Companion Urns

What Are Companion Urns?

A companion urn is a cremation urn built to hold two people's remains in a single memorial. Sometimes called a double urn, two-person urn, or urn for couples, companion cremation urns are most often chosen for spouses and long-term partners, though families also use them for siblings, parents, and adult children. Companion urns for human ashes typically hold 380–440 cubic inches of combined capacity — enough for two average-sized adults — and are available with either a single shared chamber or two separate interior compartments. For guidance on sizing, chamber design, placement options, and engraving, see our Companion Urns Guide.

Companion Urns by Material

Companion urns are available across every major urn material. Wood companion urns are among the most popular for home display, with options in cherry, walnut, oak, maple, and mahogany. Many wood double urns include optional interior dividers, so families can choose between combined and separated remains at the time of purchase. Bronze companion urns range from sheet bronze chest styles to intricately cast figurative pieces. Cast bronze designs hold their finish for decades and are well suited to columbarium placement. Marble and stone companion urns are typically quarried in natural marble or alabaster, giving each one a distinct grain and color variation. Divided two-compartment stone urns are a practical choice when one person will be placed now and the second added later. Ceramic companion urns are handcrafted pieces with single-chamber designs in a wide range of glazes and artistic styles. Glass companion urns are individually handblown, making each one unique, with bold color combinations suited to home display.

Popular Companion Urn Styles

Box and chest companion urns sit flat on any surface and offer a clean profile for mantelpiece or shelf placement. These are the most common style for home display. Vase-style companion urns have a traditional upright form and are available in nearly every material. Figurative companion urns are cast as sculptural pieces — often depicting two figures, interlocked shapes, or symbolic imagery. These are frequently chosen as both a memorial and a decorative statement. Set-style companion urns consist of two coordinating individual urns made to be displayed side by side, offering the appearance of togetherness without combining the remains in one vessel. Biodegradable companion urns are available for families planning a water scattering or natural burial, with designs large enough to hold double urns for ashes of two adults.

How to Choose a Companion Urn

Size. The most widely used rule of thumb is one cubic inch of urn capacity per pound of body weight before cremation, per person. Add both estimates and size up by 10–20% for a comfortable fit. Most companion urns are manufactured in the 380–440 cubic inch range. Our cremation urn sizing guide includes the full formula and a reference chart.

Single or divided chamber. A single-chamber design holds both sets of remains in one interior space — typically in separate crematory-provided bags. A two-compartment design keeps each person's remains distinct inside the same outer urn, which is often preferable when one person has already passed and the second set of remains will be added later. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on types of cremation urns.

Placement. If the urn will go into a columbarium niche, confirm the interior niche dimensions before purchasing — companion urns are wider and deeper than standard single urns, and not all niches accommodate them. For ground burial, ask the cemetery whether an urn vault is required and confirm the vault's interior dimensions fit the companion urn's exterior. For tips on home display options, see how to display a cremation urn at home.

Personalization. Most companion urns can be engraved with two names, dates, and a shared phrase — a common choice for double urns for husband and wife or other couples pre-planning together. Engraving is best ordered before remains are placed, as most providers will not work on an urn that already holds cremated remains. Attached engraved urn nameplates are a useful alternative when one date of death is still unknown. For inscription ideas and layout options, see our urn engraving guide.

Companion Urns vs. Two Separate Urns

A companion urn creates a single, unified memorial — one placement, one engraving layout, and one focal point for the family. Two individual urns offer flexibility when remains may eventually be placed in different locations, when family members want to divide responsibility for memorial items, or when each person had strongly different style preferences. Families sometimes combine both approaches: a companion urn as the primary vessel, alongside keepsake urns so that children or grandchildren can hold a small portion. Our article on keepsake urns vs. full-size urns covers this approach in detail.

Free Shipping on Every Companion Urn

Every companion urn order ships free with standard ground delivery — no minimum, no hidden costs. Expedited 2nd-day and overnight shipping are available for an additional fee. Personalized and engraved orders may require additional production time; confirm lead times at checkout. Our 30-day return policy and dedicated support team are available by phone and email if you need help with sizing, materials, or placement questions.