Alternative Cremation Venue
It is a natural assumption when planning a cremation funeral that the service must take place at the crematorium chapel, unless a church service is planned first. This is not necessarily the case.
We regularly take families to a completely different type of venue – either Pembroke Lodge in Richmond Park or Chiltern Park, a natural burial ground in Beaconsfield that allows their ceremonial hall to be used for cremation services. The service is held at the venue, the actual cremation then takes place afterwards at a local crematorium and is unattended.
Pembroke Lodge
Pembroke Lodge is a wonderful building nestled within the stunning nature of Richmond Park, overlooking the valley and river Thames in the distance.
The Belvedere is a private suite that can accommodate up to 200 guests for a funeral service with the coffin present.
The coffin will be placed elegantly on trestles in front of the main windows looking out onto the private terrace and woodland views beyond.
As you book the venue for 4 hours, there is complete privacy and the service can be more relaxed. Services are typically around 45 minutes to one hour long.
The reception is then held in the same room afterwards (once the coffin has been taken away by us).
Chiltern Park
Although a natural burial ground, Chiltern Park allow their woodland hall to be used for cremation services, and there’s also the option of using the separate Gathering Hall as a wake venue.
Just a 30 – 40 minute drive from SW London, will transport you to a most peaceful setting surrounded by nature. As you arrive, you drive along a woodland road before turning into the forest. It’s an entirely different atmosphere – less funereal.
The Woodland Hall is a beautiful wood and glass building that sits within the forest. Its natural light with panoramic views into the woodland provides a calm setting where you can quietly contemplate.
The service time is up to one hour, with around 20 minutes either side of the service to gather and leave, avoiding the ‘one in, one out’ scenario typical of a crematorium.
Less formal style
Typically with this setting, we use our hearsette transport (more discreet in such a natural environment) and preplace the coffin in the Woodland Hall before family arrive. But – everything is flexible, so if you wished to add more of a procession and different transport, it is not a problem at all – we work to what you feel is right.
The coffin is placed on wooden trestles in front of the glass doors leading out into the woodland. A natural style coffin suits this venue best. If immediate family wish to have a few private moments before the service starts we can arrange this.
As guests arrive in the Courtyard gathering area or Gathering Hall if it’s raining, we often play a personal playlist chosen by the family. This just helps to both calm and warm the atmosphere.
The Woodland Hall has a screen where a slideshow can be played during the service if you wish. And it has the Obitus digital music system which we organise for you.
A private space
Seating is individual chairs rather than pews, which means families can sit together in their own bubbles, rather than being separated.
What makes Chiltern Park unique is that you feel like you have your own private space and most importantly – unhurried time. As the service ends, everyone can file past the coffin into the woodland – a small touch that makes a big difference.
After the service, the coffin is discreetly moved to the Vestry room before being transported to the nearby Amersham crematorium. Family members do not follow this journey (it’s classed as a direct cremation)
Family then collect their loved one’s ashes from Chiltern Park a week or so later, or can choose to inter or scatter them at the natural burial ground.
The most common comment we hear after holding a service here, is people asking if they can book their slot for the future!
Recommended caterers at Chiltern Park:
- Hibiscus: speak to Jo on 07771 995038 / 01494 674584
- A Movable Feast: speak to Jill Mayo on 07947 145808 / 01494 873145
- Truly Scrumptious: speak to Tania on 07748 248 916
