Direct cremation is a simple, cost-effective option where the body is cremated shortly after death without embalming, viewing, or a formal service. It’s ideal for families seeking minimal involvement while honoring their loved one.
Below is a step-by-step guide based on Alabama regulations and local practices.
Step 1: Understand the Legal Requirements for Cremation in Montgomery, AL
In Alabama, cremation cannot occur within 24 hours of death (unless due to an infectious disease) to allow time for any investigations. A cremation authorization form must be signed by the next of kin, and a permit is required from the local medical examiner (ME) or coroner.
No embalming is needed for direct cremation, and the body is typically placed in a basic container.
The process usually takes 7-10 days, including paperwork like the death certificate (filed by the funeral provider) and returning the ashes in an urn or container.
Step 2: Choose an Affordable Cremation Service Provider in Montgomery
You can research licensed cremation providers in Montgomery to conduct your own cremation price comparisons and establish the best cremation service for your family’s needs.
There are several affordable cremation companies serving Montgomery for direct cremation services.
Local cremation providers include DFS Memorials, Alabama Funeral Homes, and funeral homes such as Southern Memorial or Magnolia Cremations.
You can compare prices and services online or by phone. DFS Memorials has already conducted this research to help connect you with a local, affordable cremation provider.
The licensed funeral location for Montgomery offers a direct cremation for $995. And can be reached at (334) 336-4866.
If you are price-checking for direct cremation services, ensure the service includes transportation (within a radius, e.g., 35 miles), cremation, and ash return. Also, if the cremation providers have an on-site or contracted crematory and follow state ID protocols (e.g., ankle bracelet for remains).
Step 3: Contact the Cremation Provider, Begin Cremation Arrangements, and Authorize Collection of the Deceased.
Now you can call the selected cremation provider immediately after death. They’ll guide you through forms, including the cremation authorization.
If the death occurred at home, in a hospital, or in a nursing facility, the provider arranges transport. You will need to inform the facility which cremation provider/funeral home is authorized to collect your loved one.
You can pay upfront or discuss payment plans. It is common to expect to receive the cremation ashes within a few days post-cremation, often via mail or pickup.
There are optional add-ons that you may be offered and wish to consider. These can include: memorial service, urn upgrades, or scattering assistance (extra fees apply). Do bear in mind that there is no urgency or need to conduct a memorial service if you choose a direct cremation.
The family may prefer to wait until a more suitable time. More families today are choosing to conduct their own memorial services, which can save a significant amount of money on funeral costs.
This guide explains in more detail how to arrange a direct cremation and then conduct a memorial service on your own terms. This means you can arrange everything for much less than a formal funeral service.
Guide to Direct Cremation & Conducting a Family Memorial Service.
What to Consider If a Loved One Is at the Montgomery Medical Examiner
Bodies are sent to the Medical Examiner (Montgomery County Coroner/ME Office) for suspicious, accidental, or unattended deaths. The ME conducts an autopsy or exam if needed. Below, we outline the steps to take if your loved one is in the care of the Montgomery County Coroner.
Montgomery County Coroner’s contact: 1301 Mulberry Street, Montgomery, AL 36106
Phone (334) 240-6400
What to Do Next:
Select a funeral/cremation provider first. They will coordinate with the ME for release once the investigation is complete (typically 24-72 hours, but longer if complex). You will need to sign a body release authorization, which the provider submits to the ME.
The ME must issue a cremation permit to approve the process, ensuring no evidence is destroyed. This is mandatory and handled by the provider—no family action needed beyond authorization.
Delays may occur if toxicology or further tests are required. Contact the ME office for status updates, but rely on your provider for logistics.
Once your loved one is released, you can proceed with standard direct cremation steps.
Reviewing Cremation Costs and Best Prices for Montgomery, AL
Direct cremation prices in Montgomery range from $995 to $3,500, depending on the provider and add-ons. The best (lowest) price is $995 from the DFS Memorials licensed provider, which includes full coordination, ME approval, paperwork, and basic cremation.
Other affordable options: Best cremation prices in the Montgomery area range between $995 and $1,695 if you choose a funeral provider committed to affordability. Always confirm current rates, as they exclude extras like death certificates ($15 each) or urns ($50+).
For pre-planning or any questions, call DFS Memorials at (334) 336-4866, or reach out to the Alabama Board of Funeral Directors.
Also available are affordable funeral packages.
We offer our $995 basic cremation to families in Autauga, Elmore, Chilton, Coosa, Macon, and Tallapoosa Counties and in Arrowhead, Arrowhead Country Club, Bonnie Crest Country Club, Capitol Heights, Chisolm, Cloverdale, County Downs, Dalraida, Dannelly Field, Deer Creek, Downtown, Eastdale Mall, Faulkner University, Forest Hills, Garden District, Gunter Air Force Base, Halcyon Park, Highland Gardens, Hillwood Club, Lagoon Park, Lake Forest, Magnolia Golf Club, Maxwell Air Force Base, Maxwell Heights, Montgomery Country Club, Morningview, Normandale, North Central Montgomery, North Montgomery, Northeast Montgomery, Old Alabama Town, Ridgecrest, South Central Montgomery, South Montgomery City, Southeast Montgomery, Southlawn, Southwest Montgomery, Sturbridge, Vaughn Meadows, West Montgomery, Woodmere, & Wynlakes.
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.
