Chelmsford Crematorium — Funeral Services in Essex

Chelmsford Crematorium provides cremation services in peaceful and well-maintained grounds on Writtle Road. Operated by Chelmsford City Council, it serves families from Chelmsford and communities throughout central Essex.

The crematorium has two chapels, allowing families to choose a space that suits the expected number of mourners. Moreover, both chapels welcome religious, non-religious and humanist funerals, as well as simple ceremonies led by relatives or friends.

Modern audiovisual facilities support music, photographs, webcasts and recorded tributes. Meanwhile, the adjoining cemetery and Gardens of Remembrance provide several options for ashes and lasting memorials.

A caring crematorium serving Chelmsford

Chelmsford Crematorium forms part of Chelmsford Cemetery and Crematorium, which is also known locally as Writtle Road Cemetery. The cemetery opened in 1887, while the crematorium began providing services in 1961.

Chelmsford City Council manages the site and its Bereavement Services team. Families usually arrange a cremation through a funeral director, who can complete the required paperwork and coordinate the service with the crematorium.

However, families may arrange a funeral independently. Anyone considering this option should contact the Bereavement Services office for advice before making plans.

Location and surroundings

The crematorium stands within established cemetery grounds between Chelmsford city centre and Writtle. Mature trees, lawns and planted areas create a calm atmosphere for funerals and later visits.

The Gardens of Remembrance provide dedicated areas for scattering or interring cremated remains. In addition, benches around the grounds give visitors somewhere to sit quietly and remember someone important to them.

Travelling to Chelmsford Crematorium

The crematorium’s position on Writtle Road makes it accessible from central Chelmsford and the surrounding Essex countryside. Families frequently travel from Writtle, Broomfield, Great Baddow, Galleywood, Ingatestone, Danbury and nearby communities.

Drivers should use CM1 3WQ for satellite navigation rather than the postal postcode. This directs visitors to the correct vehicle entrance.

The number 351 bus from Chelmsford Bus Station also stops at the cemetery and crematorium. However, visitors should check current timetables before travelling.

Parking at Chelmsford Crematorium

Chelmsford Cemetery and Crematorium has 104 parking spaces across two car parks. Eight of these spaces are reserved for Blue Badge holders.

The car parks are only for people attending a funeral or visiting the cemetery and crematorium grounds. Visitors must use the marked bays because parking on the roadway can obstruct other vehicles.

Although there is substantial parking, spaces may become limited during a large funeral. Therefore, car sharing and arriving in good time can make the journey less stressful.

Chapels and funeral facilities

Chelmsford Crematorium has two chapels: the South Chapel and the North Chapel. This choice allows families to select an appropriate setting for an intimate farewell or a larger funeral.

Neither chapel restricts families to a particular religion or type of ceremony. Consequently, services can include prayers, hymns, readings, personal music or a period of quiet reflection.

Chelmsford Crematorium South Chapel

The South Chapel is the larger of the two spaces and seats up to 100 mourners. A further 25 people can stand in the foyer when required.

Its size makes it suitable for most attended funerals, including ceremonies where the family expects a larger gathering. Nevertheless, anyone anticipating a high attendance should discuss the arrangements with their funeral director beforehand.

Chelmsford Crematorium North Chapel

The North Chapel provides a smaller and more intimate setting. It seats up to 30 people, with standing room for another eight mourners in the foyer.

Families may prefer this chapel for a private ceremony or a funeral with a limited attendance. Its smaller scale can help create a personal atmosphere without making a modest gathering feel lost in a larger space.

Music and personal tributes

Both chapels use the Obitus music system, which offers an extensive catalogue of recorded music. If a chosen piece is not already available, the funeral director may request that commercially released music is added.

Families can also ask to use a personally created recording, such as a spoken reading or original song. However, the crematorium must receive and approve it before the service.

Each chapel has an electric organ. The family or funeral director must arrange an organist because the crematorium does not provide one.

Photographs and visual tributes can appear on the chapel screens. Options may include a single photograph, a slideshow or a professionally produced tribute accompanied by music.

Webcasting and service recordings

Chelmsford Crematorium can broadcast funeral services online through a secure webcast. This allows relatives and friends who cannot travel to watch the ceremony live.

Families can also arrange on-demand viewing for up to 28 days after the funeral. Recorded copies may be available as a digital download, DVD, Blu-ray or USB.

Webcasts, recordings and enhanced visual tributes normally cost extra. Therefore, families should discuss their preferred options and ordering deadlines with their funeral director as early as possible.

Accessibility and visitor comfort

Both chapels have accessible toilets. The facilities behind the South Chapel also include baby-changing equipment, while the North Chapel toilets are available to people attending services there.

Eight Blue Badge parking spaces are provided across the site. In addition, a small waiting room within the main office gives early arrivals somewhere sheltered to wait.

Anyone who needs wheelchair space, hearing assistance or another adjustment should contact the crematorium before the funeral. Advance notice gives the team time to explain the current facilities and make suitable preparations where possible.

Dogs are not permitted in the cemetery or crematorium grounds. Anyone who relies on an assistance dog should contact the office before visiting to confirm the appropriate arrangements.

Service length and booking times

A standard cremation booking provides a 60-minute time slot, with a maximum of 45 minutes available for the chapel service. The remaining time allows mourners to enter and leave and enables staff to prepare the chapel for the next funeral.

