We respect people's personal choices and do everything we can to help you arrange the funeral you want. Family and friends can choose to organise a funeral with us directly although most people choose to hire a professional funeral director.

Also see the Jobcentre Plus - Working Age Benefits Funeral Payment website.

Funeral directors

Funeral directors usually make most of the arrangements for cremation including:

• completion of the various forms, medical and legal certificates
• provision of the coffin
• making the service and committal arrangements and arrangement of transport

If you want to find out more about funeral directors in York and surrounding areas visit the Funeral Directors in the UK website.

Arranging a funeral service without a funeral director?

The executor or nearest surviving relative can arrange the cremation service themselves.  Alternatively, if you wish, our staff will be able to offer guidance and support. Cremation authorities that are members of the Institute of Cemetery & Crematorium Management's (ICCM) Charter for the Bereaved will provide advice to people arranging a cremation without the use of a funeral director.

Minister or celebrant?

Making the choice about what kind of service you want to hold for the deceased will depend on many things such as the religious beliefs, wishes and affiliations of the deceased.

You should liaise with the funeral director in the early stages of arrangement. The funeral director will contact the person you choose to take the service to make firm arrangements for the day of the funeral.

The minister/celebrant/lay-minister will then contact you in order to personalise the service (to follow any wishes) and to offer you full support.

City of York crematorium will cater for funerals of any denomination or faith as well as non-religious (secular) funerals. It may be preferable for a family member or a friend to conduct the service as it is not a statutory requirement to have a minister present.

The funeral service

Traditionally funerals involve two ceremonies: a funeral service in the place of worship, followed by a short committal service at the graveside (or in the case of cremation, at the crematorium).

Non-religious services

Many people arrange secular events where the families have greater input into the content of the funeral service. These ceremonies can be for either cremations or burials.   

For more information visit the British Humanist Association website.  They offer a personal and dignified funeral ceremony for those who have chosen to live without religion.

You can also contact Registrar on: (01904) 654477.