Funerals

Comfort and support at a time of loss

Bringing the message of hope and eternal life to everyone

Candles lit in a church for loved ones who have passed away

The funeral service is an important way of marking the passing of someone's life

Whether at a church building, a crematorium or a funeral director’s chapel, a Christian funeral service holds at its heart a message of love, hope and promise. The centuries old words of the liturgy give a depth of meaning and certainty in what can be a very bewildering and disorientating time for those who are grieving.

Let's talk about funerals ...

A Christian funeral

Christian funerals are about giving the whole person to God and so your Minister will work with you to weave into the service words and music that are personal to you and the deceased. Family contributions in either reading a passage of Scripture or chosen poems, music and tributes are always welcome.

Ministers work closely with you and the funeral directors to ensure that you feel supported through the occasion.

For more information on Anglican funerals please visit Church of England Funerals or use the contact form on this page to get in touch.

A cross on a hill with the sun setting behind

What sort of funeral?

Every funeral and every death is different: you might be hurting with the tragedy of an unexpected death, or perhaps you are grateful for a long and fruitful life. Some deaths will be especially traumatic, distressing or unexpected. The Church has special funerals for children, or after sudden or violent deaths, including suicide. We would be glad to talk with you about what is possible.

Everyone is entitled to have a funeral in their parish church regardless of whether they attended church or not. Funerals can be big occasions with a packed church or can be very small quiet ceremonies.

A funeral procession behind a coffin entering church

Ongoing support

Funerals can also raise profound personal questions about the meaning of life and death, this is perfectly normal. There may not be much time around the funeral to properly reflect on these matters, but you can come back to them later and a member of the Ministry Team will be very happy to talk with you about how you are feeling and the questions and thoughts this has raised. The OVMC runs a bereavement course which you are invited to access usually a year after a death.

A statue in a churchyard of a parent holding a child's hand

Opportunities to remember

Across the OVMC there are special services around All Souls Day (end of October) which provide an opportunity to remember your loved ones. At Ottery Church there is a special service at Christmas called “Blue Christmas” allowing a quiet time of reflection during what can be a very painful time of memory.

A statue in a churchyard of a mother holding a child

Booking the funeral

Please complete the form below. The OVMC Administrator will then contact you to discuss and plan the service.

There are fees for a funeral which differ according to a) whether there is a service held in church, at the graveside, at a cemetery or other location, b) where the body or cremated remains are being buried, c) when the burial is happening and d) if cremation is happening on the day of the service.

If a committal (burial only no service) is required, there is a separate price for this.

There are no fees if the person was under 18. There may be travel expenses for the minister taking the funeral.

The fees quoted here are valid for 2024.

There are a number of optional extras you can add to your church wedding service. The options and their prices vary per church so will be discussed with you by the OVMC Administrator once you have sent in your booking form.

  • Heating

    Add some heating during the winter to warm up the occasion
    A radiator in church

  • Organist

    Have the music you have chosen played on the church organ
    An organist playing an organ in church

  • Verger

    Have an expert on hand before and after the service to help with proceedings
    A verger in verger gown with wand