Direct cremation

A simple cremation only without ceremony
Flexibility to say goodbye your way
A modern alternative to a funeral service
60% cheaper than the average cost of a funeral

In this guide: We explain what a direct cremation is, how it works and why more families are choosing this simple, low cost alternative to a traditional funeral.

A Guide to Direct Cremations in 2025

Direct cremation is a simple, low-cost alternative to a traditional funeral and is now the UK’s fastest-growing funeral choice. According to the SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2025, the average cost of a funeral has risen to £4,285, while the average cost of a direct cremation is just £1,597. More families are choosing this option because it offers dignity and flexibility, while allowing them to hold a separate memorial or celebration of life at a later date.

By Clare Townhill • Updated 1 October 2025
Disclaimer: Prices and ratings correct at time of writing.

What is a Direct or Simple Cremation?

A direct cremation is a simple cremation without a funeral service or mourners present at the crematorium. The cremation takes place privately, and the ashes are then returned to the family or scattered as desired. Families can choose to hold a separate memorial or celebration of life at a time and place that suits them.

Golden Leaves Direct Cremation Plans

Golden Leaves offers two direct cremation options:

Copper Plan – from £1,700. This is the most straightforward choice: an unattended cremation with guaranteed cremation fees, collection, professional care, a simple coffin, and the option to either return or scatter the ashes.
Copper Plus Plan – from £1,995. Builds on the Copper Plan by adding extended collection hours, a hearse to the crematorium, and a higher allowance towards third-party fees, offering families more flexibility while keeping costs lower than a traditional funeral.

Both plans can be paid upfront in full, over 12 months interest-free, or spread across 2-8 years with finance (interest applies on longer terms).

How To Arrange A Direct Cremation For Someone Who Has Died

Expert providers like Golden Leaves can arrange a direct cremation quickly and simply when someone has recently passed away. Their team will talk you through the process over the phone, explain the costs clearly, and help you decide which plan is right for your circumstances. Once agreed, they will arrange for the collection of your loved one and take care of the arrangements from that point onwards.

With Golden Leaves, the process is designed to be as straightforward and supportive as possible:

Contact Golden Leaves – available 24/7 to arrange a collection.
Collection and care – taken into professional care. Copper Plan covers working hours, Copper Plus extends cover to evenings and weekends.
Paperwork and arrangements – managed by Golden Leaves with the crematorium.
The cremation – carried out with dignity at a partner crematorium. Copper Plus can include a hearse to the crematorium.
Ashes – returned to the family within days or scattered locally, depending on wishes.

What Is Included In A Direct Cremation?

A direct cremation typically includes:

• Collection of the deceased (within working hours; extended cover with Copper Plus)
• Professional care and preparation
• A simple coffin
• All cremation fees
• Ashes returned to the family or scattered locally

What’s Not Included With A Direct Cremation?

Direct cremation is designed to be a simple and affordable option, so there are some things it does not cover:

• Doctor’s fees for cremation paperwork (see 'What are third-party fees?')
• Embalming
• Flowers and catering
• Limousines or additional transport
• A funeral service or mourners at the crematorium

What Are Third-Party Fees?

Third-party fees (sometimes called disbursements) are costs paid to people or services outside the funeral provider. They can include:

• Doctor’s fees for cremation paperwork (currently around £82)
• Minister or celebrant fees if a service is held
• Cemetery or burial fees if a burial is chosen

For direct cremation, these fees are usually limited to the doctor’s paperwork, and most providers – including Golden Leaves – do not include them in the plan price.

Golden Leaves Direct Cremation vs Traditional Funeral (2025)

What you get	Golden Leaves – Copper Plan	Golden Leaves – Copper Plus Plan	Traditional Cremation Funeral (UK average)
*Family viewing*	No	No	Yes
*Coffin*	Simple coffin	Simple coffin	Choice of coffin
*Choice of cremation date*	No	No	Yes
*Funeral service*	No	No	Yes
*Wake or reception*	When & where you choose	When & where you choose	On day of cremation
*Price (2025)*	£1,700	£1,995	£4,285 average (SunLife)
*Payment options*	Pay in full · 12 months interest-free · Up to 8 years finance (with interest)	Pay in full · 12 months interest-free · Up to 8 years finance (with interest)	Paid at time of need (not a prepaid plan)
*What’s not included*	Doctor’s fees, flowers, embalming, catering	Doctor’s fees, flowers, embalming, catering	Extras often separate (flowers, limousines, catering)
*Best for*	Lowest-cost prepaid direct cremation with essential cover	Prepaid cremation with extras (extended collection, hearse, higher allowance for fees)	Families wanting a full attended service with ceremony and mourners

