Burial Options
Traditional funerals, with a graveside ceremony, are dwindling as people look to arrange more fitting tributes to a lost family member or friend.
Below we have outlined a few options and burial alternatives if you do not like the idea of simply being placed in a grave with minimal thought.
Traditional Church Burial Options
Single Or Double Plots
You can reserve single or double burial slots so that you can be joined by a friend or family member at a later date when you both have passed. You can also get family slots, which are more expensive if you want multiple family members together
Burying Ashes
You can reserve ashes interment slots at cemeteries to bury the ashes of a loved one or multiple people.
Burial Costs
Burial Paperwork
A “traditional burial” in the UK involves the internment of the deceased’s body, usually in a deep grave at a cemetary or churchyard.
Around 1/3 of the population still choose to be buried in traditional churchyards and cemeteries, meaning that room for over 160,000 new graves has to be found every year, which in some overcrowded urban environments, is starting to be a problem. This has led to more and more people looking for alternative funeral ideas.
The majority of cemeteries are non-denominational, and so most types of funeral service or ceremony can be conducted there. Advice will also be available from the ministers of the religion or religious organisation that the deceased may have belonged to. Obviously, if you choose to be buried in a churchyard, then the type of funeral/ceremony will be dictated by the particular faith practiced there.
Grave Plots in cemeteries can be pre-purchased. The person who has died may already have arranged a grave space in a churchyard or cemetery which may be included in the will or papers. If space has already been paid for in a cemetery there will be a Deed of Grant, which should be amongst the deceased papers.
The fees vary with plots costing anything from £30 to a few thousand, depending on the location. People should be aware that because of the pressure of space, particularly in bigger cities, most burial plots are sold on a system of the leasehold of usually 50-75 years with 100 years being the maximum. When a lease is coming to its end, the relatives of the deceased are usually sorted, to consider extending it for a fee. However, with families moving around a lot these days, contact can be very difficult if not impossible to achieve.
Consecrated churchyards are slightly different. Every parishioner has a right of burial in their local churchyard, provided there is space available and the churchyard has not been closed for burials by Order of the Council. In addition, any person whose name is on the electoral roll of the parish at the time of their death also has a right to burial, as does any person dying in the parish, whoever that person is. Any exceptions to this must have the consent of the church authority who’s decision is final, and some churches and parishes have their own slight variations (especially when it comes to memorial types), so best to check with the local priest or minister first.
Burial Alternatives
Direct Cremation
A cheaper alternative to a standard cremation is the growing trend of direct cremation. This is basically a cremation without a service. The body is collected by the company and cremated at a specific time, the remains are then delivered back to you and you are free to plan a separate celebration that doesn’t include all of the regular church/crematorium business. This leads us to a celebration of life
We have outlined the general differences between cremation and burial.
Humanist Funeral
This is a non religious funeral service, usually held at a crematorium, but again, it can be anywhere if you have opted for something like a direct cremation above. There are usually non religious songs and readings by family and friends and the service is taken by a humanist celebrant,
Woodland Burial
There are a growing number of sites that accommodate a woodland burial. This is where the body is buried amongst a woodland, in nature. Again, this can be non-religious or religious and the locations typically have a room where family and friends can gather. Read more on woodland burials in our guide.
There are many alternatives to burial, most very practical, some slightly bizarre – but all potentially possible if that’s what you want.
For many years, it has been the norm to have the resting place of the dead being ‘6 feet under. However, burials are slowly being ditched for alternative ways of conducting funerals. In some cultures, cremation has been practiced and it has caught up with many more people across the world. The following are alternatives to burial and cremation:
Home Burial
Yes – it is actually possible to be buried in your garden for all eternity. This can be conducted by someone of your choice or simply part of a DIY funeral.
Read our guide to get all the facts and laws required to be buried at home.
