Founded in 2019, Celebration of Lifeis Great Britain’s only funeral provider offering direct cremation both as a prepaid plan or at the time of need, and nothing else.
We're a team of 20 caring people who are dedicated to provide the very best and personalcustomer service, right when you need it most.
What is a direct cremation?
A direct cremation simply means there is no ceremony at the crematorium. We collect the deceased from any location within mainland Great Britain and bring them into our care. The cremation takes place at our trusted partner crematorium and we let the family know the date and time of the cremation so they can do something special at home. The ashes are then hand delivered to family or they can be scattered at the crematorium's garden of remembrance.
Family are then free to gather for a more unique and personal send-off.
Our business is based on the delivery of first classcustomer service
How does our direct cremation work?
1
Contact
We can provide urgent care 24 hours a day. If you prefer, you can call us in advance to provide some basic information, so when the time comes there is less for you to worry about.
2
Collection
We will collect the deceased from anywhere within mainland Great Britain* and take care of them at our mortuary facilities. This includes suitable transport to the crematorium for cremation. We keep you updated throughout the whole process.
3
Cremation
We take care of everything including the removal of artificial devices such as a pacemaker and handling of paperwork. The direct cremation will take place at our trusted partner crematorium and we'll let you know the date and time it will take place.
4
Ashes
We contact the family within 21 days of the cremation date to arrange the hand return of the ashes at a suitable time, anywhere in mainland Great Britain*. Alternatively, we can scatter the ashes at the crematorium's garden of remembrance.
5
Celebration
You are free to gather the people that matter, at a time that suits everyone, to celebrate the life of your loved one.
How are the ashes returned after a direct cremation?
If you choose our direct cremation with the return of ashes, our specialist team will call you to organise a suitable time to deliver the ashes within 21 days of the cremation.
The ashes are contained in a beautiful biodegradable scattering pod that you can use to scatter the ashes in a special location, or you can bury the whole pod directly into the ground.
We don't use a courier or postal service, the team at Celebration of Life will return the ashes to you directly by hand.
Here when you need us
From the moment you call to the hand delivery of ashes, our friendly in-house team are here for you every step of the way.
Call our team today to find out more information.
How much is our direct cremation for someone who has passed away?
Extras you may need or wish to add
Ashes returned by hand £100
We will contact you within 21 days of the cremation date to arrange the hand return of the ashes, in a beautiful biodegradable scatter pod that can be buried in the ground or used to scatter the ashes somewhere special.
Urgent collection £295
If the collection is from a location such as a personal residence, care home or hospice then we will need to send a team out straight away. We're available 24 hours a day.
A tree planted in memory
Celebration of Life™ donate to plant a tree with the National Trust 'Plant a Tree Fund' for every service we do. A certificate is provided in memory of your loved one.
We're proud to offer a 5 star rateddirect cremation service
Talk to us about our
direct cremation today
To arrange a cremation for someone who has passed away
Lines are open 24 hours a day
General enquiries - opening hours:
8am - 6pm, 7 days a week
Are you planning ahead for the future?
Frequently asked questions about our direct cremation
What is the difference between a direct cremation and a standard funeral?
A direct cremation takes place without a hearse, pallbearers, or a service at the crematorium. The cremation happens privately, and the family can choose to hold a personal memorial later, in their own time, with or without the ashes.
Can I attend the service with a direct cremation?
Direct cremations are usually unattended, with no service at the crematorium. We do let families know the date and time of the cremation, so they can choose to mark the moment at home or in another personal way.
How much is a direct cremation?
Our direct cremation costs £1,095, which includes collection, care at our mortuary, and the cremation itself. Optional extras are £100 for returning the ashes and £295 for urgent collection, which is needed if someone dies at home.
Can I pay in advance for a direct cremation?
Yes. We offer a fully inclusive prepaid direct cremation plan. Once paid, the cost is fixed and guaranteed, no matter how far in the future the service is needed. You can learn more on our Pre-Paid Plan page.
What coffin is used for a direct cremation?
We provide a simple MDF coffin made from responsibly sourced materials, including recycled wood. This approach minimises the use of solid wood while ensuring the coffin is practical, dignified, and environmentally conscious.
How long does the whole process take?
If death occurs at home, we collect immediately. Otherwise, collection from a mortuary is within five working days of receiving the registrar’s Green Form. Cremation usually takes place within the following week, and ashes are returned within 21 days.
Can I send items in to be placed in the coffin?
Yes. Families may send items for the coffin, provided we are informed in advance. Some materials, such as glass, batteries, or other cremated remains, cannot be included. Our team can guide you on what is permitted.
Can the ashes be split?
Yes. We can divide the ashes equally into two or three medium scatter pods, and we also offer miniature keepsake pods for smaller portions. This allows family members to each keep or scatter a part of the ashes.
What if I need to take the ashes abroad?
We can provide the necessary documentation and containers for taking ashes overseas. Always check your airline’s requirements, as some may require a CAD-sealed urn, which we can supply. Our team can advise on the process and costs.
For information on what to do when someone dies, take a look at our step by step guide.