Documenting a burial ceremony?

I commend the family for having you preform this. I have done it for members of my family. It is uncomfortable dealing with those who have lost. However It helps remember the gathering of friends and family, the emotions and love of the soul of the deceased. I use a mono pod, no flash, long lens, no burst shooting. I walk the sight take photos of the sight as it is prepared for the ceremony. The day of I use 2 cameras and a assistant. The assistant shoots the procession arriving thru the main entrance of the cemetery or coming up the road to the final resting place. I possession myself to capture the doors opening and persons exiting, the pallbearers preparing and carrying the casket. The rest of the event is basic shooting. I would stay and shoot the area after everyone has left. I have waited to shoot the sunset at the grave sight. I go back the next day after everything is gone, the earth closed and the head stone in place. I have been to one grave sight 3 time a year for the past 4 years Photographing the season and day of the persons Birth, Anniversary, and Death.

After writing this I see you didn't really say the family hired you. If you were hired by other then the family, seek the family's approval. Tho in the US you have the right to photograph it you should respect the livings final moments with the dead.

This is something I could not do. But if I had to I think I would approach it like a photojournalist. Be respectful to any and all those present, of course. Dress accordingly. I think I'd get a quiet rangefinder-like camera, too.

Stills from broadcast quality HD cameras also look very good. You could film it and pick stills from the footage. The best thing about this option is you could rent several cameras for the same price that you could buy a good, quiet digital still camera.

Anyway if you had two video cameras on tripods and one hand handheld I wouldn't think you'd miss many shots at all.

Obviously the advice to ask the family what they do and don't want is paramount.

Take pictures of the plot before the people arrive and all the action and then after they all are gone

Take pictures of the next of kin holding a picture of the deceased.And other portraits like ones of the family and the reverend

If it is a sky burial, I would go on an empty stomach.

Otherwise, I would would get a very clear understanding from the family of what they do and don't want.