About James McCoy

A bald man with a mustache is standing with his arms crossed, looking confidently at the camera. He is wearing a blue sweater over a collared shirt, standing near a window with natural light.

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 helping 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 are planning a wedding, funeral, naming ceremony or other milestone, I am here to help you mark it with clarity, confidence and care. I also hold full public liability insurance, offering extra reassurance to both families and professionals.

In addition to my work as a celebrant, I run Eulonique, a separate service that helps people write their own eulogies and legacy letters in advance. Both parts of my work are rooted in the same values: care, clarity, and helping people mark life’s moments in ways that feel true to them.

What Others Have Said

Funeral program for a service at Harwood Park Crematorium on March 1, 2021, with a pink flower and dark purple background honoring Mary Elizabeth Smith, who lived from September 15, 1930, to January 15, 2021

“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.

People sitting in a church during a memorial or funeral service, facing a wooden casket adorned with candles and dried plants, with floral arrangements on the side.

“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

James McCoy in a quilted vest sitting on a park bench with two dogs, overlooking a serene cityscape with a castle in the background.

James McCoy wearing a green quilted vest and beanie kneeling on a park path with two leashed dogs, surrounded by autumn trees.

James McCoy walking two dogs through a serene park with tall trees and fallen autumn leaves, creating a picturesque natural setting.

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.