Small chapel, Karori Cemetery
Karori Cemetery has two chapels for hire. The main chapel seats 140. The small chapel – a 1909 heritage building - seats 24. It was designed by noted Wellington architect John Sydney Swan and is well known for its intimate ambience and world-class stained glass windows.
Grave of Note - John Sidney Swan
There are six stained glass windows in the small chapel, designed and built in the An Tur Gloine (Tower of Glass) factory in Dublin. The windows were made over a period of 25 years by artists Wilhelmina Geddes and Michael Healy.
The windows were commissioned by an English-born Wellington resident, William Ferguson, in memory of his family.
Service Times
Both chapels can be hired for half hour blocks of up to three hours. They can be used for any form of service or ceremony, but are generally used for committal services or full services. Family or friends can appoint any person to officiate the service.
Stained glass window in the small chapel, Karori Cemetery.
Chapel services normally take place Monday – Friday, between 8.00am and 4.15pm. Special arrangements can be made for weekends and public holidays, however additional costs may apply.
Service Options
There are different options for services in the chapel. Specify particular requirements when booking. The different options include:
- casket lowering
- curtains only
- recording
- cross cover
Bookings
To hire a chapel to accompany a cremation, indicate this on the same form you use to book the cremation.
Cremation Booking Form (96Kb PDF)
To hire a chapel in relation to a casket or ash interment, or for any other reason, complete the chapel section on this form:
Sundry Booking Form (98Kb PDF)
Forms must be completed 24 hours before the scheduled chapel service. You can fax, post or hand deliver forms to the Cemetery.
Booking Confirmation
Once the documentation is complete and the booking confirmed, you will receive a Customer Booking Summary specifying the details of the services and facilities required for your booking.
Service Procedures
- Full Services - the chapel opens 30 minutes before full services
- Committal Services - the chapel opens 10 minutes before the scheduled committal
Earlier opening times are possible, but must be specified on the booking form and approved by Cemetery staff.
The Cemetery’s Chapel Attendant is available to help setup and assist with some aspects of the service, and is present throughout. Specific wishes should be indicated on the booking form and discussed with the funeral director.
Related Links
Department Details:
Cemeteries (Parks & Gardens)
