Case study: professional, discreet live streaming with a horse‑drawn cortege
Overview
We were honoured to support a London family with a live streamed funeral at Gunnersbury Cemetery, covering the chapel service and the graveside committal. Many relatives were overseas and unable to travel, so our goal was to make them feel present—from the first sight of the horse‑drawn carriage to the final moments of farewell—while remaining completely unobtrusive for those attending in person.
At a glance
- Venue: Gunnersbury Cemetery, West London
- Coverage: Chapel service → Procession → Graveside committal
- Special elements: Horse‑drawn cortege, remote eulogies, password‑protected stream
- Deliverables: Private live stream page, HD recording, shareable download link, stills for the Order of Service keepsake
How we filmed it (discreetly and respectfully)
Pre‑planning: We coordinated with the funeral director and cemetery team to confirm timings, chapel layout, graveside location, and procession route for the horse‑drawn carriage. We also tested mobile signal strength and agreed a minimal‑footprint setup.
Chapel coverage: Two compact cameras provided a quiet, respectful view—one fixed wide for the lectern and family pews, one roving for readings and tributes. We placed wireless microphones for the officiant and lectern to ensure clear audio, and captured the organ and hymns via discreet ambient mics.
Procession: Outside the chapel, we filmed the arrival and departure of the horse‑drawn carriage, keeping our footprint small and vantage points respectful. A stabilised camera followed the cortege as the congregation moved towards the graveside.
Graveside committal: Wind‑protected microphones and a low‑profile camera recorded prayers and tributes clearly without intruding on the family circle. We managed line‑of‑sight and sound while keeping cables and stands out of pathways.
Live broadcast & privacy: The service was streamed to a private, password‑protected page, so invited guests could join from anywhere. We also enabled live chat (optional) for condolences and provided closed captioning on the recording upon request.
Backups: Alongside the live feed we made a redundant local recording. If a mobile network ever fluctuates, the full HD recording remains complete and is delivered shortly after the service.
What the family received
- Invitation link with the service details, start time, and access instructions.
- Live stream in HD viewable on phone, tablet, or TV.
- Edited archive with trimmed start/end and balanced audio.
- Downloadable file for family keepsakes and future memorials.
- Optional highlight reel capturing arrival of the horses, key readings, and the committal.
“Everyone abroad said it felt like they were with us. Thank you for being so discreet.” — Family feedback (shared with permission)
Why live stream a funeral at Gunnersbury (and beyond)?
- Include everyone when travel isn’t possible.
- Preserve memories: a respectful record for relatives who cannot watch live.
- Lower the burden on the family: we handle permissions, technical setup, and guest access.
We regularly live stream at cemeteries across West London and the rest of the city, including Richmond, Mortlake, Fulham, Kensal Green, Highgate, Brompton, West Norwood, Putney Vale, Hammersmith (Margravine), and many more.
Practical notes for this venue
- Arrival: We coordinate with your funeral director regarding carriage arrival and chapel entry so we’re in position without blocking sightlines.
- Sound: We use clip‑on and ambient microphones to capture readings, hymns, and prayers with clarity.
- Route to graveside: Our team walks ahead to select respectful filming positions and manage cables so the cortege and mourners have clear passage.
- Weather plan: Discreet rain covers and windshields ensure the stream continues whatever the forecast.
(Every service is unique; we adapt the plan to your customs and preferences.)
Book a live stream
Tell us your date, cemetery, and schedule (chapel only or chapel + graveside), and we’ll confirm availability today.
- Phone: 07512137261
- Email: email@livefilming.co.uk
- Website: funeralfilming.co.uk
Respectful. Reliable. Reassuring.
