Buying a grave

How do I buy a grave?

Back to top

Normally, your funeral director will help to make the necessary arrangements for buying a grave. Some people may want to make their own arrangements at the time of the funeral. You can organise this by directly contacting us. We will be happy to advise you.

How long can I buy a grave for?

Back to top

In the cemeteries we manage, we offer several types of grave. The exclusive right of burial is sold for 50 years. These are known as 'purchased graves'.

Can I reserve a grave for future use?

Back to top

No. We do not allow graves to be purchased without interment.

When can burials take place?

Back to top

Burials can take place on any weekday, except on bank holidays. Please talk to your funeral director or contact us to discuss any specific needs.

What types of graves are available?

Back to top

Lawn-type graves - We will maintain these special areas, at no expense to the grave owner. After the burial, the grave is made level and grassed over. The headstone can have a marble or granite vase plate on which flowers or wreaths can be placed. See information on the individual cemetery for further information.

Cremated remains plots - These are also lawn-type however they are smaller than the standard grave area.

Can I bury cremated remains in the cemeteries?

Back to top

Yes, there are cremated remains sections at Sale, Stretford and Urmston Cemeteries and vaults at Hale Cemetery. Cremated remains can also be placed in existing purchased graves.

Are all the graves on consecrated ground?

Back to top

No. The consecrated ground is consecrated by the Church of England and is reserved for their use only, all sections are now multi-denominational with the exception of Urmston where there is a section for Roman Catholics.

What is the difference between un-purchased and purchased graves?

Back to top

Un-purchased grave

An un-purchased grave, sometimes known as a public or common grave, is where the right to burial cannot be bought and the council has total control of the grave. The council will decide who will be buried in the grave and this might not be members of the same family.

No memorial rights exist on public graves so no headstone or other memorial can be put up by families of those interred in the grave.

Purchased grave

A purchased grave is where the right of burial can be bought for a period of 50 years. The owner of the right of burial can decide who will be buried in the grave and memorials are allowed in line with our cemetery regulations.

How much will it cost?

Back to top

A detailed list of prices can be found on our fees and charges page.

Contact us

Back to top

By phone: 

0161 912 1515

By email:  

altrincham.crematorium@trafford.gov.uk

By post:   

Altrincham Crematorium, Whitehouse Lane, Dunham Massey, Altrincham, Cheshire WA14 5RH