Glossary
Columbarium
A columbarium is a structure or wall containing niches that hold urns of cremated remains. It is often located in a cemetery, mausoleum, or place of worship, and provides a permanent, visitable place for ashes.
Each compartment in a columbarium is called a niche, and a niche may hold one or more urns. Fronts are commonly stone, glass, or bronze and can be engraved with names and dates.
A columbarium niche is a common choice for families who want cremation but still want a fixed place to visit, rather than scattering or keeping the urn at home.
Related terms
See also
Common questions
- How much does a columbarium niche cost?
- Niche prices vary by cemetery and by the niche's size and position within the columbarium, with eye-level and glass-front niches often costing more. Ask the cemetery for itemized pricing so you can compare the niche, the engraving, and any placement fee.
- How many urns fit in one niche?
- It depends on the niche. A standard niche holds a single urn, while larger companion niches are designed to hold two, so spouses or family members can rest together. The cemetery can tell you the capacity of a specific niche.
- Can the public visit a columbarium?
- Yes. A columbarium provides a permanent, visitable place for cremated remains, which is part of why families choose it over scattering or keeping the urn at home. Indoor columbaria may keep set visiting hours.
Explore with AI
This definition is general information, not legal or financial advice. Laws and prices vary by state and provider. See our editorial standards.