Companion Urns Explained: Sizing for Two People
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A companion urn is designed to hold the cremated remains of two people in a single vessel, and is a popular choice for couples, or occasionally for parents and a child. Because it needs to hold roughly double the volume of a standard adult urn, companion urns are typically sized between 7 and 9 litres in total capacity.
How companion urns are designed
There are two common approaches to companion urns:
- Single shared chamber — one internal space holding both sets of ashes together.
- Divided or dual-chamber design — two separate, sealed compartments within the one urn, so each person's ashes remain distinct while still sharing a single memorial piece.
Which style suits a family is a personal choice — some prefer the symbolism of ashes being physically together, while others like the idea of individual identity being preserved within a shared urn.
When a companion urn makes sense
Companion urns are most commonly chosen when the first partner has already passed and their ashes have been kept (often in a smaller urn) in anticipation of one day being reunited with their spouse. Some couples also choose and purchase a companion urn together in advance, as part of their end-of-life planning — see our guide on choosing an urn for a spouse for more on this.
Sizing considerations
Because companion urns need to comfortably hold close to double the ash volume of a single adult urn, 7 to 9 litres is the typical range. If one or both individuals had a larger frame, it's worth checking the specific product's listed capacity to ensure a comfortable fit with room to seal the lid securely.
Alternatives to a single companion urn
Not every family wants to combine ashes into one vessel — two matching individual urns, displayed side by side, is an equally meaningful option. Our guide comparing single vs companion urns walks through both approaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many litres does a companion urn hold?
Most companion urns designed to hold the ashes of two adults range from 7 to 9 litres in total capacity.
Can a companion urn keep two people's ashes separate?
Yes, some companion urns have a divided or dual-chamber design, keeping each person's ashes in their own sealed compartment within the one urn.
Do couples buy companion urns together in advance?
Yes, some couples choose a companion urn together as part of planning ahead, so it's ready whenever it's needed.
Is a companion urn the same size as two single urns combined?
Broadly yes — since it needs to hold close to double the ash volume of one adult urn, it's sized accordingly larger than a standard single urn.
At Premium Urns, we help Australian families find a memorial that feels right, without any pressure. Explore our companion urns online, or get in touch with our team if you'd like a hand choosing.
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