Understanding Columbarium Niches: Is It the Right Choice for You?

This month, we’ve provided a high-level overview of columbarium niches to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you or your loved one.

What Is a Columbarium?

A columbarium is a room, building, or wall that is designated for the interment of the ashes of people who have died and been cremated.

The term “columbarium” comes from the Latin columba, meaning dove, because columbaria usually have niches to hold urns that resemble those in dovecotes, or dove houses. Columbariums have been around for centuries, dating back as far as Roman times.

What Is a Columbarium Niche?

Columbarium niches, or cremation niches, are the compartments within the columbarium that hold a person’s cremated remains. Niches may vary in size but are typically large enough to hold at least one urn or container of ashes.

There is also typically:

• A plaque

• A place to include flowers or memorial items

Columbariums come in several forms:

• A free-standing wall, often located in a cemetery or outdoor space

• Inside a church, mausoleum, or funeral home

Why Use a Columbarium Niche?

There are several great reasons to use a columbarium niche for yourself or a loved one:

• You prefer a dedicated resting place outside the home

• You don’t want to scatter the remains

• It aligns with your faith, family tradition, or cultural beliefs

• It’s an economical and practical option for those who choose cremation

• Cremation and niches help with cemetery space concerns

What’s the Difference Between a Columbarium and a Mausoleum?

It is often thought that a columbarium and a mausoleum are the same. However, there is one distinct difference:

• A mausoleum is designed for entire bodies

• A columbarium is designed to hold inurned cremated remains

What Is the Cost of a Columbarium Niche?

Columbarium niches can be purchased:

• In advance, or

• After a loved one has passed

Keep in mind:

• Buying in advance is usually more cost-effective

• Indoor niches tend to be more expensive than outdoor ones, as they provide a comfortable place to visit, especially in bad weather

💡 A typical 9″ x 9″ x 9″ cremation niche purchased before death averages $750 to $2,800, depending on location and type.

If you’re still unsure if a columbarium niche is right for you or your loved one—or if you’d like to learn more—contact us today. Our team is happy to help provide support and guidance whenever needed!