What is a columbarium?
A columbarium is a wall or structure containing individual niches, each intended for one or more urns. It is an increasingly common choice for families who opt for cremation.
Each niche is closed with a plate engraved with the name and dates of the deceased. Columbariums are located in cemeteries and, in some cities, alongside crematoriums.
Columbarium niche or burial plot for an urn — which is better?
After cremation, the urn can be placed in a columbarium niche, buried in a burial plot, or kept by the family as they prefer. The table below compares the first two options.
| Aspect | Columbarium niche | Burial plot |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Usually more affordable | Higher (land + monument) |
| Monument | Not required — only the niche plate | A monument is usually erected |
| Space | A compact niche | A plot of land in the cemetery |
| Upkeep | Minimal | Ongoing care of the grave |
How do you obtain a columbarium niche?
A columbarium niche is obtained from the administration of the cemetery or crematorium that operates it. The steps are similar to those for a burial plot: application, concession contract, and payment of the fee.
We can handle the paperwork on your behalf under a power of attorney. We will tell you in advance exactly what fees the chosen niche involves.
- Application to the administration operating the columbarium
- Selection of an available niche
- Concession contract for the niche
- Engraving of the plate with the name and dates of the deceased
How much does a columbarium niche cost?
The cost of a niche varies from one cemetery to another but is as a rule lower than that of a new burial plot, since it involves no land and no monument.
The concession fee is usually supplemented by the cost of engraving the plate. For an overview of cremation costs, see our cremation pricing page.
Rules and access
Each columbarium has its own regulations: visiting hours, rules for flowers and candles, and the duration of the niche concession. You can find these from the cemetery administration.
Memorial observances are held just as for a burial. The tradition of commemoration — from 3 days to 7 years — remains the same regardless of whether you choose a columbarium or a burial plot. Details in our guide on burial or cremation.
How we help
We coordinate the cremation, the choice of urn, and the obtaining of the columbarium niche if that is the family's wish. We handle all documents and liaise with the administration.
We are available day and night. For details about options in your area, call us — advice is free of charge.