Organ / Body Donation
Some call body donation giving your body to science. Thanks to body donation, there came about developments in the medical field since medical experiments were done on cadavers. Organ donation is possible because after a person dies, some of the body parts can remain healthy and can be transplanted to recipients. It is ironic that it would take losing one life to save another one in such cases.
Burial at Sea
The land is not the only place where the bodies of the dead may be disposed of. The sea is a chosen place of final rest for many who love the sea, sailors especially. Sea burials aka being buried at sea are also not costly because the body is wrapped up in cloth then tossed into the sea.
Mummification
This practice that was conducted in ancient Egypt has gained popularity in recent years. Mummification has been modernized and embraced by people in various parts of the world. After the wrapping up of the body, it is then submerged into a tank that has liquids that can preserve the body.
Sky Burial (Exposure)
Exposure is the most natural way of disposing of a body. The body is left to elements of nature and to wild animals. Such bodies may rot or be eaten by wild animals and scavengers. Sky burials have been commonly practiced in Tibet, where the land is too rocky to dig for burial and there are no resources for cremation.
Cremation Alternative
Some other cremation alternatives include
Resomation (Bio-Cremation)
If the thought of strong chemicals that dissolve body cells during dissolution does not please you, resomation may be an option for you. Resomation is an eco-friendly option because alkali and water-based solutions are used in decomposing the body. This is done while under high pressure, breaking down the body to liquid and bone ash. This liquid can then be recycled. It can be poured onto a garden or natural spaces. The bone ash can be put in an urn.
Dissolution
If you are a fan of crime movies, this may sound familiar. Dissolution is the process of dissolving a body using strong chemicals. Usually, the body parts may be separated and then dipped into a tank that has strong chemicals. The body then quickly breaks down and dissolves.
Live and die majestically
In the face of death, a life fully lived will be worth it all. After living majestically, you may opt to have a majestic send-off. Luckily, you will have options since there are alternatives to burial and cremation and more people are now open-minded, embracing these methods and respecting the wishes of the dead. Choose a non-traditional burial method. You may make your wish known to your family and loved ones so that they may see to it when the time comes.
My husband died on the 20th February 2013 in Truro and I purchased a burial plot in Truro cemetery at the cost of £200 , he was buried on the 11th march I am now sorting out his headstone and have been told that I have to pay the council£69 to erect the headstone but also £200 for burial rights, I thought that as he is already buried there is there a cost of burial rights as well Mrs I Payne
My brother wants to know how much it would cost for a plot for his ashes and possibly for other family members he lives in Stockport so would want the plot to be in that area? Can you give me price of one plot and two plots please
I am Canadian and would like to buy a plot in the U.K. Is this possible if I am not yet a resident?
hi , we buried our son in 1996 and reserved a double plot for me and my husband , we can remember paying out to be with our son , but why should we have to pay every twenty five yrs to keep it . It is sad to know the town council wants the money but the hole is already there !!
I have my mothers papers for her burial plot in Birmingham i would like to know if that means i am the legal owner of the plot and do i have a say in her plot and i want to know can i put an injunction against anybody touching it to change it without my say so?
@tina. The deeds of grant should show who owns them. If your mother’s name is on the deeds then if you are the next of kin the deed of grant can be transferred to you. Only the person who owns the deed of grant can have headstones erected etc. Take a look here for more information
I would like to buy a plot for bury me and my partner in Glasgow
@Roly. Here’s the address to contact for more information: Land and Environmental Services, Bereavement Services, Daldowie Crematorium, Hamilton Road, Broomhouse, Glasgow, G71 7RU. Or phone:0141 287 3961/ emaill: les@glasgow.gov.uk
i would like my partners ashes buried with mine, but more importantly, I would like to know where this gets recorded and what does it say. The reason being that we were together for 32 years but never married and so there is no written record of our relationship anywhere and I would like that to be recorded.
@lest18. Make sure you include your intentions in a Will. The cemetery will hold a record where your ashes are interred and who they belong to.
