A cremation niche gives families a dedicated space within a cemetery or columbarium to hold an urn.

Many people explore this option when they want a permanent location to visit instead of scattering remains or storing the urn at home. Choosing a niche offers tradition, structure, and a sense of continuity.

This guide explains what cremation niches mean, the types you can choose from, how much they cost, and how they compare to other memorial ideas.

Not sure whether a cremation at After is the right path? Our team is here to guide you through your options with transparency, care, and zero pressure. You can call us 24/7 at 1-844-717-5170.

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What Is a Cremation Niche?

A cremation niche is a small compartment that holds an urn after cremation. A niche in a cemetery is what you call the sealed shelves that they often build into larger structures called columbaria.

Some families also have urn vaults or mausoleum niches. Urn vaults are typically underground burial containers, while niches are above-ground compartments. The purpose of all these options is the same: To provide a permanent resting spot for remains.

A niche differs from a burial plot because families place the urn above ground instead of burying it. It also differs from scattering remains, which leaves no physical site to visit.

Families often choose niches when they want a consistent memorial for anniversaries, holidays, or private moments of reflection.

Types of Cremation Niches

Cemeteries now offer more variety in how families can memorialize remains than ever before. Here are some of the most common types.

Glass-Front Cremation Niches

Glass-front cremation niches display the urn and small personal items, such as photos or keepsakes. Families who want visibility and personalization often choose this option.

Are glass front cremation niches more expensive than other types? Yes. Cemeteries usually charge more for glass-front cremation niches because they require extra design and customization.

Cremation columbarium niches

Cremation columbarium niches sit within larger shared structures located in cemeteries, chapels, or mausoleums. Depending on the size, a columbarium niche can hold one or more urns. Some people also call them “niche burial spaces.”

Families often choose this option when they want their memorial to stand alongside others in a community setting.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Niches

Indoor niches sit inside mausoleums or chapels, offering climate control and protection. Outdoor niches line cemetery walls or towers, giving families a more natural setting.

Indoor options tend to cost more, while outdoor niches often provide broader availability.

Unique Cremation Headstones

Some cemeteries now offer headstones with built-in niches, often called “cremation monuments” or “pedestal memorials.” These headstones combine the look of a traditional gravesite with a secure compartment for remains.

Families who want a blend of cremation and headstone memorialization often find this option meaningful.

What Does a Cremation Niche Look Like?

A cremation niche looks like a small compartment that generally measures around 12 x 12 x 16 inches, large enough to hold an urn. Families can request larger niches when they plan to place multiple urns together.

Cemeteries often construct niches from stone, marble, granite, or glass. Stone and granite create a traditional appearance, while glass allows full personalization.

Families personalize niches with engraved plaques, etched designs, or memorial nameplates.

In glass-front niches, many include photographs, religious symbols, or small keepsakes that reflect the life of the person they honor.

How Much Does a Cremation Niche Cost?

Cremation niches cost between $1,200 and $5,000 in the United States. Some cemeteries charge even more in premium locations. Families should expect the price to vary based on location, niche type, and cemetery fees.

Several factors affect the cost of a cremation niche:

• Location: Cemeteries in urban areas or landscaped memorial gardens often charge higher prices than those in rural settings.
• Size and capacity: Standard niches measure about 12 x 12 x 12 inches, but deeper niches allow placement of two urns, which increases both value and price.
• Type of niche: Glass-front niches generally cost more than granite or marble because they allow personalization and visibility.
• Cemetery fees: Families should account for inscription, opening, and closing of the niche, and possible maintenance charges.

Cremation niches sit in the middle range of costs when you compare them to other memorial options. Scattering remains typically costs little beyond the cremation itself, but it leaves no permanent memorial.

Burial plots and headstones often cost more than a niche, especially when including the cemetery fees.

Green burial options may cost less in some regions, but they often don’t provide a built structure or engraved marker.

Pros and Cons of Cremation Niches

Families often ask how much a cremation niche costs, but price tells only part of the story. The choice also brings emotional, cultural, and practical trade-offs that matter when planning a lasting memorial.

