Can a Funeral Service be recorded?

Yes, of course. Every crematorium now has the facility the record and live stream the ceromony. This can easily be set up before the funeral by the funeral director and crematorium. For services taking place elsewhere an external team will need to be engaged to provide the necessary equipment although some churches have a simple setup that would be sufficient.

General Etiquette & Customs

1. Always Obtain Consent

• Family permission: The immediate family (or whoever is arranging the funeral) must explicitly agree to any recording.

• Venue permission: Churches, crematoria, and cemeteries often require advance notice and may have rules about where cameras can be placed.

• Individual consent: If guests are visible or audible in the recording, it’s polite—and sometimes legally required—to inform them that filming is taking place (often through a small sign or announcement).

2. Discretion Is Key

• Professional videographers usually use small, silent cameras, placed unobtrusively at the back or side.

• No bright lights or camera flashes should ever be used.

• Operators typically dress in dark, formal clothing and avoid moving around during the service.

3. Respect Religious or Cultural Rules

Different faiths and traditions have specific views about recording:

4. What’s Typically Recorded

Most families ask for:

• The arrival of guests and coffin,

• Eulogies, readings, and music,

• Sometimes the committal or graveside service,

• And optionally, a short montage or tribute video after.

Some skip moments they consider too personal (like the lowering of the coffin or private family prayers).

5. Privacy & Sharing

• Families often request password-protected streaming links or private video uploads (e.g., unlisted YouTube or Vimeo).

• Public sharing (like on social media) is rare and generally discouraged unless everyone involved agrees.

• A copy is usually given to the family on USB, DVD, or via digital download, and they control further sharing.

6. Tone and Presentation

• Background music (if used in edited videos) should be appropriate and licensed.

• Titles often include the person’s name, dates, and maybe a brief message (“A Celebration of the Life of…”).

• The video is usually kept simple, respectful, and documentary-style rather than cinematic.

What they typically offer

• Full-service video recording of the funeral or memorial (arrivals, ceremony, etc).

• Live streaming (so that people unable to attend in person can watch remotely), and then a downloadable or USB copy of the service.

• Edited memorial video montages or slideshows (photos & music) to be played during or after the service.

• Discreet and professional approach, adapting to different venues (church, crematorium, graveside, home) and cultures/faiths.

Holmes & Family Funeral Directors in Staines and Ashford, Surrey are able to help with the recording and live streaming of services. Please call us on 01784 455939 for more information.