What Is an Urn Burial?

An urn burial is a form of interment where cremated remains, or ashes, are buried in the ground or placed in a cremation urn vault. Although urn burials have been practiced throughout history, they are becoming an increasingly popular selection since they are typically less expensive than traditional burials with caskets and provide more options in terms of memorialization. For example, some ashes may be used for keepsakes such as jewelry while the rest remain buried in the designated plot.

Most cemeteries will require the urn to be placed in a cremation urn vault, which is a holder that encloses the urn and prevents the ground from caving in or becoming unstable when the urn eventually breaks down. If the urn is made of marble or stone, it may also be used as a vault. If a biodegradable urn is used, it may be suitable for burial at a conservation or green burial site. Since cemeteries tend to have different rules or requirements, it is best to ask before making significant decisions. 

Cemeteries are the most common location for urn burials, so some have designated areas known as urn gardens specifically designed to include small plots and unique landscapes as potential burial sites. Conservation burial grounds or similar natural locations are another popular choice to bury ashes, especially among those seeking an eco-friendly option as a final resting place. It is important to note that although burial may be allowed with a biodegradable urn, some natural burial grounds don’t allow ashes to be scattered. Depending on local and state regulations, individuals might also want to consider that ashes may be buried at home. 

Ultimately, urn burials uniquely balance traditional burial practices and personal values. Urn burials provide another opportunity to remember the person who died in a respectful and dignified manner outside of the traditional burial setting. As cremation costs are often less than burial costs, urn burials will likely become a common choice for those seeking cost-effective and sustainable ways to memorialize loved ones. 

Sources

“Guide to green burial – A natural approach to funerals.” Lincoln Heritage Funeral Advantage. https://www.lhlic.com/consumer-resources/green-burial/#option 

“Urns for burial: What you need to know about burying ashes.” Urns Northwest. https://urnsnw.com/articles/urns-for-burial 

“Statistics”. National Funeral Directors Association. https://nfda.org/news/statistics 

“How much does a funeral cost?” Lincoln Funeral Heritage Association. https://funeraladvantage.com/consumer-resources/average-funeral-cost/ 

“How Much Does Cremation Cost?”. Choice Mutual. https://choicemutual.com/blog/cremation-cost/