You can arrange cremation without funeral home services in most U.S. states and save thousands of dollars in the process.

Direct cremation skips the traditional funeral home experience entirely. No viewing, no ceremony, no embalming. Just simple, dignified care that costs a fraction of conventional services.

Most families now choose direct cremation for its affordability and simplicity. At After, the prices typically range from $995 to $2,000, compared to $8,000+ for traditional funeral home arrangements.

This guide explains exactly how cremation without a funeral home works, which states allow it, what you'll need to handle yourself, and whether hiring a provider like After makes more sense than going the DIY route.

Need help deciding on cremation services? The team at After is here to guide you through your options with transparency, care, and zero pressure. You can call us 24/7 at 1-844-717-5170.

‍

{{cta_red}}

‍

Do You Legally Need a Funeral Home for Cremation?

You don't legally need a funeral home for cremation in 41 states. Only 9 states have laws requiring that families hire funeral directors for death-care services.

The specific requirements vary by state. Some mandate funeral director involvement for death certificates, others for transport, and some for the cremation process itself.

States That Require Funeral Directors

• Connecticut: Funeral directors must file death certificates, remove and transport the deceased, and obtain burial/transit permits.
• Illinois: Funeral directors must file death certificates, handle transport, be present at cremations, and issue burial/transit permits.
• Indiana: Funeral directors must remove and transport the deceased.
• Iowa: Funeral directors must make cremation arrangements (though families can handle other aspects).
• Louisiana: Funeral directors must file death certificates, handle transport, and be present at cremations.
• Michigan: Funeral directors must file death certificates, handle transport, supervise cremations, and issue burial/transit permits.
• Nebraska: Funeral directors must file death certificates, handle transport, and issue burial/transit permits.
• New Jersey: Funeral directors must file death certificates, handle transport, and be present at cremations.
• New York: Funeral directors must file death certificates, handle transport, obtain burial/transit permits, and supervise cremations.

What This Means for Families

In these 9 states, you legally cannot arrange cremation independently, even if you want to handle arrangements yourself. State law requires commercial funeral service involvement.

In the remaining 41 states, families have the legal right to arrange cremation without hiring a funeral director.

However, "legal" doesn't mean "simple." Even in states that allow independent arrangements, you'll still need to:

• Obtain proper permits from the county.
• Complete death certificates correctly.
• Transport the deceased in an appropriate container.
• Coordinate directly with a licensed crematory.
• Navigate state-specific waiting periods (typically 24-48 hours).
• Handle refrigeration requirements during the waiting period.

Most families discover that managing these tasks during grief proves more difficult than they thought. The paperwork alone involves multiple government agencies, strict deadlines, and zero room for error.

While only a small percentage of Americans choose to handle cremation independently, the right to make that choice matters. At After, we operate in states where families have options.

We provide affordable, transparent cremation services for those who prefer professional guidance during a difficult time.

What Is Direct Cremation?

Direct cremation is a simple cremation that happens without any viewing, ceremony, or embalming beforehand. It's the most affordable cremation option available.

Here's the complete process:

• Transport: People move the deceased from the place of passing to a cremation facility. This happens within hours of authorization.
• Refrigeration: State law requires refrigeration in a climate-controlled environment while they process permits. This typically takes 2-5 business days.
• Paperwork: The provider completes death certificates, cremation authorizations, and county permits. The legal next-of-kin must sign authorization forms.
• Cremation: Once all permits clear, cremation takes place in a basic cremation container (reinforced cardboard with plywood base).
• Return of remains: Cremated remains come back to the family in a temporary urn, usually within a few business days after cremation.

Direct cremation costs 60-80% less than traditional funeral services because it eliminates embalming, caskets, viewing facilities, and ceremony coordination.

After offers three direct cremation packages starting at $995, with transparent pricing that includes everything required for a simple, dignified cremation. View complete package details at After's pricing page.

Can You Transport a Deceased Person to a Crematory Yourself?

Yes, in most states, you can transport a deceased person yourself, but it's physically demanding and emotionally difficult.

Requirements for DIY transport:

• Use a leak-proof container or casket.
• Follow your state's time restrictions (usually within 24 hours).
• Obtain a transport permit from the county.
• Keep the body refrigerated or on ice during transport.
• Use a vehicle large enough to transport the container lying flat.

The reality: Moving an adult requires 2-4 people with proper lifting technique. The deceased should get treatment with dignity while also addressing public health concerns. Most families find this task overwhelming during an already difficult time.

Providers like After include transport (within 30 miles) in our base cremation package, removing this burden entirely.

Benefits of Using a Cremation Provider vs. DIY

Licensed cremation providers offer experience, established processes, and legal expertise that DIY arrangements can't match.

Professional Expertise

Cremation providers navigate complex state requirements daily. They know exactly which forms to file, which agencies to contact, and how to avoid delays. One missed signature can delay cremation by days.

Established Systems

Providers maintain relationships with county offices, medical examiners, and crematories. They submit paperwork electronically and track approvals in real-time. DIY families often wait on hold for hours trying to reach the right department.

