Arranging a Cremation Service at Mortlake Crematorium
Although you do not have to use the closest crematorium to where you live (or to where your funeral director is based), many of the families we work with in Chiswick and West London choose Mortlake Crematorium.
Mortlake Crematorium is a Grade II listed Art Deco building located next to the Thames in the borough of Richmond – although it was opened as a joint municipal venture by the Boroughs of Hammersmith, Richmond, Barnes and Acton. In our opinion it is run by one of the most welcoming, friendly, and helpful teams in London who consistently go out of their way to accommodate families’ requests to make a difficult day as smooth as possible.
Memorial Options at Mortlake Crematorium
They also have a large range of memorial options. Even if you do not wish to have the ashes scattered or placed there, you can still have a physical place to visit on anniversaries and significant dates:
The Book of Remembrance – you can have a name, message, and emblem recorded in ornate calligraphy in the book of remembrance, which is always displayed open on the current date. There is also a touchscreen digital version, so even if the page is not open on your specific date, you can still see your loved one’s name.
Memorial Tree – in the Garden of Reflection you can have a leaf inscribed with your message to hang on the silver memorial tree, with an option to renew every three years. It’s a modern and beautiful option, and a peaceful place to visit and reflect.
Memorial Plaque – in the same room as the book of remembrance, memorial plaques line the walls. Flowers can also be left under the plaques, which can be renewed every 5 years. It’s a similar idea to the memorial tree, but weather proof and with a more traditional aesthetic.
Niches – there is no option to have ashes buried at Mortlake Crematorium (this can be done in the neighbouring Mortlake Cemetery though) but you can have ashes interred in the niches next to the gardens. Niches hold two sets of ashes and are sealed with a stone plaque. There is limited space, but still some availability.
Scattering – the ashes can be scattered in the Gardens of Remembrance, either attended by friends and family or not. The location of the scattering is recorded by the Mortlake team in case you want to return to that exact spot. Because the crematorium grounds are open all year round, you can go for a walk through the gardens whenever you wish.
Key Facts
The chapel seats 94 people downstairs and 36 people upstairs in the gallery.
There are screens to display photos or view a slideshow which we can compile for you.
Between 10:00 and 4:40 services are 40 minutes (including entering and exiting the chapel) but you can book a double service time.
At 9:00 or 9:30 you can have a 20 minute service at a reduced cost. See our simple service page for more information.
The service can be live streamed and recorded for those unable to attend in person.
Exit Here will organise all music on your behalf – no need to worry about CDs.
We will collect the ashes on your behalf from Mortlake if you wish.
There is ample parking at Mortlake Crematorium, with overflow if the service has a large attendance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the casket go during the service?
The casket can either be placed at the front of the chapel on trestles (so you see it from a sideways view) or it can be placed on the catafalque – the platform at the front of the chapel. If you want a traditional committal where the curtains close around the casket, placing it on the catafalque is the best option.
Can I visit the chapel before I decide whether to hold the funeral there?
Yes – we can help you book an appointment to be shown round the chapel by a member of the Mortlake team.
What are the directions to get to Mortlake Crematorium?
By Car
Turn into Townmead Road from the A205 and take the second exit at the mini roundabout. You will see some iron gates and the’Mortlake’ sign. The car park is on your left, opposite the main building.
By Train
The nearest station is Kew Gardens on the District line and the Overground, a 15-20 minute walk away.Alternatively, you can walk from Mortlake Station, served by South Western Railway. Mortlake station to Mortlake Crematorium is approximately a 15 minute walk.
Mortlake Crematorium parking
People often worry about parking on the day, but there is ample parking at Mortlake and if a large attendance is expected there will be a member of staff to direct cars to overflow parking spaces. The car park is on your left as you drive past the gates, you can’t miss it. Then it’s just a short walk (less than a minute) to the chapel which you can clearly see from the car park.
Will people know where to sit?
If you have a large number of guests we can help with a guestlist or seating plan. Otherwise our team will make sure everyone is seated and looked after on the day.
What happens after the service?
Our team will lead guests outside and onto the flower terrace. There’s no rush to leave straight away, you can greet your guests before moving on to wherever you are going next.
What happens to the flowers?
The flowers can stay with the casket as long as they are not in plastic and oasis. If it’s important that the flowers are cremated as well, please speak to us about organising an arrangement where this is possible. You can bring the flowers with you to the reception to display or for people to make posies to take home with them (we can organise some ribbon and scissors if you want to do this). You can leave the flowers at the crematorium, or come back for them another day (flowers are kept on the terrace for 5 days). You can also donate the flowers to Mortlake Crematorium to be repurposed into bouquets to give to people and organisations in the community.
How do I book a service?
Exit Here will take care of all bookings and paperwork on your behalf. Just tell us when you would like to hold the service and we will make the booking. Make sure you think about what you want to do after - do you want to have a lunchtime reception? Then perhaps a service ending at 12:00pm or 12:40pm would be the best time. If you want the quietest time of the day then consider the final service at 4:40pm - there will be no-one after you.
Can I see the Mortlake Crematorium diary?
Mortlake Crematorium are one of the few places where you can see their diary online via this link: https://www.mortlakecrematorium.org/funerals-and-cremation-services/#funeraltimes
This can help you decide when to hold the service, but make sure you check with your funeral director first to see if they are available on that date also. If on the funeral list you see a line instead of a name, please note this is probably a private service where the family don’t want the name of the person who has died published online. If you want us to book a service as a private listing please let us know.
Can you help us organise the reception/wake afterwards?
Absolutely! We think the reception is as important as the funeral service and can help you find the perfect venue and menu. There are many pubs, restaurants, and other suitable venues near Mortlake Crematorium in Kew and Barnes.
Can I bring my dog to the funeral?
Yes! Mortlake Crematorium are dog lovers like the team at Exit Here, and since pets are part of the family they are always welcome to attend funeral services. If your dog needs to leave during the service one of the Exit Here team are always happy to look after them while you remain in the chapel.
Are there burials at Mortlake Crematorium?
Many people get confused between Mortlake Cemetery and Mortlake Crematorium. Burials only take place at Mortlake Cemetery, which is owned by the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. The two venues are directly next to each other, and you can walk between them through the staff car park. However if you are driving, make sure you access the cemetery through the large gates on Clifford Avenue.
What are the Mortlake Crematorium fees?
You can find the up to date Mortlake Crematorium fees here. Please be aware fees are increased every year, so for the most current prices always check Mortlake’s website. There are different fees for an early morning service (9:00am or 9:30am), a single service (40 minutes) or a double service (80 minutes).
Aside from the cremation fee, there are also fees for slideshows, webcasts, and videos shown during the service. When we put together a bespoke quote for you we will include all the necessary fees and pay on your behalf.
Address and contact details for Mortlake Crematorium:
Mortlake Crematorium
Kew Meadow Path
Townmead Road
Richmond
TW9 4EN
Mortlake Crematorium office: 020 8876 8056
Email: info@mortlakecrematorium.org
Mortlake Crematorium Website
Mortlake Crematorium opening hours:
The office is open 9:00am – 4:30pm on weekdays. It is closed on weekends and public holidays.
However, the gates are open at the weekends for you to visit the gardens and room of remembrance.
If you would like Exit Here to help you arrange a cremation service at Mortlake Crematorium, then please contact us.