Relocating a loved one’s grave in the UK can be a complex process, but many families choose to move graves for various reasons. At Joseph A. Hey & Son funeral home in Bradford, we have extensive experience helping families exhume graves and move deceased relatives to new burial sites.

If you are considering moving a grave of a loved one to another cemetery in the UK, this guide covers key steps involved, laws to know, costs, and helpful funeral director tips.

Why Families May Need to Move a Grave

There are a few common reasons families elect to go through the lengthy process of exhuming a grave and moving remains to another cemetery, such as:

• The current cemetery is too crowded, dilapidated, or slated to close.
• Relatives relocate to another part of the country and wish to have deceased family members nearby.
• Family grave plots fill up over generations, requiring moves to new sites.
• Development encroaches on a cemetery, necessitating relocation.
• Families change faiths or denominations, desiring different consecrated ground.

How to Move a Grave in the UK

If your family decides to relocate a grave, key steps involved typically include:

Get Approval from Next of Kin and Burial Authority

• The next of kin or executor must agree to exhume the grave and move remains.
• Permission from the burial authority governing the current cemetery is also needed.

Apply for Exhumation License

• Submit an application to the Ministry of Justice for an exhumation license, detailing plans and reason for moving the body.
• Local environmental health departments and public health officials also review applications.

Purchase New Grave Plot

• Arrange for a suitable new grave plot and the necessary burial rights in the cemetery where you wish to relocate remains.

Schedule the Exhumation

• Set an exhumation date once all permissions are secured. The funeral director and environmental health officer must be present.

Transfer Remains and Re-inter at New Site

• Carefully exhume the grave, transferring contents to a new casket if needed.
• Transport remains to the new cemetery for reburial, allowing for a brief service if families desire.

Costs and Timeframe for Moving a Grave

Due to stringent UK regulations, moving a grave can be costly and time-intensive. Some costs and timeframes to expect:

• Exhumation licence fee – £240 to apply plus £23 to re-apply if unsuccessful the first time.
• Funeral director fees – Around £2,500 – £5,000 on average.
• New casket – Up to £3,000 for a high-quality casket. Basic caskets around £500.
• New grave purchase – Prices vary depending on cemetery. Can range £100’s to £1,000’s.
• Full process timeframe – Often 6-12+ months to get approvals, coordinate, and complete the move.

Alternatives to Moving a Grave

For families who wish to relocate a loved one but find moving the actual grave prohibitive, a couple alternatives to consider include:

• Cremate the body and move only ashes to a new cemetery.
• Erect a new headstone or memorial plaque in the preferred cemetery rather than exhuming the body.

This allows for symbolic relocation where families can still visit and pay respects at a site of their choice.

Work With a Reputable Funeral Director

Trying to orchestrate relocating a grave without an experienced funeral director guiding you through the complex web of legal permissions and logistics can quickly become overwhelming.

Here at Joseph A. Hey & Son funeral home, our compassionate team has helped countless families navigate exhuming and moving deceased loved ones over our long history serving Bradford since 1856. We are here to handle all aspects – from securing licences to transferring remains respectfully.

For private consultations about exhuming and relocating a grave anywhere in the UK, please reach out to our funeral directors today on 01274 571021. We will walk you through options to give your loved one a peaceful new resting place.