Alternative Funeral Venues

Ideas for Alternative Funeral Locations

If you are looking for something slightly different, there are a growing number of alternative funeral venues throughout the UK that can help you to create a unique and personal farewell. They can sometimes offer greater flexibility than some of the more traditional funeral locations. Here are a few ideas:

Woodland Burial and Natural Burial Grounds

Natural burial grounds are places where loved ones can be laid to rest surrounded by nature. They are typically set amongst beautiful woodlands, wildflower meadows, or rolling hills. For further information, please go to our Inspiration page for Woodland Burial & Natural Burial Grounds.

Stone Barrows

Built using natural stone and surrounded by nature, traditional-styled stone barrows provide a beautiful setting for a service and a peaceful resting place for cremated ashes. To find out more, please go to our Inspiration page for Burial Mounds & Stone Barrows.

Pubs, Hotels & Other Hospitality Venues

An increasing number of pubs, hotels, private members clubs and other hospitality venues are able to host funerals with the coffin present. They can also usually take care of the catering and other personal touches for the funeral reception or wake, keeping everything together in one place.

Galleries, Museums and other Cultural Venues

For someone who was creative, or who had a love art and culture, a gallery, museum or theatre may provide a symbolic and meaningful location for a funeral or celebration of life.

Holding a Funeral Or Celebration of Life at Sea

A funeral or celebration of life can be held at sea, for both a burial or ashes scattering ceremony. Services can be attended or unattended and can sometimes be live streamed for family and friends ashore.

For more information please go to Ashes Scatterings & Buriasl at Sea.

Botanical Gardens

Botanical gardens can offer a peaceful setting for a funeral or celebration of life, memorial service or scatterings ashes ceremony. Some gardens allow families to plant a memorial tree or to create a personalised memorial.

National Parks & Nature Reserves

The UK has a number of national parks and nature reserves that provide peaceful and uplifting settings for celebrations of life, or other ceremonies. With wide-open spaces, ancient woodlands and beautiful lakes, they offer a quiet and gentle space for reflection and commemoration.

Estates or Historic Castles

Stately homes, castles and country estates can provide a unique and beautiful setting for a funeral, celebration of life, or memorial service. Some allow private events and ceremonies in their gardens or grounds, often with the option of a marquee.

A Funeral at Home or in a Private Garden

For a personal and intimate ceremony, a funeral or celebration of life can be held at home or in a private garden. A tree can be planted, or memorial garden created, maybe with a bench to reflect and remember.

Home funerals are becoming increasingly popular and can allow for greater involvement from family and friends.

On a River or Canal

For someone who loved canals, or just being on the water, holding a funeral or celebration of life on a canal boat or by the river can be a beautiful and meaningful way to honour and celebrate their life. Scattering ashes ceremonies can be held on barges or boats, on canals and rivers.

Find Further Helpful Information About Organising a Funeral or Celebration of Life

If you would like further information about organising a funeral or celebration of life, please go to Funeral Planning Information.

Find Alternative Funeral Venues

To find locations or venues for a funeral or celebration of life, please go to Funeral Locations.