Cremation costs

Cremation costs can vary significantly across the UK. If you are organising a funeral for a loved one, please take the following cremation fees into consideration:

• Location of the cremation
• Types of services you choose for the funeral
• Additional costs including choice of flowers, coffins and a wake
  
  

How much does cremation cost?

The average cost of a cremation funeral in the UK is £3,986. However, cremation fees and costs can vary from region to region.

In England, the costs of a cremation varies from around £4,500 in the South East, to an average of £4,000 in the Midlands. The average cost of a cremation in Scotland is £3,806, while in Wales a cremation costs an average of £3,706.

Our infographic below provides a detailed breakdown of all cremation fees and what the average price of cremation services are across the UK.

Dignity's National Funeral Cost Survey is based on a sample of funeral directors across the UK.

How does the cost of a cremation compare to a burial?

The cost of a cremation is usually cheaper than the cost of a burial, as there are fewer costs involved.

The average cost of a cremation is £3,986, compared to £5,000 for a burial. The main difference is around the cost of the burial itself, this can cost up to £1,986. The cost of a cremation will differ depending on the location, type of service, transport, funeral director fees, and any extras such as flowers and catering for the wake. Here are some of the key differences between a cremation and a burial.

What is included in the overall cost of cremation?

Overall cremation funeral costs will be determined on whether you wish for a funeral director to arrange the service for you, or if you wish to arrange it yourself. A Funeral Director can help ease the burden of planning a cremation funeral for a loved one, alleviating a lot of stress at such a difficult and upsetting time.

The average cost of a cremation in the UK is £3,986. This will include the crematorium’s fee, the minister or celebrant’s fee, the funeral directors fee and any costs associated with the paperwork of forms needed for a cremation.

If your loved one didn't live in the district or borough in which your chosen crematorium operates, there could be extra costs for cremation. Be sure to ask your Funeral Director if this is the case.

Additional optional costs for a cremation funeral

The funeral director’s fee for a cremation funeral will usually include the following:

• Transportation, care of the deceased and embalming
• Hearse, limousine, pallbearers and funeral procession
• A light oak or teek veneer coffin
• An opportunity for you and your family to view your loved one

However, when assessing the cost of a cremation, it is also worth bearing in mind any optional costs. These include:

• Flowers: average cost £184
• Memorial: average cost £910
• Catering: average cost £408
• Limousine hire: average cost £313
• Venue hire: average cost £245

How can I reduce the cost of a cremation?

Consider a simple funeral: Our Simple Funeral offers a complete funeral at a lower cost, without compromising on the quality of the service that is delivered. It includes all of the essentials, including a professional and fully trained Funeral Director to support you every step of the way. The Simple Funeral is available for £1,695 in Scotland or £1,995 throughout the rest of the UK, excluding third party costs.

Your Funeral Director will also make sure the necessary forms for cremation are completed. Find out more about what a funeral director does.

Consider your optional extras carefully: We understand that the cost of a cremation or funeral can cause extra stress at a difficult time. Our experienced and friendly funeral directors will be happy to suggest way of reducing the cost of your cremation funeral, from thinking about transport options to catering and everything in between.

Help with paying for funeral and cremation costs: If you’re struggling to cover the cost of a funeral, there are options for financial help available, from government support such as the funeral expenses payment to assistance from charities.