You need an urn for your loved one’s ashes but you’re already managing funeral costs. Maybe the crematorium provided a basic container and you want something more personal without spending hundreds of pounds. Or perhaps you’re planning ahead and want to compare what’s available at realistic prices. Either way, you’re looking for an affordable urn that still honours their memory with dignity.
This guide shows you five UK sources for affordable cremation urns, including what you can expect to pay and what you get. We cover options from direct cremation providers, specialist urn retailers, and online marketplaces. You’ll see typical price ranges from £30 to £170, learn what affects the cost, and find out which option suits your situation best.
1. Go Direct Cremations ashes urn with direct cremation
When you choose a direct cremation service, you receive a basic ashes container as part of the package. Go Direct Cremations includes a simple, dignified urn in their service cost, which means you get both the cremation and a container for the ashes without paying separately. This approach can save you money compared to buying a traditional funeral service and then purchasing an urn on top.
What you receive with a direct cremation
The service provides a plain scattering tube made from recyclable materials. You can keep this container, scatter the ashes from it, or transfer the ashes to a different urn later. The tube is practical and respectful, designed to hold all the ashes securely. Your loved one returns to you in this container, typically within 14 days of the cremation.
When a simple ashes urn is the best choice
A basic container works well if you plan to scatter the ashes at a meaningful location. It’s also suitable when you want time to decide on a memorial later or if you prefer to spend money on a celebration of life rather than physical items. Some families split the ashes between relatives, making the included container sufficient for one portion.
"The simplicity of a direct cremation allows families to focus their resources on what matters most to them."
Costs and how this compares to buying an urn
Go Direct Cremations charges £995 as their base price, which includes the cremation and basic urn. Buying affordable cremation urns separately typically costs £30 to £200, but you’d still pay for a traditional funeral costing £3,000 to £5,000. The direct cremation route gives you both services at one transparent price.
2. URNS UK budget urns and caskets
URNS UK manufactures and distributes their own range of cremation urns, which helps them keep prices competitive. You can browse hundreds of affordable designs made from wood, metal, ceramic, and biodegradable materials. They ship across the UK with standard delivery times and offer returns if the urn doesn’t meet your expectations.
Types of low cost urns available
You’ll find traditional wooden urns starting around £40, metal designs from £50, and eco-friendly biodegradable options from £35. The catalogue includes adult urns that hold full ashes, smaller keepsake urns for sharing between family members, and decorative caskets. Materials range from solid brass and aluminium to sustainably sourced wood and recycled paper products.
Price range and value picks
Most affordable cremation urns on the site cost £35 to £120, with some premium designs reaching £200. You can add engraving to personalised urns for an extra fee. The biodegradable urns offer particularly good value if you plan to bury or scatter the ashes, while metal urns provide durability for long-term display at home.
"Manufacturing in-house allows URNS UK to offer quality designs at accessible prices without retailer markups."
When URNS UK is a good choice
This supplier works well when you want more choice than a basic container but need to keep costs reasonable. Their range suits families who know what style they prefer and want to order directly without visiting a funeral director’s showroom.
3. Legendurn low cost urns for ashes
Legendurn specialises in affordable cremation urns with a focus on variety and customer service. They stock over 300 designs across different materials and styles, from contemporary metal finishes to traditional wooden caskets. The company offers free returns and maintains a customer rating that gives you confidence when ordering without seeing the urn first.
Affordable designs and materials
The collection includes brass and aluminium urns starting around £45, wooden urns from £50, and ceramic options from £60. You’ll find photo frame urns, heart-shaped designs, and simple cylindrical styles. Materials cover solid metals, veneered woods, and glazed ceramics.
Prices, engraving and delivery
Most urns cost £45 to £140 depending on size and material. Engraving services add personalisation with names, dates, or short messages for an additional charge. Delivery reaches most UK addresses within 3 to 5 working days, and you can return items within a set period if the urn doesn’t match your expectations.
"Free returns remove the risk when ordering memorial items online, letting families order with confidence."
Who Legendurn suits best
This supplier works well when you want mid-range designs at affordable prices with the security of returns. Their variety suits families who need time to browse options and prefer ordering from home rather than visiting a showroom.
4. Urns for Ashes value urns and scatter tubes
Urns for Ashes operates as an independent UK supplier focused on cremation urns, scatter tubes, and memorial items. They offer free delivery across the UK and provide guidance for customers who need help choosing the right memorial. The company stocks a range of products that balance affordability with quality, particularly their scatter tube collection.
Budget urns, scatter tubes and keepsakes
The supplier’s catalogue includes scatter tubes from £35, traditional urns starting around £60, and small keepsake urns from £25. You can choose from biodegradable options for eco-friendly burials, metal urns for permanent display, or decorative ceramic designs. Their scatter tubes come in various lengths and designs, making them practical for ash scattering ceremonies at meaningful locations.
Typical costs and bundle options
Most affordable cremation urns from this supplier cost £60 to £150 for adult sizes, with premium designs reaching higher prices. You can purchase keepsake sets that include multiple small urns for sharing ashes between family members, typically priced as a bundle rather than individual items. Scatter tubes remain their most economical option at £35 to £50 depending on size and design.
"Free delivery and customer support help families order with confidence during a difficult time."
When this supplier works well
This source suits you when you need scatter tubes for a planned ceremony or want mid-range urns with delivery included. Their advice service helps if you’re unsure about sizes or materials.
5. Amazon and Etsy cheap urns and keepsakes
Online marketplaces like Amazon and Etsy sell thousands of affordable cremation urns from different sellers worldwide. You browse products with customer reviews, compare prices quickly, and often receive items within days through fast shipping options. These platforms give you access to independent sellers and craftspeople who offer unique designs alongside mass-produced options, creating a wide price range from budget basics to handmade pieces.
What to expect from marketplace urns
Amazon lists urns starting around £20 for basic metal designs and reaching £100 for decorative pieces. Etsy features handcrafted wooden urns from £40, ceramic designs from £35, and unique personalised options. You’ll find everything from simple cylinders to ornate boxes, with materials including wood, metal, ceramic, and biodegradable options. Delivery times vary by seller, typically ranging from 2 days to 2 weeks depending on location and stock.
How to judge quality and avoid problems
Check seller ratings and customer reviews carefully before ordering, as quality varies significantly between suppliers. Look for clear photos showing the urn’s size, finish, and construction details. Read negative reviews to spot common problems like poor finishes, incorrect sizes, or damaged deliveries. Verify the urn’s capacity matches adult ashes (usually 200 cubic inches minimum) and check return policies in case the item doesn’t meet expectations.
"Customer reviews reveal the real quality of marketplace urns beyond promotional descriptions."
Price ranges and when this saves money
Marketplace urns typically cost £20 to £80, making them the cheapest option when you want something beyond a basic container. This approach saves money when you need fast delivery or want unique handmade designs not available from specialist retailers.
Choosing the right affordable urn
You’ve now seen five sources for affordable cremation urns in the UK, with prices ranging from £20 to £170 depending on style, material, and supplier. The right choice depends on your budget, timeline, and how you plan to use the urn. If you’re arranging a cremation now, a direct cremation service gives you both the cremation and a basic container for £995 total, avoiding separate purchases. For families who want more decorative options, specialist retailers like URNS UK and Legendurn offer mid-range designs with returns, while marketplaces provide the cheapest standalone urns when you need something quickly.
Your decision comes down to balancing cost with personal preference. A simple container works perfectly for scattering or temporary use, while a more decorative urn suits long-term display at home. Consider your loved one’s wishes, your memorial plans, and what feels right for your family rather than what others expect.