Cremation Costs in Alabama

More families are turning to cremation services as a more affordable and flexible alternative. Different cremation options are available to families, and deciding what cremation service you want is important.   Here, we help you find out what cremation costs in Alabama.

Below is a breakdown of the best direct cremation prices by area in Alabama. 

DFS Memorials, a network of affordable cremation service providers, offer the low-cost direct cremation prices above.  Visit DFS Memorials—Alabama to check other locations and prices. 

The most economical service option is direct cremation. This is when the deceased is taken into the care of a funeral home or cremation provider, all the necessary legal paperwork is completed, and the body is then cremated. There is generally no viewing or service with a direct cremation.  

What are the different types of cremation service options and costs in Alabama? 

There are 3 main types of cremation choices available to families in Alabama, and we have outlined the differences below.  

Direct Cremation – a direct cremation involves the immediate cremation of the deceased without a formal funeral service being held. This basic type of cremation service has become popular due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness.  

Direct cremation is available in Birmingham for just $995. Call (205) 206-7785 now 

It is crucial to note that cremation prices will differ depending on the location. Major metropolitan areas like Huntsville and Birmingham generally offer lower costs than rural regions. 

Cremation Memorial Service – a cremation memorial typically refers to the cremation taking place before a memorial service is held.  The memorial service can be held at the funeral home, chapel, church, place of worship, or any chosen location.  Some families today choose to hold memorial services at community venues.  

The memorial service will usually be held with the cremation urn present as a focal tribute to the deceased.  However, memorial services are also held without the cremated remains present. 

It is not as simple to give an overview of cremation memorial services’ costs, as the ‘variable’ of the memorial service will dictate the final price.  Much will depend on whether the funeral home conducts the memorial service. Other ancillary services include the type of cremation urn selected, flowers, photographs, and other tribute materials.  

As a guide, a Cremation Memorial Service in Alabama can cost between $3,065 – $3,827. 

Full-Service Cremation Funeral – This type of service is a full-service funeral, with the cremation conducted after the funeral service. Some families want to hold a visitation, wake, or formal funeral ceremony, even if they choose cremation. 

 A viewing, visitation, or vigil can be held at the funeral home. Family and friends can gather for a funeral service, typically with the deceased present. Following the funeral ritual, the deceased is transferred to the crematory for cremation, and the cremation ashes are then returned to the family. 

This cremation service is like a traditional funeral service, except the deceased is cremated after the ceremony and services instead of transferred to the cemetery for burial.   

This option enables a family to have all the traditional funeral rituals without the additional expense of cemetery plot costs.  Or a family may have a cemetery plot where they wish to inter the cremated remains.  

The average price for a Full Service Cremation Funeral in Alabama is $6,142*. 

What are average cremation costs in Alabama today? 

It can be challenging to quote average cremation costs. One funeral home can charge $895 for direct cremation, while another charges $2,680. 

They both offer the exact same service. The higher end of the pricing spectrum can skew an “average” price for a direct cremation. 

Summary – Cremation Options & Costs 

• Cremation services have gained popularity as cremation offers a much more affordable death care alternative.  Whether the cost is the driving factor or for those families and individuals who want a simple, flexible, and more creative option. 
• Direct cremation offers families an extremely cost-effective option to manage an immediate death or preplan for a simple cremation. 
• Choosing cremation means that a family can personalize memorialization.  There are many options for conducting a memorial service and creating memorial artifacts from cremated remains. 

Direct cremation 

Pros: 

• Offers the most economical cremation option. 
• Can eliminate many ancillary funeral expenses. 
• Can be arranged without the need to visit the funeral home for arrangement. 
• It is easy to make arrangements from out-of-state & have cremated remains shipped to the family for a memorial service elsewhere. 
• Allows for the disposition of a body to be handled in a quick yet dignified manner. And enable the family to postpone a funeral memorial service until later. 

Cons: 

• May require the family to submit online forms with the information required to process the cremation. This often helps a direct cremation provider collate data and manage staff arrangement time/costs. 
• The cremated remains are usually returned in a temporary cardboard container unless you choose to add a cremation urn to your direct cremation service package. 

