Charlotte

Your Guide to Everything about Cremation & Planning in Charlotte, NC

This funeral and cremation planning guide will answer some of the key questions you may have when making funeral arrangements. Whether you are researching with an interest in making a cremation plan for yourself or need to arrange a funeral or cremation service for a loved one who has passed. 

We have compiled the following FAQs on cremation costs and funeral prices in the Charlotte area, as well as state funeral laws and resources for assistance.

Direct cremation service $995   Call Now (704) 233-7037

First call:  What to do when a death occurs

The first thing that you will need to do when a death occurs is to select a funeral home to handle funeral arrangements and transfer the deceased into their care.  The majority of deaths occur in a medical facility, where they can be held for a short period in the hospital morgue if necessary.  It is important not to feel compelled to rush this decision.

Give yourself some time to select the right funeral service provider for your needs.

How to choose a funeral home or cremation service provider?

This can be a difficult task if your loved one had no funeral plan and you have no prior experience with a funeral home.  There are approximately 30 funeral service providers in the Charlotte area. 

There are probably 2 important considerations in selecting a funeral provider:

1. If you plan to hold a funeral ceremony, the funeral home’s location may be an important consideration. 
2. You are working within a specific budget for the funeral, so you will likely want to compare prices before selecting a funeral home.

Direct cremation service $995   Call (704) 233-7037

What are the funeral service or cremation service options in Charlotte?

With the range of funeral service locations serving the Charlotte area, you can arrange anything from a full-service traditional funeral to a simple direct cremation service.  Decide if you want a traditional funeral, something more modern like a life celebration service, or if you want to consider cremation as a more affordable option.

The service provider you select can also be governed by what kind of memorial services you wish to hold to commemorate your loved one. More families in Charlotte today are opting for just a simple cremation-only service from their selected cremation provider, and then conducting their own DIY Memorial tribute, as and when they choose.

This positions the family firmly in control of the funeral budget and offers a more bespoke, personalized way to remember their loved one.

What is the average cost of a funeral service in Charlotte?

According to a recent survey, the average cost of an adult funeral in Charlotte is $5,352, with a range of $4,210 to $6,495. This is based on the most commonly selected items for a traditional funeral, including a casket and vault. However, it does not include cemetery costs.

A grave space, a grave marker, and opening/closing the grave can easily cost another $1,500 to $2,500. Therefore, a typical traditional funeral and burial costs at least $7,500. 

How much does a cremation cost in Charlotte?

It is often more difficult to quote cremation prices because they depend on the type of cremation service you choose.  Whether you opt for a cremation with a traditional service or a direct cremation without a service. 

Cremation is a more cost-effective alternative to a traditional funeral. Cremation prices in Charlotte start at $995.

A simple cremation service with no ceremony is called a “direct cremation” in the funeral industry. 

Understanding why direct cremation is so affordable

A direct cremation can be arranged for $995 in Charlotte.  This is the most economical funeral service arrangement available to families. A direct cremation [cremation-only] service is a minimal service offered by a cremation provider. It encompasses everything legally required to perform a cremation of the deceased and return the remains. You may be asked to complete the necessary forms online or by email [to minimize staff arrangement time]. All this keeps the funeral home costs down, which they can pass on to you as the cremation consumer.

However, the cost of a simple cremation can vary across funeral service providers in Charlotte and is likely to be closer to $3,000. 

How much your cremation will cost will largely depend upon what type of cremation service you select and which provider you opt to conduct the service.

It can be a good idea to check what is included in a low-cost direct cremation package to ensure there are no hidden fees.  Sometimes, what appears low-cost can include additional fees in the final package price. 

Note: Provider prices are based on recent publicly available General Price Lists and may vary based on specific inclusions of third-party charges. & permit fees.

Cremation Cost Comparison: Traditional Funeral Home vs. Neptune Society vs. DFS Memorials

The death care sector is undergoing radical change right now. There is soaring demand for cremation services, which is causing a distinct shift in how traditional funerals [and funeral homes] are adapting to this new landscape of cremation preference.

