Frequently Asked Questions

Where can we hold a cremation in Cornwall?

Information about the crematoriums in Cornwall can be found here.

Where can we hold a funeral or memorial service other than at the crematorium or graveside?

A list of some of the local churches or meeting places can be found here.

Where can we hold a burial or purchase an exclusive right of burial?

Examples of some local Cemeteries, Churchyards or Natural Burial Sites can be found here.

What is an Exclusive Right of Burial?

Otherwise known as purchasing a burial plot. ... This is officially known as the 'Exclusive Right of Burial', you are purchasing the exclusive right to say who will be buried in that grave for a set period. This is more like purchasing a lease. Burial rights also include the right to erect a memorial.

Is there a price difference between Burial and Cremation?

As a rule of thumb a cremation would usually cost a little less than a burial, however the costs can be very similar. Costs also vary depending on the individual crematorium or cemetery chosen. For example burial cost charged by Cornwall Council is over double the cost charged by some Parish Cemeteries or Churchyards.

When arranging burial there may be the cost of purchasing a grave, as well as the burial fee itself. There is also usually a service held at a separate venue, often incurring additional costs. Adding all of this together would usually work out more expensive than cremation. However if a grave is already owned by the family and the service is held at the graveside, this may end up costing less than cremation.

Cremation fees vary depending on the chosen crematorium, there are even a scale of fees for each crematorium.

My loved one passed away unexpectedly and a different Funeral company attended at the time, are we obliged to use their company for the whole funeral service?

No, you can use any Funeral Director, including us to take over the funeral service for you. The company that attended are contracted and employed by H M Coroner’s Service and Devon and Cornwall Police to transport your loved one to the local mortuary at Treliske Hospital, Truro, where the Coroner’s Service and their Pathologists will carry out any investigation that may be needed. When those investigations are complete we can bring your loved one into our care in Newquay.

How many people can be seated in a limousine?

Our limousine seats 7 people excluding the driver and we can hire more limousines if you so wish.

How long do I have to register a death?

You must make an appointment to register a death in Cornwall on 0300 1234 181 as the death needs to be registered within 5 days. There are many exceptions to this rule/guideline and we will be able to advise you at your time of need.

Can I design and print my own service sheets?

Yes, of course. We can help you if you need, by providing you with a template to start with or by printing your design for you.

Do I have to have a Vicar or Officiant to take a funeral service?

No, if you opt to have a funeral held at a crematorium or directly to a cemetery you can choose to have whatever kind of funeral you would like, including one led by family or friends or even without someone traditionally leading the service at all. You could spend time listening to music or watching a visual tribute. We can help you with that.

Can we do our own bearing of the coffin on the day of the funeral?

Of course, we will help you along the way. You can provide either 4 or 6 bearers if you would like to do it yourselves completely, or if you don’t have a full 4 or 6 we can stand in a help to create a mixed team. If you are worried about differing heights or physical abilities, we have solutions for those issues so all people can help out if they would like.

What can I do if I can’t afford a funeral?

Don’t worry, we will make sure that we provide your loved one with a funeral that you can afford with a term of payment that helps you. We can also advise you on how to claim funding for funeral expenses from the Government.

What happens to the flowers following a funeral?

The flowers following a burial are placed on the grave once the process is complete, but for cremation services, we will ask you whether you would like them to take home yourselves or we can take them to your home for you, we can donate them to local care establishments on your behalf or they can be left on display for 7 days at the crematorium after which they are recycled by composting.

Are there limited times that I can visit my loved one in the Chapel of Rest?

No, there are no limitations on when you can visit the Chapel of Rest or office. We do not operate to strict office hours and both of our premises are located at our home so we have the freedom and flexibility to be able to meet you at almost any time. If you would like to visit the Chapel of Rest please do call us on 01637 851199 to ensure one of us is available and to arrange a time to visit.

Can my loved one be rested at home before the funeral?

Yes. We will be able to advise you on how best we can make this possible for you.

Can you help me to arrange an Eco Funeral?

Yes we can. We can help you to arrange a Green or Eco Funeral, there are numerous green burial site in and around the county and there are many of other sustainable, recycled or eco friendly options that you can add to the service including coffins for example.

My loved one has died abroad or somewhere else in the country can you help?

Of course. We are able to arrange to bring your loved one home to Cornwall from anywhere in the country for their funeral to take place. We can also liaise with the relevant authorities and agencies to help return your loved one to Cornwall if they have passed away abroad.

If your loved one passes away abroad there are certain processes that must be followed including the involvement of the Coroner upon their arrival here in Cornwall and we will be able to advise and take care of this for you .

If your loved one dies here in Cornwall and they wished to be taken elsewhere in the country for their funeral, we are also able to help you with that.

Useful Links

Information on cremation law, https://www.cremation.org.uk/cremation-law

Information on Probate, https://www.gov.uk/applying-for-probate/who-can-apply

Cornwall Coroner’s Service, https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/advice-and-benefits/deaths-funerals-and-cremations/the-cornwall-coroner/

Registering a death in Cornwall, https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/advice-and-benefits/cornwall-registration-service/birth-death-marriage-and-civil-partnership-certificates/