In 2025 on average a cremation cost around £1,200 less than a burial.
Prices can vary widely between different crematoria, and many have different prices depending on the time of day, for example “off-peak” times earlier in the morning. Weekends tend to be a lot more expensive.
Time allocations for the service can also vary with slots varying from 20mins to 1 hour, but these can also be listed differently with some showing the total chapel time, including the time for people to arrive and leave, and some just showing the actual service time.
If you are using a funeral director, they will be able to provide information about the crematorium options in your local area. If you’re not using a funeral director, crematoria are legally required to publish their prices on their websites, to enable people to compare these easily and make informed choices. You can also call the crematorium office to ask about the options available.
Some crematoria list the prices for a “medical referee” and “environmental levy” separately to the cremation fees, however these are not optional and will be charged for. The medical referee is a senior doctor who attends the crematorium to inspect all medical certificated documents relating to the person who has died. They then give consent for the cremation to take place – without this, the cremation cannot happen. This is arranged by the crematorium.
Direct cremation
Some people want to consider a direct cremation, also known as an unattended cremation. This is where a cremation happens with no formal service or mourners present. Often, people choose to arrange a service or gathering separately to mark the death or celebrate the person’s life.
These guides explain the options available when arranging a funeral, helping you to make informed decisions and arrange a funeral that reflects the person who died and your circumstances.
Using a funeral director
Most people choose to use a funeral director to take care of the practical and administrative tasks involved in arranging the funeral. This guide explains the services they provide, how to compare quotes, questions you may want to ask, and your rights as a consumer.
Doing it yourself
Some people choose to take care of some, or all the practical and administrative tasks involved in arranging a funeral themselves. This guide explains how to arrange a funeral without using a funeral director, including caring for the person who died, completing the required paperwork, and arranging transport.
Funeral elements and choices
There are many decisions to make when arranging a funeral. This guide explains the options available to help you arrange a funeral that reflects the person who died and your circumstances, including selecting a coffin, making choices about viewing the person who died, and choosing flowers, music and orders of service.
More from Down to Earth
Raising money towards funeral costs
There are a range of options for financial support towards funeral costs
About Down to Earth
Since 2010 we’ve helped over 9,500 people in all corners of the UK to plan meaningful and more affordable funerals.
How much does a funeral cost?
Funeral costs vary across the UK, and differ further depending on the arrangements made.