Alternative Wake & Funeral Reception Venues

Inspiration for Alternative Wake and Funeral Reception Venues

A growing number of people are looking for something slightly different when it comes to locations for a funeral reception or wake. There are many possibilities, from art galleries and cinemas to botanical gardens and barges. There are some wonderful venues that will hold both the service, with the coffin present, and the funeral reception afterwards.

A Local Pub, Hotel, Members Club or Restaurant

Many people have a local pub, hotel or restaurant that holds a special meaning to them. Most venues can take care of the catering and you can personalise rooms with beautiful flowers, photos and other personal touches. Some members clubs, pubs and hotels, such as Linden House below, can host both a funeral, with the coffin present, and the wake or funeral reception afterwards.

A Celebration of Life at Sea

For someone who had an affinity with the sea, an ashes scattering ceremony or funeral reception can be held on a beach or out on the ocean. Many people have favourite locations, or a significant connection to a particular area or coastline.

Natural Burial Grounds, Remembrance Parks & Stone Barrows

Many natural burial grounds, remembrance parks and stone barrows can also hold a funeral reception or wake after a service. To find out more, please go to Woodland Burial & Natural Burial Grounds, Cemeteries & Remembrance Parks and Burial Mounds & Stone Barrows.

Botanical Gardens

Botanical gardens provide a peaceful, uplifting setting for a funeral reception or wake. Many botanical gardens have pavilions or indoor reception rooms to cater for all types of weather and can take care of the catering and other requirements.

Art Galleries or Museums

Galleries and museums provide a creative location for a funeral reception or wake, perfect for celebrating the life of someone who had a passion for art, culture or history. If they were an artist, you could consider holding a private exhibition of their work.

Cinemas and Theatres

Hosting a funeral reception or wake at a theatre or cinema is particularly fitting for someone who loved films or the arts. A tribute video or slideshow can be played, and family and friends can be invited on to the stage to share their own personal memories and stories.

Football Stadiums & Other Sporting Venues

Many football stadiums and other sporting venues, such as racecourses and golf clubs, will host a funeral celebration or wake. This can be a fitting way to honour the memory of someone who had a passion for sport.

Barns & Other Countryside Locations

For a more rustic feel, a funeral reception or wake can be held in a barn, with wooden tables, jam jars of flowers, and a light buffet and refreshments. Or, for someone who had a love of nature, a picnic in a wildflower meadow or a little glade in a woodland setting may be the perfect location.

Private Houses or Stately Homes

The UK has many beautiful historic houses and stately homes, many of which open their gardens and rooms for funeral receptions and wakes. Most offer catering in-house, or they can organise a local caterer, and some have bedrooms for family and friends travelling from afar. If you are hosting a reception at home, depending on the weather, you may wish to consider a marquee. There are some wonderful marquee companies that have particular experience with funerals and they can help with other aspects of organising the day.

Live Music Bars

For someone who loved to party, a venue with live music may be a fitting location for a funeral reception or wake. You could give the band or DJ a playlist of their favourite songs or invite guests to sing or share stories.

Village Halls or Community Centres

Village halls are often the heart of a community and can provide a lower-cost option for a funeral reception or wake. They tend to have large, open spaces that can be decorated and personalised with favourite flowers, eco-friendly balloons, photos and other personal touches.

Find Further Helpful Information About Planning Reception or Wake

If you would like further information about planning a funeral reception or wake, please go to Planning a Funeral Reception or Wake.

Find Alternative Wake or Funeral Reception Venues

To find alternative wake or funeral reception venues, please go to Funeral Reception & Wake Venues.

If you are unable to find what you are looking for, please do call us on 0203 904 4848 and we will do everything we can to help.