Cremation

Person placing lilies on a tombstone in a cemetery.

Cremation

When a family chooses cremation, they gain flexibility in both timing and options. The need to gather soon after the passing is more influenced by whether there's a viewing. Without an immediate viewing need, families can hold a service when it works best for them — days, weeks, or even months later — allowing time for distant family to travel or for thoughtful planning.


The cremated remains can be kept in an urn, scattered in a meaningful location, divided among family members, placed in a cemetery or columbarium, or handcrafted into memorial jewelry or art. What is done with cremated remains is guided by legal requirements imposed by state laws and local ordinances.

Cremation Pricing

The pricing below is for the described service only. Additional items requested by the family — such as a reception, urn, register book, newspaper obituaries, death certificates, flowers, minister, etc. — are added to the cost of the service.

Direct Cremation — $2,845

Our charge for a Direct Cremation (without ceremony) includes cremation, removal and shelter of remains for 48 hours, transportation to the crematory, and the necessary services of staff and authorizations. State and local laws do not require a casket for direct cremation. If you choose to arrange a Direct Cremation, an alternative container may be used.


Alternative containers encase the body and can be made of materials like fiberboard or composition materials, with or without an outside covering. The containers we provide are reinforced cardboard. Refrigeration is required after 48 hours and will be added to the cost if needed.

Please Note: Every month, families share the same frustrating story — they called another provider for direct cremation pricing, only to discover hidden costs once the arrangement process began. During grief, you shouldn't have to second-guess the information you're given.


That's why we created our Cremation Price Comparison Guide — so you know upfront what's included and what's not. Download the guide by clicking here and use it to your advantage. "Direct Cremation" pricing varies widely across Hampton Roads, but not all services are equal — and neither are their quotes. Some providers leave out costs until you walk through their door. Our checklist helps you identify complete packages from incomplete ones before you authorize any provider to do anything.


Cremation Followed by a Gathering at the Funeral Home — $4,440

This charge includes the services of funeral director and staff, transfer of remains to the funeral home within 25 miles, use of facilities for a gathering or funeral ceremony, automotive equipment within 25 miles, cremation, and authorizations.

Cremation Followed by a Gathering at a Church/Other Location — $4,760

This charge includes the services of funeral director and staff, transfer of remains to the funeral home within 25 miles, embalming, other preparation of the body, use of facilities for a gathering or funeral ceremony at another location, automotive equipment within 25 miles, cremation, and authorizations.

Viewing & Gathering at Funeral Home Followed by Cremation — $5,340

This charge includes the services of a funeral director and staff, transfer of remains to the funeral home within 25 miles, embalming, other preparation of the body, use of facilities for viewing and funeral ceremony, cremation, and authorizations.

Viewing & Gathering at a Church/Other Location Followed by Cremation — $5,800

This charge includes the services of funeral director and staff, transfer of remains to the funeral home within 25 miles, embalming, other preparation of the body, use of facilities for viewing and funeral ceremony or services at another location, and automotive equipment within 25 miles.

Several Factors Influence Urn Purchase:

  1. Before selecting a vessel, decide what the final intent for the cremated remains will be. There's no need for a full-sized urn if you plan to keep only a portion and scatter the rest. 
  2. If you are placing an urn in a cemetery, verify any cemetery requirements before making an urn decision — some may have specific container requirements. 
  3. If you are placing an urn in a niche, verify the available dimensions before selecting one. You don't want an urn that's too large for the space, or one that leaves no room for a second urn if that's the intent. 
  4. While you're welcome to visit our selection room with over 100 urns to see and feel your options, some families choose to order online. If you do, pay close attention to cubic inch capacity — many people have ordered from a photo without realizing how large or small the urn actually is. 
  5. If a service is scheduled within a few days, selecting an urn locally is far less stressful than ordering online and hoping it arrives in time. 
  6. If you intend to scatter on land, you must obtain permission to scatter on any property you do not own. 
  7. If you bury an urn or scatter cremated cremains on property you own, keep in mind that future property owners are not obligated to honor where the remains were placed. 
  8. If you scatter in waterways, be aware that state laws, local ordinances, and in some cases regional authorities have regulations that apply. Consult the appropriate authority or your local funeral home for guidance.