Live Streaming a Royal Navy Military Funeral at St. Margaret’s Church, Exeter

Live Streaming a Military Funeral Service at St. Margaret’s Church, Exeter

Military funerals are steeped in tradition, honour, and respect. When tasked with live streaming a military funeral service at St. Margaret’s Church, Fore Street, Topsham, Exeter, it’s not just a technical process—it’s an opportunity to ensure their story reaches loved ones near and far, uniting families and communities in remembrance.

Learn more about our professional funeral streaming services.

Preserving the Moment: The Importance of Live Funeral Streaming

For many families, military funerals hold deep significance. These ceremonies are not only a chance to say goodbye but also to honour the legacy of someone who dedicated their life to service. However, with family members and comrades often spread across the globe, attending in person isn’t always possible. This is where live Funeral streaming becomes invaluable. It provides a way for loved ones, no matter where they are in the world, to witness the full ceremony in real-time, share in the tributes, and feel connected to the occasion.

During this particular service at St. Margaret’s Church, over 400 devices logged in from 10 countries, including the UK, Spain, the US, New Zealand, Norway, and Panama. It was heartwarming to know that no matter the distance, family and friends could pay their respects and be part of this heartfelt and memorable goodbye.

Find out how funeral streaming works and how to book us.

The Venue: St. Margaret’s Church, Topsham

Nestled in the heart of Topsham, Exeter, St. Margaret’s Church is a beautiful historic venue, providing a serene and respectful setting for the day’s ceremony. Its high pulpit and stunning architecture offered an ideal vantage point for capturing the service with my two-camera Live Streaming setup.

The church’s charm, coupled with its spacious layout, allowed for seamless filming and live streaming. With plenty of natural light and great acoustics during the singling, all amplifying the hymns and tributes for those gathered on the day in-person and the online viewers from around the world.

Learn more about our funeral Streaming services.

Setting up and getting ready to Live Stream a Funeral

The day began early to ensure everything was set up well before the ceremony. I arrived three hours prior, coordinating with the Funeral Directors (Ivan Fisher Independent Funeral Homes Ltd - Who had very kindly recommended me) and organisers on the day for the best position for the cameras, to perform sound checks, and secure internet connections for the live stream. During this time military personnel lined the streets outside the church in uniform, paying their respects as the hearse arrived. These moments are always a powerful display of unity and honour, epitomising the respect shared within the military community.

The service itself was a moving tribute. With heartfelt readings, stirring music, and personal stories shared by family and comrades, every moment was captured with sensitivity and professionalism. The raised pulpit allowed for a clear view of the proceedings, from the entrance of the coffin to the final prayers.

As the service concluded, pallbearers carried the coffin out of the church, marking a poignant farewell. This moment was streamed live, allowing remote viewers to join in paying their final respects, even from thousands of miles away.

Explore our tribute video and slideshow creation services.

The Technical Setup: Ensuring Seamless Streaming

Military funerals demand the highest levels of professionalism, and our setup reflected that.

• Two-Camera Setup: One camera focused on wide-angle shots of the church interior, while the other provided close-ups of speakers and significant moments.

• Exceptional Audio: Multiple microphones captured every word, tribute, and musical note with clarity, ensuring viewers felt as though they were present.

• Secure and Reliable Streaming: Using four bonded internet connections, we ensured uninterrupted streaming throughout the ceremony, even in a rural location.

• Global Accessibility: Viewers from 10 countries were able to log in easily via a personalised, secure link. The recording remained available for 12 months, allowing those unable to join live to revisit the service at their convenience.

Discover our guide to funeral streaming options.

Why Military Funerals Are Unique

Military funerals differ from civilian ceremonies in several ways, reflecting the dedication and sacrifice of those who served. They often include:

• Uniformed Pallbearers: Carrying the coffin with dignity and precision.

• Military Tributes: Such as salutes, bugle calls (e.g., "The Last Post"), and readings that honour service.

• Global Attendance: Military families and comrades are often spread across the globe, making live streaming an essential way to connect everyone.

By capturing these elements, live Funeral streaming ensures that the full significance of the ceremony is preserved for all who wish to honour the fallen.

Learn more about our Funeral Photography Services

Testimonials from the Family

One of the most rewarding aspects of providing live streaming services is hearing from the families we serve. After the service, a family member shared the following with the funeral Directors who had recommended us (Ivan Fisher Independent Funeral Homes Ltd):

“I’m a Funeral Director and I’ve used Shaun on a number of occasions now for streaming funeral services. There is no doubt in my mind that he is one of the best in the business. He is meticulous, knowledgeable and produces a very professional video/stream.

Following my latest funeral with him, I received the following from a relative who wasn’t able to attend. I’ve amended names for privacy.

”I wanted to thank you so much for the quality of the online delivery of the service for Clint today. My partner and I watched with my parents, Sian’s grandparents, and it was a great facility for them (and us). The clarity of sound and visuals was as close to being present as possible, such that we followed the order of service and felt comfortable singing with the congregation. I know Sian and Christine would want you to know the kindness this served to Jim and Sheena. Really heartfelt thanks to the team that delivered it.”

Naturally when I receive feedback like this, I’m extremely pleased.

Thanks Shaun.”

— Paul Fisher ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Read more testimonials from our clients.

The Role of Live Streaming in Modern Military Funerals

In today’s interconnected world, live streaming has become an essential service for military funerals. It bridges the gap between continents, allowing families and friends to grieve together, even when physically apart. For those serving overseas or unable to travel, this service is a lifeline, ensuring they don’t miss the opportunity to honour their loved ones.

Closing Thoughts

Live streaming a military funeral is not just about technology—it’s about respect, connection, and preserving a legacy. At St. Margaret’s Church, Topsham, this service brought together people from around the world to celebrate a life of service and dedication.

If you’re considering live streaming for a military or civilian funeral, our team is here to help. With years of experience and a commitment to excellence, we’ll ensure that every moment is captured with the care and professionalism it deserves.

Contact us to book our funeral streaming services today.