Affordable Cremation Costs in Columbus, Ohio

Low cost simple cremation service

If a death has just occurred, please call (800) 548-7310 for immediate help.  Although we are currently finalizing a designated affordable provider for this area, our team can quickly assist & direct you to immediate assistance.  If a death has not yet occurred, or you are preplanning, please complete the form below. We will be in touch with you.

Direct Cremation in Columbus, Ohio: Simple, Dignified From $1,195

Losing a loved one in Columbus —whether near the historic German Village, the vibrant Short North, or the bustling Ohio State University campus—is a deeply personal journey. During this difficult time, making final arrangements shouldn’t add financial burden or administrative complexity to your grief.  At DFS Memorials, we specialize exclusively in direct cremation services for families throughout Columbus, Dublin, Westerville, Clintonville, and the surrounding Franklin County area. We provide a respectful, professional, and transparent alternative to the high-pressure sales and inflated overhead costs often found at traditional neighborhood funeral homes. Our focus is on the core of what you need: a dignified, simple cremation that honors your loved one’s memory without the unnecessary expenses of embalming, expensive caskets, or formal viewing rooms.

We understand that Columbus families value both our city’s rich history and the need for straightforward, modern service. By choosing direct cremation, you are opting for the most cost-effective and flexible method of disposition available in Ohio today. This approach gives you the freedom to plan a personal memorial or “celebration of life” on your own terms—whether that’s a tribute along the Scioto Mile, a family gathering near the Franklin Park Conservatory, or a private service at a local venue after the remains are returned to you. We handle all the Ohio-specific legalities with the utmost care so you can focus on your family.


What is included in an Affordable Columbus Direct Cremation Package?

Our transparent, flat-rate price is designed to be all-inclusive for the professional services required for a standard direct cremation in the Franklin County area:

  • Professional Transportation: Dignified removal and transport of your loved one from any Columbus hospital, hospice, or medical facility within our service area.

  • Legal Paperwork & Filing: We handle the filing of the death certificate and coordinate necessary authorizations with the local health department and medical examiner.

  • Respectful Sheltering: Climate-controlled care of the deceased during the mandatory Ohio waiting period.

  • The Cremation Process: The actual cremation is performed at a licensed, high-standard local facility.

  • Basic Return of Remains: A simple utility urn for the dignified return of your loved one’s cremated remains.


Direct Cremation Cost Comparison: Columbus, OH

To help you make an informed choice for your family, we have compared the affordable flat-rate fee of several local providers serving the Columbus and Central Ohio area. While many traditional homes in the region charge significantly more for the same basic service, we aim to help keep costs accessible for families.

Local Provider Direct Cremation Price
DFS Memorials Columbus $1,195
Evergreen Funeral, Cremation & Reception $1,260
Jerry Spears Funeral Home $1,400+
Ohio Cremation & Memorial Society  $1,449
Leaf Cremation $1,495

Note: Competitor prices are based on recent publicly available General Price Lists and may vary based on specific third-party crematory charges and additional local permits.

Photo of a cremation urn and US flag

The low-cost cremation provider featured for Columbus, Ohio is 

Serving All Columbus Neighborhoods & Landmarks with affordable direct cremations

From the iconic Scioto Mile and Nationwide Arena to the historic charm of German Village and the residential streets of Upper Arlington, we provide prompt service to every corner of the city. Our team is intimately familiar with the local streets and diverse neighborhoods that define Columbus:

  • Downtown and The Discovery District

  • Short North Arts District and Victorian Village

  • German Village and Schumacher Place

  • Clintonville and University District

  • Olde Towne East and Bexley

  • Dublin, Westerville, and Worthington


Local Medical Infrastructure & Logistics

We coordinate daily with Central Ohio’s premier medical institutions to ensure a seamless and respectful transition for your loved one into our care.

Major Columbus Area Hospitals

  • OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital: 3535 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH 43214 | (614) 566-5000

  • OhioHealth Grant Medical Center: 111 S Grant Ave, Columbus, OH 43215 | (614) 566-9000

  • OSU Wexner Medical Center: 410 W 10th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210 | (614) 293-8000

  • Mount Carmel West/St. Ann’s: Multiple locations in the Columbus area.

Local Hospice Providers

If your loved one is under the care of OhioHealth Hospice, Mount Carmel Hospice, or Hospice of Central Ohio, we coordinate directly with their staff to manage release protocols immediately upon their passing.

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Columbus The Jurisdictional Link: Ohio & Franklin County Requirements

Direct cremation in Columbus is governed by Ohio State Law and the requirements of Franklin County.

  • Medical Examiner/Coroner: Any death occurring under suspicious circumstances or outside of a medical facility may be reviewed by the Franklin County Coroner’s Office located at 2090 Frank Rd, Columbus, OH 43223.

  • 24-Hour Waiting Period: Per Ohio Revised Code, a cremation cannot take place until at least 24 hours have elapsed since the official time of death.

  • Burial/Cremation Transit Permit: A mandatory state permit is required for every cremation; the fee is typically $10.00.

  • Death Certificates: Certified copies of the death certificate in Columbus are $25.00 each through the Columbus Public Health Office of Vital Statistics.


Community Support & Grief Resources

You do not have to navigate your grief alone. Columbus offers dedicated local organizations to support you and your family:

  • Mount Carmel Grief Support: Offering community workshops and support groups for those grieving a loss.

  • OhioHealth Bereavement Services: Providing specialized support for adults, children, and families throughout Central Ohio.

  • Cornerstone of Hope (Columbus): A dedicated center for grieving children, teens, and adults.


Ready to Assist 24/7

Our local Columbus partner is available at any hour to provide the support and clarity you need during this difficult time. We serve all area zip codes, including 43201, 43202, 43206, 43210, 43212, 43214, 43215, and 43220.

CALL NOW FOR 24/7 ASSISTANCE: (614) 587-2207

Franklin County Cremation Authority & Resource Hub

Photo of a wall of remembrance