It is important to understand how ownership can affect prices at a funeral home. Corporate ownership often drives higher prices through profit margins and shareholder returns.

Funeral homes that purchased and operate their own crematory can often offer more competitive cremation prices. But, not always, as the corporate giants do not follow this rationale. Dignity Memorial, ParkLawn, and EverStory [Stonemor] still tend to adhere to higher cremation prices.

S.C.I. operates the Neptune Society nationwide, with a location serving Charlotte, NC. The Neptune Society is a direct cremation-only brand for SCI, and although it offers lower-cost cremation than a Dignity Memorial funeral home location, you can still expect to pay above the locally-owned cremation provider’s basic price for a direct cremation.

DFS Memorials is a coalition of locally owned funeral homes that offer the ‘best value’ direct cremation service package to their local communities.

Be aware of the possibility of third-party Mecklenburg County fees

County fees are generally ‘third-party’ additional charges – such as death certificates and cremation permits.  However, some affordable direct cremation packages may include a death certificate and cremation permit fee.

Additional charges that may be incurred on a budget for direct cremation include fees for a residential collection if the deceased weighs over 300 pounds and if a pacemaker must be removed prior to cremation.

What legal issues should I understand when arranging a cremation service?

In North Carolina, a mandatory waiting period is 24 hours after death before a cremation can be performed. That being said, it usually takes about three days to make all the necessary arrangements and complete the paperwork, but an expedited service can be arranged if required.

Generally, the funeral director will obtain the death certificate for you and will ask how many copies you require.  Copies of a death certificate can be obtained from N.C. Vital Records. The office is at North Carolina Vital Records (Cooper Memorial Health Building) 

225 N. McDowell St., Raleigh, NC 27603 

The first copy costs $24.00, with each additional copy charged at $15.00. If same-day service is required, it will cost an additional $15.00.

Who is responsible for paying for a funeral?

If the deceased did not pre-arrange and pre-pay for a funeral plan, then the responsibility for paying for a funeral falls to the immediate next of kin.  This can, understandably, be quite a burden for many people, and this is why more seniors today are considering setting up simple cremation arrangements. 

Pre-planning can be a simple and affordable option, providing families with peace of mind when the time comes.  Be aware that whoever signs the funeral contract with the funeral home is legally responsible for paying the funeral bill.

If you are interested in pre-arranging a simple cremation plan, contact your local DFS Memorials location at (704) 233-7037.

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

If the death occurred outside of a medical facility, was an accident, or was unexplained, the body will be transferred to the Medical Examiner’s office.  It is the responsibility of the coroner to determine the cause of death before a death certificate can be issued.  You will need to arrange for a funeral home to collect your loved one once the coroner releases the body. 

Only a licensed funeral director can transport the deceased from the ME’s morgue, and the next of kin will need to sign a release form for the Medical Examiner to release the body into the care of a funeral home.

The Medical Examiner will issue the death certificate and permit to cremate once they release the body.  If you have further questions about identifying the body and making arrangements for the transfer of the deceased, you can contact the Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner at (704) 336-2005. Alternatively, you can find them at:

Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner
3440 Reno Avenue
Charlotte, NC 28216

How do I prepare if my loved one is in hospice care?

If your loved one is in hospice care, and the support staff has advised you to prepare for his or her passing, it can help to make provisional arrangements.  This means that when the time comes, the hospice can immediately contact the funeral service provider and arrange the transfer of your loved one into their care. 

If you contact a funeral home in advance, you can have some preparations in place. This can make it easier when the time comes, reducing the stress of making arrangements on short notice.

This also means the hospice knows whom to contact, and the authorizations and other legal documentation can be prepared in advance.

What help with funeral expenses is there for low-income or uninsured families?

More and more families are finding themselves in a position of not being able to pay for funeral expenses. Unfortunately, there is very limited public or state assistance for funeral costs. The state takes care of indigent deaths (as is their responsibility), but a pauper burial or cremation does this.

Social Security offers a $255 death benefit payment (if qualifying), and the funeral director will be able to assist you with claiming this.

