How Much Does It Cost to Bury Ashes in an Existing Grave?
Understand the complete costs and practical arrangements for interring ashes in an existing grave plot.
Burying ashes within an existing grave plot, known as interment of cremated remains, offers families a meaningful final resting place, often alongside previously interred loved ones. This practice involves placing an urn or container into a grave already occupied or designated for family use. The total expense varies significantly, influenced by the cemetery’s location, policies, and selected services. Understanding the various cost components is important for families.
Direct Interment Fees
The core cost for burying ashes in an existing grave is the direct interment fee charged by the cemetery. This fee covers the labor involved in preparing the space within the grave for the urn and placing it. Typical costs for this service can range from $200 to $1,000, with some cemeteries charging around $1,000 for cremation or infant burial in a family-owned plot. This charge is distinct from the initial purchase price of the grave plot.
The amount charged for direct interment fluctuates based on several factors. Private cemeteries often have higher fees than public or municipal ones. Geographical location also plays a role, with urban cemeteries generally having increased charges compared to rural areas. Some cemeteries might bundle this service with opening and closing fees.
Associated Administrative and Service Charges
Beyond the direct interment fee, several other charges commonly arise. A significant expense is the opening and closing fee, which covers the labor for excavating the grave space and refilling it after interment. For cremated remains, these fees typically range from $200 to $1,000. Specific charges for cremation opening and closing can be around $250 to $400, depending on whether the service occurs on a weekday, weekend, or holiday.
Additional administrative and recording fees may apply. Cemeteries often charge for permits required for interment and for updating their official records. A burial permit, for instance, can cost around $12. Some cemeteries also include a general administrative fee, which might be around $100 to $400.
If families choose to memorialize the individual at the grave, costs for headstones, plaques, or inscriptions will be incurred. A simple plaque might cost a few hundred dollars, while adding an inscription to an existing headstone or purchasing a small marker can range from $500 to $3,000. Many cemeteries also require an urn vault, a protective outer container for the urn, which can cost between $200 and $1,500. This vault helps prevent the ground from sinking over time. Optional services, such as setting up for a graveside ceremony with chairs or an urn stand, may incur additional fees, typically ranging from $150 to $300.
Arranging the Burial: Process and Requirements
Arranging the burial of ashes in an existing grave involves several procedural steps and specific documentation. The initial step is to contact the cemetery or funeral home where the existing grave is located to understand their policies and requirements for scheduling the interment.
Verification of plot ownership and securing permission for the interment are crucial. Cemeteries confirm who holds the legal right to approve the burial, typically the person named on the grave deed or the legal next of kin. Essential documents required for interment usually include the death certificate and the cremation certificate. Some cemeteries may also request a burial permit, which authorizes the disposition of human remains.
Once details are verified and documentation provided, the family can coordinate interment scheduling with the cemetery. This includes setting a date and time for the burial and arranging any desired graveside services. Payment for all applicable fees and services will be required prior to or at the time of interment.