Cremation Memorial Service 

Pros: 

• A family can still gather for a ceremony, but as the cremation is conducted first, the time frame for holding a memorial service is more flexible. 
• Memorial services can be uniquely personalized, allowing the family to be creative in the design of a service. 
• Offers a more affordable funeral celebration/ritual event. 

Cons: 

• As Memorial services, or a Life Celebration Memorial, can get quite creative, the ancillary costs for the memorialization can quickly escalate. 

Traditional Cremation Service 

Pros: 

• A funeral service is held at the time of passing and can help families to say goodbye. 
• It will cost less than a traditional burial service. 
• More funeral homes offer rental caskets for a cremation service to help reduce casket expenses. 

Cons: 

• As you are conducting a traditional service with the help of a funeral director, it can be easy to find that ancillary expenses can add up. 
• A traditional cremation service is generally held relatively soon after the deceased passes.  A direct cremation or cremation memorial can enable the family to defer the need for immediate services. 

What Can You Do with Cremation Ashes in Alabama? 

After a cremation service, a family has several options for what to do with the cremated remains. This may depend on their preferences and beliefs or the cost of cremation memorialization choices. 

Here are some options for what to do with cremated remains for you to consider: 

Choose to keep the ashes at home: Some families choose to keep the ashes in an urn or a particular container at home. This allows them to create a comforting presence and keep their loved ones nearby. Some families even display the ashes in a particular area or make a memorial space. 

Inter the cremated remains: Families can bury the ashes in a cemetery or a designated burial plot. This provides a more permanent resting place and allows for future visits and remembrance. Aside from cemetery burial plots, more cemeteries offer dedicated cremation columbarium niches and bespoke memorial scattering gardens. Some gardens provide small plaques or benches to create a long-lasting tribute. 

Scatter the ashes:  Scattering the ashes can be a meaningful way to honor the deceased’s memory. Ash scattering is now a popular choice for many families.  Scattering cremation ashes can hold great symbolism for many people. It represents releasing and returning a loved one’s physical remains to the elements, freeing their spirit. Scattering ashes can symbolize letting go, saying goodbye, and allowing the deceased to become part of the natural world. 

These are just a few suggestions, and it ultimately depends on the family’s wishes and cultural or religious practices. It may be helpful to consult a funeral director who can provide guidance and support to help you decide. 

Remember that there is no timeframe for when or how to memorialize a loved one. So, if you are unsure, do not make a rushed decision. 

What are cremation laws and processes in Alabama? 

In Alabama, the laws governing cremations are primarily outlined by the Alabama Board of Funeral Service. The Board regulates the requirements for the cremation process to ensure it is conducted safely and legally. 
 
The main key points are: 

Authorization: Before a cremation can occur, the person with the legal authority to decide on the deceased’s remains must provide written consent. This is generally referred to as the Cremation Authorization. 

Permit for disposition: A permit for disposition of the body is required for cremation. This permit is issued by the local registrar or the state’s vital statistics office. The funeral home or crematory typically handles the process of obtaining this permit. 
 
Identification: Alabama law requires that the deceased be appropriately identified and tracked throughout the entire process of cremation. This helps ensure the correct remains are returned to the family. 
 
Documentation:  Detailed records must be maintained throughout the cremation process, including information about the deceased’s identity, the date and time of the cremation, and any medical devices or implants present. 

Cremation container requirements: Alabama law does not require using a casket for cremation. Families have the option of using a simple container made of combustible materials, such as a cardboard casket, or an alternative container specifically designed for cremation. The choice of container may depend on personal preference or any specific requirements set by the funeral home or crematory. 
 
Crematory requirements:  Crematories must meet specific standards and obtain the necessary permits and licenses to operate legally in Alabama. 
 
Disposition of remains: After the cremation, the cremains must be handled appropriately following the wishes of the deceased or their authorized representative. 

