Funeral slideshow templates and examples
A good funeral slideshow is less about effects and more about a clear plan: which photos, in what order, for how long, with which music. Here are four free templates families use, each with photo counts, timing and wording you can copy. They work with any tool.
Short on time? Our memorial slideshow maker follows the classic template for you: it sorts photos by date, adds a title and closing card and times everything to your music.
See an example
1. The life story (classic)
- Best for
- Played during the funeral or memorial service
- Length
- 5–7 minutes
- Photos
- 60–80 photos at about 5 seconds each
- Music
- Two songs, ideally instrumental or gentle vocals
- Title card with full name and years
- Childhood and family of origin (10–15 photos)
- School years, friends and early adulthood (10–15)
- Marriage, partnership and raising a family (15–20)
- Work, hobbies, travel and places they loved (10–15)
- Grandchildren, celebrations and later years (10–15)
- One clear, recent portrait held a little longer
- Closing card
Opening card: “Celebrating the life of Margaret Ann Collins · 1941 – 2026”
Closing card: “Forever in our hearts”
2. The short service version
- Best for
- A strict time slot in a church or chapel
- Length
- 3–4 minutes
- Photos
- 35–45 photos
- Music
- One song
- Title card
- Three or four photos from each decade of life
- Favour photos where the person is clearly visible
- End on the portrait the family will display at the service
Opening card: “In loving memory of Robert James Miller”
Closing card: “Thank you for being here today”
3. Chapters of a life
- Best for
- Long, full lives with many distinct periods
- Length
- 6–9 minutes
- Photos
- 70–100 photos
- Music
- Two or three songs, one per chapter
- Title card
- Chapter one: growing up (first song)
- Chapter two: building a life (second song)
- Chapter three: the people they loved (third song)
- Closing portrait and card
Opening card: “A life well lived · 1938 – 2026”
Closing card: “Your love will light our way”
4. The reception loop
- Best for
- Visitation, wake or reception, playing on repeat
- Length
- 8–12 minutes
- Photos
- 100 photos, including candid and group shots
- Music
- Two or three songs; upbeat favourites are welcome
- Short title card (people walk in and out)
- Mix of eras rather than strict order is fine here
- Plenty of group photos so guests find themselves
- No long closing card, so the loop restarts smoothly
Opening card: “Remembering Dad”
Closing card: “Share a story with the family today”
More ideas families appreciate
- Ask each relative for three favourite photos; it brings in moments nobody else had.
- Include photos of hands, handwriting, a favourite chair or garden. Small details often move people most.
- Keep funny photos. A smile in the middle of a service is a gift.
- Make two versions: a short one for the service and a longer loop for the reception.
- Watch it once with another family member before the day, and bring a second copy on a USB drive.
For step-by-step help, read how to make a funeral slideshow or choosing music for a memorial slideshow.