Interment of ashes simply means placing cremated remains in a permanent resting place. That might be buried in the ground (in a cemetery, churchyard, memorial garden or even a private garden with permission) or set above ground in a niche or columbarium. Unlike scattering, interment creates a fixed place to visit and remember. It can happen soon after the cremation or months later, and may be marked by a short, personal ceremony or kept very simple.
This practical UK guide explains your choices and how to arrange them with confidence. You’ll find the rules and permissions to know about (grave ownership, exclusive rights and paperwork), where interment can take place, and how using an existing grave works. We cover urn and container options, typical costs, a step‑by‑step checklist, and what happens on the day—plus wording, poems and prayers you can use. We also outline alternatives and how interment fits after a direct cremation.
Interred, interned or inurned? Key terms explained
These similar-sounding words are easy to mix up. Here’s what they mean when you’re arranging an interment of ashes.
- Interment / interred: The correct term for burying or placing ashes in a permanent resting place.
- Interned: Means detained or imprisoned—nothing to do with funerals.
- Inurnment / inurned: Placing ashes into an urn. Occasionally used, especially in the US; in the UK, “interment” is the standard term for burial or placement.
Why families choose interment (benefits and things to weigh up)
Families choose the interment of ashes because it creates a permanent, shared place of remembrance—often beside a spouse or in a family plot. It’s gentle and simple, done when the time feels right, and suits those who prefer a lasting memorial.
- Permanent memorial: A fixed place to visit and tend.
- Flexible and simple: A brief, personal ceremony when you’re ready.
- Practicalities: Expect fees, permissions and site rules; moving ashes later can be complex and may require formal approval.
UK rules and permissions for interring ashes (ownership, rights and paperwork)
Rules vary by cemetery, churchyard and council, but across the UK you’ll need the right permissions and a little paperwork before an interment of ashes. The grave owner controls what happens in an existing plot; on private land you’ll need the landowner’s written consent. Always confirm site‑specific rules before setting a date.
- Proof of ownership: Exclusive Right of Burial (grave deed).
- Owner’s consent: Written permission if you’re not the deed holder.
- Forms and fees: Interment application and fee; provide the cremation certificate.
- Container rules: Some sites require biodegradable urns or pouring only.
- Local limits: Capacity per grave and churchyard permissions vary—check first.
- Private land: Owner’s written permission; relocation may need an exhumation order.
Where you can inter ashes in the UK (cemeteries, churchyards, memorial gardens and more)
Across the UK, you can choose a resting place that fits beliefs, budget and practicality. The interment of ashes can be arranged in traditional settings, greener spaces or at home—with permissions. Confirm capacity, container rules and fees before booking.
- Cemeteries and churchyards: New plot or family grave; needs exclusive right of burial and site rules.
- Memorial gardens: Within crematoria/cemeteries, often with a plaque, tree or bench.
- Columbariums: Above‑ground niches in a wall or room; no burial required.
- Woodland or natural grounds: Eco sites; biodegradable urns and natural markers usually required.
- Private land/gardens: Legal with landowner’s written consent; think ahead if the home is sold.
Burying ashes in an existing grave (how it works and who can approve)
Many families choose the interment of ashes in an existing grave, often to reunite loved ones. It’s usually possible even if the grave is “full”, subject to cemetery or churchyard rules. Start by confirming who holds the Exclusive Right of Burial (the grave deed) and whether the site allows another interment.
- Who approves: The grave deed holder must give written consent; the cemetery or church must authorise the interment.
- Paperwork and fees: Submit the interment application, provide the cremation certificate and pay the interment fee; arrange any deed transfer if needed.
- On the day: Cemetery staff reopen the grave; ashes are lowered in an approved container or poured, depending on site rules; a short committal can be held.
- Afterwards: Update the memorial if permitted (an inscription or plaque), following the site’s regulations.
