These guidelines, published in February 2026, are closely based on a national template that has recently been published. The churchyard regulations set out the process by which churchyard memorials may be approved and related matters such as what items may be left on a person’s grave.
The churchyard regulations are accompanied by two companion documents and a new application form.
The Handbook for the Bereaved is designed to be given out on a pastoral visit following a bereavement or to others enquiring about erecting a memorial.
The Handbook for Incumbents is a guide to clergy on how the churchyard regulations work.
The new churchyard regulations come into force on Ash Wednesday, 18 February, 2026. After that point, you should please refer to the new regulations, form and guidance notes. However, you may continue to accept and use for a period of 3 months (ie until 18 May 2026 applications made on the old forms).
The main changes to the churchyard regulations and application form are:
- · To provide more latitude to incumbents when exercising discretion
- · To bring them in line with a national model
- · To require monumental masons to sign the application form.
Questions about the new regulations and related matters may be directed to your archdeacon or the diocesan registrar.
The documents are available to download:
>> Churchyard Regulations Handbook for Incumbents (booklet version suitable for printing)
>> Churchyard Regulations Handbook for Incumbents (online version)
>> Churchyard Regulations Handbook for the Bereaved (booklet version suitable for printing)
>> Churchyard Regulations Handbook for the Bereaved (online version)