It’s important to note that these requirements can vary somewhat depending on the specific funeral home or crematory. It’s advisable to consult with a licensed funeral director or cremation provider to fully understand the legal requirements and procedures for cremation in Alabama. 

Do you have to employ a funeral director for a direct cremation? Or can a family deal directly with the crematory? 

By law, a licensed funeral director must oversee the final disposition of a body in Alabama. This means that every funeral service, memorial service, or interment must be under the direct supervision of a funeral director licensed by the Alabama Board of Funeral Service. 

How long does it take for a cremation in Alabama? 

In Alabama, there is no legislated mandatory waiting period before cremation. However, gathering the necessary paperwork and authorizations generally takes about three days. If expedited cremation is needed, it can be arranged. So, it is fair to say that it is usually 3-7 days for a cremation to be performed. (Longer if there are any issues with consent or issuing a death certificate) 

The deceased will be sheltered in refrigerated storage during this time. A direct cremation service package generally includes refrigeration for up to 10-14 days.  If the funeral home has to store the deceased for longer, there may be an additional daily fee for refrigeration. 

The Cremation Process 

The body is placed in a cremation chamber, also known as a retort. The chamber is heated to a high temperature (typically around 1,600 to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit) using flames, gases, or a combination of both. This process reduces the body to bone fragments, which are further processed into cremated remains or ashes. 

After the cremation process and the remains have cooled, the ashes are carefully collected from the chamber. Any metal or other non-combustible items, such as surgical implants or jewelry, are removed from the ashes. The ashes are processed to ensure they are finely ground and free of any remaining fragments. 

The processed cremation ashes are then placed in a temporary container or an urn, chosen by the family or provided by the funeral home. 

What is the least expensive cremation service? 

Direct cremation is your least expensive cremation option. This is when cremation is carried out without a service or ceremony. It is a simple, dignified cremation of the deceased with minimal ‘fuss’ and at a minimal cost. 

The cremated remains are returned to the next of kin after everything has been taken care of.  A family can hold a memorial service if they wish when they are ready, which can even be conducted at home for much less.  

Direct cremation takes care of the immediate need to handle the disposition of the deceased. Still, it can also enable the family to defer the need for a memorial service or allow them to craft their own bespoke personalized ‘send off.’ 

Are there any extra fees added to a low-cost cremation service package? 

The service charge for a direct cremation is listed on the funeral provider’s General Price List. It should include the funeral director’s basic services, collection and transfer of the deceased, completion of the legal paperwork, and the cremation. It usually includes a simple cardboard cremation container and a temporary urn. 
 
The funeral director will pay third-party fees to the local county to obtain the death certificate and pay for any permit charges. These fees are added to the direct cremation service fee. 

The fee for a death certificate is $15.00 in Alabama. In Alabama, a death must be registered with the local office of vital statistics within five days. (Alabama Code § 22-9A-14(a).) 

You may require more than one death certificate, as you must simultaneously send them off to multiple institutions, organizations, or government offices. 

Most authority bodies that need evidence of the death, i.e., a life insurance company, will require an original copy of a death certificate. Certified copies of a death certificate are usually available within ten days after the death.  

Additional copies of a death certificate can be obtained from Alabama Public Health. 

There can also be additional charges if any of the below services are required: 

• Residential collection 
• Removal of a pace-maker 
• Overweight surcharge (above 250 pounds) 
• Family arrangement consultation 
• Mailing of cremated remains 

What about a “no-cost” cremation in Alabama? 

What is sometimes called a “free” cremation or “no-cost” cremation is a whole-body donation.  Once the donation is performed, the remains are cremated free of charge.  However, in some cases, there are costs associated with transporting the deceased and obtaining death certificates. 
 
Donating your body to medical science has been an end-of-life choice for some time. However, it has undoubtedly gained more popularity in recent times. For many, it now seems a valuable disposition method, commonly called an “anatomical gift.”  

Several national organizations offer an anatomical gift program through which you can donate your body to science to benefit future generations. 

They arrange the collection of the deceased, medical donation, cremation of remains, and return of cremains to the family, usually at no charge. Some universities and Medical Schools in Alabama also operate whole-body donation programs. 

