Can You Keep Ashes at Home in the UK?

If you've recently collected a loved one's ashes, you might be wondering what you're allowed to do with them. It's one of the most common questions people have after a cremation, and the answer is reassuring.

The short answer: yes

Keeping ashes at home is legal in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. You don't need a licence, a permit or anyone's permission. There's also no time limit, so you can keep them at home for as long as you like.

Many families find that keeping ashes at home takes the pressure off. You don't have to decide on a final resting place straight away, and some people never do. That's completely fine.

The same applies to a pet's ashes, which can be kept at home in just the same way.

Who decides what happens to the ashes?

Usually it's the person who arranged the funeral or signed the cremation paperwork, often the next of kin or the executor of the will. The crematorium or funeral director will release the ashes to them, along with a certificate of cremation. It's worth keeping that certificate somewhere safe.

If the family can't agree on what should happen, a funeral director is a good first person to talk to.

Can ashes be shared between family members?

Yes. There's no legal limit on dividing ashes, and many families do. One person might keep the main urn at home, while others keep a small portion close to them.

That's where keepsakes come in. An ashes bracelet or urn necklace holds only a tiny amount, so several family members can each have one. It means everyone can keep a little of the person they love with them, wherever they are.

Why do some people say ashes shouldn't be kept at home?

It isn't the law. When people say ashes shouldn't be kept at home, it's usually about faith or family tradition.

Some faiths have their own guidance. The Catholic Church, for example, traditionally prefers ashes to be buried or placed in consecrated ground. In Hindu and Sikh traditions, ashes are often scattered in flowing water. Other families simply feel strongly one way or the other.

If faith is important to you or your family, it's worth speaking to your faith leader. They can explain what your tradition asks and what flexibility there might be. Otherwise, there's no right or wrong. What matters is what brings you comfort.

If you decide to scatter them later

Keeping ashes at home doesn't close any doors. If you later want to scatter some or all of them, a few simple rules apply.

• On land you own, such as your garden, you can scatter or bury ashes without asking anyone.
• On someone else's land, including farms, parks and National Trust sites, ask the landowner first.
• In a river, lake or the sea, you don't need a licence, but the Environment Agency has guidance to follow. Choose a spot away from buildings, moorings and people swimming or fishing, and scatter only the ashes, without wreaths or other items. Guidance can differ slightly in Scotland and Wales, so check locally.
• In a cemetery or churchyard, you'll need permission from whoever runs it.

Many people keep a small portion in a keepsake before scattering, so they still have something to hold on to.

Taking ashes abroad

You can take ashes out of the UK. Airlines often allow them in hand luggage, but check with your airline before you fly, and carry the certificate of cremation with you.

Take your time

There's no deadline and no single right answer. Whether you keep ashes at home, scatter them somewhere special, or keep a little close in a keepsake, the best choice is the one that feels right for you and your family. For anything specific to your situation, your funeral director is always a good person to ask.

If you'd like to keep a small part of someone with you, have a look at our guide on how to choose an ashes bracelet, or get in touch with any questions.