💡The average cost of a direct cremation in the UK is £1,597 (SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2025). Golden Leaves’ Copper (£1,700) and Copper Plus (£1,995) plans are slightly higher, but they are prepaid, FCA-regulated plans. This means you can fix today’s price, spread the cost if needed, and give your family the reassurance that everything is already taken care of.

Prepaid Direct Cremation Plans

A prepaid direct cremation plan allows you to arrange and pay for your cremation in advance. The key benefit is that it locks in today’s rate, protecting your family from rising funeral costs. It also makes things simpler for your family and loved ones at a difficult time, because the main arrangements and costs have already been taken care of.

Customer Reviews

Golden Leaves holds an outstanding 4.8★ Trustpilot rating (5,148 reviews, Sept 2025). Customers consistently highlight the company’s clear communication, professional service, and the reassurance of knowing arrangements are in place.

“Excellent service from Golden Leaves. No pressure, a personal visit by a really nice, knowledgeable gentleman who explained everything in easy-to-understand terms. Very happy with everything.” — Rita Edwards, Trustpilot

“My needs were requested and an appropriate plan proposed. The staff I spoke to were polite, patient and ready to answer questions. There was no effort to push a more costly plan, and financial issues were explained clearly.” — Edna,Trustpilot

“Reassurance, providing complete peace of mind. Personal, compassionate advice portrayed at a sensitive time following a recent bereavement.” — Jackie Parker, Trustpilot (July 2025)

Direct Cremation FAQs

Do you get a coffin with direct cremation?
Yes. Some people assume direct cremation means 'no coffin' — that’s not true. A coffin is always required for a cremation. With Golden Leaves, a simple coffin is included in both the Copper and Copper Plus Plans.

How long does the cremation take?
The cremation itself usually takes around 1–2 hours, depending on the crematorium. Families do not attend a direct cremation, but it is always carried out respectfully by professionals. If ashes are to be returned, this usually happens within 7–14 days, depending on the provider and location.

Can family attend a direct cremation?
No. By definition, direct cremation takes place without mourners present. It doesn’t mean there is no-one in attendance at the cremation – the professionals who work at the crematorium will be there, ensuring that a respectful, dignified cremation takes place. Golden Leaves ensures the cremation is handled with the same care as any traditional funeral. Families are free to hold a memorial or celebration of life afterwards, in their own way.

Can you choose the crematorium or date?
No. Direct cremations are scheduled by the provider, which helps keep costs lower. Golden Leaves arranges the cremation at one of its partner crematoria and confirms once it has taken place.

What happens to the ashes?
With Golden Leaves, ashes are either returned to the family or respectfully scattered at the crematorium in a garden of remembrance, depending on your wishes.

Why do people choose direct cremation?
Direct cremation is often chosen because it is much more affordable than a traditional funeral, avoids the formality and cost of a service, and gives families the freedom to organise a memorial later in a way that feels personal.

Conclusion

Direct cremation is the UK’s fastest-growing funeral choice — simple, affordable, and flexible. According to the SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2025, the average cost of a funeral is now £4,285, while a direct cremation averages £1,597.

Golden Leaves offers two prepaid direct cremation plans: the Copper Plan (£1,700) and the Copper Plus Plan (£1,995). Both provide professional care, a simple coffin, and guaranteed cremation fees, with the Copper Plus adding extra flexibility such as extended collection hours and a hearse to the crematorium. Payment can be made in full, over 12 months interest-free, or spread across up to 96 months with finance, making it accessible for most families.

With its excellent 4.8★ Trustpilot rating (5,148 reviews, Sept 2025), Golden Leaves combines affordability with peace of mind. For those looking for a dignified alternative to a traditional funeral, backed by high customer satisfaction and flexible payment options, Golden Leaves stands out as one of the strongest choices.

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