Funeral Live Stream Services: Complete Guide to How to Live Stream a Funeral
Funeral Streaming Options: A UK Guide for Families
Every farewell is unique. Some families want a simple streaming setup from one location; others need coverage across multiple venues. This guide walks you through the various funeral streaming options available in the UK, along with their pros and cons, to help you decide what will best suit your family’s wishes.
What Is Funeral Streaming and How Does It Work?
Funeral streaming allows people who can’t attend in person—whether due to distance, illness, or travel restrictions—to participate in a service in real time. A private, secure video link is shared, so invited guests can watch the service live from anywhere in the world.
In recent years, especially following the pandemic, funeral live streaming has become a much more common and accepted way to include loved ones from abroad, those too unwell to travel, or family members who need to watch from work or home.
It’s more than just a video. Done well, it provides a genuine connection to the moment, allowing viewers to feel included and supported during a difficult time.
Key Considerations Before You Choose Your Option:
Before you decide on a streaming option, consider the following:
Venue & internet connectivity – Not all churches, crematoria or cemeteries have reliable WiFi or signal access. You may need bonded 4G/5G connections.
Audio & video quality – Clear sound is essential. Viewers need to hear hymns, eulogies, and sermons without interruption.
Camera angles & coverage – Fixed cameras often miss important views, like the entrance, pallbearers, or family moments.
Privacy & security – You should have control over who can view the stream. Links should be discreet and not publicly searchable.
Recording availability – Can viewers watch later if they miss it live? Will you receive a copy to keep?
Multiple locations – Will the funeral move between a church, cemetery, or reception venue? You may need flexible mobile coverage.
UK Funeral Streaming Options: Pros and Cons
Below are three of the most common streaming approaches used in the UK today. Each has different features, benefits, and limitations.
1. DIY Funeral Streaming (Phone/Tablet)
Some families attempt to livestream the funeral themselves using a smartphone or tablet and a platform like Facebook Live, Zoom, or WhatsApp.
Pros:
Very low cost or free
Easy to use for those familiar with the platform
Quick to set up
Cons:
Unstable mobile signal in many churches or cemeteries
Shaky footage, poor framing, limited audio
Can be distracting to guests if someone is holding a phone
Lack of technical backup if something goes wrong
Often misses key moments or cuts out unexpectedly
DIY streaming is usually only suited for very small, informal funerals or where no other options are available. It can sometimes do more harm than good if the quality is poor or the stream fails altogether.
2. Venue-Installed Streaming (Fixed Cameras)
Many crematoriums and some churches now offer built-in streaming systems. These are usually fixed cameras installed near the altar or lectern.
Pros:
Convenient and often included in venue hire
Consistent setup with minimal input from the family
Usually reliable if run by experienced staff
Cons:
Limited to one or two fixed angles
No ability to zoom or adjust to focus on family or speakers
Sound may be patchy, especially for hymns or group singing
No option for including outdoor elements (like the graveside)
Feels less personal or cinematic
Venue-based systems are a simple option when you want reliable coverage without added complexity, but they lack the flexibility and emotional connection of more tailored filming.
3. Professional Funeral Streaming Services
Professional Funeral Streaming is the service we provide. A professional funeral videographer brings cameras, microphones, tripods, mobile internet connections, and all the equipment needed to deliver a high-quality stream across one or multiple venues.
What’s included:
Two-camera setup (wide and close)
Bonded 4G/5G internet (up to 4 networks for stability)
Clear audio from minister, lectern, singers, and ambient sound
Discreet, respectful presence
Secure private link
Full HD stream (1080p)
Stream remains online for 12 months
Downloadable HD copy to keep
Viewer report (on request)
Advantages:
Highest video and sound quality
Flexible filming across multiple locations
Fully managed and monitored in real time
Peace of mind for the family
Can include tribute slideshows, drone footage (if permitted), and other custom elements
Considerations:
More expensive than DIY or fixed venue options
Requires coordination with venue and funeral director
Professional streaming is ideal for families who want the service to be captured in a meaningful, respectful, and cinematic way—especially when people are watching from across the world.
Example Scenarios & Recommendations
Church only: A fixed camera may suffice, but professional coverage allows more creativity and close-ups.
Church + burial: Professional service recommended to transition between locations smoothly.
Cemetery only: Outdoor venues need flexible equipment and mobile signal bonding—DIY not suitable.
Large overseas family audience: High-quality professional stream offers the best experience for distant viewers.
Private, low-key service: A discreet single-camera professional stream provides coverage without disruption.
Our Process: What You Can Expect
We handle everything so you don’t have to worry. Here’s how we typically work:
Consultation – We discuss your needs, locations, number of expected remote viewers, and any extras (photography, tribute video etc.)
Liaison – We contact the church, funeral director, and cemetery (if needed) to plan access, power, setup locations and confirm logistics.
Arrival and Setup – We arrive early, set up multiple cameras and microphones, and test all connections.
Live Streaming – On the day, we discreetly manage the stream, switching between cameras, controlling audio, and monitoring the connection.
Aftercare – The full recording stays online for 12 months and can be downloaded. We can also provide highlights or edited clips.
Everything is handled with discretion, care, and a deep respect for the occasion.
Understanding the Costs of Funeral Streaming
When considering funeral streaming services, cost is naturally an important factor. Prices can vary depending on the type of service, the complexity of the event, and the number of locations involved. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
1. DIY Streaming
Cost: Free or very low (e.g. cost of mobile data or accessories)
What’s included: Basic streaming via a mobile phone or tablet using apps like Facebook Live or Zoom
Limitations: No backup, poor sound/video quality, and high risk of failure
2. Venue-Provided Webcasting
Cost: Typically £50–£100 depending on the venue
What’s included: A fixed-position camera, managed by venue staff (usually with limited views and no editing)
Limitations: No control over angles, audio is often inconsistent, and usually only covers the chapel service
3. Professional Funeral Streaming (Our Service)
Starting Price: £750 for the main location (e.g. church or crematorium)
Additional Locations: £250 (e.g. cemetery, home, or second venue)
Travel Costs: £65 (flat rate, unless otherwise agreed)
Optional Extras:
Funeral photography: £750 for main location
Additional videographer: £350 (for split-location or early coverage)
Tribute slideshow integration: Included upon request
Projector setup (if needed): £450
Our pricing reflects a full-service approach—high-definition video, professional audio, discreet setup, and full event coordination. Everything is recorded, streamed, and backed up for peace of mind.
We believe in transparency, so there are no hidden fees. You’ll receive a clear, personalised quote before booking, based on your needs and locations.
If you're unsure which option is right for your family or would like help understanding the best value for your budget, feel free to get in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Only those with the private link. The stream is not listed publicly and cannot be found via search engines. We also offer the option to password-protect the stream, adding an extra level of security. Families often share the link in funeral announcements or privately by email or message. We always recommend only sending it to trusted individuals.
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We always arrive with a bonded 4G/5G internet setup, combining multiple mobile networks to create a stable signal. In addition, we record everything locally. So even in the unlikely event that the live stream is interrupted, a full HD copy of the service will be uploaded later the same day. This ensures no moment is lost.
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Your stream will remain online for 12 months. This allows plenty of time for people to view or revisit the service. A downloadable HD copy is also provided, which you can keep forever or share with loved ones on a USB or private drive.
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Yes. We often cover services that begin at home or the funeral directors, move on to the church or crematorium, and conclude at the graveside or reception. We plan the logistics carefully and arrive early to set up at each location, ensuring a smooth, continuous viewing experience.
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We do. Funeral photography can be included as part of a wider package or booked on its own. Our style is quiet, documentary-led, and always respectful. We capture key moments such as arrival, eulogies, family gatherings, floral tributes, and the burial or final goodbye.
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Absolutely. Tribute slideshows and short videos are a meaningful and often emotional part of a funeral service. Many families choose to include a photo montage set to music that reflects the life, character, and passions of their loved one. These can be shown during the service, integrated seamlessly into the live stream, or played just before or after the main ceremony.
We can work with you in advance to prepare the tribute video—helping you collect the right photos
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right streaming option depends on your family’s needs, your priorities, and the people you want to include. For some, a simple recording or venue stream will suffice. For others—especially when loved ones are watching from abroad or across the UK—investing in a professional, reliable service brings peace of mind and ensures nothing is missed.
At UK Funeral Video Services, we’ve worked with over 2,500 families, providing respectful, discreet, and high-quality funeral streaming and photography. We understand that no two services are the same, and we take pride in creating a calm and professional presence throughout what can be a very emotional day.
If you’d like to discuss options, ask questions, or check availability, I’d be honoured to help.
Shaun
📞 07772 509101
I am open 7 days a week and can be contacted anytime from 9am to 10pm.