Im 26 and just lost my mum at 46 to lung cancer, im trying to get a plot somewhere in west london i have no idea who i should be contacting tho its all pretty confusing i want prices of how much it would be to bury her if any one knows or knows where i can look for this information please let me no thanks very much
@Pryncess Angel Dust. The local council will be the best place to start. They’ll be responsbile for any municipal cemeteries in your area. Here is a directory of all the London Councils
Please could you tell me how much it would be to buy a plot please .
@jay. Contact your local council (ask for Cemeteries) – they will be able to give you all the details.
My mother purchased a burial plot in a church after the loss of her son in the 1950’s. She still has the receipt and pictures of the plot. We left the area and was too far to visit regularly. I took my mother to see the grave and although we can pinpoint where it is it is just flat basically. Would we still be able to place a plaque there now, and would it still belong to her as she purchased it.
My Father reserved his plot in 1970`s/1980`s (he spoke of it afterwards but exact date unknown). He was buried double depth in 1996 with no problems leaving space for my mother, his wife. He would have complied with all necessary paperwork and payments to ensure the situation. I checked with them about two years ago that the plot was still available for my mother and was told it was. My mother is due to be buried there next week but the local council are asking for an advance payment of £200, because we do not have a deed. They admit that he may not have been given a deed at the time, there were no transfers of title to my mother requested at the time of his burial, they will not/cannot search the records. Apparently they have changed their rules and undertaken computerisation in the last few years but still say the onus is on the family to produce a deed (which may never have been given ! ). Please advise
It’s a very specific case, but if the council never issued a deed and are refusing to search their records, we suggest you seek legal advice or make a formal complaint before paying the fee requested.
I Am Sultan Zawarani,we lost our father when he came to UK from Egypt for a visit about 2 weeks ago in Addenbrooke’s Hospital.So we need a space to bury him soon (Adult grave),because he is already embalm in uk hospital. So let me know if this space is still available and what are the required things from us and the last asking price for it . Waiting for your reply,
How much is a plot to.purchase now please as i have my parents. Both urns at my brothers and have been talking of letting them be birried now as time is pushing.on and we are no longer getting any ypunger many thanks am in grimsby n e lincs
My mother-in-law is buried in a double depth plot where my fater-in-law will be buried. He doesn’t have any paperwork relating to this. Will we have to pay again for this? Who do we ask about it?
Hi My Dad was buried in what was supposed to be a double plot earlier this year however it has only just come to light from the funeral directors that some error has occurred and it is in actual fact a single plot only. Everyone really upset as don’t want to disturb him although this has been suggested by funeral company. Can anyone advise what my options are it’s our word against theirs. In addition the headstone for s double grave has been being talked about and organise for the last two weeks with them who are apparently looking at the correct data on the system but if they were the error would have come to light then sure it? Any help would be appeeciated as we all feel deeply saddened.
Hi there. My mother and father in law bought 2 plots in Scotland 17 years ago, beside my mother in laws parents grave. My father in law passed away over the weekend and it’s came to light that if we bury him in the plot, there will be no space for my mother in law. The family are deeply saddened and I’m looking for any advice on how to proceed. We can’t bring ourselves to tell my mother in law about it. Any advice would be appreciated. They need to know today what we want to do.
I’m trying to find out if we own a plot in Ely cemetery
Hello my friend I went to a funeral director to talk about a funeral plan with the co op they told me that I had to buy a plot of land for me and my husband to be buried on in a Muslim so it has to be a Muslim graveyard I have contacted other funeral company’s and they said nothing of having to buy a plot I always thought that was included in your funeral plan no one ever explained this to me I was wondering if you could advise me on how to go about purchasing a plot in a graveyard I live in Glasgow and their is a Muslim yard near buy but was told it was full would be so greatful if you could give me any advise help would be appreciated so much take care look forward to here from you thank you x
Different funeral plans contain different options, so it’s your choice whether you buy the actual plot in advance or simply pay in instalments towards the cost of the funeral (which will include a plot purchase at the time of death). If you want to buy a burial plot in advance, you can, try contacting the Cemeteries Office at Glasgow council – they will be able to tell you what’s available in the 32 Glasgow cemeteries.
