There's no rush to decide what to do with someone's ashes. Many families take weeks or months, and some keep them at home for years. Here are the options.
Collecting the ashes
The crematorium will usually return the ashes to you or your funeral director a few days after the cremation. If you'd like time to decide, they can often be kept at the crematorium for a while - ask what their policy is.
Keeping them at home
You can keep ashes at home in an urn or casket, indoors or in the garden. It keeps your loved one close, and they can move with you if you move house.
Scattering on land
Your own land
You can scatter ashes on land you own.
Someone else's land
Ask the landowner first. That includes places like parks, beaches, golf courses and sports grounds.
At the crematorium
Most crematoria have a garden of remembrance where ashes can be scattered or buried.
Scattering on water
You don't usually need permission to scatter ashes in a river or the sea. The Environment Agency asks people to avoid places near where drinking water is taken, near marinas or where people swim, and not to leave anything behind that won't break down - such as wreaths or plastic.
Burying the ashes
In a cemetery or churchyard
Including in an existing family grave. You'll need permission from the cemetery or church, and there's usually a fee.
At a natural burial ground
Often under a tree.
In your own garden
Think about whether you might move house one day.
Sharing them between family
Ashes can be divided, so different family members can keep some, or so they can be scattered in more than one place. Small keepsake urns and jewellery designed to hold a small amount of ashes are widely available. A funeral director can transfer the ashes for you if you'd rather not do it yourself.
Taking ashes abroad
You'll need the certificate of cremation. Check the airline's rules before you travel, and whether the country you're going to has its own requirements.
Reviewed by the Arranging a Funeral team - September 2026.
See also Direct cremation.
Common questions
How soon do we have to decide what to do with the ashes?
There's no rush. Many families take weeks or months, and some keep ashes at home for years.
Can we scatter ashes anywhere?
You can scatter them on your own land. For someone else's land, including parks, beaches and sports grounds, ask the landowner first. Most crematoria have a garden of remembrance.
Do we need permission to scatter ashes at sea or in a river?
You don't usually need permission. The Environment Agency asks people to avoid places near drinking water intakes, marinas and swimming areas, and not to leave anything that won't break down.
Can ashes be shared between family members?
Yes. Ashes can be divided, and small keepsake urns and jewellery are widely available.
Can we take ashes abroad?
Yes. You'll need the certificate of cremation. Check the airline's rules and the other country's requirements before you travel.