Case Study: Military Funeral Videography & Streaming at Wellington Barracks, Westminster

Written By Shaun Foulds

Background

In 2024, I was asked to provide both funeral live streaming and funeral photography for a young man’s military funeral at Wellington Barracks, Westminster. Military funerals carry a unique weight — they are deeply ceremonial, meticulously timed, and filled with traditions that honour the deceased with dignity.

The family’s priority was twofold: to ensure overseas relatives could take part through a secure live stream, and to have a photographic record of key moments, including the Guard of Honour and the hearse before the service. I was recommended because of my experience in covering complex, multi-layered funerals with professionalism and discretion.

The Guards’ Chapel at Wellington Barracks

Challenge

Military funerals bring specific challenges that require careful preparation:

  • Precision timing: Every element — from the arrival of the Guard of Honour to the final salute — is timed to the second. Missing a moment is not an option.

  • Venue restrictions: The service was held at the Guards’ Chapel at Wellington Barracks, a historic venue with rules about movement, positioning, and camera use. Filming discreetly while capturing the grandeur required planning.

  • Audio demands: With military hymns, readings, and ceremonial commands, clear sound was vital for the live stream.

  • Dual coverage: The family wanted both a live stream for global relatives and professional stills of specific elements — meaning I had to balance video and photography without compromise.

  • Busy environment: Central London funerals involve logistical challenges — from traffic and security near barracks to working around Guards’ routines.

Approach

Preparation

I arrived early to survey the chapel, check light conditions, and plan camera placements. For military funerals, knowing the exact running order is essential. I liaised with the funeral directors (In Memory of Life) and Greens Carriages, who provided the elegant hearse, to ensure timing was coordinated perfectly.

Multi-camera filming

Two HD cameras were used for the live stream:

  • Wide-angle camera to capture the Guard of Honour, chapel interior, and overall service.

  • Close camera with a long lens to film readings, tributes, and ceremonial details without intruding.

This setup ensured reliable, professional multi-camera funeral streaming, with creative coverage and redundancy.

Audio

I microphoned the minister/Padre, lectern, and key points in the chapel. Ambient microphones captured singing, ceremonial orders, and the congregation’s responses. By switching between microphones during the stream, I ensured that both spoken tributes and the military precision of commands came through clearly for online viewers.

Connectivity

As always, I brought four bonded 4G/5G internet connections, providing a stable, uninterrupted stream for relatives worldwide.

Photography

Alongside filming, I photographed the Guard of Honour and hearse before the service. These still images captured the pageantry and respect unique to military funerals.

The Service

The service took place at the Guards’ Chapel, the spiritual home of the Household Division, including the Grenadier, Coldstream, Scots, Irish, and Welsh Guards. Known for its history and significance, the chapel was destroyed during World War II and later rebuilt, making it a fitting symbol of resilience and remembrance.

  • Arrival: The hearse arrived with military precision, accompanied by the Guard of Honour. This moment, captured on film and in photographs, reflected the solemn respect of the day.

  • Inside the chapel: Hymns, readings, and prayers filled the space. The acoustics of the Guards’ Chapel carried every word, every note, and every salute.

  • Family involvement: Relatives offered tributes, supported by the military presence, creating a balance of personal grief and ceremonial honour.

The Finale

The service concluded with a final blessing and the Guard of Honour paying tribute. The coffin was carried out of the Guards’ Chapel with dignity, framed by the grandeur of the chapel and the precision of military tradition.

For those watching online, the live stream provided a clear view of the ceremony’s structure and emotion — from the march of the Guards to the final moments of farewell.

Outcome

The family received:

  • A full HD recording of the service.

  • A private streaming link available for 12 months.

  • A downloadable copy to keep permanently.

  • A collection of professional photographs, including the Guard of Honour and hearse.

Relatives worldwide joined the live stream, ensuring no one missed this important day. By combining videography, live streaming, and photography, we created a complete record of a funeral that honoured both the individual and the tradition of military service.

FAQs About Military Funeral Streaming

  • Yes. We have extensive experience filming and streaming funerals at military chapels, barracks, and ceremonial venues such as the Guards’ Chapel at Wellington Barracks. We always work closely with venue staff and funeral directors to ensure all rules and traditions are respected.

  • Military funerals run to a precise schedule, and there are no second chances. We arrive well in advance to set up, rehearse camera angles, and test audio. By knowing the full running order beforehand, we ensure every moment — from the Guard of Honour to the final salute — is captured.

  • Yes. Our cameras are positioned so they do not interfere with the ceremonial precision of the Guards. We use long lenses to capture detail at a distance and work with small, discreet equipment that blends into the setting.

  • We often provide both services together. While the live stream is handled by a multi-camera setup, we also capture professional stills of key moments such as the hearse arrival, the Guard of Honour, and the chapel interior. Working as a team ensures nothing is missed.

  • Yes. Families receive a private link or open link (their preference) that can be shared only with those they choose. The stream is hosted securely for 12 months, with the option to download a permanent copy.

  • Yes. The stream can be viewed on phones, tablets, laptops, or smart TVs, making it easy for relatives anywhere in the world to take part.

Why Choose Us for Military Funeral Videography & Streaming

Military funerals demand preparation, precision, and respect. With over 2,500 funerals’ worth of experience, I understand how to work within the constraints of ceremonial venues while ensuring nothing is missed.

➡️ Learn more about our services:

Contact us on 07772 509101

Shaun Foulds

I’m a Videographer and Photographer travelling the UK Streaming Funerals and Photographing Weddings. I huge contrast between the two but as a storyteller I’m passionate about capturing all the moments life throws at us. 

https://www.ukfuneralvideoservices.com
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