You may also find it useful to read our article on ‘What are your options on how to pay for a funeral or cremation?’. It provides more information on how you can raise funds to cover funeral expenses.

What can I legally do with the cremated remains?  Laws for Scattering Ashes in North Carolina

As the cremation rate increases, more people are opting to scatter their loved one’s remains.  State law in North Carolina permits the scattering of cremated remains on private land (with the consent of the landowner).

Ashes may also be scattered over uninhabited public land, public waterways, or at sea, as long as Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations and common-sense guidelines are adhered to.

If you scatter the ashes yourself, the general guidance is to scatter at least 100 yards from any road, trail, body of water, or developed facility. It is advisable to wait a little time before scattering to be sure of the decision, as it is irreversible. Alternatively, choose to keep a small amount of ashes in a keepsake urn or memento.

Cremated remains are sterile, organic matter and pose no threat to the environment. However, it is prudent to use safe scattering techniques.

You can read more about this in our Ash Scattering section.

I want to pre-plan a simple cremation.  What is the best way to set up a cremation plan in Charlotte?

You can make pre-arrangements with a funeral home and/or crematory.  The terms and payment plans may differ depending on your requirements and age. And whether you make payment in full at the time of purchasing your pre-need plan or opt to arrange a payment plan.

More cremation providers are now offering online arrangement services, so all this can be done from the comfort of your own home.  Preplanning can provide you with funeral service coverage that gives you and your family peace of mind, reducing the stress of making last-minute arrangements after a loved one has passed.

To discuss your options for pre-planning a simple cremation in Charlotte, contact your local provider at (704) 233-7037.

Arranging a green burial in Charlotte, NC

In a recent survey, the National Funeral Directors Association found that 72% of funeral homes reported increased interest in green burials from families.  At present, families typically have two options – traditional burial or cremation.  However, a ‘natural’ green burial is less expensive than a traditional burial and more environmentally friendly than cremation.

There are currently three cemeteries in North Carolina that offer green burial options.  Typically, a green funeral will cost between $3,000 and $5,000. 

Carolina Memorial Sanctuary, located in Asheville in Western NC, is a Conservation Burial Ground, and there are also 3 Hybrid green cemeteries.  Details can be found in our Green Burial Directory.

Visit our green burial resource section for more information.

What about no-cost cremation in Charlotte?

A “no-cost” cremation generally refers to a whole body donation program where the deceased’s remains are cremated free of charge after the donation. If you wish to donate your body to science in North Carolina, Wake Forest University’s Baptist Medical Center accepts donations for educational purposes. Transportation to the facility is the responsibility of the family, and the cremated remains are returned to the family after two years.

For more information, visit our Body Donation page.

Is it possible to have a private viewing before a simple cremation?

Yes, you can arrange for a private ‘goodbye’ viewing before a direct cremation. However, this often depends upon the availability of facilities, staff, and scheduling.  Sometimes it can be arranged at no additional cost, but it often depends on whether additional staff are needed, in which case a fee may apply. It is best to consult your chosen funeral service provider for more details regarding private viewing.

Do I need a casket for a cremation service in Charlotte?

No, no requirement (or law) stipulates a casket is needed for a cremation service. Simple cremation is usually conducted using a simple reinforced cardboard container.  However, renting a casket is available if you wish to hold a service before cremation.  This can also help you save on funeral costs.

I have questions or concerns about arranging a funeral or cremation in Charlotte.  Where can I find help?

You can contact our DFS Memorials affordable funeral service provider in Charlotte with any questions you have.  If you should have reason to be dissatisfied with the services or products provided to you by a licensed funeral home in North Carolina, you can make a formal complaint to the North Carolina Board of Funeral Service, 1033 Wade Avenue, Suite 108, Raleigh, NC 27605. Phone: (919) 733-9380 or find more information here.

Additional Resource: Guide to Cremation Costs, Services, and Laws in North Carolina

Feel free to contact us at US Funerals Online, and we will be happy to assist you with any further questions about arranging a funeral or cremation service.