Arranging a Funeral or Cremation Service in New Hampshire

This guide aims to answer some key questions about making funeral or cremation arrangements in New Hampshire. We provide an overview of some legal aspects of making funeral plans specific to New Hampshire funeral laws and what funeral or cremation costs to expect.

With the average traditional funeral in New Hampshire costing between $7,000 and $10,000 before a cemetery plot and grave marker are added to the total bill, it’s not hard to see why more and more families in New Hampshire are considering cremation as an alternative. 

Why Choose Cremation Services in New Hampshire?

Cremation is not only significantly less expensive, but it also allows families much more flexibility in planning a memorial service.  Unlike the traditional funeral burial, where everything must be planned and arranged in a very short time, a cremation can happen immediately after the death. 

Direct Cremation is the least expensive type of cremation. However, you may find some funeral homes reluctant to discuss this as an option, and often, the funeral directors will want to discuss other products and services available as extras.  With a direct cremation, the funeral director chosen is responsible for:

• collecting the body from the place of death
• storage of the deceased before the cremation
• filing the legal paperwork
• taking the body to the crematory for cremation
• returning the ashes to family or next of kin 

Here is a comparison of cremation costs in New Hampshire to help you understand your options.

One of the first things you will need to do, especially if a death has just occurred, is choose the funeral director who will handle the funeral services.

To select a funeral home or cremation service provider, it can help to define your funeral needs. Do you require a traditional funeral or burial service? Or are you seeking a more contemporary life celebration service, or a cremation? Is the cost of the funeral an issue, are you working to a tight budget and looking to save money where you can on funeral expenses? Having some clear ideas of what you need from a funeral home will help you decide which funeral home is right for you.

Many people seek recommendations or referrals from family or friends, which is a good way to get information. However, if you are not in a position to benefit from a sound referral, or you are seeking something specific, you may have to resort to contacting funeral homes yourself.

Generally people look for a reputable funeral business in their own area, but it is always advisable to check with more than one funeral home and compare services and prices for a funeral or cremation. 

If you are seeking a simple, affordable direct cremation service – the DFS Memorials network of affordable cremation services can help.

What is the average funeral cost in New Hampshire?

The average cost of a funeral in the U.S. is $7,848 (according to the NFDA – National Association of Funeral Directors), and this does not include any cemetery fees. Once you add in cemetery fees, your total cost could be in the region of $10,000+. The price for a traditional burial is mainly dependent on the type of casket you select and the final cost of your cemetery plot and grave marker.

Some funeral homes offer more economical funeral services, and if you shop around, you should be able to arrange funeral services for between $4,000 and $6,000.

All funeral homes in New Hampshire must have a general price list (GPL) that outlines their service charges and funeral merchandise prices. According to the Federal Trade Commission’s’ The Funeral Rule, ‘ they must provide a copy of their GPL when they quote you a price.

It is strongly recommended that you DO compare like-for-like, and shop around and compare funeral prices between more than one funeral home. That way you can be sure that you have a “best value” funeral service.  

How much does a cremation cost in New Hampshire?

The average cost for a cremation funeral service can range between $2,300 and $5,900 (depending on the ancillary services/products you select). However, if you opt for direct cremation, you can arrange a cremation for considerably less than this.

Arranging a direct cremation in New Hampshire

A direct cremation, which means no services, can be arranged in New Hampshire for around $1,200. It is the least expensive cremation option for families. Once all the documentation has been completed, the cremated remains are returned to the family in a temporary container.

Incremental options, such as a private family viewing or an upgraded cremation urn, can be added to a basic direct cremation package for an additional fee.

How do I decide between a burial or a cremation in New Hampshire?

Choosing between burial or cremation is very much a personal choice. The deceased may have left explicit wishes or surviving family may have to make a decision. Faith and/or funds for the funeral service can significantly influence whether a burial or cremation is chosen. Having a pre-existing cemetery plot can be an essential aspect, as burial plots can be pretty expensive to purchase these days.

Cremation is undoubtedly on the increase in the United States, and is becoming a popular funeral alternative for many now. Green burials are also another option that can be considered.

If you are unsure whether to choose between burial or cremation, talk to family and friends, and discuss the decision with your funeral director.

Know your rights – funeral laws in New Hampshire

Each state has its own legislature that licenses funeral establishments and funeral professionals.  Although many of these laws are universal, some rules do vary by state, so it is essential to know what these are.

You do not have to use the services of a funeral director in NH to conduct death care. You can, if you so choose, look after the deceased yourself. There are only ten states that require you to employ a funeral director legally, and New Hampshire is not one of them.  

What do I need to understand about laws and permits for cremation in New Hampshire?

For a cremation to be performed, the legal next of kin must sign a ‘Cremation Authorization Form’ and a cremation permit must be issued. A cremation cannot proceed until these documents have been duly completed, signed, and notarized.

No casket is required by law for a cremation, but a suitable rigid cremation container—a simple cardboard container—is required. If a service is to be held before the cremation, some funeral homes will offer rental caskets that you can use for the service before the cremation is conducted using a simple cremation container.

What can we do with the cremated remains? Laws for scattering cremation ashes in New Hampshire.

As cremation is becoming increasingly popular in NH, so more families are considering different options for memorialization. Cremation offers greater flexibility, not only in that immediate interment is not required, but also that there is a whole array of cremation artefacts that can be made.

We are often asked about the legal aspects of how and where families can scatter cremation remains.  The answer is that when it comes to scattering this is not highly regulated area. Human cremated remains are basically sterile, organic matter and really pose no threat to the environment, however, safe scattering techniques should be employed.