Interring ashes on private land or in your garden (what to consider)
Interring ashes on private land or in your garden is legal in the UK with the landowner’s permission. It offers privacy and closeness, but think ahead about ownership, containers and permanence before arranging the interment of ashes at home. A little planning now can prevent complications later.
- Get written permission: The landowner’s consent is essential.
- Check property deeds: Freehold/leasehold restrictions or covenants may apply.
- Choose the right container: A biodegradable urn is commonly used for private interment.
- Plan for the future: If you move, notify the new owner or obtain an exhumation order to relocate the ashes.
Woodland and natural interments (eco options and marker rules)
Woodland and natural burial grounds offer an eco‑friendly interment of ashes. Most require a biodegradable urn or ask for ashes to be poured, and keep memorials low‑impact. Headstones are usually not allowed; simple natural markers—trees, stones or a small wooden plaque—and fresh flowers only, not artificial tributes. Always check each ground’s rules on containers and planting before booking.
Columbariums and above-ground niches (when an urn isn’t buried)
A columbarium offers an above‑ground interment of ashes: urns are placed in a wall, room or small building, often at a cemetery, crematorium or church. Niches provide a permanent place to visit without burial, usually marked with a plaque. Confirm niche size, permitted urn materials, booking terms and fees, inscription rules and any tribute restrictions, as policies vary by site.
Urns and containers for burial (biodegradable options and when ashes are poured)
Most cemeteries and churchyards accept ashes in a sealed urn or small casket, but rules vary. Natural and woodland grounds usually require a biodegradable urn, while some Church of England churchyards prefer ashes to be poured directly into the earth. Always check the site’s policy before fixing a date for the interment of ashes.
- Biodegradable urns: Commonly required at woodland/natural sites; check acceptable types.
- Pouring only: Some cemeteries/churchyards ask that ashes are poured (often via a funnel) with no container left.
- Material limits: Metal/ceramic containers may be refused in eco or church settings—confirm materials and sizes in advance.
How much it costs to inter ashes in the UK (fees and what affects the price)
Costs for the interment of ashes vary by council, cemetery, churchyard or private operator, and whether you’re using an existing grave or buying a new plot. As a guide, interring ashes into an existing grave often carries an interment fee of about £150–£500+, with totals higher in private cemeteries or if extras are added. The biggest variable is purchasing the Exclusive Right of Burial for a new plot, which is usually the main cost.
- Interment fee: Opening the grave and recording the burial.
- New plot/Exclusive Right of Burial: The largest cost; varies by site.
- Niche or memorial garden lease: Site‑specific tariffs for plaques/trees/benches.
- Permission/admin: Deed transfer or owner’s written consent if required.
- Officiant/celebrant: Optional service fee.
- Memorial updates: Headstone inscription or plaque engraving.
- Urn/container: Biodegradable urns may be required at natural sites.
Step-by-step: how to arrange an interment of ashes
Arranging an interment of ashes is straightforward once you choose the place and confirm who has permission to approve it. The exact forms and fees vary by council, churchyard or cemetery, so check local rules before you set a date.
- Choose the resting place: Cemetery, churchyard, memorial garden, columbarium, woodland site or private land.
- Confirm rights/permission: Identify the grave deed holder; get their written consent or the landowner’s permission for private land.
- Check site rules: Capacity, container policy (biodegradable urn or pouring), memorial restrictions and fees.
- Book the interment: Complete the application with the operator and provide the cremation certificate.
- Select the container: Use an approved urn or plan for pouring, as required by the site.
- Set the date and format: Family-led moment or officiant; decide simple words/readings.
- Arrange logistics: Ensure the ashes are available and delivered to the site on the day.
- Pay fees and note records: Settle interment charges and organise any plaque or inscription per regulations.
