Memorial gardens
For the burial or placing of ashes, we offer a choice of private or communal gardens in different styles and locations within our grounds.
Rated 5/5
Three Counties Crematorium
Three Counties was opened in 2009 by the Right Reverend J Gladwin, Bishop of Chelmsford. The chapel is modern and unfussy, and the grounds around it were landscaped to run into the countryside rather than stand apart from it. Families come for funerals and memorials, and come back for the quiet.
A hundred and eight seats with standing room behind, a waiting room with drinks, and parking for around 70 with more when a service is busy. Three Counties serves Braintree, Chelmsford, Colchester and Halstead. Our funeral directors across Essex can help you arrange a service here.
Reviews for Dignity Group
- Included:Over 200 years of caring for families
- Included:Local service from 558 branches
- Included:Funerals, plans, probate and more
Arranging a funeral at Three Counties Crematorium
To hold a funeral here, speak to your local Dignity funeral director. They'll book the chapel, settle the paperwork with the crematorium and talk you through the choices at whatever pace suits you.
There's no rush, and no question is too small. You don't need to have anything worked out before you call.
Slide 1 of 0
A chapel for every faith and belief
Ceremonies in our chapel can be arranged entirely around your customs, traditions and preferences. Let your funeral director know what matters to you, and they’ll take care of everything.
Memorials – a lasting tribute to someone special
Ask your funeral director about arranging a memorial at Three Counties Crematorium.
Plaques or dedications
If you choose to scatter or keep the ashes, a plaque in our memorial grounds or dedication in the Book of Remembrance creates a lasting tribute for loved ones to visit.
Keepsakes and urns
Keep their memory close with a daily reminder of the person they were. From the traditional to the contemporary.
Visiting us
- Halstead Road, High Garrett, Braintree, Essex, CM7 5PB
- 01376 553489
Crematorium Office Opening Hours
Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm
Crematorium Grounds Opening Hours
Monday-Sunday: 8am-5pm
Book Of Remembrance Opening Hours
Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm
Our funeral directors near Three Counties Crematorium
Slide 1 of 0
What to expect at a cremation
Attending a ceremony
Each service here has a set length, and it varies from one crematorium to another. Your funeral director will tell you how long you have, let you know when to arrive and where to gather, and keep an eye on the timings on the day so that you don't have to.
The service can include readings, music and time for reflection, led by a minister, celebrant or family member. At the moment of farewell, called the committal, the coffin is lowered or hidden behind a curtain. Some families prefer to leave it in view.
When the service ends, there's usually time to gather outside and speak with other guests. Your funeral director will be there if you have any questions or concerns.
What to wear
Most people wear black or dark clothing but this isn't a rule. Some families ask guests to wear a particular colour or something that meant a lot to the person who has died, like a favourite team's shirt. They may also just want people to wear whatever they're comfortable in. If you've been invited and you're not sure, ask the family.
After the ceremony
The ashes are ready to collect from the crematorium a few days after the cremation. We can also hand-deliver them or scatter them in our memorial grounds for you, whichever you prefer. Some families choose to keep the ashes at home or scatter them somewhere with personal meaning.
A memorial is a lasting place in the world for someone special. Our crematoria offer a range of options, from plaques and benches to planting a tree in the gardens. Memorials can also be arranged after a direct cremation, even if there was no ceremony held at the crematorium itself.
What families say about us
Rated 4.88 / 5 based on 26 reviews.
Rated 5/5
Harvey Mayer, 25 January 2026
Rated 5/5
My husband, Mick is laid to rest here, and I cannot express enough gratitude for the sanctuary this place has become for me. The gardens are always in pristine condition, a true testament to the dedication of the groundskeepers. Every time I visit, I feel a profound sense of peace and comfort. This is more than a final resting place; it is a beautiful and dignified space to remember and honor his life. Thank you for creating and maintaining this incredible place.
Tracey Harris, 25 August 2025
Rated 5/5
Three Counties Crematorium is the perfect setting to say goodbye to a loved one. The grounds are lovely and peaceful and there is ample parking. The Chapel is a nice size with plenty of seats. The staff are extremely helpful, caring and respectful, nothing is too much trouble. They are also there with help and advise on what you can do to commemorate your loved one once the service has taken place. I wouldn't hesitate to highly recommend this Crematorium and all the staff.
Trudy Pilgrim, 13 April 2025
FAQs
We’re here to answer all your questions. If anything isn’t clear, please ask us.
Advice and guidance
Guides on cremation services and what to do with ashes.
Cremation service
What happens at a cremation, the paperwork needed beforehand, how long the service lasts, what shapes the cost, and when the ashes come back to you.
What to do with cremation ashes
Twenty things families have done with ashes – jewellery, tattoos, vinyl records, reefs, fireworks, a planted tree – and the practicalities of each.
Places to scatter ashes in the UK
Nine places families choose to scatter ashes – at home, at sea, on hills, rivers and sports grounds – and the permission each one asks of you first.
Burying ashes
Burying ashes in a cemetery, churchyard, garden of remembrance, woodland ground or your own garden – the permission needed for each, and what it costs.
Slide 1 of 0