A simple cremation, with the same care and dignity

A direct cremation is a simple, unattended cremation without a formal funeral service at the crematorium. For some people, it is exactly what they want — a straightforward arrangement without the elements of a traditional funeral.

At Loved Ones Funerals, choosing a direct cremation does not mean compromising on care. Your loved one will remain in our care locally and will be treated with the same dignity, gentleness and respect we give to every person entrusted to us.

We are an independent, family-run funeral director based in Hemel Hempstead, and we will support you personally throughout the arrangements.

Whatever your reason, choosing a simpler funeral should never mean compromising on care.

At Loved Ones Funerals, our direct cremation service in Hemel Hempstead costs £1,800, including the cremation fee.

Your loved one will be brought into our care and looked after by our own team with the same dignity, kindness and respect that we give to every person entrusted to us.

Direct Cremation — £1,800

Call us on 01442 241 608

We are available 24 hours a day if someone has died and you need our help.


What Is a Direct Cremation?

A direct cremation is a cremation that takes place without family and friends attending the crematorium.

There is no formal funeral service, procession or ceremony at the crematorium.

This makes it a simpler and more affordable alternative to a traditional attended funeral.

However, simple does not have to mean impersonal.

You can still remember the person you love in whatever way feels right for you.

Some families hold a celebration of life, memorial service or family gathering afterwards. Others choose a favourite restaurant, pub, garden or meaningful location to bring everyone together.

And some families choose not to hold a formal event at all.

There is no right way — there is only your way.


How Much Does a Direct Cremation Cost?

Our direct cremation in Hemel Hempstead costs £1,800, including the cremation fee.

We believe funeral costs should be clear and transparent, so we will explain exactly what is included before you make any decisions.

Your £1,800 Direct Cremation Includes:

  • Bringing your loved one into our care from their place of passing

  • Care of your loved one at our premises in Hemel Hempstead

  • Completion and coordination of the necessary funeral arrangements

  • Liaison with the crematorium and other relevant professionals

  • A suitable coffin

  • Transport to the crematorium

  • The unattended cremation

  • The crematorium fee

  • Collection of the ashes from the crematorium

  • Support and guidance from our team throughout the arrangements

If there are any additional costs because of your particular circumstances or choices, we will discuss these with you beforehand.

There should be no surprises.


Your Loved One Is Cared for by Us

This is one of the most important differences between Loved Ones Funerals and some national direct cremation providers.

We are a local, independent funeral director in Hemel Hempstead.

When you telephone us, you are speaking to the people who will actually be looking after your loved one and supporting your family.

Your loved one will be brought into our care at our peaceful premises at Boxted Farm in Hemel Hempstead.

They are not simply a booking number or part of a national process.

They are someone’s husband or wife.

Someone’s mum or dad.

Someone’s son or daughter.

Someone’s friend.

And we never forget that.

We consider it a privilege when a family entrusts someone they love into our care.


Can I Spend Time With My Loved One Before a Direct Cremation?

Please talk to us if spending time with your loved one before the cremation is important to you.

One of our core beliefs at Loved Ones Funerals is that families should be given time.

Our peaceful barn setting provides a private and welcoming environment where families can spend time with the person they love.

We will explain what is possible and discuss the arrangements with you personally.

Choosing a direct cremation does not mean that the person you love should suddenly become distant from you.


What Happens at a Direct Cremation?

Once all of the necessary arrangements and paperwork have been completed, we arrange the cremation with the crematorium.

Your loved one is taken to the crematorium in a suitable vehicle and the cremation takes place without family or friends attending.

There is no funeral service at the crematorium.

Afterwards, we arrange for the ashes to be collected.

We will then discuss with you how you would like the ashes to be returned or cared for.

Throughout the process, we remain your funeral director.

If you have a question, you can call us.


What Can We Do With the Ashes Afterwards?

There is no need to decide immediately.

You may wish to:

  • Keep the ashes at home

  • Scatter them somewhere meaningful

  • Inter them in a cemetery or churchyard

  • Place them in a memorial

  • Arrange a memorial service or celebration of life

  • Divide the ashes between family members where appropriate

  • Explore other permanent memorial options

We can talk you through the choices available and help you decide when you are ready.


Can We Have a Memorial Service Afterwards?

Absolutely.

