When someone chooses cremation, a new question often follows: What should happen to the ashes? For many families, the answer is interment—the act of burying the ashes, sometimes in an existing grave. This option can bring comfort and continuity, especially when the ashes are placed with a loved one who has already passed.
We also have a free guide which has even more inspiration & ideas on how to personalise an interment of ashes, a funeral service or a celebration of life.
In this article, we’ll explain what the interment of ashes involves, including how to bury ashes in an existing grave, what permissions are needed, how much it might cost, and what personal, emotional or cultural considerations might shape your decision.
What is the interment of ashes?
The interment of ashes is the act of placing cremated remains into the ground, usually in a cemetery, churchyard, or memorial garden. It’s different from scattering ashes, which involves releasing them into the air or onto land or water.
Interment allows the ashes to rest in a fixed location, often with a grave marker or headstone that can be visited. Some families find comfort in this permanence. It can give you a shared place of remembrance, especially when ashes are buried in a family plot or beside a spouse.
Planning the interment of ashes
Ashes can be interred by cemetery staff without a ceremony, but many families choose to be there in person. Being present can offer a sense of closure and a chance to say a final goodbye. If you'd like to plan a more personal moment, here’s what you need to know:
Choose the urn to hold the ashes
Choosing the perfect urn to hold your loved one’s ashes can be challenging because there are so many options available
Here’s a list of some of your choices:
- Individual urns – Designed to hold the ashes of one person.
- Companion urns – Made to hold the ashes of two people, often chosen for partners or close family members.
- Keepsake urns – Smaller urns that hold just a portion of the ashes, ideal for sharing among family or keeping a small token at home.
- Child urns – Smaller in size, created to honour and remember a young life.
- Specialist memorial urns – These might reflect a particular passion, profession or hobby, offering a more personal tribute.
- Bespoke urns – You can commission a one-of-a-kind design to reflect your loved one’s individuality.
When it comes to materials, you might choose:
- Ceramic urns – Classic and decorative, often handmade.
- Water-soluble urns – Ideal for water burials, designed to dissolve naturally.
- Wooden caskets – A traditional choice, often made from oak or mahogany.
- Biodegradable urns – Eco-friendly and suitable for natural burials. If you choose direct cremation with Pure Cremation, ashes are returned in a biodegradable urn.
Take your time to choose a date for the interment of ashes ceremony
There’s no need to rush. When the time feels right, you can choose a date that works well for close family and friends. It’s important that everyone who wishes to be there has the chance to attend.
Decide where the ashes will be laid to rest
One of the most meaningful parts of the ceremony is choosing the final resting place. There are several options to consider, and it’s entirely up to you and your family to decide what feels most fitting:
- Bury the ashes in a new plot: If you’d like to hold the interment ceremony at a cemetery or churchyard, you’ll need to complete a burial plot application form—usually available from your local council or the cemetery itself. If you don’t already have a family plot, you’ll need to purchase what’s known as the exclusive right of burial. This means you buy the plot for a set number of years and agree to certain conditions. It gives you the right to decide who can be buried there and how the grave is used in future.
- Choose a niche in a columbarium: A columbarium is a space—often a wall, room or small building—designed to hold cremation urns above ground, providing a place you can visit and remember your loved one.
- Lay the ashes to rest in an existing grave: If your family already has a burial plot, you may be able to inter the ashes there. This can be a comforting option, allowing your loved one to rest alongside relatives in a familiar place.
- Bury the ashes in a memorial garden: Memorial or remembrance gardens are maintained areas within many UK cemeteries and crematoria. You may be able to choose a dedicated spot marked with a tree, bench or plaque, creating a lasting tribute in memory of your loved one.
- Interment of ashes on private land: It is legal for you to bury the ashes in your garden or on private land, as long as you have the landowner’s permission.
- Woodland burial of cremated remains: If you choose to bury the ashes of a loved one, there are many natural or woodland burial grounds in the UK. You’ll need to choose a biodegradable urn, such as the one used to deliver ashes after a Pure Cremation direct cremation.
