An unattended cremation — often called a direct cremation — is a simple cremation that takes place without a funeral service or mourners present. Your loved one is collected into professional care, necessary paperwork is handled, a dignified, simple coffin is used, and the cremation happens privately. The ashes are then either returned to the family or scattered by arrangement. Many families choose this option because it’s straightforward, lower cost than a traditional funeral, and gives them the freedom to plan a personal farewell at a time and place that feels right.
This guide explains exactly what you’re paying for and why. We’ll cover how an unattended cremation works step by step, what’s included in the price (and what isn’t), today’s UK cost ranges and the factors that change them, how to compare providers fairly, ways to pay and get help with costs, the trade‑offs versus a traditional funeral, and ideas for a meaningful memorial afterwards. We’ll also outline how Go Direct Cremations keeps pricing clear and care compassionate.
How an unattended cremation works step by step (and timelines)
An unattended cremation follows a clear, simple path from the first call to the return of ashes. The provider arranges care, paperwork and the cremation itself, while you decide what should happen to the ashes. Timelines depend on medical certification, any coroner involvement, and crematorium availability. Reputable providers will confirm the date and time in advance so you can mark the moment privately, and payment is usually arranged early (some providers ask for full payment within 48 hours).
- First call and collection: The provider arranges respectful transfer into professional care.
- Paperwork and certification: Forms and doctor’s certificates are coordinated; coroner cases may add time.
- Care and preparation: Your loved one is looked after and placed in a simple coffin.
- Booking the cremation: A slot is secured and shared with you ahead of the day.
- Private cremation: A dignified, unattended cremation takes place without a ceremony.
- Ashes and aftercare: Ashes are returned to you or scattered in a garden of remembrance by arrangement.
What’s included in the price of a direct cremation
A direct (unattended) cremation bundles the essentials needed for a dignified, private farewell. Inclusions vary by provider, so always check the small print, but most reputable services cover the key steps from collection to the return or scattering of ashes without the formality of a traditional funeral.
- Professional collection: Usually from a hospital or mortuary, with respectful transfer into care.
- Care and a simple coffin: Preparation and a dignified, simple or eco‑friendly coffin suitable for cremation.
- Transport and cremation: Conveyance to a partner crematorium and the private cremation itself; many packages include cremation fees.
- Paperwork guidance: Help coordinating required forms and certificates.
- Date/time confirmation: Notice of the cremation so you can mark the moment privately.
- Ashes options: Scattering in a garden of remembrance or return in a simple container (upgrades or hand delivery may cost extra).
What’s not included (and common hidden extras to watch)
Headline prices are for the basics only. The cost of an unattended cremation can increase when circumstances fall outside a provider’s standard package. To avoid surprises, ask for a written breakdown and check whether any third‑party or situational fees might apply in your case.
- Collection location: Hospital/mortuary is often included; collection from a home, hospice or care home is commonly extra.
- Out‑of‑hours/urgent attendance: Faster or night/weekend collections may carry a surcharge.
- Doctor’s certification: Some providers charge separately for medical certification required for cremation.
- Implanted devices: Removal of a pacemaker or similar battery‑operated device is usually an additional fee.
- Size considerations: Oversized or extra‑tall individuals may require a larger coffin and specialised equipment.
- Ashes return upgrades: Hand delivery and upgraded urns typically cost more; simple scattering is often included.
- Viewings and ceremonies: Chapel of rest visits, celebrants, flowers and orders of service aren’t part of direct cremation.
- Geography/transport: Collections beyond a set area or multiple transfers can add costs.
How much an unattended cremation costs in the UK today
The cost of unattended cremation in the UK typically sits in the three‑figure to low four‑figure range, with most families paying around £900–£1,400 for a like‑for‑like service that includes the cremation fee. Headline “from” prices can be lower, but inclusions vary, so check whether collection locations, doctor’s fees and ashes return are covered.
- DirectCremation.co.uk: £895 headline price (England & Wales hospital collection included; optional extras apply).
- Simplicity: From £1,149, and this includes cremation fees.
- Co‑op Funeralcare: £1,395 across England, Wales and Scotland.
- Golden Charter (pre‑paid plan): From £1,885 for a direct cremation plan (pre‑need pricing).
- Independent example: Some regional funeral directors quote around £2,000 for an unattended package.
For a fair comparison, factor in likely extras. Common add‑ons such as collection from a home or hospice, removal of an implanted device, or a larger coffin typically add £100–£250 each, and some providers charge separately for doctor’s certification or hand delivery of ashes.
Key factors that affect the cost
The cost of unattended cremation is shaped by what’s included as standard, where and when care is provided, and any clinical or aftercare needs. Headline prices can look similar, but small differences in inclusions, logistics and provider approach explain why quotes vary. Regional crematorium fees and the speed or timing of collection can also influence the final total.
- What’s included: Check if cremation fees, doctor’s certification (often charged separately by some at about £82), a simple coffin and ashes return are bundled.
- Collection setting and timing: Hospital/mortuary collection is commonly included; home, hospice or out‑of‑hours attendance is often extra.
