The average cremation costs in the UK in 2023 were £3,795, making cremation a less expensive option when compared with traditional burial costs.[1]
Organising a cremation funeral can cost you a lot more or a lot less depending on whether you'd like a traditional or simplified send off. Cremation costs will be higher for an elaborate funeral than if you were to choose something more pared down or alternative.
Whichever type of funeral you choose you can make it unique to your loved one with personal touches.
[1] The average cost of a cremation in 2023 was £3,795 and a burial was £5,077 (SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2024, sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs)
A cheaper alternative to a conventional cremation is a direct cremation. Direct cremations are cremations that take place without a funeral service or mourners in attendance.
The average UK cremation costs £3,795[2] which gives an indication of how much you could expect to pay.
However, whether you're organising a funeral for a loved one or planning ahead for yourself, cultural, religious or personal preferences may affect the price.
Direct cremation costs £1,498[3] on average and can make it simpler to arrange a funeral at a difficult time.
Instead of bringing your family together for a traditional service, direct cremation allows you to remember your loved one in a personal and unique way instead.
At our direct cremation service, the deceased rests in the chapel whilst a song of the family's choice is played before the cremation takes place.
Alternatively, we offer a simple attended cremation service which gives the chance for close family members and friends to pay their respects.
[2] The average cost of a cremation in 2023 was £3,795 (SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2024, sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs)
[3] The average cost of a direct cremation in 2023 was £1,498 (SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2024, sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs)
As well as the type of cremation you choose, the local region also has an impact on the average cost of a cremation funeral. Those who live in Greater London can expect to pay the most whereas cremations in Scotland are the most affordable.
Those living in a more expensive area may like to consider a nationwide funeral provider. Paying for a funeral with a provider that has one set price for their services throughout the UK could work out cheaper than paying a local funeral director.
| Region | Average cremation cost[4] |
|---|---|
| Greater London | £3,200 |
| South East | £3,092 |
| West Midlands | £2,917 |
| South West | £2,750 |
| East | £2,670 |
| Yorkshire & Humber | £2,668 |
| North East | £2,641 |
| East Midlands | £2,639 |
| North West | £2,608 |
| Wales | £2,497 |
| Scotland | £2,435 |
[4] Costs according to independent research carried out by Legal & General in 2022
Direct cremation is the cheapest way to have a cremation and offers an alternative for those who aren't able to afford a more expensive option. You can have a dignified and direct cremation with Distinct Cremations or a simple attended service.
Find our services below or alternatively you can view our CMA standardised price list.
Our unattended cremation is a great choice for those looking for a simple, low-cost unattended cremation without a funeral ceremony. Unattended cremations take place with no service or mourners present at our high-quality crematoria where dignified care is guaranteed throughout.
Our attended, personal cremation is perfect for those looking for a fuss-free farewell and a final chance to say goodbye. With our dignified and affordable attended cremations you can have up to 8 people attend a 10 minute service or up to 20 people attend a 20 minute service.
Both of our services include only what's necessary to keep them affordable but deliver care and compassion at every stage.
We collect your loved one, care for them at our professional mortuary, carry out the cremation and personally hand deliver or scatter the ashes. We also support you with completing all of the necessary paperwork.
Even if you were planning to spend money on a larger send off, having a direct cremation frees up funds to be used elsewhere instead.
There are some cremation fees you will need to pay regardless of the type of cremation and funeral provider you choose.
Different funeral providers include different funeral costs in their prices, so shop around to find a funeral provider that includes what you would like, without you having to pay for additional extras that you don't want to use.
If you would like to have a wake or celebration of your loved one's life, there will be additional costs involved with arranging this too.
Choosing a funeral provider who specialises in the funeral you want can help to minimise your cremation costs and the support they offer can also bring you great peace of mind.
If you'd like to chat with someone to explain the details about our cremation services at any point or you have specific questions you'd like to ask, please do get in touch. We're here to support you.
Call us on 01543212000Having a cremation without a funeral or keeping the funeral simple are two ways to lower cremation costs. But there are also ways to get help with paying or spread the costs over a longer period to make them more affordable.
Worried that funeral costs will stretch your finances? There are many different ways to pay for a funeral and depending on your financial situation there may be help available to you.
One way to set your mind at rest about cremation costs is with a cremation plan which is a funeral plan specifically for a cremation. Funeral plans let you choose and pay for a funeral ahead of time and can help alleviate financial concerns.
Continue your research to keep your cremation costs affordable and find a funeral service that suits your preferences. Or give us a call to discuss our cremation funerals on 01543 212000.
Still concerned about cremation costs? There are several steps you can take to minimise your funeral expenses. Explore the different ways to keep costs as low as possible.
See more about low cost funerals
Arrange a respectful and affordable funeral for your loved one with the help of our experienced team who can guide you through the process and answer your questions.
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Interested in arranging a cremation without a funeral for a loved one or for yourself in the future? Find out more about how direct cremation works and the benefits.
Explore cremation without a funeralBelow are a selection of reviews from those who have purchased a funeral through Distinct Cremations.
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