What Happens at a Cremation?

Last reviewed: March 2026

If you're attending a cremation for the first time — or arranging one — it's completely normal to want to know what actually happens. This guide walks through the process from start to finish, covering both attended cremation services and direct (unattended) cremation.

Before the Cremation

Legal requirements

Before any cremation can take place in the UK, two things must happen:

1. The death must be registered with the local registrar, who issues a Certificate for Burial or Cremation (the "green form").
2. Two medical certificates must confirm the cause of death (unless the coroner is involved, in which case they issue their own authorisation). The doctor's fee for this is currently £82.

The funeral director handles most of this paperwork. If you're arranging a direct cremation, the provider will manage it for you — see our direct cremation checklist for what you need to do versus what the provider handles.

Preparation

The deceased is placed in a coffin — always. UK law requires the body to be in a coffin or rigid container for cremation. For direct cremation, this is usually a simple, unfinished wood or cardboard coffin. For attended services, families can choose from a wider range.

Any pacemakers or other battery-operated medical devices must be removed before cremation. These can explode in the cremator, posing a genuine safety risk. The funeral director arranges this.

On the Day: Attended Cremation

If you're attending a cremation service, here's what to expect:

Arrival

Mourners typically arrive at the crematorium 10–15 minutes before the service. The coffin will already be in place on the catafalque (the raised platform), or it may arrive by hearse while the family waits outside. Chapel staff will guide you.

The service

A standard crematorium service slot is 30–45 minutes. This may include readings, music, eulogies, prayers, and a period of reflection. The service can be religious or entirely secular — it's the family's choice.

At the end of the service, one of two things happens: the curtains close around the coffin (a "committal"), or the congregation files out while the coffin remains. Either way, the actual cremation does not happen while you are present.

After the service

Many families gather at a pub, hotel, or family home for a wake. There is no requirement to do this — it's entirely optional.

On the Day: Direct Cremation

With direct cremation, there is no service. The cremation takes place at a time chosen by the provider, usually during off-peak hours. No family members attend. The process itself is identical — the only difference is the absence of a ceremony.

Many families who choose direct cremation hold a separate memorial or celebration of life later, on their own terms. This can be weeks or months after the cremation.

The Cremation Process Itself

Whether attended or direct, here is what happens during the actual cremation:

1. The coffin is placed in the cremator — a purpose-built furnace lined with heat-resistant bricks. Temperatures reach 800–1,000°C.
2. The cremation takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours. The time depends on the size of the person and the coffin material.
3. After cooling, the remains are processed. What remains is bone fragments, which are ground into a fine, pale grey ash using a machine called a cremulator.
4. The ashes are placed in a container — usually a basic urn or temporary container. Families can supply their own urn if they prefer.

Each cremation is individual. UK crematoria have strict identity procedures to ensure ashes are never mixed up. A metal identification disc accompanies the coffin throughout the entire process.

Collecting or Receiving the Ashes

Ashes are typically ready for collection within 1–3 working days. You have several options:

• Collect from the crematorium — usually free
• Collect from the funeral director — included in most packages
• Home delivery — some providers offer hand-delivery or courier service (may cost £50 – £150 extra)
• Scattered at the crematorium — most have a garden of remembrance where ashes can be scattered free of charge

For more on your options once you have the ashes, see our scattering ashes guide.

If you're comparing direct cremation providers and want to know which ones include ashes return as standard, our comparison table shows this for every provider.

What About Jewellery and Personal Items?

Any items in the coffin will be cremated — they cannot be recovered afterwards. Funeral directors usually advise removing jewellery, watches, and other valuables before the coffin is closed. Some families choose to include meaningful items; that's a personal decision.

Environmental Considerations

Cremation does have an environmental impact — primarily from energy use and emissions. A single cremation produces roughly 150kg of CO₂. If environmental impact is a concern, you may want to read about water cremation (alkaline hydrolysis), which Scotland legalised in March 2026 and produces approximately 90% less carbon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Guides

• What is direct cremation?
• Funeral cost UK 2026
• Direct cremation checklist
• Scattering ashes: rules, laws and practical advice