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Many people approach a funeral director immediately after a death occurs to arrange a cremation. The funeral director will make sure we receive the necessary forms and help you with the funeral arrangements.

The following forms have to be completed:

  • Certificate for burial or cremation issued by the registrar
  • Application form (form 1) signed by the next of kin or executor
  • Medical certificate (form 4) signed by a doctor (you will have to pay for this)
  • If the death is referred to the coroner then a form 4 is not needed instead you will get a certificate for cremation (form 6)

Our short guide explains some of the choices available to you:

Cremation services are available at the following crematoria:

  • Weston Mill Crematorium (seats 100 with space for standing)
  • Efford Crematorium (seats 70 with space for standing)

Apply for a cremation

Notice of cremation

The service

Services in the chapel are booked at 45 minute intervals from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. The time allowed in the chapel is 30 minutes. The remaining 15 minutes is used for the entry and exit of the mourners and the removal of the coffin and viewing floral tributes. We also offer an hour long service every day at 12.15pm.

The content of the service can be made up of poems, prayers, hymns, personal music and tributes about the person.

You can look around the chapel and grounds before the service. Email cemeteries@plymouth.gov.uk or call 01752 307770 to organise a date and time to look around the chapel. The grounds are open 365 days a year so have a look around them at your leisure.

The committal

While the service is in progress the coffin rests on the catafalque (platform for the coffin). The committal ceremony usually takes place towards the end of the service. At this point the curtains are usually closed, screening the coffin from sight.

The coffin remains where it rests until all the mourners have left the chapel. You may request that the curtains aren't closed, although the words of committal will still be said. If the coffin curtains aren't closed the coffin will remain in sight the whole time. If you wish to witness the committal you'll need to inform us when you book the cremation so we can make the necessary arrangements.

The funeral director will come into the chapel while the exit music is being played. They'll greet the main mourner asking them to follow them to where the floral tributes are on display. The flowers will remain there for viewing for five days.

The cremation

The cremation is usually carried out shortly after the service and always within 24 hours of the funeral. Each cremation is carried out separately and the coffin is cremated with the body. All the remains are removed before the next cremation and an identity card is used throughout to ensure correct identification.

The cremated remains will be ready for collection (normally from your funeral director) on the next working day. If you need them on the same day then your service will need to be in the morning.

Cremated remains

Cremated remains can be scattered in a garden of remembrance, buried in a churchyard or cemetery, or kept. We offer a wide range of keepsakes for retention of cremated remains. There is no need to make a hurried decision about any memorials or the final resting place of the cremated remains as we can look after the remains for up to one month to give you time to consider. If no wishes have been expressed, the funeral director or crematorium staff will contact the relative before disposal.