Scattering should only be conducted on private land with the landowner’s consent and you should always check with any ordnance if you are considering scattering in parklands or public areas. Common-sense guidelines should be followed and respect for the fact that you are dispersing mortal remains. Visit our ash-scattering guide for more information.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) governs the scattering of cremains at sea. Remains can be scattered three nautical miles to sea, and a written notification of the disposition should be made to the local EPA coordinator within 30 days. New Hampshire is in Region 1 of the divisional EPA areas, and the regional office is at 1 Congress St, Boston, MA 02114-2023

Aerial scatterings from Nashua Airport start at $295 or sea scatterings are also available to locations along the Eastern seaboard for $295+.

Does the deceased have to be embalmed?

There is no legal requirement or state law stipulating that the deceased must be embalmed. However, some funeral homes may adopt policies that insist upon embalming if a public viewing or service is being held with the deceased in repose. If you proceed with a timely funeral, there is really no need for embalming (and it can just be another fee to add to your funeral costs!).  

Purchasing a casket or grave marker in New Hampshire

We have comprehensive Guides to Buying a Casket or a Grave Marker on US Funerals Online. I recommend you visit these sections for more detailed information about purchasing a casket or ordering an affordable headstone online.

Can I pre-plan a funeral or cremation in New Hampshire?

Yes, you certainly can, and this is becoming a preferred choice for many families in New Hampshire now.  Pre-planning your funeral alleviates the family’s difficult decisions and the financial burden of funeral expenses. You can make pre-need funeral arrangements directly with a funeral home or purchase burial insurance.

You DO need to consider that funeral prices could be coming down. Funeral companies promote preplanning on the basis that it “locks into today’s prices”, but with the cremation trend increasing, and more funeral homes competing for the ‘affordable’ funeral market – the reality is that the funeral costs are not as ‘fixed’ as they once were.

Another funeral planning alternative is to document your wishes and put aside the appropriate funds in a POD Payable on Death account or a Totten Trust. This enables family to access the funds at the time of need and make the funeral arrangements, but you keep in control of your monies and any accrued interest. Read more in our article ‘What is my best and safest option for putting aside money for a funeral’. 

You should also consider that membership of a Cremation Society does not necessarily save you on cremation costs. Many cremation societies, such as the Cremation Society of New Hampshire, offer customers a discounted cremation service package if they join the society and pay a nominal membership fee. However, the reality is that in many cases a cremation society will indeed waiver their non-member service charge if you approach them at the time of need.

Who is responsible for paying for the funeral?

The deceased must have made provision for their death care arrangements, either with a preneed funeral policy, a life insurance policy, or a POD Trust. If the deceased left no provision, the next of kin will be liable to cover the funeral expenses.

Can I donate my body to science in New Hampshire?

Yes, donating your body to science can be a great way to facilitate your end-of-life needs, and apart from being a gift to society, it can also mean that you do not have any funeral expenses. Most of the national organizations that deal with whole body donation handle everything from the moment you notify them of the death, including collecting the body, the donation, the free cremation, and the return of the cremated remains to the family a few weeks later.

Many more people are choosing body donation now, and once they have had the cremated remains returned to them at no cost, they then arrange their own memorial service for the family.

Check out our Body Donation section.

How can I transport a loved one either back to, or from, New Hampshire after death?

If a loved one needs to be transported back to a state or country of origin following their death in New Hampshire (or dies overseas), you will need the services of a funeral director who can arrange funeral shipping for you. This generally requires a funeral professional to coordinate arrangements at the place of death and wherever the body is being shipped to.

If transporting a loved one between states in the United States you have the option of flying the body, or transporting the body by land. Certain regulations do apply on moving a body, and embalming and specific containers to hold the casket will likely be required. Shipping a body can be quite expensive, so the other alternative you have is to have the body cremated at the place of death, and then transport back the cremated remains.

Visit our section on Funeral Shipping to read more.

If you do regularly travel for work, pleasure, sport, visiting family, or snow-birding, you may wish to consider our great value Travel Protection Plan. This plan costs just $450 for an individual for lifetime protection against the costly expense of returning a body home if a death occurs 75 miles (or further) from your residence. It also provides global coverage. Domestic funeral shipping can cost from $3,000, and International repatriation can start at around $6,900.

How do I obtain a certified death certificate in New Hampshire?

The funeral director generally obtains the original death certificate on your behalf. Once it has been signed by the attending physician or Medical Examiner, the funeral director will ensure it is filed with the Bureau of Vital Records in Concord. It generally takes 3 to 5 days to be officially notated and filed.

Any town or city clerk can then issue certified copies of the death certificate. The fee for certified copies of a death certificate in New Hampshire is $15.00 for the first copy and $10.00 for each additional copy. Having more than one copy of the death certificate is advisable as you must submit certified copies to institutions and government agencies to close down the deceased’s estate.

Who should I contact if I have a complaint about a funeral home in New Hampshire?

Hopefully, you will find your funeral home’s services more than adequate, as most funeral professionals are very dedicated to their vocation. Unfortunately, though, it does sometimes happen that you may have a complaint or grievance with a funeral home, and you do not manage to resolve it directly with the funeral director. In this case you should make your complaint in writing to the NH Board of Registration of Funeral Directors and Embalmers at 121 South Fruit Street, Concord, NH 03301.

We hope this guide has answered some of your immediate questions. Please check out our Funeral Resources section for our full catalog of resources to help you through the process of arranging a funeral. Feel free to contact us if we can assist with any further questions.

Resources:

Funeral Homes in New Hampshire

DFS Memorials – Save on Cremation Costs in New Hampshire