Standard services generally take place between 10.30am and 3.30pm in the South Chapel.

North Chapel services usually run between 10.00am and 3.00pm, although noon appointments are not normally available.

Appointment times can change, and the availability of the crematorium does not guarantee that a chosen funeral director will also be free. Families should therefore confirm both before settling on a date.

Chelmsford Crematorium can accommodate a religious, non-religious or humanist service. Families may also choose a cremation without a ceremony. The current options and charges should be confirmed with the crematorium or funeral director.

Chelmsford Crematorium Services

To view the diary of upcoming services at both the Chapels at Chelmsford Crematorium you can click the link here.

After the funeral service

Following the ceremony, mourners can view floral tributes in the designated display area. The crematorium removes tributes each Monday morning, including flowers from services held during the previous week.

Anyone who wants to keep flowers, cards or another item should collect them before the grounds close on Sunday. Families should avoid leaving personal possessions with the flowers unless they have confirmed the arrangements with crematorium staff.

Cremated remains and ashes

The cremation application asks the family to provide instructions for the ashes. Chelmsford Crematorium can hold cremated remains for up to one month when agreed in advance, giving families some time to make a considered decision.

The available choices include:

• Collecting the ashes from the Bereavement Services office
• Asking the funeral director to collect them
• Scattering or interring them in the Garden of Remembrance
• Interring them in a dedicated cremated-remains plot
• Placing them within the columbarium
• Taking them elsewhere for burial, scattering or safekeeping

Anyone collecting ashes personally must arrange an appointment, provide identification and sign a receipt. If the person collecting them was not named on the original application, the crematorium will also require written authority from the applicant.

A Certificate of Cremation accompanies the ashes. Families should keep this certificate safe, particularly if they plan to inter the cremated remains in another cemetery.

Relatives can attend an appointment for the scattering or interment of ashes. Alternatively, the crematorium can carry this out on the family’s behalf.

Memorial gardens and remembrance options

Chelmsford Cemetery and Crematorium offers several ways to create a lasting tribute. Options include the Book of Remembrance, cremated-remains plots, plaques, memorial roses and spaces within the columbarium.

Families can also consider memorial jewellery or glass paperweights made with a small amount of cremated remains. These provide a personal keepsake that can remain at home.

Prices and dedication periods vary. Therefore, families should view the current memorial choices and confirm all costs before placing an order.

Book of Remembrance

The Book of Remembrance contains hand-prepared inscriptions commemorating people who have died. Each entry appears on its chosen date every year, which may be an anniversary, birthday or another meaningful occasion.

Visitors can view the books in the Memorial Chapel. However, opening times differ between summer and winter, so anyone making a special journey should check beforehand.

Cremation fees and costs

Chelmsford City Council reviews its cremation and memorial fees periodically. The standard cremation fee generally includes administration, use of the selected chapel, assistance from the chapel attendant, the organ and basic audiovisual facilities.

It also includes either the preparation of the ashes for collection or an appointment for scattering or interment within the Garden of Remembrance. A biodegradable ashes container and Certificate of Cremation are provided where applicable.

Webcasts, recorded services and enhanced visual tributes normally carry additional charges. Memorial products and the interment of ashes may also add to the total.

The crematorium fee forms only one part of the overall funeral cost. Families may also need to budget for a funeral director, coffin, transport, celebrant or minister, flowers and printed materials. A cremation cost calculator can provide an initial estimate, although families should request a detailed quotation before confirming the funeral.

Opening times at Chelmsford Crematorium

The Bereavement Services office opens for in-person visits from 10.00am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday. However, it closes between 1.00pm and 2.00pm. The office remains closed at weekends and on bank holidays.

From 1 April to 30 September, the grounds open from 9.00am to 6.30pm on weekdays and from 10.00am to 6.30pm at weekends and on bank holidays.

From 1 October to 31 March, the grounds open from 9.00am to 4.00pm on weekdays and from 10.00am to 4.00pm at weekends and on bank holidays.

The Memorial Chapel closes 15 minutes before the grounds. Public toilets also close 15 minutes before the site shuts.

Contact details

Address: Chelmsford Crematorium, Writtle Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 3BL
Sat-nav postcode: CM1 3WQ
Telephone: 01245 605630
Office opening hours: Monday to Friday, 10.00am to 4.00pm, closed between 1.00pm and 2.00pm
Website: Chelmsford Cemetery and Crematorium official website

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there parking at Chelmsford Crematorium?

Yes. Chelmsford Crematorium has 104 spaces across two car parks, including eight Blue Badge bays. Visitors should use a marked space and arrive early when attending a large funeral.

How many people can attend a funeral at Chelmsford Crematorium?

The South Chapel seats 100 people and has foyer standing room for another 25. The North Chapel seats 30 people, with standing room for eight people in its foyer.

How long is a service at Chelmsford Crematorium?

A standard booking provides a 60-minute time slot, with up to 45 minutes available for the funeral service. Families should confirm the precise timings before planning readings, music and tributes.

Can a funeral at Chelmsford Crematorium be watched online?

Yes. The crematorium offers secure live webcasting through Obitus. Families may also arrange on-demand viewing and recorded copies in several formats for an additional fee.

Are there toilets at Chelmsford Crematorium?

Yes. Public toilets are located behind the South Chapel, including an accessible toilet with baby-changing facilities. The North Chapel also has male, female and accessible toilets for people attending a service there.