The body of 43-year-old former supermarket manager Tracy Kearns was discovered in Kinmel Bay, Conwy county on 13 May.
Anthony James Bird, 49, from Kinmel Bay was remanded in custody following his 25-minute appearance at Mold Crown Court.
His trial is due to start on 13 November.
A man has denied murdering his partner after her body was found following a police search.