Choosing the right urn for ashes
After a cremation, families often need to decide what should happen to the ashes. You may wish to keep all ashes together in one urn, divide a small amount among family members, choose a companion urn for two people, select a baby or infant urn, or use a scattering tube for a meaningful farewell.
On this page you will find the main urn categories within legendURN. This helps you choose the right path before you compare materials, colours, size, personalisation options and where the urn will be kept, placed or used.
Short answer: choose a full-size cremation urn if you want to keep all ashes in one place. Choose a keepsake urn for a small portion of ashes, a companion urn for two people, a baby or infant urn for a child, and a scattering tube if the ashes will be scattered. If you are unsure about capacity, check the urn size guide before ordering.
Which choice fits your situation?
- Keeping all ashes together? View full-size cremation urns for ashes.
- Keeping two people together? Choose a companion urn, also known as a double urn.
- Sharing ashes among family members? View keepsake urns, micro keepsakes or ashes jewellery.
- Keeping only a very small amount? Choose micro keepsakes or ashes jewellery.
- Choosing for a baby or infant? View baby urns, infant urns and child urns with suitable smaller capacities.
- Planning to scatter ashes? View scattering tubes and scattering urns for a respectful scattering ceremony.
- Need help with size? Read our urn size guide before choosing.
- Need accessories? View stands, plaques and other practical accessories for urns and keepsakes.
Overview of urns for ashes, keepsakes and scattering tubes
Cremation urns for ashes
Full-size cremation urns are intended to hold all ashes, or a large part of the ashes, in one place. They are often chosen for the home, a cemetery, a churchyard, a columbarium niche, a memorial cabinet or another fixed place of remembrance.
Companion urns for ashes
Companion urns, also called double urns, are designed for the ashes of two people. They are often chosen for partners, spouses or two loved ones whose ashes will be kept together in one shared memorial urn.
Keepsake urns for ashes
Keepsake urns hold a small, symbolic amount of ashes. They are suitable when ashes are divided among relatives, when a main urn is placed elsewhere, or when a family member wishes to keep a personal remembrance close.
Micro keepsake urns
Micro keepsakes are very small urns for a minimal amount of ashes. They are chosen as a discreet personal keepsake, for travel, or as a small memorial object alongside a full-size urn, keepsake urn or ashes jewellery.
Infant and child urns
Infant and child urns are smaller urns with capacities suited to a child or infant. The choice is deeply personal, and the crematorium or funeral director can help confirm the amount of ashes before you order.
Baby urns
Baby urns are created for a very small and sensitive memorial. They are available in gentle, symbolic and understated designs, with capacities suited to the ashes of a baby or premature baby.
Scattering tubes and scattering urns
Scattering tubes and scattering urns are used when ashes will be scattered rather than kept permanently in an urn. They help make the scattering ceremony more controlled, respectful and practical.
Accessories for urns
Accessories can help with the placement, presentation or personalisation of an urn. Depending on the urn, this may include stands, plaques, display options, keepsake accessories or other practical additions.
What should you check before choosing an urn?
If you are not sure which urn category is suitable, start with the practical question: will all ashes be kept, only a small portion, the ashes of two people, or will the ashes be scattered? After that, compare capacity, material, external dimensions, where the urn will be placed and whether personalisation is desired.
For one adult, many full-size urns hold about 3 to 3.5 litres, approximately 183 to 213 cu in. A companion urn usually needs about 6 to 7 litres, approximately 366 to 427 cu in. Keepsake urns, micro keepsakes and ashes jewellery hold only a small portion of ashes. If the urn will be placed in a columbarium niche, always check both the external dimensions and the internal capacity.
Useful next step: read our urn size guide if you are unsure about capacity, visit our advice hub for broader guidance, or read about urns and ashes in cemeteries if the urn will be placed in a grave, ashes plot or columbarium niche.
Helpful advice before you order
- What size urn do I need?
Use this guide to understand adult urn size, keepsakes, companion urns, baby urns and pet urns. - What does a cremation urn cost?
Learn why prices differ by material, size, handcraft, bronze, ceramic, stone and personalisation. - Urns and ashes in cemeteries
Read what to ask before choosing an urn for a grave, ashes plot or columbarium niche. - Scattering ashes guide
Useful if you are considering scattering tubes, scattering urns or a ceremony in a meaningful place.
Need personal guidance?
Choosing an urn is both practical and emotional. Some families know immediately what feels right, while others first want to understand the difference between urn categories, sizes and materials. Both are completely normal.
If you are unsure which urn category, capacity or material is suitable, please contact legendURN. We will gladly help you find an option that is practical, respectful and fitting for your loved one.
Frequently asked questions about urn categories
What is the difference between a full-size urn and a keepsake urn?
A full-size urn is usually chosen for all ashes, or a large part of the ashes. A keepsake urn holds only a small symbolic portion and is often chosen when ashes are divided among family members.
When should I choose a companion urn?
A companion urn is suitable when the ashes of two people will be kept together in one urn. This is often chosen for partners, spouses or two loved ones who will be remembered together.
What is a micro keepsake urn?
A micro keepsake urn is a very small urn for a minimal amount of ashes. It is suitable as a small personal remembrance, for travel, or as an additional keepsake alongside a main urn.
Which urn category is suitable if ashes are shared?
If ashes are shared among several relatives, keepsake urns, micro keepsakes or ashes jewellery are often suitable. A full-size urn can still be used for the largest part of the ashes.
Can I choose scattering instead of keeping ashes in an urn?
Yes. If the ashes will be scattered, scattering tubes or scattering urns can help make the ceremony respectful and practical. Always check whether scattering is permitted at the chosen location.
How do I know which size urn I need?
For one adult, many full-size urns hold about 3 to 3.5 litres, approximately 183 to 213 cu in. Companion urns usually need about 6 to 7 litres, approximately 366 to 427 cu in. Keepsake urns hold only a small portion of ashes. If you are unsure, read our urn size guide or ask the crematorium or funeral director for the actual ash volume.
