Small Urns for Ashes

How families use small urns

Small urns let a family share the ashes. Each person can keep a matching keepsake or choose one that suits their own home, and our article on dividing ashes between family members explains how.

You can also keep a small amount at home after the rest has been scattered or buried, so there's still somewhere to sit with them. A scatter tube can carry the rest of the ashes on the day.

How much each size holds

An adult's full ashes usually fill 2.5 to 3.5 litres. A 0.7 litre urn such as the white ceramic butterfly holds roughly a quarter of that, the small Lumos nearly half at 1.25 litres, and a glass memory pebble a small token or a lock of hair.

A keepsake you can light

The crystal candle holder urn is a crystal urn with a tea light holder, so you can light a candle on a birthday or anniversary. It holds 0.7 litres and comes in cappuccino or light grey.

Filling and sealing

Most of the ceramic designs come with an urn bag and a little sealing glue, and the metal teardrop includes a filling coin and felt pad. A small funnel or a teaspoon makes filling easier, and working over a tray means none is lost.

Common questions about small urns

What is a keepsake urn?

A keepsake urn is a small urn that holds a portion of someone's ashes. A family can buy several so each person has a share, or keep one at home after scattering the rest.

How much ash does a small urn hold?

Ours range from 25ml in a glass memory pebble to 1.25 litres in the small Lumos. Most hold 0.5 to 0.9 litres, roughly a sixth to a quarter of an average adult's ashes.

Can ashes be divided between several keepsake urns?

Yes. Agree the plan as a family first, then ask your funeral director to divide the ashes or do it at home over a tray with a spoon and a funnel.

Can I take a small urn on a plane?

You can usually take ashes in your hand luggage, but airport X-ray machines need to see inside, and urns made of ceramic, porcelain or metal almost always fail that check. Carry the ashes in a printed scatter tube with the certificate of cremation and a copy of the death certificate, then move them into the urn when you arrive. See our guide to taking ashes abroad.

Can I use a small urn for a pet?

Yes. Every urn here apart from the memory pebbles is big enough for a cat, and the 0.9 litre designs suit a dog of up to about 25kg. Our pet urns include animal designs if you'd like something that looks like them.

Serenity Urns is an independent family business, and our founder, Rob Brett, is personally involved in engraving the plaques and preparing each order. We offer free UK delivery in 2-3 working days, and you can call us on 07951 033 670 if you'd like help choosing.