Many families today are concerned about funeral costs. So, we have compiled this guide to help you understand funeral and cremation costs in Santa Fe.
And, more importantly, how to save money by arranging a direct cremation for just $1,140
Call now if you need assistance or have questions about arranging a low-cost cremation service (505) 234-7661.
What are my funeral service or cremation service options in Santa Fe?
In Santa Fe, you can arrange anything from a full-service traditional funeral to a simple direct cremation service. You will need to 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.
Read on to find out more about direct cremation and how it is your most affordable option.
What is the average cost of a funeral service in Santa Fe?
According to a recent survey, the average cost for an adult funeral in Santa Fe is $7,473. 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 cost is likely at least $9,000.
How much does a cremation cost in Santa Fe?
Quoting cremation prices is generally more difficult as they depend on the type of cremation service you choose. Whether you have a traditional service or a direct cremation without a service will significantly affect the overall cost.
Cremation is a cheaper alternative to a traditional funeral. You can arrange a simple direct cremation for $1,140, but a cremation with a memorial service will still cost upwards of $5,000, with an average cost of $6,048 in the Santa Fe area.
Low-cost cremation in Santa Fe
A simple cremation service with no ceremony is called a “direct cremation” in the funeral industry. This is the most economical funeral service arrangement available to families. The cost of a simple cremation can (and does) vary between different funeral service providers in the Santa Fe area.
It is likely to cost closer to $1,500 to $2,500 with most funeral providers, with an average cost of $1,555, according to a recent survey.
It is always a good idea to check what is included in a low-cost direct cremation package to ensure there are no hidden fees. Sometimes, what can appear low-cost can have additional fees added to the full package price.
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.
Extra charges that can be incurred on a budget for direct cremation are fees for if a residential collection is required if the deceased weighs over 300 pounds and if a pacemaker needs to be removed before cremation.
Call (505) 234-7661 now to arrange a direct cremation for just $1,140.
Are there any legal issues I must understand about arranging a funeral in New Mexico?
Each state has legislation that governs funeral and cremation practices. A crematory must abide by certain practice standards when disposing of human remains by cremation.
In New Mexico, a cremation can only be performed once a ‘Cremation Authorization Form’ has been signed by the legal next of kin and the coroner has issued the cremation permit.
There is no mandatory waiting period before a cremation can proceed in New Mexico, but that being said, it usually takes about three days to make all the necessary arrangements and complete the paperwork. A casket is NOT required by law for a cremation.
All that is required is a suitable rigid container. A cremation container is usually a reinforced cardboard or plywood box. Some funeral homes offer rental caskets if you wish to hold a funeral service before the cremation.
How do I apply for a Death Certificate in New Mexico?
The funeral director will generally file the death certificate for you and ask how many copies you require. You can also obtain copies of death certificates from the Office of Vital Records (OVR) online or by phone.
The processing time is 3-5 business days, and it costs $21.00 for regular U.S. mail or $39.50 for next-day air delivery by UPS (however, there will still be a 3-5 business days processing time for the application). Alternatively, you can apply by mail by filling out the form found here and sending it to:
New Mexico Department of Health
PO Box 25767
Albuquerque, NM 87125
What happens if the deceased is at the County Medical Examiners?
If the death occurred outside of a medical facility, was an accident, or is unexplained, the body will be transferred to the Medical Examiner’s office. The coroner is responsible for determining a cause of death before a death certificate can be issued.
You must 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 to transfer the deceased, contact the Office of the Medical Investigator for Santa Fe at (505) 272-3053.
Alternatively, you can find them at:
Office of Medical Investigator
1101 Camino de Salud,
Albuquerque NM 87102
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 have provisional arrangements in place. This is so 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 beforehand, you can have some preparation in place. This will alleviate some of the stress of making arrangements on short notice. This also means the hospice knows who to call, and the authorizations and other legal documentation can be pre-prepared.
Is there any help with cremation costs in Santa Fe?
We are asked this question all too often these days! With more families struggling financially, it can be crippling to be faced with unexpected funeral expenses. Veterans receive a $255 Social Security death benefit payment and benefits if qualifying. Each state has its own budget and governance for dealing with indigent funerals, although much funding has been axed in recent years.
You can try contacting your local county, Social, or Human Services to inquire if financial aid is available locally.
This article on ‘How to Pay for a Funeral’ also covers other ways to gain support towards funeral costs.
Can I arrange a no-cost cremation in Santa Fe?
A “no-cost” cremation refers typically 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 New Mexico,
The University of New Mexico has a Body Donation Program, but you must check with them directly about any donor acceptance limitations. You can find more information on their website here. However, you should be aware that an anatomical donation may not always be accepted at the time of death, so you should have a provisional funeral or cremation plan if a donation cannot be accepted.
I have questions or concerns about arranging a funeral in Santa Fe. Where can I find help?
Contact the DFS Memorial’s affordable funeral service provider in Santa Fe at (505) 234-7661 with any questions. If you have a complaint against a funeral director or an establishment, you should attempt to resolve your complaint directly with the funeral home concerned. If this is unsuccessful, you should write your complaint to the New Mexico State Regulation & Licensing Department Board of Funeral Services, which regulates and licenses funeral businesses in New Mexico. They can be contacted at:
Board of Funeral Services
Toney Anaya Building
2550 Cerrillos Road, Second Floor
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Phone: (505) 476-4622
I have been researching and writing about the death care industry for the past fifteen years. End-of-life services and experiences are topics most people avoid thinking about until they must face them. My work provides comprehensive and independent resources for families, explaining the workings of the funeral industry, the laws governing funeral practices, and the death care trends that impact consumers. With a BA in Cultural Studies, I bring a unique perspective to analyzing cultural death care rituals, complemented by a career background in Business Management. The death care industry is undergoing significant changes, which I find fascinating. The shift towards cremation services and the emergence of sustainable alternatives like aquamation and human composting are of particular interest. I am also intrigued by how technology is reshaping the funeral planning process and experience. I write for US Funerals Online and DFS Memorials LLC, and contribute to various forums and publications within the death care industry.