Pros

• Permanent place for family to visit: A niche offers a stable memorial where family members can gather on anniversaries, holidays, or personal milestones.
• Flexibility for personalization: Many cemeteries allow engravings, plaques, or keepsakes, especially with glass-front niches.
• Space-saving option: Niches fit multiple urns in a smaller footprint than traditional plots, which helps families and cemeteries save space.

Cons

• Limited availability in some areas: Not all cemeteries offer columbarium niches, and waitlists may exist in high-demand regions.
• Ongoing fees: Some cemeteries charge for inscriptions, niche openings, or long-term maintenance.
• Higher cost than scattering or keeping an urn at home: Families looking for the lowest-cost option may prefer alternatives.

Cremation Niches vs. Other Memorial Options

What a niche in a cemetery provides differs sharply from scattering remains or keeping an urn at home. Looking at these contrasts helps families decide which option feels right.

Scattering Remains

Scattering remains gives families flexibility, but it does not provide a permanent site to visit. 

Some people find comfort in choosing a natural location, while others may feel a lack of connection once the remains are gone. A cremation niche creates a long-term space for remembrance that scattering cannot offer.

Burial of Remains in a Plot or Headstone

Burial of remains in a cemetery plot combines cremation with the familiarity of traditional burial. Families often choose this option when they want a headstone or shared family plot.

However, a burial typically costs more than a niche because of plot fees, headstone expenses, and ongoing cemetery maintenance.

Keeping Urns at Home

Keeping urns at home offers affordability and closeness, but it does not create a public or permanent memorial.

Families may also struggle to decide what happens to the urn when future generations move or relocate. A niche prevents that uncertainty by providing a stable resting place.

After and Alternatives to Cremation Niches

After offers simple, affordable direct cremation packages that provide everything families need without the high costs of traditional funeral homes.

These packages cover transportation, cremation, paperwork, and support, giving families peace of mind at a flat rate with no hidden fees.

Families Can Still Create Meaningful Memorials Without a Niche

Families who do not choose a cremation niche can still honor their loved one in lasting ways. 

Many hold a celebration of life, create a memorial video, or design an online obituary that friends and family can visit anytime.

Some also choose to scatter remains in a meaningful place while keeping a portion in a keepsake urn or piece of memorial jewelry.

Options for Combining Cremation With Later Memorial Services

Direct cremation offers flexibility. Families can plan a service immediately or wait until the right time to gather.

Some choose to host a small gathering at home, while others arrange a community memorial months later. Cremation allows families to honor their loved one in the way that feels most authentic without rushing decisions.

Honor Your Loved One With Simple Cremation Services From After

Cremation niches provide permanence, but they are not the only way to create a lasting memorial. After helps families handle immediate needs with compassion, clarity, and affordability.

When you choose After, you receive transparent pricing and dedicated care without the pressure of upselling.

Do you need help now? After offers direct cremation services with 24/7 support. Call us anytime at 1-844-717-5170 or visit After’s pricing page to start the process today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Cremation Niche in a Cemetery?

A cremation niche in a cemetery refers to a small compartment that holds an urn after cremation. Cemeteries often build niches into larger structures like columbaria or mausoleums, giving families a permanent memorial space.

What Is the Difference Between a Cremation Niche and a Columbarium?

The difference between a cremation niche and a columbarium comes down to size and structure. A niche is a single compartment for an urn, while a columbarium is the larger structure that contains many niches.

Can You Place Multiple Urns in One Niche?

Yes, you can place multiple urns in one niche if the size allows it. Many cemeteries offer double-depth niches that hold two urns side by side or stacked together.

Do Cremation Niches Require Ongoing Maintenance Fees?

Cremation niches may require ongoing maintenance fees depending on the cemetery. Some charge for perpetual care or niche openings, while others include maintenance in the purchase price.

Are Cremation Niches Permanent?

Yes, cremation niches provide a permanent resting place for urns once you place them, in most cases. However, you need to check with the facility to see what the terms are in their cemetery contracts or the potential for future relocation.