Collecting ashes and taking time
The applicant for cremation normally gives written instructions about the ashes. They can nominate another person to collect them, ask the crematorium to scatter them, or ask for them to be held while a decision is made. Bring the identification or collection document requested by the site.
You do not have to arrange a ceremony immediately. Keep the container dry, secure and clearly labelled. If several people are involved, record who is holding it and agree before making an irreversible decision.
Scattering ashes
On your own land, scattering is normally a personal decision. On somebody else’s land, obtain the landowner’s permission. Parks, beauty spots, sports grounds and historic sites may have local policies. Avoid paths, nesting areas, drinking-water points and crowded places; ashes are visible and can blow back, so stand upwind and scatter close to the ground.
For rivers and lakes, check the relevant environmental guidance and avoid containers, wreaths or objects that do not biodegrade. No marine licence is required simply to scatter cremated ashes at sea in England, but harbours, boats and access points may have their own rules. Other UK waters and overseas locations can differ.
Burying ashes
A cemetery, churchyard, natural burial ground or crematorium garden may offer a plot, memorial and record. Ask whether the right is time-limited, what container is permitted, whether a plaque is included, who maintains the area and what happens when the lease ends. Fees may cover interment, the plot and memorial separately.
Burial in a private garden requires the landowner’s agreement. Consider future house moves, access for relatives and recording the location. If the property is rented or mortgaged, get appropriate permission first.
Keeping or dividing ashes
Ashes can be kept at home or divided among consenting family members. The crematorium or funeral director can often divide them into properly labelled containers; doing this at collection is simpler and less distressing than transferring them later. Jewellery and keepsakes use only a small amount, so ask what happens to the remainder.
There is no need to buy an ornamental urn. The temporary container may be suitable for storage, although a secure purpose-made container is better for display, burial or travel.
Transporting ashes and taking them abroad
Within the UK, use a strong sealed container, keep the cremation certificate or certificate of cremation with it, and check a courier’s prohibited-items policy before posting. Ordinary insurance may not reflect the personal significance, so hand carriage is often preferred.
For international travel, check the destination country, any transit country and the airline before booking. Common requirements include a death certificate, cremation certificate, translation and a scannable non-metal container. Rules are set by each border authority and carrier; this website cannot confirm entry permission.
Urns, containers and costs
Prices range from a basic included container to bespoke memorials costing hundreds of pounds. Decide the purpose first: temporary storage, display, scattering, burial or cabin baggage each needs something different. Check capacity, seal, material restrictions and whether personalisation delays delivery.
- Ask what container is included in the cremation fee.
- Compare the same material and capacity, not just photographs.
- For burial, check cemetery rules before buying.
- For flying, confirm security-screening requirements.
Official information
For England and Wales, see the government’s guidance for cremation applicants. For the sea, see official burial-at-sea guidance, which distinguishes burial from scattering cremated ashes. Confirm land, carrier and overseas rules directly before acting.