Guide

Cremation costs

Cremation is the most common choice in the UK. Costs depend heavily on whether the service is attended, and on the crematorium's own fee.

Attended cremation

A full service with family and friends present, followed by the cremation. You pay the funeral director's charges plus the crematorium fee and any celebrant.

Unattended cremation

Sometimes called direct cremation. There is no service at the crematorium, and the ashes are returned to you afterwards. Many families then hold their own memorial at a time and place that suits them.

Why fees vary

Crematorium fees are set locally and can differ substantially between neighbouring areas. Early weekday slots are often cheaper than afternoons and weekends.

This is general information for the UK, not legal, medical or financial advice. Rules differ between England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and can change.

Money you may not have claimed

Government payments, pensions and insurance are easy to miss after a death.

A short, free check finds what you may be entitled to — including help with the funeral itself. Some claims have deadlines, so it's worth doing early.

Check what I may be entitled to

Get a plan for my situation Estimate the costs