Glossary
Niche
A niche is a compartment in a columbarium or niche wall that holds an urn of cremated remains. Families buy the right to place an urn in a specific niche, which provides a permanent, visitable resting place without an in-ground grave.
Niche fronts are commonly granite, marble, glass, or bronze, and can be engraved with names and dates. A niche may hold a single urn or, in companion niches, more than one.
Niche pricing varies by location within the columbarium and by cemetery. As with other cemetery purchases, ask for itemized costs.
Related terms
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Common questions
- How much does a niche cost?
- Niche pricing varies by cemetery and by the niche's size and position within the columbarium, with eye-level and glass-front niches often costing more. Ask for itemized costs covering the niche, engraving, and any placement fee.
- Can a niche hold more than one urn?
- It depends on the niche. A standard niche holds a single urn, while a larger companion niche is designed to hold two, so family members can rest together. The cemetery can confirm a specific niche's capacity.
- What is the difference between a niche and a crypt?
- A niche is a compartment that holds an urn of cremated remains, while a crypt is a larger chamber that holds a casket. Both may be found within the same mausoleum.
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This definition is general information, not legal or financial advice. Laws and prices vary by state and provider. See our editorial standards.