What happens at a Church of England funeral?

A funeral service gives thanks for a person's life, commends them into God's keeping, and offers comfort to those who are grieving. It usually includes hymns, readings from the Bible, prayers, and a tribute to the person who has died. The minister shapes the service together with the family, so it reflects the person you're remembering.

Can we have a funeral at St Mary Magdalene if we don't go to church?

Yes. A church funeral is open to everyone, whether or not your family worships here or has any church connection. You don't need to have been a regular churchgoer — we're glad to help any family who would like a Christian funeral for someone they love.

How do we arrange a funeral?

Usually the funeral director contacts us on your behalf and helps coordinate the date. You're also very welcome to get in touch with us directly — reach Revd Ryan Gilfeather, our Priest-in-Charge, at ryan@st-mary-magdalene.org.uk or 07397 785032.

Can the service be at a crematorium or graveside instead of in church?

Yes. We take funerals in the church, at a crematorium, or at a graveside in a local cemetery — whichever is right for your family. The minister can also lead a service in church followed by a committal at the crematorium or graveside.

Can we be buried in the churchyard?

The churchyard at St Mary Magdalene is full and closed for new burials. For a local burial, Hatfield Hyde Cemetery is directly opposite the church on Hollybush Lane, run by Welwyn Hatfield Council, and we're glad to take a service there or at the graveside.

Can we choose the hymns, readings and music?

Yes. You're welcome to choose hymns, readings and music that mean something to your family, and to include a tribute or eulogy. The minister will talk everything through with you beforehand and help you put the service together.

How much does a church funeral cost?

There's a statutory fee for the funeral service, set nationally by the Church of England, with additional charges if the service is held in the church, such as heating and a verger. Where a funeral director is involved, they usually include the church fees in their invoice to you.

St Mary MagdaleneWelwyn Garden City

Funeral Services and Support from St Mary Magdalene

Published 3rd Jun 2026

A Funeral Service at St Mary Magdalene

From the moment you get in touch with us, throughout the funeral service, and for as long as you need us afterwards, we are here for you. A Church of England funeral service is available for everyone, and we have been here in the heart of our community, helping people to mark the end of life for generations.

If someone you know and love has died, a Church of England minister is able to take a service in Church, at a crematorium or by a graveside at a cemetery or woodland burial site. The minister will be there to support you every step of the way.

Funeral directors orderly gather to carry the coffin into the Church

Funeral Directors Carrying in a Coffin into Church

A Personal Service

Christians believe that each and every person is uniquely made in the image of God. So a Church of England funeral is a good place to give thanks for all that was special about the person you knew and loved. A funeral service at St Mary Magdalene is always personal, memorable and special. It can include unique details, whether that is what people wear, the music that is played, readings that are chosen and the prayers that are said. We will be glad to talk to you about the person you want to give thanks for and the life you want to celebrate.

A Message of Hope

Christians believe that when we die, God promises that we will go to be with God in heaven, a place where death and pain are gone forever. Whatever the circumstances of death, these words of hope offer a great comfort to those who attend a funeral. As Christians, we put our trust in the sure and certain hope of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We believe that Jesus has opened the gates of heaven, and that those who die will be raised with him to eternal life. This is the message everyone will hear when they come to a funeral at St Mary Magdalene. Hope is not just for the person who has died, it’s for the people who remain behind. It gives us something to hold on to.

Burials in our Churchyard and at Hatfield Hyde Cemetery

Our Churchyard which surrounds St Mary Magdalene Church is now full, and we are therefore only able to lay to rest ashes which are to be interred into an existing plot. Hatfield Hyde Cemetery opposite the Church is open, and is managed by Welwyn Hatfield Council. You can find out more information about Hatfield Hyde Cemetary on their website.

Light a Candle…

Lighting a candle can be a helpful way to remember someone. You can light a candle now, online here, and pray for them and all those who miss them.

Get in Touch for More Information

To talk to us about arranging a funeral, a burial, or a memorial service, just get in touch.

More information can be found here about Church of England funerals and what to expect.

Church funerals: your questions answered

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