The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Heersink School of Medicine, Office of the Senior Vice President for Medicine and Dean, 510 20th St S, LHFOT 1203, Birmingham, AL 35294. 205-975-8884. Click here for more information. 

University of South Alabama, College of Medicine Anatomical Gifts Program, 5851 USA Drive North, MSB 1115, Mobile, AL 36688. Click here for more information. 

Do understand that an anatomical donation cannot always be accepted at death. It can be affected by the needs of medical and research institutions and transportation services at the time. 

Visit our Body Donation page to learn more about this option.  

Does Alabama offer any financial assistance with cremation costs? 

Alabama does not assist with cremation costs. Instead, residents must explore any Federal, County, or city of residence programs that offer help. 

Federal Resources: Social Security may pay a $255 lump-sum death benefit if qualifying, and certain veteran’s benefits are available. 

County/Municipality Resources:  The degree of assistance varies by county and is based on the financial capacity of the family. The amount available rarely exceeds $400. 

What happens if I cannot pay for a cremation in Alabama? 

As covered above, there are Federal, State, and County programs the family can explore if the deceased and surviving family are eligible. The responsibility to pay the funeral bill falls to the immediate next of kin if the deceased had no pre-paid funeral plan or life insurance.  This can be very stressful if you lose a family member and become responsible for the funeral arrangements without any resources.  

Social Services Departments – Alabama (Health & Social Programs) (countyoffice.org) (List of social services departments) 

Check out this guide to What to do if I cannot afford a funeral to learn about other possible funding and charity organizations. 

What happens if the deceased is at the Medical Examiner’s Office? 

If the deceased is at the coroner’s office, you must arrange for a funeral director to collect the body when the coroner signs the release form.  You must authorize the funeral director to collect your loved one and transfer him or her into their care. 
 
Most funeral directors deal with the coroner’s office regularly, and the ME issues the authorization and permit to cremate, making the arrangements more straightforward. For this reason, some funeral homes can offer a budget direct cremation when handling remains from the Medical Examiner. 

How to Make a Complaint if you are dissatisfied with a Cremation Service Provider 

If you had a bad experience with a cremation service in Alabama, you must notify the correct licensing and legal authorities. This way, appropriate action can be taken, and other consumers can be protected.  Below, we have detailed some steps for registering a complaint. 

1. Gather information: Firstly, ensure you have all the necessary details about the cremation provider, such as their name, address, and contact information. Additionally, note down the specifics of your complaint and any supporting documentation you may have. 
 
2. Contact the provider: Start by contacting the cremation provider directly. Explain your concerns and see if they can address and resolve the issue to your satisfaction. If they are unresponsive or you are not satisfied with their response, proceed to the next step. 
 
3. File a complaint with the Alabama Board of Funeral Service: The Board oversees funeral and cremation services. You can file a complaint with the Alabama Board in writing to 400 S Union St Ste 395, Montgomery, AL 36104. 

Do note: The Board can only take action if it finds sufficient evidence that the funeral director has violated funeral legislation in implementing cremation regulations. If the complaint concerns a dispute regarding cremation fees, please note that the Board has no jurisdiction over the fee amount charged, only the mandated disclosure of the fee, as per the FTC Funeral Rule. 

If your complaint is regarding fees charged or any other consumer issue,  you may wish to make a formal complaint to the Federal Trade Commission.  You can file a complaint with the FTC online or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357). 

The FTC cannot resolve individual problems for consumers, but it can act against a funeral/cremation company if it sees a pattern of law violations. 

4. File a complaint with the Alabama Attorney General: Another option is to contact the Attorney General’s Office.  Online complaints can be submitted here. 

AL Attorney General’s Office, 501 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104. 

5. Seek legal advice: If the issue remains unresolved, or you feel further action should be taken, you might consider consulting with an attorney specializing in funeral law or consumer protection. They can provide legal guidance and help explore your options for further action. 

If you have further questions about cremation services or costs in Alabama that we have not answered, please get in touch with us. We are here to assist you.