What happens at the interment and how to prepare (timings, dress and practicalities)
An interment of ashes is usually a simple, brief moment. Family and friends gather at the plot or niche; a leader (faith, humanist or a family member) may say a few words, a reading or prayer. Cemetery staff then lower a sealed urn or, where required, pour the ashes into the ground through a funnel. There’s a short silence or farewell, and the site team completes the closure. If preferred, staff can conduct the interment without anyone attending.
- Confirm logistics: Book the time with the cemetery/church and check who is bringing the ashes.
- Know the format: Check container rules (biodegradable or pouring-only) and any limit on numbers.
- Dress simply: Respectful, weather‑appropriate clothing; there’s no fixed dress code.
- Bring tributes: Fresh flowers are usually fine; natural sites tend to refuse artificial tributes.
- Arrive a little early: Agree who will speak and have any paperwork (e.g. cremation certificate) to hand if requested.
What to say: wording, readings and prayers for an interment
Finding the words for an interment of ashes can feel daunting; there are no strict rules. Keep it short and sincere: a few sentences of thanks, a favourite reading or a simple prayer. Popular poems include Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep and Let Me Go. Agree who will speak, then pause for a moment of silence.
- Simple secular words: “We lay to rest the ashes of [Name]. May this place hold our love and memories. Thank you for the life we shared.”
- Christian wording: “We commit their ashes to the ground; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. May [Name] rest in peace.”
- Non‑religious reflection: “We remember [Name] with gratitude for their kindness, humour and love. May our memories be a blessing.”
- Closing gestures: A short silence, placing a flower or a handful of soil, and a final goodbye by name.
After the interment (memorials, records and moving ashes later)
Once the interment of ashes is complete, you can update a headstone or arrange a plaque if the site allows it. Ask the cemetery or churchyard to confirm the register entry and keep copies of all paperwork. If you later wish to move ashes, be aware it’s not straightforward—permissions are required and an exhumation order may be needed.
- Memorials: Follow site rules for inscriptions, plaques, trees or benches.
- Records: Request written confirmation of the interment and grave reference.
- Relocation: Seek the operator’s approval first; expect fees and formal permission. For private gardens, new owners should be informed, and relocation may require an exhumation order.
Alternatives to interment of ashes (scattering, sharing and keepsakes)
If the interment of ashes doesn’t feel right, there are many meaningful alternatives in the UK. You can scatter in a special place, share cremated remains among family, or create personal keepsakes. Always get the landowner’s permission on private land, and follow Environment Agency guidance when choosing a river, lake or the sea.
- Scattering: A favourite beach, garden or hillside; choose a calm day and be mindful of others.
- Sharing/dividing: Split ashes so relatives can remember in their own way.
- Keepsakes and jewellery: Small amounts set into pendants, rings or glass art.
- Creative tributes: Memorial artwork, reef projects or a simple home keepsake box.
Planning an interment after a direct cremation
With a direct cremation, there’s no service at the crematorium, so you can plan the interment of ashes later, when family can gather. After the ashes are returned, choose the resting place, confirm permissions, and book a date. Keep the cremation certificate safe. Check container rules—some sites prefer biodegradable urns or pouring—and arrange delivery of ashes. Your provider can assist with paperwork and transport if you need help.
Quick answers to common questions
Yes, you can arrange the interment of ashes in an existing grave if the deed holder consents and the cemetery approves. Interment fees typically range from about £150–£500+. Some sites require biodegradable urns or ask that ashes are poured directly. Interment can happen any time after cremation, with or without a short service. Private‑garden interments are legal with landowner permission. To move ashes later you’ll usually need formal permissions and, in some cases, an exhumation order.
Next steps
You now have the essentials to arrange an interment of ashes with confidence: choose the resting place, confirm who can approve it, check container rules and fees, then set a date. Prepare simple words or a favourite reading, and keep the cremation certificate to hand.
If you’d like a straightforward way to begin, our direct cremation service handles collection, care and paperwork, then returns the ashes for interment when you’re ready. We’re here 24/7—learn more at Go Direct Cremations.