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Burying an urn is a popular choice for those choosing cremation. It is a great way to add elements from traditional casket burials while being environmentally friendly and cost-effective. Nonetheless, there are still many fees to consider when choosing this option. Below we have compiled a list of things that affect the cost of urn burials.
Cost of cremation
Before looking at the cost of burying an urn, it is important to consider cremation as it will be a considerable part of the total funeral fees.
The cost of cremation varies on several factors. However, the cost typically ranges anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000. The actual cremation cost is closer to $500 to $600; however, many other necessary fees raise the price. These include professional and administrative fees (planning, paperwork, guidance, etc.), transfer fees, casket or urn purchase, storage fees, body preparation, ceremonies, burial plots, and more.
The type of cremation chosen will also affect the cost. Aquamation is slightly more expensive than flame cremation, but the prices are not drastically different. The price for aquamation typically ranges from $2000 to $3000. Flame cremation can range from $800 to over $3000. Here at Eirene, the all inclusive flame cremation package is $2500 or for aquamation it is $3000 (click to see what’s included).
Direct cremation can help minimize cost by eliminating some more expensive services. The price can be further reduced with a process called family-led death care. This is where families personally handle most funeral aspects.
Burying an urn in a cemetery
Many cemeteries have designated areas for cremation or urn burials. This can include urn gardens, burial plots, landscape areas, and more.
When burying ashes in Ontario, families must purchase interment rights. Interment rights give families the right to bury in a registered cemetery. They can also buy rights and place remains in a columbarium. Before making this purchase, the cemetery must provide a price list, its by-laws, and an explanation of any restrictions on the rights being sold. These rights can later be resold to a third party (if permitted by by-laws) or back to the cemetery owner.
The cost of interment rights varies depending on the cemetery and the services included. In addition to interment rights, families will also be paying for care and maintenance of the burial site and other cemetery fees.
Another aspect affecting burial cost is the type of plot chosen. A single urn burial plot will often be the cheapest option compared to plots for multiple graves. However, if you know that you would like to have more than one person’s ashes buried in the same cemetery, purchasing a larger plot can save money down the line.
Families may also choose to bury caskets and urns in the same space. In general, this is likely to cost more money as more space is needed to bury the casket and the urn. Additional fees may also be added on top of this (e.g., opening and closing fees). However, it will be cheaper than purchasing a space for two caskets.
Cost to bury an urn in a cemetery
Regardless of what options you choose, interment rights of an urn in a cemetery in Canada will often start around $400. However, with all fees included, urn burials in a cemetery will usually range from $800 to over $3,000, with single plots falling on the lower end and multiple or shared plots for several family urns falling on the higher end of that range.
Burying an urn outside of a cemetery
When burying an urn outside of a cemetery, the only cost you need to worry about is the cremation cost and the cost of the urn.
Typically you would scatter the ashes on public land or body of water and recycle the recyclable urn or scattering tube. Burying a non-decomposable urn containing ashes on public land is not permissible, however check with your local municipality for regulations.
You can however bury an urn on private property, in your back yard or at the cottage. If you choose this it is advisable to use a biodegradable urn. You don't want a future property owner to accidently come across a buried urn if the property is ever sold by your family.
The price of an urn ranges anywhere from $50 to upwards of $2,000. These prices vary mainly based on material, type, and size.
A biodegradable urn is typically the preferred choice when burying ashes because it will naturally decompose over time.
The price varies depending on the type of material but often ranges from $50 to $400. In contrast, urns made from more durable materials such as ceramic and metals will typically exceed or fall on the higher end of that range.
Want to learn more about funeral costs? Click here.
