Midlothian · Scotland
Crematoriums in Edinburgh
2 crematoriums in Edinburgh. Each page lists nearby funeral wake venues within 10 miles, so you can find somewhere within easy reach of the service.
Edinburgh's two crematoriums serve families across the capital and surrounding areas of Midlothian. Mortonhall Crematorium sits in the southern suburbs, whilst Seafield Crematorium is located towards the city's eastern edge near Leith. Both facilities are well-connected to Edinburgh's road network, making them accessible for families travelling from across the Lothians and beyond.
When planning a wake after a service at either crematorium, you'll find venues within a comfortable 15-20 minute journey throughout much of Edinburgh. The city's compact nature means that whether you choose somewhere in the historic Old Town, the Georgian New Town, or one of the residential areas, your guests can travel between locations without difficulty. Edinburgh's mix of traditional pubs, hotels, community halls, and restaurants provides options to suit different preferences, from intimate family gatherings to larger celebrations of life that bring together extended networks of friends and colleagues.
Arranging a wake in Edinburgh
Common questions
Mortonhall Crematorium would typically be more accessible from western areas, as it's located in the southern part of Edinburgh with good connections via the city bypass. Families coming from West Lothian, Corstorphine, or Murrayfield often find the journey more straightforward than travelling across the city to Seafield. The A720 bypass provides relatively direct access, avoiding much of Edinburgh's city centre traffic.
Seafield Crematorium is situated near Leith and Portobello, where you'll find several hotels and community halls within a short drive rather than walking distance. The crematorium's location means most families opt for venues that can be reached by car or taxi in just a few minutes. Local hotels in the Leith area or community centres in Portobello often provide suitable spaces for gatherings of various sizes.
Edinburgh's crematoriums can become particularly busy during winter months, so booking two to three weeks in advance is generally advisable, though sometimes longer during peak periods. Both Mortonhall and Seafield serve a large catchment area including surrounding Midlothian communities. Your funeral director will coordinate directly with the crematoriums and can advise on current availability, as they maintain regular contact with both facilities.
The Mortonhall area and nearby districts like Liberton and Gilmerton offer several intimate options for smaller gatherings. You'll find local hotels, golf clubs, and community centres that cater well to family groups of this size. Many families also consider venues in nearby areas such as Newington or the Southside, which are easily accessible and offer a range of function rooms suitable for more personal, quiet gatherings.
Both Mortonhall and Seafield crematoriums have on-site parking, though spaces can fill quickly during busy periods. Seafield is better served by public transport, with bus routes connecting to Leith and the city centre. Mortonhall is more reliant on car access, being in a more suburban location. It's worth advising guests to arrive slightly early to secure parking, particularly for services during peak times or adverse weather conditions.