How it works

From the first phone call to the USB keepsake, here's what we do so your family can simply be present.

Live, and for later

The live Zoom stream lets people take part as it happens. The separate recordings become a polished film for everyone who couldn't watch live.

During the service

Live, for guests who can't be there

  1. Two cameras

    Two professional cameras capture different angles.

  2. Wireless mics

    Clear sound from the officiant, podium or couple.

  3. Video switcher

    We switch between angles as the service unfolds.

  4. Live on Zoom

    Guests watch from anywhere with a Zoom link.

After the service

A finished film to keep and share

  1. Full recordings

    Each camera records internally; audio is recorded separately.

  2. Edited together

    Video and audio are edited into one film, with slideshows if you like.

  3. Private online

    Posted behind a username and password for 6 months.

  4. USB keepsake

    A copy on a USB memory stick for the family.

Real cameras, not webcams

Our two cameras are far superior to the webcams built into laptops: sharper images, better handling of dim chapels and bright windows, and lenses that can frame a speaker from across the room.

A video switcher lets us move between the two angles live. Guests on Zoom see a wide view of the room, then a close view of whoever is speaking, the way a television broadcast works.

A Distant Memorials camera operator filming with a professional Canon camera

Clear sound where it matters

High-quality wireless microphones are placed on the people speaking, so voices come through clearly instead of fading into the room.

The officiant

A small clip-on mic on the priest, minister or celebrant, so the whole service is clear.

The podium

A mic at the podium for eulogies, readings and the stories family and friends share.

The couple

A discreet mic on the groom or bride, so vows and every "I do" come through.

Recorded twice, edited with care

While the service streams, each camera also records internally, and the audio is captured separately on a digital audio recorder.

That means the finished film doesn't depend on internet speed. After the service, we edit the video and audio together into a clean, complete recording.

  • Both camera angles, cut together
  • Clean audio from the dedicated recorder
  • Photo slideshows edited in, if you'd like
A Distant Memorials camera operator recording a graveside service

Sharing the finished film

Private online viewing

The finished video is posted online behind a username and password, so only the people you share it with can watch. It stays online for 6 months.

Watch a recording

USB keepsake

Families can also receive the finished film on a USB memory stick, to keep long after the online copy is removed, and to share with anyone they choose.

Everything that's included

Two professional cameras

Far sharper and steadier than a webcam, with two angles so guests at home never miss a moment.

Live camera switching

A video switcher moves between angles during the service, the way a TV broadcast does.

Wireless microphones

High-quality mics on the officiant, the podium, or the couple, so every word comes through clearly.

Live on Zoom

Family and friends anywhere in the world join with a simple Zoom link and see it as it happens.

Separate recordings

Each camera records internally and the audio is captured on its own digital recorder, as a backup and for the best quality.

Edited video

After the service, video and audio are edited together into a finished film. Slideshows can be added.

Private online viewing

The finished video is posted online behind a username and password, for 6 months.

USB keepsake

Families can receive a copy on a USB memory stick to keep and share.

Let everyone be there

Tell us the date and place. We'll confirm availability and walk you through everything, with no pressure.

Check availability Call (707) 747-4747