If you are looking for a low-cost cremation or funeral alternative, this short guide should help you understand how you can arrange a simple cremation for $995.

How much does a funeral cost in Salt Lake City?

Although the funeral industry is being dragged into the 21^st century screaming and kicking, it is still pretty much resisting open-price disclosure. The FTC funeral rule means that a funeral home MUST have a General Price List (GPL) that clearly outlines its fees and that it should openly provide you with a GPL if you make an inquiry (by phone or in person).

However, the reality is that many funeral homes still do not put prices on their website and may not even be open about revealing full and complete costs when you call.  For this reason, we have put together this guide to give you an idea of what costs to expect.

A traditional funeral is likely to cost between $6,000 and $10,000.  According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the average cost of a funeral is $7,848, but this does not take into account any cemetery fees.

The average cost of a funeral is $6,299* in Salt Lake City (including casket but excluding cemetery fees).

What does a cremation cost in Salt Lake City, UT?

A cremation is a cheaper alternative to a burial. It will cost considerably less as there is no need for a casket, burial vault, or cemetery plot, which immediately reduces the overall cost of the funeral. The cost for cremation services does vary quite considerably between funeral homes in Salt Lake City. 

You can arrange a basic cremation for $995 or pay up to $3,000 for the exact same direct cremation service!

The average cost for a direct cremation in SLC is $1,462*, and the average cost of a cremation memorial service is $3,146*.

Save money by arranging a Direct Cremation in SLC, UT

The most affordable cremation option is called direct cremation.  This is where the deceased is collected, transferred to the crematory and cremated in a simple cremation container, and then the cremated remains returned directly to the family without any viewing or service.

A memorial service can be arranged at a later date if the family so desired, and the family can even arrange their own memorial service, which can be another way to save on the cost of a funeral.

Does the Church of the Latter-Day Saints accept cremation?

Yes, the church of the LDS is accepting of cremation.  They may not encourage it, preferring traditional burial where possible, but the church today recognizes that cremation is sometimes either the preferred or the only option for some families.

How do I know that the cremated remains I get back are my loved one’s remains?

This is a question that many families ask.  Be assured that strict legislation governs how human cremations can be conducted, and only one person can be cremated at once.

What do I legally need to know about arranging a cremation in Salt Lake City?

As a cremation is so final there are laws that govern how a cremation can proceed.  A ‘Cremation Authorization Form’ must be signed by the legal next of kin or the authorizing agent before a cremation can be conducted.

A cremation container is required but this need not be a casket and can be a simple reinforced cardboard box, and embalming is not required prior to cremation.  Although many states adopt a minimum wait time before a cremation can proceed, it appears there is no such requirement in Utah, so a cremation can be performed once the legal paperwork is completed and a cremation permit is issued.

What can we do with the cremated remains?

This is another question that is frequently asked.  Cremation opens up more possibilities about how to conduct the final disposition of remains.  You can inter cremated remains in an existing grave plot or a cremation niche or choose to scatter them in a designated memorial garden.

However, this can still cost a significant amount.  You can keep the cremated remains at home in a cremation urn, or you can choose to conduct your own ash scattering ceremony.

If you choose to scatter on private land, you need the landowner’s consent.  You can scatter cremated remains on public land, but you do need to observe some ‘common-sense’ ash scattering guidelines.  You may need to check whether a permit is required for municipal or state-owned public spaces.

Can I pre-arrange a simple cremation plan?

You can even pre-plan a low-cost cremation option.  Pre-planning does alleviate surviving families of the burden of making arrangements and paying for the funeral.  You can pre-plan with a funeral home by taking out a funeral contract (which is put into trust), or you can take out an insurance product that will finance your end wishes.

Arranging a Veteran Funeral in Salt Lake City

Certain benefits are available to Veterans.  A Veteran is entitled to a free cemetery plot and grave marker. In some cases, a funeral home will offer a discount on services to a Veteran.

What does it cost to cremate an overweight person?

The cremation cost advertised by funeral homes is generally for a body weight of up to 300 pounds.  For a body over this weight, an extra charge may be levied, but this will depend on how large the deceased was.

The deceased had no life insurance – is there any help with cremation costs in Salt Lake City?

It can be distressing enough to deal with a death, but even more upsetting if there are no funds to cover the cost of a cremation.  Sadly, this is happening more often for families today.  If the deceased had no life insurance, it is likely that the funeral home will need full payment for a direct cremation when you sign the funeral contract.

There is a $255 lump sum death benefit payment from Social Security (if the deceased qualified), and the funeral director can help submit your claim for this.  If you have concerns about how you are going to pay for a funeral – visit this guide on ‘Options for paying for a Funeral’.

If you have any further questions about arranging a funeral or cremation in Salt Lake City, whether you are preplanning or a death has just occurred – Call (801) 396-7538.  Our funeral director is on hand 24/7 to answer any questions you have.

Low-cost direct cremation is available throughout Cache, Davis, Morgan, Salt Lake, Summit, Utah, Wasatch & Weber Counties.