Civil funerals and remembrance ceremonies
Religious funerals may not be suitable for everyone. A civil funeral or remembrance ceremony offers a unique and sensitive alternative to a traditional funeral.
Friends and family members will be encouraged to take part. They can include favourite music, readings and treasured memories.
Civil funerals
The civil funeral ceremony is suitable for a cremation, a burial or for burying ashes. They are generally non-religious, but may include a hymn and a prayer.
Civil funerals usually take place at a crematorium, cemetery chapel or at a non-religious graveside. However they can be held at any appropriate place, except for churches or religious buildings.
Remembrance ceremonies
A remembrance ceremony celebrates the life of a loved one. It could take place at any time after a funeral, at any suitable venue. This could include a private home, a hotel or a favourite place.
A remembrance ceremony is particularly suitable for situations such as a death overseas where no funeral is possible, or on the anniversary of a death.
Organising a civil funeral or remembrance ceremony
A trained person (known as a Funeral Celebrant) will discuss with you the best way to commemorate the life of your loved one. We will work closely with funeral directors, cemetery and crematoria staff to deliver a personal and dignified service.
For more information about booking your ceremony, please contact your nearest registration office.
Finding venues for civil funerals and remembrance ceremonies
Registration offices, hotels and other venues
A number of the venues licensed to hold weddings and civil partnership ceremonies may be suitable for your civil funeral or remembrance ceremony. Venues are in one of four areas:
Cemeteries and crematoria
Most cemeteries and crematoria in East Sussex are run by district and borough councils. Full details about them are available on their websites:
Further advice for people organising a funeral