Hello, I have a plot that I’m looking to sell as we are moving out of the area and I won’t be able to use the plot. Also, because we’ll be relocating nearly 300 miles away it’s going to be a long way for my family and mainly my little girl if I die prematurely, to visit me. The grave is a double plot and situated in East London and has 35 years left on the lease. I’m open to offers as they currently sell for £3,300 on prepayment basis. Thank you for reading, Warm regards Mel
Hi. My mother passed away 10 years ago. Her partnet at the time (not married) arranged a double plot.. to which the debt he left in my brother name.. who passed soon after. I am sure i am next of kin. How can i make sure that my mothers ex partnets does not get buried in that plot???
My brother is buried in anothet town due to his father wanting him close. Hos father has now passed. How would i move my brother to my mothers double plot?
Would like to find out how to get a plot to bury my mum in the Bromley borough
Here is Bromley council’s web page which deals with purchase of a grave/burial plot.
Hi,,,,,I’ve just bought a two person plot for myself and my partner, ( He gave me half of the money) Although we are not married,,,I need to know how to put his name on the deed as well as mine,,,,,At the moment i’m the only name on the deed because they said i couldn’t put his name there,,,instead,,,make a will giving him permission that he comes with me once his time comes,,,,,,But a Will would cost more money again and i have nothing else that credits making a Will,,,,,Please,,,,any advice on this matter would gratefully be appreciated…. I really do need his name as well as mine on the deed.
We sadly recently lost both grandparents within 6 months of one another, both age 90. My grandfather was ex army and very well organised. He purchased a burial plot many years ago but when it came to burial, the funeral director said he could find it so had to purchase another. Is there any way I can search for myself? (Scotland) Thanks
Try all the cemeteries in the area(s) your grandfather might reasonably be expected to have purchased a plot?
Myself and wife purchased a burial plot in 2005 obviously for our burials,since then we have had a change of mind and now thinking of cremation. (Change of mind is will anybody religiously keep it tidy).If we wanted to go ahead with this would the local council buy the site back from us?
The council will most likely buy the plot back from you at the price you paid for it. It might be worth asking local funeral directors if you live in an area where demand for plots is high…you could secure a higher price selling it privately!
My dad and his sister, there mum my nan is buried in a cemetery in Enfield, she died when he was 7 and the rights to her grave went to there dad, there dad disowned them after there mum died and they were left to be raised with family they have many years later as adults got in contact with there dad to ask for the rights to there mums grave and he had refused .. can we not also buy rights to her grave he just wants to be buried with his mum when he dies! And unfortunately his dad is just a horrible horrible heartless man .. we really want to be able to have rights to her grave what can we do? Surely a mothers children have rights to her grave? if I died I’d want my children to have the rights to my grave !
Unfortunately the person who holds the grave deeds holds the right to decide who is buried there.
My dad has said he wants to be cremated and his ashes put with his dad, and other relatives (square headstone) each side of the square) in church yard down road where he grew up. I do not know who has deeds to my grandfathers plot or how I would go about organising it.
Try asking other family members, or you might be able to find out from the cemetery office – where there may be a record. The grave deeds title will usually be passed to administrator of the deceased’s estate, so if you can establish who that was, it might help. If there was no executor or administrator deeds automatically pass to the next of kin.
I purchased a plot for my son however I think it was just for him. Is it possible to add myself to the same plot?
Our healthy but learning disabled daughter should well outlive us. We live in Scotland. I would like to purchase a cemetery plot so it’s in the will she would be with us, as we will more than certainly die before her . Undecided about burial or cremation but want to make sure the three of us are buried together . Any advice ?
You can specify this in a Will. You could have two scenarios that encompass either shared burial plot (you will need to purchase this in advance) or shared memorial spot (if cremated). A solicitor will help you draw up the Will if needed.
