# Church of England funerals

> A Church of England funeral can be held in the parish church, at a crematorium or at a cemetery chapel, and is led by a vicar or other minister using the Common Worship funeral service. Anyone who lives in the parish can ask for one, whether or not they attended church. Both burial and cremation are accepted.

Source: https://funeralfinder.org/faiths/church-of-england/ — FuneralFinder

## Key facts

- **Burial or cremation:** Either is fine
- **Where:** Parish church, crematorium chapel, cemetery chapel or graveside
- **Who can have one:** Anyone living in the parish may ask the local vicar, regardless of church attendance
- **Churchyard burial:** Parishioners may be able to be buried in the churchyard if it is still open for burials
- **Fees:** Church fees are set nationally each year; your funeral director usually pays them as a disbursement

## What happens at a Church of England funeral

The service usually includes a welcome, hymns, Bible readings (Psalm 23 and John 14 are popular), a tribute or eulogy, a sermon, prayers, the commendation and the committal. Families have a lot of freedom to include music, poems and personal tributes, and the vicar will normally visit or call to plan the service with you.

If the service is in church, the committal can follow at the churchyard, a cemetery or a crematorium. Many families also choose a short service at the crematorium only, led by a minister.
Every family and community is different. Use this as a starting point, follow the wishes of the person who died, and ask their faith leader or community for guidance.

## Etiquette

- **What to wear:** Traditionally dark clothing, though many families now ask for bright colours or a particular theme.
- **What to say:** “I’m so sorry for your loss.” Sharing a memory of the person is always welcome.
- **Flowers:** Flowers are welcome unless the family asks for donations instead.

## FAQs

### Do you have to go to church to have a Church of England funeral?

No. Anyone who lives in a parish can ask the local vicar to take their funeral, whether or not they attended church.

### Can I be buried in a churchyard?

Parishioners may be entitled to burial in the churchyard if it is still open for burials. Many churchyards are full, so ask the vicar or parish office.