Purely Cremation and Immediate Burial Services

Cremation or Burial without a funeral service

A direct cremation or immediate burial is a simple and respectful service from Houghtons in which a deceased is cremated or interred without a funeral service or ceremony. Sometimes it is known as an unattended simple cremation or burial and is our lowest cost cremation/burial service.

For those who prefer a no-fuss approach to saying goodbye this offering gives families flexibility, affordability and privacy during a difficult time.

Included in our Unattended Cremation or Burial Service:

• Collection of the deceased from a hospital, care home or private residence
• Care and preparation of the deceased in accordance with legal and ethical standards
• Completion of all necessary paperwork, including cremation forms, interment forms and death registration support
• Transportation to the crematorium or cemetery
• Cremation at a local licensed crematorium of our choice without attendees (for burial see below)
• Return or scattering of ashes, depending on the family's wishes

Why Choose Direct Cremation or Burial?

• Cost-effective: Avoids the expenses of a traditional funeral (e.g. venue hire, flowers, hearses)
• Flexible: Families can hold a personal memorial when and how they choose
• Private and peaceful: Ideal for those who prefer a quiet farewell without ceremony
• Modern and minimal: Appeals to those who value simplicity and practicality

What can I expect if I choose this type of service?

The deceased will be brought into our care in one of our private ambulances during normal office hours and cared for while the administration and documentation element is completed. We will liase with the Medical Examiner's Office or Coroner's Office to obtain the necessary cremation or burial paperwork. Once the registration process has been completed we will act swiftly and efficiently so that the cremation or burial takes place as soon as possible, usually within 7 business days. We can notify the applicant of the cremation date and which crematorium we will use. 

We will collect the cremated remains from the crematoria if required and advise the applicant when they are able to collect them from us. 

The cost of our direct cremation service is £999

If the applicant would like to use Walton Lea Crematorium or Widnes Crematorium for the cremation the cost of our direct cremation service is £1295

For immediate burial we will provide a quote to the requirement of the applicant.

Indicative cost of immediate burial:

(a) If there is an existing grave within Warrington Cemetery and the deceased lived over 90% of their life in Warrington and the grave owner is either still alive or the owner is the deceased the total cost would be £1773 (the original grave deed must be produced and excludes any transfer of ownership)

(b) If a new grave is required at Warrington Cemetery or Fox Covert Cemetery and the new owner of the grave lives in Warrington and the deceased lived over 90% of their life in Warrington the total cost would be £3120 (This includes the purchase of the Exclusive Right of Burial for 50 years)

What if I want to visit the deceased before the cremation or burial?

If the applicant wishes to visit the deceased we would make the necessary preparations to ensure that this final visit would be the best experience possible. This would be during normal office hours and there is no charge for this visit. 

Would the deceased need embalming?

No embalming is not always necessary but could have a positive influence on the viewing experience and extend the preservation of the deceased enabling chapel visits before the cremation date. 

Do you offer this as a funeral plan?

Yes we are pleased to offer this unattended cremation service option as a funeral plan.

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If you would like more information and advice on how we can help in the planning of a direct cremation or burial service please contact us. You will be guided by our experienced caring professionals to undertake the arrangements for you or your loved one.