Approx 13 years ago I paid for transfer of ownership to myself for a nominal small fee of my greatgrandmothers grave who died in 1936. There no gravestone. As a last resort due to debt issues I am wondering if I could sell it back to the council when according to their website date of death only 50 years duration applied. I was not in fact the next of kin because the owner also deceased long ago had been her second husband and so no blood relation to me. Again according to council website more stringent next of kin checks would be made now. As I’vd said it is a last resort to raise some funds. Any advice please. Thanks
I’m thinking of buying a plot, I’m 53 and want to ensure I’m next to my mum and dad. Once I have paid for the plot is there a yearly fee?
You need to check this with the relevant cemetery office as there may be differing policies between them.
My Grandmother died August 1999 & was cremated and her ashes buried in a plot, a headstone was put there for her & in March 2002 my Grandfather died, he was also cremated & his ashes were buried in the same plot as my Grandmother. These are my mum’s parents. My mum is the eldest out of 5, but the death of my Grandmother caused her & her brother to fall out with the other 3 siblings. We visit the grave regulalary & we arrived today to see headstone had gone. After asking in enquiries we were told they had been exhumed, by her 3 siblings. Forms were filled in by them but obviously not correct as my mum & her brother had no idea this was happening even though it stated on form ALL surviving children had to sign & agree to this. We have just found out they were exhumed because the lease was up on the plot. Is this even possible? And why lease a plot just for 19 years, it’s a very off amount. Worse is that my mum & her brother now have no idea where their patents are, to say we are heartbroken is an understatement. Any advice will be much appreciated.
Lease lengths vary (usually from 25 to 99 years). The lease for the plot should have been renewed by the owner(s) of the plot. Generally if a lease is not renewed, the headstone will be removed and collected by the owner or destroyed by the local authority. It’s unlikely the contents of the plot will not have been exhumed though. Get in touch with the local authority and find out what your options are. If documents have been fraudulently or improperly dealt with.
My dad died 14 years ago and he is buried down cornwall and my mum wants to be buried with him when she dies but she lives in reading berkshire can she be buried on top of him
Who holds the grave deeds? Is it a plot that will take more than one person? If so she should be able to arrange this by contacting the cemetery in Reading where you father is buried.
Just enquiring about a plot of land for when my mum dies, also for myself and daughter
My Aunt lives in New York and is 83yrs old. If she dies she wants to be repatriated and buried in her mum’s grave in the UK. I know where the grave is but my sister has the ‘rights to buriel’ certificate in South Africa (she has emailed me a copy). How do I go about buying the rights to buriel for her in this grave please? Is it the Council or the Cemetery? Thanks 🙂
Only the holder of the deeds can say who is buried in the plot. The deeds should give details of the cemetery office – it’s likely to be a municipal cemetery since the grave has been bought and is owned by the family – this is not case in a C of E churchyard, where the graves are owned by the Church. If you can’t find details of the cemetery office, look for the local council contact for that area and they will direct you accordingly.
My dad recently passed away . My dad is being cremated in Bedford. I live in whitley bay and there is a crematorium in the area. I just wanted to know could I buy burial site at a my local crematorium for my dad.
My dad brought a plot in a cemetery and now he is no longer here who does the plot go to
Doing my family history and I have found my grandparents grave with two uncles buried there as well.My grandmother was the last to be buried and her son was the one who signed her death certificate but he has pastaway over 20yrs now and I want to no how I can get the deeds to the grave.The grave is in glasgow
Can someone tell me I was Born and Bred in Bournemouth Dorset 1954 until 2009 when moved up to the Midlands. I am now wanting to go back home to Bournemouth. In 1996 my daughter passed away and I paid for a double plot so I can be re united with her. The Council are telling me I have no local connection. Can anyone give me advice I am now 64 Thank you
If there was no Will when the son (the deedholder) died, you should contact the relevant cemetery office.
Have you tried showing the deeds to the council? Usually the burial rights will be valid for 99 years.