For many families, this is one of the reasons they choose direct cremation.

Separating the cremation from the celebration of someone’s life gives you greater freedom over where, when and how you remember them.

You could arrange a celebration of life a few days or weeks later, giving family and friends more time to make arrangements and travel.

It doesn’t need to take place in a crematorium.

It could be somewhere that meant something to the person who has died — a favourite pub, restaurant, garden, community venue or family home.

It can be formal or informal.

Religious or non-religious.

Large or small.

The important thing is that it feels right for you.


Direct Cremation or a Traditional Funeral?

Neither is better than the other.

They simply offer different choices.

A Direct Cremation

May be suitable if:

  • The person who died specifically requested a simple cremation

  • You don’t want a service at the crematorium

  • You would prefer to hold a memorial or celebration elsewhere

  • You want a simpler funeral

  • You would like to keep funeral costs lower

  • A traditional funeral doesn’t feel appropriate

An Attended Funeral

May be more suitable if:

  • Family and friends want to attend the cremation or burial

  • You would like a formal funeral ceremony

  • You want a hearse or funeral procession

  • You would like a celebrant, minister or other person to lead the service

  • You would like music, readings, tributes or other elements during the funeral

If you’re unsure which option is right for you, you don’t need to decide before calling us.

We will explain both options and their costs so that you can make your own decision.


Direct Cremation in Hemel Hempstead & Hertfordshire

Loved Ones Funerals provides direct cremations for families throughout Hemel Hempstead and the surrounding Hertfordshire area, including:

  • Hemel Hempstead

  • Berkhamsted

  • Kings Langley

  • Bovingdon

  • Tring

  • Watford

  • St Albans

  • Harpenden

  • surrounding Hertfordshire communities

If your loved one has died outside these areas, please contact us. We may still be able to help.


What Do I Do If Someone Has Just Died?

If someone has just died, you do not need to understand all of the procedures before contacting us.

Call us.

We will ask you a few simple questions, explain what needs to happen next and guide you through the process.

Depending on where the person has died, there may be procedures involving the hospital, doctor, Medical Examiner or Coroner that need to take place before we can proceed.

We will explain this to you.

You don’t have to navigate it alone.


Why Choose Loved Ones for a Direct Cremation?

Local & Independent

We are an independent funeral director based in Hemel Hempstead, not a national direct cremation call centre.

Personal Care

The people you speak to are part of the same team caring for your loved one and arranging the cremation.

Clear Pricing

Our direct cremation costs £1,800 including the cremation fee.

Time for Families

We believe in giving families time, whether that means time to ask questions, make decisions or discuss spending time with their loved one.

Available 24 Hours

Dying isn’t Monday to Friday.

If someone has died and you need our assistance, we are available day and night.

Dignity & Respect

A simpler funeral does not mean a lower standard of care.

Every person entrusted to Loved Ones Funerals is treated with dignity, warmth and respect.


Direct Cremation FAQs

How much is a direct cremation in Hemel Hempstead?

Our direct cremation costs £1,800 including the cremation fee.

We will explain exactly what is included and advise you of any additional costs that may apply to your individual circumstances before proceeding.

Do we attend the cremation?

No. A direct cremation is unattended, so family and friends do not attend the cremation itself.

If you would like family and friends to attend the crematorium, we can instead arrange an attended cremation funeral.

Is a coffin included?

Yes. A suitable coffin is included as part of our direct cremation arrangements.

Can we have a funeral service afterwards?

Yes. You can hold a memorial service or celebration of life whenever and wherever you choose.

What happens to the ashes?

We arrange collection of the ashes from the crematorium and will discuss the options for returning or caring for them with you.

Can I arrange a direct cremation if someone has just died?

Yes. Please call us on 01442 241 608.

We are available 24 hours a day and will explain what needs to happen next.


Talk to Us

If you are considering a direct cremation, you are welcome to speak to us before making any decisions.

We will explain the process, answer your questions and make sure you understand the choices available.

There is no pressure to choose a direct cremation simply because you have enquired about one.

Our role is to help you arrange the funeral that feels right for you and the person you love.

Loved Ones Funerals
Independent Funeral Directors in Hemel Hempstead

Direct Cremation — £1,800 including the cremation fee

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Call 01442 241 608

We care for you and yours.