When planning a send-off for their loved one, many families like to stick to tradition and opt for a horse-drawn hearse at the funeral. However, in comparison to modern motorised hearses, pricing structures are often less transparent. Here are the answers to the most common questions we receive regarding the pricing structure of booking a horse-drawn cortege.
TL;DR A classic horse-drawn hearse through Welham Jones starts from £800 for a traditional matched pair of black, grey or white horses. They are available across West Kent and South East London through our family-run team, who can arrange a Victorian-style glass hearse as part of a fully tailored, dignified funeral service.
Yes, opting for a horse and carriage funeral is more expensive than using a standard motor hearse because of the specialised care, livery team, and transport involved.
While a motorised hearse is routinely included in standard funeral packages, a horse-drawn cortege is an upgraded option provided by specialist coachmasters. In our experience helping families across Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, and Tunbridge Wells, choosing horses adds a distinct disbursement cost to the funeral arrangements. According to the SunLife Cost of Dying Report (2026), basic funeral costs have increased, however, total costs vary on personal choices, making clear pricing an essential prerequisite when choosing a funeral director.
The cost of a horse-drawn funeral is determined by the number of horses chosen, sometimes the breed, the number of carriages, the cortege travel distance, and any specialised carriage requirements.
Key cost drivers include:
Yes, the number of horses directly affects the price, as adding more horses requires additional grooms, harnesses, and specialised transport.
A standard pair of horses satisfies most traditional corteges and keeps the cost at our starting price of £800. Upgrading to a team of four or six horses increases the overall fee due to extra staffing, commercial handlers, and horsebox logistics. Our funeral arrangers across our West Kent branches frequently see families choose a pair for local church-to-cemetery processions whilst reserving four-horse teams for larger ceremonial occasions.
Hiring a horse-drawn hearse through Welham Jones starts from £800 for a traditional matched pair of black or white horses. Below is a summary of typical carriage options and estimated fee structures:
| Cortege Option | Estimated Starting Price | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|
| Pair of Black Friesians (2) | From £800 | Classic, traditional Victorian-style funeral procession |
| Pair of White/Grey Horses (2) | From £800 | A lighter, celebratory, or contemporary aesthetic |
| Team of Four Horses (Black or White) | On Request | A grand, highly ornate ceremonial funeral cortege |
| Full Horse-Drawn Funeral Package | On Request | Complete service including carriage hire, professional fees, and essential arrangements |
Note: The use of horses in funeral processions is viewed by the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) as contracting with a third-party supplier and therefore they do not give specific ethical guidelines regarding the treatment of cortege horses. However, NAFD members are expected to conduct appropriate due diligence in all third-party relationships, which includes ensuring suppliers adhere to the Animal Welfare Act. Welham Jones are members of the NAFD.
A horse-drawn funeral costs more than a motor hearse because of the substantial ongoing care of live animals, specialised equipment, and additional livery staff required on the day.
Unlike a motor vehicle, maintaining a stable of parade-trained carriage horses requires year-round feeding, stabling, veterinary care, and daily training to handle modern traffic safely. On the day of the service, coachmasters must transport the horses, assemble hand-stitched leather harnesses, groom the horses to immaculate standards, and deploy professional handlers in historic Victorian attire. In our experience, families who choose a horse-drawn cortege tell us that the unmatched dignity and traditional splendour offer immense comfort.
At Welham Jones, white horses are not more expensive than black horses, with both options starting at £800 for a matched pair.
While black Friesians represent the traditional Western European default, white or grey horses (such as Lipizzaners) are an increasingly popular choice for an uplifting celebration of life. Our transparent pricing ensures equal affordability regardless of coat colour. Whether you are planning a traditional cortege or a contemporary service in Southborough, Rusthall, or Langton Green, our team will help guide your decision without hidden fees.
Yes, you can specify a horse-drawn hearse as a personal preference or allocate dedicated funds toward it within a pre-paid funeral plan.
When setting up pre-paid funeral plans, families can set aside funds to cover horse-drawn carriage disbursements, ensuring personal wishes are honoured while relieving loved ones of financial guesswork. Headed by a father-and-daughter team with over 30 years of local experience, our family business across Sevenoaks, Bromley, and Tunbridge Wells can help you tailor a plan to your exact requirements.
Choosing a traditional horse-drawn hearse brings timeless dignity and splendour to a farewell, and working with an independent family funeral director ensures your pricing structure remains clear and transparent every step of the way.
Dating back to the early 1700’s, the tradition of a horse-drawn hearse is a symbol of a simpler time and, as they were historically a method of transportation often reserved for the rich, a demonstration of great respect to your loved one. However, many people do not know that horse-drawn hearses are still around today and available to give your loved one the send-off they deserve.
In our 30 years’ experience in this industry, we’ve seen families across south London and Kent agonise over the fine details in a funeral, desperately trying to give their loved on the perfect send off. Without instruction, this can lead to delays, conflict and anguish. So, how can you tell your loved ones what you want? And where can they find this information?
It’s a problem no grieving family member wants to be faced with, however, with the cost of living increasing, it is one that may become painfully common in the future. As funeral directors with over thirty years’ experience in this industry, we want to say that if you are struggling with covering the costs of a funeral in the UK, you are not alone, and help is available. Here’s how you can seek it…
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