Who we are
Professional celebrants for creating and officiating bespoke ceremonies in Italy
Photo by Simona Filippini
Our Celebrants
Different backgrounds, same passion
SARAH
💬Native English speaker, fluent Italian bilingual
— based in Amelia, Umbria
I grew up in Australia and studied History and Literature there, in the US and in Italy. I moved to Italy permanently after my Ph.D and lived in Rome before moving to Amelia in Umbria where I live in the countryside with my family (where we produce our own olive oil). As well as being a celebrant, I work as a translator and lead walking tours. In my spare time I sing in a choir and study music. I received my training as a celebrant in the UK from FOIC. I was one of the first celebrants in Italy to become a certified celebrant.
CLARISSA
💬Native English speaker, fluent Italian bilingual
— based in Rome, Lazio
I grew up in the UK and studied English and Italian literature at Cambridge University. I taught Language and Translation Studies at Roma Tre University for many years and I now work as a literary translator from Italian. I sing and play the violin, viola and mandolin. I received my training as a celebrant in the UK from FOIC, and later earned my NOCN level three diploma. I am also an accredited member of Humanists UK. Together with Sarah, I was one of the first celebrants in Italy to become a certified celebrant. I also train Italian celebrants with the national professional association FederCelebranti.
GIULIA
💬Native Italian speaker, advanced English
— based in Amelia, Umbria
I grew up in Rome and have lived in Amelia, Umbria, for many years. I studied Biotechnology at La Sapienza University in Rome, but after my degree I decided to follow my interests in communication and human relationships and became a professional counsellor. I was drawn by the same reasons to train as a celebrant and enjoy getting to know people’s stories. I also love to paint and I work in an art studio of decorative arts in Amelia. I trained as a celebrant with Cerimonie Uniche.
RENATA
💬Native Italian speaker, fluent bilingual German speaker, advanced English
— based in Rome
I was born in Rome and studied the history of theatre at La Sapienza University in Rome. I worked at the Goethe House Museum in Rome and was the director of a humanities research centre. I trained to be a celebrant with the national association Federcelebranti. I am a celebrant, writer, and screenwriter. I love contributing to people’s happiness through my work as a celebrant.
Our Story
Celebrating life's Passaggi since 2014After gaining diplomas in Funeral Celebrancy and Wedding Celebrancy in the UK from the Fellowship of Independent Celebrants (FOIC), Clarissa and Sarah formed Passaggi in order to provide support and ritual to people who seek non-religious ceremonies for the important passages of life: funerals, weddings, civil unions, naming ceremonies and renewal of vows.
We have since had the privilege to expand our team with the addition of Giulia, Aldo and Renata and to celebrate funerals in Rome and Central Italy and weddings throughout Italy.
We are all members of the national association of celebrants Federcelebranti. Clarissa and Sarah are involved in training and examining Italian celebrants on behalf of Federcelebranti. We firmly believe that growing the number of well-trained celebrants in Italy will not only raise the standard of the profession but also provide more options for the growing number of people seeking them for important moments in their lives.
Since our humble beginnings in 2014, we’ve made a name for ourselves collecting positive mentions in the press and kind words from people who have used our services.
All of this would not have been possible on our own: as independent celebrants we’ve been able to rely on a structured network of collaborators who have contributed to different aspects of our work with professionalism and care.
We’re proud of what we’ve achieved together so far and are looking forward to what comes next!
Our Values
Ideals all our celebrants strongly believe inProviding ceremony to acknowledge all life celebrations and significant events;
Preserving the right of personal choice and decision in ceremonies;
Maintaining the highest standards of professional and personal conduct;
Maintaining truth, accuracy, dignity and integrity;
Serving all individuals with respect, sensitivity and professionalism;
Providing a service that recognises the unique personalities of all individuals, being sensitive to their needs, wishes, values, philosophical and spiritual beliefs and cultural backgrounds;
Maintaining cultural awareness with our ceremonies and services;
Refuse to discriminate on the basis of gender, religion, philosophy of life, ethnicity, age, disability or sexual orientation.
Your ceremony, your way
We’re here to help bring your ideas to life
Press mentions we’re proud of
Image credits
Simona Filippini (photo of Sarah), Elisa Michelini - Studiospettro (photo of Giulia), Andrea Cittadini (photo of Renata)
