In the UK, the law requires that a body be disposed of after death. While burial and cremation are the most well-known methods, several alternative and emerging options are available. This guide outlines the full range of legal methods in the UK, including traditional and environmentally friendly choices.
Traditional burial
A traditional burial involves placing a body in a grave and covering it with earth. This typically takes place in a cemetery or burial ground, which may or may not be affiliated with a religious institution.
Key features of traditional burial include:
the body is placed in a coffin and buried underground
a memorial stone is commonly placed at the head of the grave
burial is often accompanied by a funeral ceremony
rising burial costs have led some families to separate the burial itself from the larger funeral ritual.
Green, woodland or natural burial
Green burial is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional burial and is growing in popularity. The aim is to minimise environmental impact.
A green or natural burial typically involves:
burial in a designated natural burial ground that supports biodiversity
no embalming of the body, avoiding harmful chemicals
use of biodegradable coffins or shrouds (e.g., cardboard, willow, bamboo or sustainable wood)
no traditional headstone; a tree or bush may be planted instead
location of the grave is recorded on a site map rather than physically marked.
Home burial
In the UK, home burial is legally permitted in certain circumstances.
If considering home burial, ensure the following:
the burial is on land you own (e.g., your garden)
you comply with local health and safety guidelines
you record the location of the grave on the property’s deed, especially if the property may be sold in future
you check specific laws and permissions in your local council area before proceeding.
Burial at sea
Burial at sea is a legally recognised method but requires advance planning and adherence to strict regulations.
To arrange a sea burial in the UK:
you must obtain a licence from the Marine Management Organisation
the coffin must meet specific construction standards
only certain locations are licensed for sea burials (e.g., off the coasts of Newhaven, the Isle of Wight, and Tynemouth).
Detailed guidance is available on the UK government website.
Traditional cremation
Traditional cremation involves burning the body at high temperatures until only ash remains. Important considerations:
a short ceremony usually takes place at the crematorium
ashes can be returned to the family or scattered, depending on preference
be aware that some local authorities have restrictions on where ashes may be scattered—check local regulations beforehand.
Cremation by water (aquamation)
Aquamation, or alkaline hydrolysis, is a newer, more environmentally friendly method of cremation:
the body is placed in a chamber with water and alkaline chemicals and heated
after 3–4 hours, the body is reduced to liquid and pure white bone ash
ashes are returned to the family in an urn, just like traditional cremation.
Aquamation is estimated to use five times less energy and reduce greenhouse gases by about 35% compared to flame cremation (source: Resomation UK).
Direct cremation
Direct cremation refers to cremation without a ceremony at the time of the body’s incineration.
What to expect:
the body is cremated without family or friends present
a separate memorial service can be held before or after the cremation
this option is significantly less expensive.
Cryomation
Cryomation is another environmentally conscious alternative involving extreme cold.
What to expect:
the body is frozen using liquid nitrogen to -196°C
it is then broken down into particles using vibration
implants and foreign materials are removed
the process has up to a 70% lower carbon footprint than flame cremation.
For more information, visit cryomation.co.uk.
Human composting (natural organic reduction)
Human composting, also known as natural organic reduction (NOR), converts the body into nutrient-rich soil.
This method is not yet legal in the UK. Supporters in the UK can stay informed or get involved through TerraMation UK and Recompose.
Donating your body to medical science
Body donation supports education and research but must be arranged in advance.
Considerations:
hospitals or universities may have specific criteria and limits
paperwork must be completed prior to death
family will not have a body for a traditional funeral, but a memorial can still be held
remains may not be returned for several years
always have a backup plan in case the donation cannot be accepted (e.g., due to a post-mortem or overcapacity).
Caring for the body at home
This allows loved ones to handle body preparation and funeral arrangements themselves. Before choosing this option, plan and discuss the following:
whether you want your body to be viewed, and by whom, where and for how long
who you would want to wash your body and how it should be dressed
what kind of coffin or shroud to use, and where to obtain it
the legal paperwork and who is responsible for it
how your body will be transported to the burial or cremation site (some crematoria accept delivery only by funeral directors)
who will help move the body within the home and to a vehicle
who will conduct any ceremony, if not hiring a celebrant or clergy
what type of vehicle will be used (e.g., a standard estate car may accommodate a coffin).
Many people choose funeral directors due to the emotional and logistical demands, but it is entirely possible for family and friends to manage the process themselves.