If someone you know and love has died, we offer you our deepest condolences.
Christians believe that each and every person is uniquely made in the image of God. So a Church of England funeral is a good place to give thanks for all that was special about the person you knew and loved.
A funeral led by one of our clergy team can be held in the church, in the churchyard by a graveside, at a crematorium, at a green burial site or a combination of these. It can also include unique details, whether that is what people wear, the music that is played, readings that are chosen. Prayers at a funeral can also reflect a unique life. They could include prayers for work or a hobby that has been important, for those who have cared during a final illness and for family members by name. They can be led by the vicar or by someone amongst family or friends who is at ease leading prayers in public.
We are here to support you every step of the way
Many people find that the help of a Funeral Director removes much of the stress at these very difficult times. They have much experience to help you with the difficult questions such as:
- Whether you would want a burial or a cremation
You might like to discuss this with other family members if you’re not sure what the preference was of the person who died. - Whether the funeral service should be civil, humanist or religious
Remember you don’t have to be religious or a churchgoer to have a Church of England funeral – it is open to all. - Whether there is a particular minister or celebrant you would prefer to take the funeral
- What sort of coffin you would like
- How you would like the coffin to be transported to the service
- Whether you would like flowers and/or other forms of tributes
- Help with your thinking on music and special ideas to reflect the life of the person you knew
Burials including cremated remains can still be carried out in our churchyard. Residents of the parishes, members of the church electoral role, or persons who died in the parish have a statutory right to burial in the churchyard. However, the incumbent priest can also allow burial of others who had strong connections with the parish.
There is much more information on the Church of England website about Funerals:
Funeral & Burial Fees 2025
For every funeral or burial that takes place in a Church of England church, a statutory fee is payable. Please see this list for the current fees at St Michael’s.
| Statutory Fees Chargeable | Fee (£) |
| Funeral service in the church | 234 |
| Burial of the body in the churchyard | 375 |
| Burial of cremated remains in the churchyard | 164 |
| Funeral service at the graveside followed by burial of the body | 484 |
| Funeral service at another location | see Note 1 |
| Optional Fees as agreed | Fee (£) |
| Organist | 100 |
| Choir of up to 10 singers (see Note 2) | 200 |
| Bell ringers | 175 |
| Provision of pre-recorded music etc | 40 |
| Provision of live streaming of service to family appointees | see Note 3 |
| Heating of the church (October to April inclusive) | 60 |
Note 1
The fees for a Priest to attend at a funeral service held at a crematorium and burials not in the churchyard are available by request.
Note 2
Soloists and larger choirs can be arranged by agreement.
Note 3
At present St Michael’s is unable to provide live streaming of services, but this is planned to be available from 2026. The streaming will be to named recipients only. The use of YouTube or similar will not be available.