Niches and Columbariums
A niche is a space in a wall or structure that holds an urn. A columbarium is the structure that holds the niches. For cremation, a niche is one of several permanent places a family can choose.
A columbarium is a wall, room, or structure with small compartments, called niches, that hold urns of cremated remains. Families usually pay for the niche, an opening and closing fee, and an engraved front plate.
Types of niches
- Single niche
- Holds one urn.
- Companion niche
- Holds two urns, often for a couple.
- Family niche
- A larger space for several urns.
- Glass-front niche
- Shows the urn and sometimes photos or keepsakes. Not every cemetery offers them.
Some cemeteries also offer cremation benches or sculptures that hold remains, and shared ossuaries.
What niches cost in Salt Lake County
| Option | Published price |
|---|---|
| West Jordan companion niche, rows 1–2 | $1,200 resident / $1,800 non-resident |
| West Jordan companion niche, rows 3–5 | $1,600 / $2,400 |
| West Jordan family niche | $4,000 / $6,000 |
| West Jordan cremation bench | $8,500 / $12,750 |
| West Jordan shared ossuary | $300 / $450 |
| Larkin Sunset Lawn niche | $995, plus $125 endowment care and $495 opening and closing |
West Jordan fee schedule through June 30, 2027. Larkin Sunset Lawn: Utah Simple Cremations online arrangement checkout, September 2026.
West Jordan also charges $375 to $450 to engrave a niche marker and $350 to $525 to open and close a niche on a weekday before 3 p.m. Salt Lake City Cemetery’s fee page doesn’t list niches.
Check the urn before you buy it
Niches have fixed inside measurements, and some cemeteries accept only certain urns. Larkin’s rules allow only preapproved urns. Ask the cemetery for the niche size and any urn rules before you buy an urn. See caskets and urns.
Other places for cremated remains
A niche is one option. Cremated remains can also be buried in a cremation plot or an existing family grave, kept at home, or scattered where Utah law allows. See what to do with cremated remains and scattering ashes in Utah.
“What is the total for the niche, including opening and closing, the front plate, and care, and what urn sizes fit?”
Ready to see how these choices apply to your situation?
Your Wayfinder Plan can help organize the options you’re considering and give you a clearer picture of what to ask and compare.
Build My Wayfinder Plan- West Jordan fee schedule; Salt Lake City Cemetery fees.
- Larkin Sunset Lawn niche pricing: Utah Simple Cremations online arrangement checkout, collected by Wayfinder, September 2026. Urn rule: Larkin Memorial cemetery rules and regulations, collected September 2026.
Prices are published examples from individual cemeteries, not averages. Niche type descriptions are common usage. This page is general information, not legal advice.