- Clinical requirements: Pacemaker/device removal is a frequent add‑on; coroner cases can extend timelines.
- Size and equipment: Larger coffin/specialised equipment may be needed for taller or heavier individuals.
- Transport and distance: Extra mileage or multiple transfers can add cost.
- Ashes aftercare: Hand delivery and upgraded urns cost more; scattering in a garden of remembrance is often included.
- Provider and payment type: Direct‑cremation specialists may price differently to high‑street funeral directors; pre‑paid plans (e.g., plan prices from £1,885) are structured differently to at‑need services.
How to compare providers like-for-like and avoid pitfalls
To get a true cost of unattended cremation, turn each quote into a single “all‑in for our circumstances” figure. Ask for an itemised breakdown and check what’s included versus extra. Small differences in inclusions, timing and aftercare are where headline “from” prices can jump.
- Cremation fee included?: Some quotes exclude it.
- Collection included from where?: Hospital only, or home/hospice too; out‑of‑hours surcharges?
- Doctor’s certification: Included or charged separately.
- Coffin and care: Simple/eco coffin and professional preparation included.
- Ashes return: Scattering included? Hand delivery or upgraded urn costs?
- Size/device fees: Larger coffin or pacemaker removal priced clearly.
- Transport limits: Mileage caps or multiple-transfer fees.
- Who provides care: In‑house team vs third parties; where your loved one will rest.
- Date/time confirmation: Will they notify you so you can mark the moment.
- Payment terms: Deposit vs full payment (some require payment within 48 hours).
With like‑for‑like clarity, you can weigh price against service quality before choosing.
Ways to pay and help with costs (at-need, benefits, and pre‑paid)
Paying for the cost of unattended cremation can be straightforward, but terms vary. Many ask for early payment; some offer flexibility. Always confirm what’s included, when money is due, and how third‑party fees are handled — for example, doctor’s certification is often charged at £82. If you’re planning ahead, a pre‑paid plan can fix costs. If money is tight, check what government help you can claim.
- At‑need payments: Some providers require full payment within 48 hours, while others advertise no upfront deposit or prepayment.
- Government help: The UK Funeral Expenses Payment usually pays £1,000 plus the cremation fee for eligible claimants, which can fully cover a low‑cost direct cremation.
- Pre‑paid plans: Direct cremation plans start from about £1,885 with some providers; confirm exactly what’s guaranteed and any exclusions.
Direct cremation versus a traditional funeral: costs and compromises
Direct cremation strips away the ceremony, vehicles and time‑pressures of a funeral day, which is why the cost of unattended cremation typically sits around £900–£1,400, versus an average basic cremation funeral of about £3,795 (including funeral director fees, coffin, doctor, minister/celebrant, limousine and cremation fees). The trade‑off is no service or attendees at the crematorium; instead, you choose if and how to mark the moment later.
- Cost difference: Direct cremation ~£900–£1,400 vs a traditional basic cremation funeral ~£3,795.
- What you give up: No chapel service, viewing, hearse/limousines, flowers or on‑the‑day procession.
- What you keep: Dignity, care and ashes, with the freedom to plan a personal memorial later.
- Best for: Simplicity and savings, families spread out geographically, or those who prefer a low‑key goodbye.
Planning a meaningful farewell after a direct cremation
The gift of an unattended cremation is time: no rush, no script, just the freedom to honour a life in a way that feels authentic. Choose a date and place that mattered to your loved one, weave in their music, beliefs or humour, and invite people to contribute memories so the goodbye reflects the person, not a template.
- Home or garden gathering: Photos, favourite music and candles.
- Favourite place send‑off: Walk, readings and ashes scattered respectfully (with permission where needed).
- Private moment at the cremation time: Prayer, silence or a simple toast.
- Keepsakes and legacy: Memory book, tree planting or a charity donation in their name.
Why choose Go Direct Cremations for transparent, low‑cost care
If you’re weighing the cost of unattended cremation, choose a provider that’s clear on inclusions and uncompromising on dignity. Go Direct Cremations keeps things simple: respectful care from first call to ashes, with guidance on paperwork, washing and preparation, an eco‑friendly coffin, and options for scattering or personal delivery — all backed by 24/7 support.
- Transparent pricing: Clear base cost with upfront, itemised extras (e.g., urgent home collection, device removal, larger coffin, designer urns).
- Nationwide hospital collection: From any hospital in mainland England, Scotland or Wales.
- Professional care: Private ambulances, professional mortuary facilities and trusted crematoria.
- Flexible ashes choices: Scatter in a garden of remembrance or arrange personal delivery.
- Complex cases handled: Overseas, coroner involvement and organ donation experience.
- Always available: Compassionate support and collection, day or night.
Final thoughts and next steps
Unattended cremation keeps things simple and lowers costs, without losing dignity or choice. You now know what’s included, the extras to watch for, typical UK prices, and how to compare quotes fairly. The next step is to get a clear, itemised figure for your circumstances and a timeline you’re comfortable with. If you value transparent pricing and 24/7, compassionate care, talk to Go Direct Cremations today to discuss options, confirm inclusions, or arrange an at‑need or pre‑paid plan.