My parents died 25years ago and I am so worried about having to renew the burial plot in June I am in my seventies and my husband is on disibilty benefits and we are on tax credit it seems so impossible that we can’t afford the £700 needed to renew the plot can you please give me some advice I’m at my wits end I have alwAlways looked after the grave since they both passed away I would like to continue as long as I’m able
Does it definitely expire in June? Was it a 25 year lease? Talk to your cemeteries office or a funeral director about your options.
My father purchased the plot where my maternal grandmother was buried when my mother died, to prevent her stepfather being buried with her mother, that was 1973, my father died 1979, his ashes were interred within the plot, would myself or any of my siblings be able to purchase the plot now , would we all have to agree the purchase or could one of my siblings purchase the plot unbeknown to the rest of us, Noodles
I would like purchase a plot in knocknair hill cemetery Greenock for my Dads ashes how much would it cost please ?
You should contact Inverclyde Cemetery Office: burial.grounds@inverclyde.gov.uk
My mother has said she would like to be buried where she grew up at Saxlingham Nethergate. She lives in Caister on sea. Who would we have to contact to find out if that is possible. Thank you
Contact the Cemeteries Office for municipal cemeteries in the area, or contact the church of St Marys for information about burials in the graveyard.
Hi my Great Grand parents were buried at my local grave yard in my town as I am only 22 but when the time comes for me to be buried I would like to be buried beside them onviously if thats possible as hopefully not for a lot of years that will happen. I was wondering how I go about reserving my spot with them?
I’m in the process of buying / reserving a plot next to my daughter’s grave. The council said I need to put in a reservation marker with my name on it. It feels a bit odd to be honest. It will mean that each time I go there, I’ll imagine myself in situ. Has anybody else had this experience of needing a marker? With their name on it?
Hi, what is the approximate cost of securing a burial plot? Do I have to pay the price of deeds in full? My late father purchased a burial deed in the 1960’s and when he passed away 20 years ago… he was buried with his mother’s, MY grandmother. Would I be able to be buried near them. Thank you for your consideration.
Can i purchase a cremation plot without putting anything in there for now or for a memorial garden .thanks
I have cancer and wanted to buy a plot before I die how much are they
My dad ( passed) may have bought himself a cremation plot. But my siblings and me have not got the ashes and don’t know if we ever will. If he had bought it are we allowed to keep the plot without the ashes? Tia
My partners father bought a double plot 37 years ago for his wife, my partners mother. She died young. He remarried 25 years ago and died himself 6 years ago leaving his money to his 2nd wife. In his will he requested cremation and internment into the plot so as not to disturb his wifes resting place. His second wife insisted to him at the time she was going to be cremated and have her ashes scattered with her own family. She ever mentioned wanting to go into his 1st wifes grave. Shas however now decided she wants her ashes in the same grave as my partners mum and dad. There were 3 executors of his will, his second wife and 2 others. There was no mention of her taking possession of the plot in his will. It was never passed onto her in his will. The other executors have never seen paperwork suggesting she owns it. His funeral was organised by one of the other executors and paid for by his estate.The family of my partner are all against her being placed in the family plot. Should they have been notified of ownership, is there any way to stop this happening.?
Sing plot can we get other on it how much is it please
My wife bought a cemetery plot,she went to the cemetery last week,and another person had been buried in the plot…is this illegal
Hi Was looking to buy a burial plot for me and my husband we live in bingley West Yorkshire ! Where do I start ?
I’m just enquiring about the cost & how we could put dad & grandads ashes into a plot at runcorn cemetery?
How long is the procudure to buy a burial plott
My father had a double plot in one of the Islington cemeteries that he did not use. As his executor, I understand that I am able to transfer it to me and, since I do not require a plot, am able to sell it. I have contacted the relevant department at Islington Council who have confirmed this and provided me with the paperwork. But I have no idea where I would advertise it for sale. Are there some reputable websites or brokers that facilitate this?