- Sea burial of cremated ashes: If the person that’s passed away enjoyed coastal beaches or seafaring, this could be the perfect send-off for them. If you’re spreading remains onto a privately owned stretch of water, you will need permission. However, for tidal coast waters or upon a beach, you don’t need a license. There are, however, cemeteries and burial guidelines you must follow.
Invite guests to the interment of ashes ceremony
Whether you choose a small, private gathering or a larger celebration, it’s entirely up to you—and often guided by the kind of person your loved one was.
If they were someone who valued quiet moments and close connections, a more intimate ceremony with just a few family members and friends may feel most appropriate.
On the other hand, if they were outgoing and enjoyed being surrounded by people, a bigger event with more guests might be a fitting tribute. In that case, you might want to think about things like a dress code or whether guests will say a few words during the ceremony.
Can ashes be buried in an existing grave?
Yes, they can—and it’s something many families choose to do. This option is often taken when a loved one has already been laid to rest in a family plot, or when someone wishes to be buried alongside their partner or a close relative.
Before making arrangements, you’ll need to check two things: whether there’s space in the grave for another interment, and who holds the legal right to approve it. Burial rights usually belong to the person named on the grave’s deed or lease.
Do you need permission to bury ashes in a grave?
Yes, permission is essential. If you’re not the deed holder yourself, you’ll need written consent from the person who is. This is often a next of kin or another family member.
Cemeteries also have their own rules. Some limit how many interments can take place in a grave or require ashes to be placed in a particular type of container. You may also be asked to provide a cremation certificate and details about the person whose ashes are being buried.
The best place to start is with the cemetery staff. They’ll guide you through what’s needed, offering clear advice and support every step of the way.
How much does it cost to bury ashes in an existing grave?
The cost of burying ashes in an existing grave can vary depending on the cemetery, the region, and the type of service you choose. As a guide, you might expect to pay for:
- Interment fee – charged by the cemetery to open the grave and record the burial.
- Permission or deed transfer fees, if relevant.
- A ceremony or officiant fee, if you choose to hold a formal service.
- Memorial updates, such as adding an inscription to a headstone or plaque.
In the UK, interment of ashes in an existing grave might cost anywhere from £150 to £500 or more. If you’re using a private cemetery or arranging additional services, the total could be higher.
Can multiple sets of ashes be buried in the same grave?
Yes, it’s often possible to bury more than one set of ashes in a single grave. Many family plots are used in this way, offering a shared resting place for loved ones across generations.
The number of interments allowed depends on the size and depth of the grave and the cemetery’s specific rules. If you're planning ahead, it’s worth asking whether the grave can accommodate future burials—and making a note of this in your own funeral wishes or will.
Can I be buried with my loved one’s ashes?
Yes—many people choose to have their ashes buried in the same grave as a partner, parent, or child. If this is something that matters to you, it’s a good idea to record your wishes in writing and let your family know.
Grave ownership and burial permissions will still apply, so planning ahead can help make sure everything is clear and simple when the time comes.
Options after interment
Once the ashes have been interred, you may choose to update the grave’s headstone or add a plaque or inscription. Some families hold a small unveiling or dedication ceremony at the time or later on.
Cultural and religious practices vary widely. In some traditions, the headstone is updated after a set period of mourning. In others, symbols or flowers might be added to mark the interment.
The interment of ashes in an existing grave is a powerful, personal choice. It offers a sense of place, connection, and continuity—especially for families who wish to be laid to rest together.
Alternatives to the interment of ashes
There’s no one right way to honour a loved one’s memory. If burial isn’t the choice that feels right for you, there are many other meaningful ways to celebrate their life.
One of the most popular options is scattering ashes in a place that held special meaning—perhaps a favourite beach, a woodland walk, or a cherished holiday spot. It can be a gentle and symbolic way to say goodbye.
For something more personal, many families choose to keep a loved one close by, turning ashes into a piece of jewellery or artwork. Some even choose to have ashes made into fireworks—sending them off in a spectacular display that reflects their personality.
There are also newer, thoughtful options emerging all the time. Ashes can be incorporated into a memorial reef beneath the sea, or even into tattoo ink for a truly lasting tribute.
These are just a few of the many possibilities. If you’d like more inspiration, take a look at the full list of what to do with a loved one’s ashes for even more creative suggestions.
