You would need to find out whether there was available space, unless you plan to be buried in an existing grave, with a family member. Do bear in mind that some Churchyards are now closed. You normally need to be a parishioner of the Church in question unless you have strong connections with the Church, or other family members are buried there. It will be the Vicar of the Church (incumbent) who will make the final decision.
Graves in Churchyards are owned by the Church authorities and so it isn't normally possible to reserve a space for other family members. Do consider that if you would like a memorial on the grave, there are restrictions about what is allowed.
Cemeteries are normally owned by local authorities. If you live outside of the local authority area there will be fee implications, normally double the cost that local residents pay. Some cemeteries have areas set aside for different religions and some have special woodland areas for natural burials, where no memorial would be allowed.
The choice of the type of memorial that can be placed on a grave in a Cemetery is less restricted than in a Churchyard.
Certain denominations and religions have burial grounds specifically and exclusively for members of their own communities, such as convents. In large towns burial grounds for Jews, Muslims are often found.
Woodland burial sites are often privately-owned, although some local authority cemeteries have a woodland section. The fees for burial in a woodland burial site are the same whether you live locally or further afield, unlike a cemetery where fees for non-residents are higher.
The coffin would need to be biodegradable, eg solid wood, wicker, willow.
Traditional stone memorials would not be allowed in a woodland burial site, but some have beautifully carved wooden memorials.
It is possible to be buried in your own garden or field, however if you are not the owner, you must get permission from the freeholder of the land. Although there are few legalities, you will need to contact the Environment Agency to ensure that the burial plot is not near certain types of water, eg a natural spring, a ditch or well. If you are being buried in your own garden, ensure this is recorded on the deeds for the property. Do consider that if you are buried in your garden and your house is sold, future generations might not be able to visit your grave. Also, of course, the burial may have a detrimental effect on the property’s value!
There are three burial at sea sites around the English coast Off the Needles, Isle of Wight Off Tynemouth, North Tyneside Between Hastings and Newhaven on the south coast. There are several documents that will be required before you can apply for a licence from the Marine Management Organisation for burial at sea. Details can be found here
There will be some legal requirements if you wish to be buried overseas. The Coroner will need to give permission to take a body out of England and Wales. At the time of death, as well as contacting the local Coroner, it is normally necessary to contact the Consulate of the country concerned to find out what is needed in terms of documentation and coffin requirements. There will of course be cost implications – a special coffin, embalming, air transportation costs and of course burial costs in the destination country.
If you wish to be buried in an existing grave you need to be check that the existing grave is a double depth grave and that only one person is buried in it.
In the notes, you need to record the grave details such as it's location, does it have a headstone or memorial and grave deed number
If you want to be buried and you don't have a grave in the place you want to be buried, you need to check that there are still grave plots available and possible purchase one if possible. Your funeral director can help, or contact us and we can help you
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