Honoring Life in the Comfort of Your Home

The Home Funeral Hub

Home funerals allow families to care for and honor their loved ones in a personal, meaningful way. This hub offers resources, guidance, and support to help you navigate the process with confidence and compassion.

Couple mourning indoors, back view and space for text. Funeral ceremony

Table of Contents

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Funerals

A home funeral involves caring for a deceased loved one at home, including washing, dressing, and holding a vigil or service, rather than relying solely on a funeral home.

Yes, home funerals are legal in all 50 U.S. states, though some states require a licensed funeral director for certain aspects, such as filing paperwork or transporting the body.

Home funerals provide a deeply personal way to say goodbye, allowing families to create intimate and meaningful ceremonies while reducing costs and environmental impact.

Benefits include greater control over the process, cost savings, and the ability to honor cultural, spiritual, or personal traditions. Families also find comfort in caring for their loved ones directly.

Key aspects include washing and dressing the body, keeping the body cool, creating a ceremony or vigil, and handling necessary legal paperwork, such as filing a death certificate.

Preparation typically includes washing, dressing, and positioning the body, often with the assistance of guides or resources. Cooling the body with dry ice or gel packs is essential if the vigil lasts more than a day.

In most states, families can handle all aspects of a home funeral, but some states require a funeral director for specific tasks, such as filing permits or transporting the body.

Yes, home funerals can transition to a burial, green burial, or cremation. Families often use home funerals as a precursor to these options, adding a personal touch to the farewell process.

Costs are significantly lower than traditional funerals, as families handle much of the care themselves. Expenses may include cooling materials, burial shrouds, or biodegradable caskets.

Resources

You shouldn’t have to navigate the process of planning a home funeral on your own. Fortunately, we have resources to guide you every step of the way.

Home Funerals 101: A Compassionate Guide to Saying Goodbye at Home

The choice is yours... but here are some questions that can help you choose a provider.
Get The Guide

How To Create A Meaningful Home Funeral Ceremony

The details matter! Here are a few tips to help simplify your home funeral.
Read The Article

Listen Up!

We've assembled a list of end-of-life podcasts for you.
View The Podcast Directory

A Few Instagram Accounts We Follow...

View this profile on Instagram

CINDEA (@homefunerals) • Instagram photos and videos

Couple mourning indoors, back view and space for text. Funeral ceremony

5 Reasons Families Choose Home Funerals

Couple mourning indoors, back view and space for text. Funeral ceremony

How to Create a Meaningful Home Funeral Ceremony

Couple mourning indoors, back view and space for text. Funeral ceremony

The Role of a Death Doula in Home Funerals

Couple mourning indoors, back view and space for text. Funeral ceremony

Home Funerals 101: A Compassionate Guide to Saying Goodbye at Home

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Please consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.