Celebration of Life 

Covington-McGee Wedding & Christian Counseling Chapel(Arizona Covenant Christian Counseling) , led by Dr. Mel McGee, provides professional funeral officiant and memorial services in addition to their faith-based counseling. Their specific mission as funeral celebrants is to officiate meaningful, respectful, and affordable funeral and cremation services.

Services

In addition to officiating ceremonies, Dr. McGee brings over 32 years of experience working across hospitals, hospices, and military installations. To help families navigate their loss, the practice provides:

Grief & Bereavement Counseling

  • One-on-one virtual or in-person sessions to navigate coping issues.

Bereavement Support Group

*A recurring group session hosted by Dr. McGee to share coping skills with others experiencing loss ($20 per session).

Funeral Service 

We provide  Funeral, & Memorial Services .

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Compassionate, beautiful, and deeply personal tribute
"Losing my grandmother was incredibly difficult, and our family wanted a true 'Celebration of Life' that focused on her joyful spirit and faith rather than a somber, rigid funeral. Dr. Mel McGee was an absolute anchor for us during this heartbreaking time. She took the time to listen to our stories, capturing my grandmother's unique personality and legacy perfectly. The service she officiated at the chapel was full of grace, compassion, and comforting words that brought our family immense peace. Dr. McGee struck the perfect balance between clinical professionalism and a deeply felt, supportive pastoral presence. She made a tough day beautiful, and her office even followed up to offer grief support resources afterward. We are so grateful for her kindness."Tommy Valdez

In Texas, there are no specific laws or licensing requirements regulating who can act as a funeral celebrant, officiant, or master of ceremonies. While the state heavily regulates the structural, logistical, and sanitary aspects of the death care industry, the ceremonial aspects remain entirely up to the family. 

Funeral Celebrants/Officiants: Anyone can legally lead a funeral service, deliver a eulogy, or coordinate a memorial in Texas. No state certification, religious ordination, or formal license is required. 

Key Texas Laws Affecting Memorial Services

  • Location Freedom: You do not have to hold a service at a licensed funeral home. Celebrants can lead services at private homes, parks, religious buildings, or rented venues. However, actual physical burials are restricted by local municipal zoning and city codes. 

  • Control of the Ceremony: Under Texas law, the person who holds the right to control the disposition of remains (such as a designated agent via a Texas Funeral Service Commission appointment form, a surviving spouse, or adult children) has absolute legal authority to choose the celebrant and dictate the structure of the service.
  • Procession Legalities: If a celebrant participates in a vehicle procession moving from the service venue to the burial site, the caravan is protected under Texas Transportation Code Chapter 545. However, it must be led by a licensed funeral director or a law enforcement escort to maintain legal right-of-way. 

Arizona does not require a state license or government registration to officiate a funeral or memorial service.

Leading the Ceremony

  • No License Needed: Anyone can lead a funeral or memorial service in Arizona.
  • Roles: Family members, friends, life-cycle celebrants, and religious or secular leaders can all officiate without state approval.
  • No Legal Paperwork: Unlike weddings, conducting a funeral service involves no state forms, registers, or legal filings for the officiant.