Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Registrar and Bereavement Services Support

Registering a death

The Registrars are available to register deaths and stillbirths by telephone appointment. Please contact the Register Office on 01642 527720 for an appointment and a member of the team will guide you through the process.

Arranging or attending a funeral

Due to the new Coronavirus restrictions Stockton Crematorium is now closed to the public except for:

• Funerals or memorials
• Scattering of ashes ceremonies
• Visiting memorials to pay respects to those who have died

We are very sorry to inform people that we must follow national public health guidelines and put in place a number of restrictions on attendance at cremations and burials.

This means attendance at cremation ceremonies is restricted. Ceremonies in Maplewood Chapel are restricted to 42 people, while services in Bluebell Chapel are restricted to 24 people. The number of people able to watch the service from the outside screens is restricted to 15. Chapel waiting rooms are closed. In line with Government guidance, people attending funeral services at the crematorium will be required to wear face coverings.

The limit on the number of people able to attend the graveside for a burial service is 30. 

For further advice and information please contact the Bereavement Services team on [email protected] or 01642 527 720

Information for bereaved families

The Council is aware that the current COVID-19 crisis will be impacting significantly on the experiences of bereaved families.

We are working hard to do what we can to help you through what we know will be a difficult time and grief support is available through Cruse Bereavement Care.

A helpline is open Monday and Friday 9.30am – 5pm (excluding bank holidays) and until 8pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

You can call the helpline on 0808 808 1677

Weddings and Civil Ceremonies

The numbers for wedding and civil partnership ceremonies have been increased to the following:

• The Register Office: The couple and two witnesses only
• The Nightingale Suite: The couple and up to 12 guests (Max capacity 14)
• Approved Premises: The couple and up to 28 guests (Max capacity 30)

Birth Registration

Appointments for the registration of a birth can be booked by the Register Office.  To make an appointment to register a birth please contact the Register Office.