Urns and Vaults: What They Are and Which You Might Need
Reviewed by Everendium Editorial Team · Last reviewed August 18, 2026
Quick answer
An urn holds cremated remains and can be made from materials ranging from simple wood to elaborate metal, ceramic, or biodegradable options. A burial vault is a separate outer container that surrounds a casket underground, often required by cemeteries (though not by law) to prevent ground settling.
These two products serve very different purposes, despite sometimes being confused with each other.
Urns
An urn holds cremated remains, whether for display at home, burial, or placement in a columbarium niche. Materials range widely:
- Simple wood or metal
- Ceramic or marble
- Biodegradable options (like paper or salt), designed specifically for water burial or ground scattering ceremonies where the container itself is meant to dissolve
Burial vaults
A burial vault is a separate outer container, usually concrete or reinforced material, that surrounds a casket underground. Its main purpose is preventing the ground above from settling unevenly over time as the casket eventually deteriorates.
No law requires a vault — but many individual cemeteries require one for casket burials as part of their own maintenance standards. This is a cemetery policy, not a legal mandate, so it’s worth confirming directly with the specific cemetery.
Buying either elsewhere
Just like caskets, funeral homes are required to accept an urn purchased from a third-party retailer without charging an extra handling fee, under the FTC’s Funeral Rule.
No rush on urn selection
Remains are typically returned in a simple temporary container after cremation, so there’s no need to select a permanent urn before that happens — you can take your time.
Vault requirements are set by individual cemeteries, not by law — confirm directly with the specific cemetery you’re working with.
Frequently asked questions
Is a burial vault legally required?+
No federal or state law requires a vault, but many individual cemeteries require one for casket burial specifically to prevent the ground from settling unevenly over time. Check with the specific cemetery.
Can I buy an urn somewhere other than the funeral home?+
Yes — similar to caskets, funeral homes must accept an urn purchased elsewhere without an extra handling fee, under the FTC Funeral Rule.
What are urns typically made from?+
Options range widely: wood, metal, ceramic, marble, and biodegradable materials (like paper or salt) designed specifically for water or ground scattering ceremonies.
Do I need an urn right away after cremation?+
No — remains are typically returned in a simple temporary container, giving you time to choose a permanent urn afterward.
Sources
Related glossary terms
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