Mandatory Waiting Periods

Most states require 24-48 hours between death and cremation. During this time, proper refrigeration protects dignity and public health. Cremation facilities have climate-controlled storage designed for this purpose.

Stress Reduction

Grief makes everything harder. Completing legal documents, coordinating transport, and managing deadlines becomes exponentially more difficult when you're grieving. Providers handle these details so families can focus on healing.

Cost Efficiency

Modern direct cremation packages cost $995-$1,595 for complete service. When you calculate DIY costs—transport, permits, death certificates, refrigeration, cremation fees—the price difference shrinks significantly. 

Plus, the DIY route requires your time, energy, and emotional bandwidth during an already overwhelming period.

After's Care Specialists guide you through every step, handle all paperwork, and stay available 24/7. Most families receive their loved one's remains and death certificates within 2 weeks.

Do You Need a Casket for Cremation?

No, you don't need a casket for cremation. Federal law prohibits crematories from requiring casket purchases.

Direct cremation uses a basic cremation container made with reinforced cardboard or plywood that burns cleanly during cremation. This keeps costs low while maintaining dignity.

Alternative containers include:

• Simple pine boxes
• Basic plywood coffins
• Biodegradable wicker containers

Rental caskets offer another option. Some families want a viewing before cremation but don't want to purchase a casket. Rental caskets hold the basic cremation container inside for the ceremony. Afterward, the container slides out for cremation, and the rental casket returns to the funeral home.

We include a basic cremation container in all packages at no additional cost. If you prefer upgraded options, After's memorial store offers various urns and keepsakes at transparent prices.

What Happens to Remains After Cremation Without a Ceremony?

What happens to cremated remains after cremation without a ceremony is entirely your choice. Cremated remains return to the family in a temporary urn within a few business days after cremation. 

Popular Options for Cremated Remains

• Scattering: Many families scatter remains in meaningful locations. This could be at beaches, mountains, gardens, or private property (with owner permission). This option costs nothing and feels deeply personal.
• Home storage: You can keep remains at home indefinitely. There's no legal requirement to inter or scatter cremated remains within any timeframe.
• Cemetery plots: Traditional burial plots accept urns. Plot costs vary by location.
• Columbarium niches: These are small compartments in walls designed for urns. 
• Memorial jewelry: Companies now create pendants, rings, and bracelets that hold small amounts of remains. This allows multiple family members to keep a portion close.
• Biodegradable urns: These dissolve naturally when buried or placed in water, returning remains to the earth.
• Memorial reefs: Some services mix remains with environmentally safe concrete to create artificial reefs that support marine life.

The beauty of cremation is flexibility. You're not forced into immediate decisions. Take time to grieve, discuss options with family, and choose what feels right.

Financial Assistance for Cremation Costs

Several programs help families who can't afford cremation expenses:

• County Social Services: Check with your local county Human Services or Social Services department. Many counties offer limited assistance for residents who qualify based on income level.
• Medicaid recipients: Some states provide funeral expense assistance for Medicaid beneficiaries. Ask your cremation provider about available programs.
• Social Security death benefit: All eligible individuals qualify for a one-time $255 payment from Social Security. Your cremation provider can help you file the claim.
• Veteran benefits: Veterans qualify for significant burial benefits. This could include a free burial plot in national cemeteries, grave marker or headstone, and a burial flag.

Read more about this in our guide to who pays for cremation if no money is available.

DIY Cremation vs. Hiring a Provider

Most families benefit more from professional cremation services than DIY arrangements, even when they're legally allowed to handle cremation themselves.

Choose DIY Cremation If:

• You live in a state allowing family-arranged cremation.
• You have 20+ hours available for paperwork and coordination.
• You're comfortable transporting the deceased.
• You have experience with government bureaucracy.
• You can emotionally handle these tasks during grief.
• The $200-$400 savings matters more than stress reduction.

Choose Professional Cremation If:

• You want to focus on grieving, not paperwork.
• You prefer licensed professionals handling legal requirements.
• You need cremation completed within 2 weeks.
• You value transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
• You want 24/7 support from a dedicated Care Specialist.
• You appreciate error protection on death certificates.
• You'd rather spend time with family than in county offices.

The bottom line: Direct cremation costs are much more affordable than other options, which is why DIY rarely makes financial sense. After's base package at $995 includes everything you need to purchase separately, plus professional expertise during an incredibly difficult time.

Considering a Cremation Without a Funeral Home? Try After

Cremation without funeral home services is legal in most states and costs a fraction of traditional arrangements. However, "legal" and "practical" aren't the same thing.

At After, we prioritize cremation services around what families actually need: transparency, affordability, and genuine care without the traditional funeral home experience. 

You can complete everything online from home with no required funeral home visits, no high-pressure sales, and no confusing pricing. We handle everything so you can focus on family, not paperwork.

Families now have affordable, transparent options that respect both your budget and your needs. You don't have to choose between quality care and reasonable pricing.

Your dedicated Care Specialist is available 24/7 by phone, with text and call support during business hours. Ready to learn more about After's approach to cremation? Call our team 24/7 at 1-844-717-5170 or explore our service areas.

‍

{{cta_red}}

‍