Many people like the thought of being buried with someone they love, so you can both be at rest together. In some cemeteries you may notice that married couples are laid to rest together, or people are buried next to their parents. Now, it is also becoming a trend to seek a burial with a beloved pet such as dogs, cats or horses. After all, they are often just as much part of a family as your human relatives.
So the answer is yes – technically you may be able to be buried with, or next to, someone you love. However it depends on where you live, where you would like to be laid to rest and if there is space next to the person or animal you want to be buried beside.
Purchasing a burial plot
If you want to choose your resting place, then you need to look into buying a burial plot in the cemetery or location of your choice. Also consider whether you would like to be buried in consecrated ground, or whether you would like to be cremated and then have the ashes buried for a smaller plot.
Local councils deal with funerals and burials, so you should contact the relevant department in your council to look at the options available to you. They will inform you of ways to purchase a burial plot; sometimes this requires buying rights to land for a certain number of years which may need renewal. You can also enquire about purchasing multiple burial plots, so you can be buried with family members. There may be some rules and regulations to follow and you’ll have to give the name or names for each burial plot. It is unlikely there will be space next to a loved one who has already passed away unless you reserve it in advance.
Pet cemetery plots
Because more and more people are seeking to be buried with pets, some pet cemeteries around the UK are beginning to offer joint plots. Joint graves for animals and humans are now available but again it depends on where you live – there are limited pet cemeteries which offer this service. Once again it is worth looking up the options and contacting the cemetery directly to reserve the plots for all of your family members – including the furry companions.
Read more about arranging the funeral you hope for in our advice centre.