Direct cremation in London – your trusted choice
If you want a funeral without fuss, direct cremation might be right for you. We're here to guide you through every step.
Are you looking for immediate support?
You can call us any time. Our team is available to help 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
What to expect
Cremation without funeral
Direct cremation is a simpler option. The person who has died is cremated without a funeral service.
Affordable option
Want to keep money aside for a memorial service or keepsake? Direct cremation could help you save.
What is direct cremation?
Direct cremation is a simple type of funeral. With this option, there is no funeral ceremony – just a cremation with no friends or family present.
This means you won't be able to go to the crematorium and there won't be a formal send-off. However, you're still free to say goodbye in your own way. Many people who choose direct cremation hold an informal memorial service or ashes scattering ceremony at a later date.
Are you considering a cremation without a funeral ceremony? At AFD, we're here to answer all your questions and guide you through every step.
Is it right for me?
Arranging a funeral is a very personal decision. However, this quick guide should give you an idea of whether direct cremation is the right choice for you.
- The person who died didn't want a lot of fuss
- I want to save money to spend on something else, like a memorial service or keepsake
- I'd rather say goodbye in my own way
- I want a formal funeral ceremony
- I'm happy to spend a bit more to get the send-off I want
- It's important that I spend time with the person who has died before saying goodbye
"Nitesh dedicated his time to ensuring we, as a family, did not have to make endless phone calls. He organised the crematorium for us, dates and provided excellent communication to ensure everything suited the family."
An AFD client

Trusted for direct cremation in London since 2021
Here at Akshardham Funeral Directors (AFD), we're proud to be a pillar of our community. We've helped families arrange direct cremation in London since 2021 – and our experience in the funeral industry goes back much further than that.
For you, it comes down to one thing: compassionate expertise. We understand the pain and upheaval of bereavement. That's why we make it our mission to support you through every decision with care, understanding and unmatched attention to detail.
The funeral you want is in our hands. Let us handle all the arrangements and be your beacon of comfort. With our help, you'll have one less thing to worry about at this difficult time.
- Qualified and experienced team
- Expert support for all faiths and needs
- Compassion and respect – always
What does direct cremation cost and what's included?
Collection of the person who has died
✅ Included
Arrangement of all the relevant paperwork
✅ Included
Hygienic treatment of the person's body (embalming) – if desired
✅ Included
Washing and dressing of the person's body by our professional team
✅ Included
Standard oak coffin
✅ Included
Cremation and fees
✅ Included
Doctor's fee
✅ Included
Transportation of the person's body to the crematorium
✅ Included
Viewing of the body in our chapel of rest (attended direct cremation)
☑️ At extra cost
Funeral service
✘ Not included
Choice of date, time and crematorium
✘ Not included
Washing and dressing of the person's body by the family
✘ Not included
Direct cremation cost:
£2,100
Attended direct cremation
We understand that cremation without a funeral ceremony might be hard to get used to. Some people don't mind saying goodbye in their own time and in their own way. Others want to spend time with the person who has died before the cremation.
That's why we offer an attended direct cremation service. With this option, you can spend a few peaceful moments with the person who has died in our chapel of rest.
This service comes at an additional charge of £150.
All cultures. All needs.
In your time of need, we're here to make sure you can say goodbye your way.
All our services are tailored to you, no matter your faith, culture or individual requirements. You can rely on us to treat your loved one with dignity and a deep understanding of your religious needs.
It's this cultural knowledge and attention to detail that sets us apart. When you choose AFD, you can expect respect, compassion and a guiding hand at every step.
Your questions answered
Don't see the answer you need? Please don't hesitate to
get in touch with our friendly and experienced team.
Can you attend a direct cremation?
No. Direct cremation means a cremation without a funeral service. There's no ceremony to attend, and friends and relatives can't go to the crematorium.
However, if you choose our attended direct cremation service, you can spend a little time with the person who has died before the cremation. There's still no formal ceremony, but you'll have the chance to say goodbye in the peaceful surroundings of our chapel of rest.
How does direct cremation work?
With direct cremation, the person who has died goes directly from our funeral home to the crematorium. You can't choose when this happens and you can't go to the crematorium. After the cremation, you can pick up the person's ashes at a time to suit you.
What does direct cremation cost?
Our basic price for direct cremation in London is £2,100. Other services (such as a viewing) come at an additional cost.
What does direct cremation include?
Our direct cremation service includes caring for the person's body, the cremation itself and all associated fees. See a full list of what's included.
Why do people choose direct cremation?
Every funeral is different, and each person has their own reasons for choosing direct cremation. For some, it's because the person who died didn't want a lot of fuss. Others choose it to save a bit of money or because they'd rather say goodbye in their own way than hold a formal ceremony.