The little touches”
“It’s only when you have time to reflect that you realise how much the little touches mean to you, such as the hard copy of the script. Once again, I would like to thank you for this.”
Note: Names and dates have been changed to protect privacy.
“You really made a difference”
“Thank you for making a difficult day much easier than it could have been – you really made a difference.”
“Professional manner”
“I would like to thank you for the sincere and professional manner in which you conducted my mother-in-law’s service. Together with the funeral home’s professionalism, it made saying goodbye a little easier.”
A little more about me
I live in the historic city of Edinburgh with my husband and our two dogs, Frankie and Islay. Originally from Chicago, I bring a blend of perspectives shaped by life in both the US and the UK. After three decades in London, I’ve embraced Edinburgh’s rich history, its natural beauty, and its gentler pace of life.
When I’m not working on ceremonies, I enjoy walking in the countryside, staying active and writing children’s stories.
My credentials
I trained as a celebrant with the International College of Professional Celebrants (ICPC), a respected organisation known for its comprehensive and high-quality training.
Their course equipped me with the skills to create and deliver ceremonies that are not only well-structured and meaningful, but also deeply personal. From careful listening to confident public speaking, the training reinforced everything I value about this work: empathy, clarity and attention to detail.
Whether I’m writing a wedding ceremony or leading a funeral service, that foundation helps me ensure every occasion is handled with care and professionalism.