A direct cremation is a cremation without a funeral service. The person who has died is collected, cared for and cremated, usually at a time the crematorium chooses, and nobody attends. The ashes are then returned to the family.
Many families then hold a memorial, a gathering or a scattering of the ashes later, when and where they choose. Others prefer nothing more. Either way is fine.
Why people choose a direct cremation
It costs less
It's usually the cheapest kind of funeral.
It was their wish
Some people ask for "no fuss" and want the money spent elsewhere.
It gives you time
You can plan a memorial for weeks or months later, when family can travel and you feel more ready.
The service can be anywhere
A memorial doesn't have to be at a crematorium. It can be at home, in a garden, a village hall, a pub or a favourite place.
What it costs
The average direct cremation in the UK costs £1,628, according to the SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2026. For comparison, a simple attended cremation averages £3,518 and a simple attended burial £4,758.
Prices vary a lot between providers and areas, so compare two or three. Since 2021, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has required funeral directors to show a standard price list in their premises and on their website. If they offer a direct cremation, the price list must include it (the CMA calls it an "unattended funeral"). That makes like-for-like comparison much easier.
What's usually included
Most direct cremation prices include:
- collecting the person who has died from where they died
- caring for them until the cremation
- a simple coffin
- the crematorium fee
- returning the ashes to you, by hand or for you to collect
Things that may cost extra, so ask:
- collection outside working hours, from home, or from a long way away
- a chance to see the person before the cremation
- dressing them in their own clothes
- an urn or scatter tube instead of a simple container
- a short attended service (some providers offer one)
- delivery of the ashes to a particular place
What you still need to do
A direct cremation takes care of the funeral itself. A few legal steps are still yours.
Wait for the medical certificate
In England and Wales, a doctor completes the medical certificate of cause of death and a medical examiner checks it. See forms and certificates.
Register the death
You must do this within 5 days in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and 8 days in Scotland. The registrar gives you a certificate for burial or cremation (often called the green form). Pass it to your provider. See how to register a death.
Sign the cremation application form
In England and Wales this is form Cremation 1. It's usually completed by the nearest relative or the executor. Your provider will give you the form, but they must not fill it in or sign it for you.
Decide what to do with the ashes
You don't have to decide straight away. See what to do with the ashes.
Plan a memorial, if you want one
See arranging a memorial.
Questions to ask a provider
- What exactly is included in the price, and what would cost extra?
- Where will the person be cared for, and can we see them first?
- Which crematorium will you use, and when will the cremation take place?
- How and when will the ashes come back to us?
- Can we add a short attended service if we want one?
- Is the price on your standard price list?
- If it's a pre-paid plan: is the plan provider authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority?
Help with the cost
If you get certain benefits, you may be able to get a Funeral Expenses Payment from the government. It can pay cremation fees, including the cost of the doctor's certificate, and up to £1,000 for other funeral expenses such as the funeral director's fees or the coffin. It won't usually cover everything, and you must apply within six months of the funeral. In Scotland the equivalent is the Funeral Support Payment. See paying for a funeral.
Pre-paying for a direct cremation
Many providers sell direct cremation plans. Since 29 July 2022, pre-paid funeral plans have been regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Before you buy, check the provider on the FCA's Financial Services Register. If an authorised provider fails, the Financial Services Compensation Scheme can step in. See planning your funeral in advance.
Direct cremation in Scotland and Northern Ireland
Direct cremation is available across the UK. The steps are the same, but the forms differ, and your provider will give you the right ones.
Scotland
Register the death within 8 days.
Northern Ireland
There are two crematoria, Roselawn in Belfast and Antrim and Newtownabbey Crematorium, which opened in 2023. Providers there may need to travel further, so ask about collection costs.
Holding a memorial afterwards
A direct cremation doesn't mean no goodbye. Some ideas:
- a gathering at home, or in a favourite pub, café or garden
- scattering the ashes somewhere that meant something to them
- a service led by a celebrant or minister, with music and readings
- planting a tree or placing a memorial bench
If you're asked to speak, our guide to how to write a eulogy can help, and there are ideas on our funeral poems page.
Find local help
crematoria near you · funeral directors near you
Sources, checked 11 September 2026
- SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2026 (average costs): sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs
- CMA, Funerals Market Investigation Order 2021 (standard price lists, "unattended funeral"): gov.uk/government/publications/funerals-market-investigation-order-2021
- GOV.UK, Funeral Expenses Payment, what you'll get: gov.uk/funeral-payments/what-youll-get
- GOV.UK, Cremation guidance for applicants, England and Wales (form Cremation 1; who signs): gov.uk/government/publications/cremation-guidance-for-applicants
- FCA, regulation of funeral plans from 29 July 2022: fca.org.uk/firms/regulating-funeral-plans
- The Cremation Society, list of crematoria by year of opening (Belfast, and Antrim and Newtownabbey 2023)
See also The medical examiner.
Compare direct cremation providers.
Common questions
Can family attend a direct cremation?
Usually not. That's what makes it "direct". Some providers offer a short attended service for an extra charge, so ask.
Is a direct cremation cheaper than a funeral?
Usually, yes. The UK average is £1,628, against £3,518 for a simple attended cremation (SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2026).
Can we still have a service later?
Yes. Many families hold a memorial or a scattering weeks or months later, wherever they like.
How long does it take to get the ashes back?
It varies by provider and crematorium. Ask when you book, and ask whether they'll deliver the ashes or you'll collect them.
Is a direct cremation disrespectful?
No. The person is cared for and cremated with the same dignity as at any funeral. Many people choose it for themselves.
Can I pay for my own direct cremation in advance?
Yes, with a pre-paid plan. Only buy from a provider authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority.