Say goodbye your own way

We can arrange a simple, respectful cremation without a funeral, and hand deliver the ashes to your door.

Giving you time to plan the perfect send-off for your loved one.

Call us today on
0800 054 9935

You’re in good hands

Winners at the 2019 Good Funeral Awards, we’ve helped thousands of families say a meaningful goodbye to their loved ones.

And, as the UK’s most visited website across funerals, wills and probate, we help and support almost 2 million people every year.

“When Dad died we were so lost but Beyond were kind, caring and professional from the start. They took care of everything and were so helpful.”

Melissa Honey

Simple cremation costs

£980
  • + £82 for doctor’s fees
  • + £250 for

How much does a funeral usually cost in the UK?

The average cost of a funeral with a cremation in the UK is £3,946. A lot of that fee is third-party extras: things like flowers, limousines and catering.

We offer an alternative — just a simple cremation, at an affordable price. So that you have the time and space to plan something really special.

Free legal support

At a time when you need it the most, we’ll give you free legal support for three months, though our expert helpline.

Whether it’s information on what to do when someone dies, or someone to talk things through, our legal support team are on hand to answer any questions you may have.

Call us today on0800 054 9935

How it works

A simple or ‘direct’ cremation is easy to arrange with Beyond. We’ll look after everything, giving you time to decide what happens next. And it can all be done over the phone or by email.
1
We’ll collect your loved one
We’ll bring your loved one into our care right away, working with their doctors to sort out the necessary paperwork.
2
We’ll carry out a cremation
We’ll arrange a simple cremation without a funeral service, giving you and your family time to plan a personal memorial together.
3
We’ll hand deliver the ashes
We will personally hand deliver the ashes to your door in a beautiful biodegradable urn. You can then arrange a personal farewell in your own time.

Plan a personal farewell

There’s more than one way to say goodbye. Our simple cremation service gives you time to plan a farewell that really celebrates your loved one’s personality.

Here are some ideas from other families who have used our service:

A tree-planting ceremony, with wildflower seeds scattered with the ashes
Ashes sent up into the sky in a hot air balloon - or fireworks!
A scattering on the beach at sundown with friends and family

“We needed more time”

When our mum died, the cost of having a traditional funeral came as a bit of a shock. We both had some savings, but not £4,000 - £6,000, which is what some funeral directors were quoting us. We decided that a simple cremation made more sense. We got the ashes back, and a couple of months later we were able to save up and hold a lovely service by the river, with all her friends and family - even the grandkids. She loved the outdoors, so in many ways this was better than having a “normal” funeral. Amanda and Chris, London

Amanda and Chris, London

Direct cremation FAQs

Is direct cremation really for me?
So, there’s no funeral, just the cremation?
How do direct cremation costs compare to burial and standard cremation?
What paperwork do I need to arrange a direct cremation?
What will happen with my loved one’s ashes?

Is direct cremation really for me?

Direct cremation is a relatively new service. It’s perfect if you:

  • Like the idea of arranging a creative celebration of your loved one’s life, rather than a traditional funeral.
  • Would like a simple cremation, without holding a funeral service at the same time, so that you have the time and freedom to find the best way to remember your loved one.
  • Are making arrangements for someone who has told you that they don’t want a big fuss, or for you to spend too much.
  • Don’t need - or don’t want - the coffin to be there at the memorial service.
  • Would like more time to arrange a service, so that far-off family members can attend.
  • Would rather spend your budget on something other than a traditional funeral service, such as a special ash scattering ceremony.

So, there’s no funeral, just the cremation?

Only if you want it that way. While direct cremation does appeal to those who would prefer a cremation without a service at all, most people choose it so that they can arrange a more personal farewell later on with the ashes.

These days, there are all kinds of creative and special ways to celebrate a loved one’s life by scattering their ashes, from simply gathering together at a favourite spot, to sending them up in fireworks. With direct cremation, it’s completely up to you.

How do direct cremation costs compare to burial and standard cremation?

Direct cremation is the least expensive type of cremation: while our basic cremation service costs £980, the average cost for a standard cremation booked through Beyond’s price comparison tool is around £2,773 and for a burial is £3,058.

Find out more about funeral costs here.

What paperwork do I need to arrange a direct cremation?

After you have registered the death, we will work with you to gather the required paperwork for the cremation to go ahead.

We will need the ‘green’ certificate for cremation; the application for cremation and ashes instruction forms (signed by the executor of the will or next of kin); and the doctors’ cremation certificates (or coroner’s form 6).

What will happen with my loved one’s ashes?

We will personally hand deliver your loved one’s ashes to you within 21 days of the cremation taking place. If you prefer, we can scatter the ashes in a Garden of Remembrance instead, for no additional charge.

If you need the ashes sooner, or delivered at a specific time, please let us know and we’ll do our best to make it happen.

Always here to help

Not quite what you’re looking for? Go to our Advice Centre for simple, clear guides to everything after life.

Or contact our helpline.

0800 054 9935Advice Centre

Our other services

Create an online obituary

Remember a loved one or share arrangements. Raise money for charity or family.

Create an online obituary

Remember a loved one or share arrangements. Raise money for charity or family.

Settle an estateEstate management

Relax with our comprehensive fixed-fee probate service.

Settle an estateEstate management

Relax with our comprehensive fixed-fee probate service.

Call us today on0800 054 9935