More families in Columbus, Ohio are choosing cremation services. Whether you're pre-planning for yourself or making arrangements for a loved one, understanding cremation services Columbus Ohio offers can help you make informed decisions. This guide explains your options, typical costs, and what to expect throughout the process.
Cremation is a method of caring for remains after death using high heat. The process reduces the body to bone fragments, which are then processed into fine ash. These remains, called cremated remains or "ashes," are returned to the family in an urn or container.
Many Columbus families choose cremation for personal, religious, environmental, or financial reasons. It offers flexibility in how you honor and remember your loved one.
Cremation doesn't mean sacrificing a meaningful tribute. You have several options for how to incorporate cremation into your funeral or memorial plans.
Direct cremation is the simplest option. It includes:
There's no viewing, visitation, or ceremony before cremation. Many families hold a memorial service later, giving them time to plan a personalized celebration.
Direct cremation is often the most affordable choice, typically ranging from $1,500 to $3,000 in the Columbus area.
This option includes cremation followed by a memorial service. The service happens after cremation, with the urn present if the family wishes.
This gives you flexibility to:
Costs typically range from $3,000 to $6,000, depending on the venue and services selected.
Some families want a traditional funeral service before cremation. This includes:
This option provides the structure and rituals of a traditional funeral while still choosing cremation. Costs generally range from $5,000 to $10,000, similar to traditional burial services.
Several factors influence the total cost of cremation services Columbus Ohio providers offer:
Services Selected: Direct cremation costs less than services with viewings or ceremonies.
Urn Choice: Basic urns are included, but families can select keepsake urns, decorative urns, or biodegradable options at additional cost.
Ceremony Details: Adding elements like flowers, music, video tributes, or reception services increases costs.
Location: Where you hold a memorial service (funeral home chapel, church, outdoor venue) affects pricing.
Time of Need: Pre-planning typically costs less than at-need arrangements.
Understanding the process can ease concerns. Here's what happens during cremation at Evergreen and other Columbus funeral homes:
Throughout this process, Evergreen maintains dignity and respect while following all Ohio regulations.
Families have many options for final disposition:
Keep at Home: Many people keep cremated remains in an urn at home as a memorial.
Burial: You can bury remains in a cemetery plot, often in a smaller cremation plot that costs less than traditional burial plots.
Scattering: Ohio allows scattering on private property with permission, or in designated areas at some parks and waterways.
Columbarium: These are structures with niches for storing urns, often found at cemeteries.
Keepsakes: Split remains among family members using small keepsake urns or jewelry.
Memorial Reef or Tree: Some services create ocean reefs or plant trees using cremated remains.
You don't need to decide immediately. Many families take time to consider what feels right.
Most religions now accept cremation, though some have specific guidelines:
Catholic Church: Now permits cremation but prefers remains be buried or placed in a columbarium, not scattered.
Protestant Denominations: Generally accept cremation without restrictions.
Judaism: Orthodox and Conservative Judaism typically oppose cremation, while Reform Judaism often accepts it.
Islam: Generally does not permit cremation.
Hinduism and Buddhism: Cremation is traditional and preferred.
If religion is part of your decision, speak with your religious leader and funeral director to honor your beliefs appropriately.
Planning ahead offers significant benefits. When you pre-plan cremation services in Columbus, you:
Evergreen offers pre-planning consultations where you can discuss options, get questions answered, and create a plan that reflects your wishes. Visit the Plan Ahead page to start this process.
Pre-planning isn't about dwelling on mortality—it's about taking care of people you love. When you make these decisions in advance, your family can focus on grieving and supporting each other instead of making dozens of choices under pressure.
Learn more about the benefits on Evergreen's Why Plan Ahead page.
How long does cremation take? The actual process takes 2-3 hours. Completing paperwork, permits, and returning remains typically takes 7-10 days total.
Can we have a viewing before cremation? Yes. You can arrange embalming and a viewing just like a traditional funeral.
How do we know we receive the right remains? Funeral homes use strict identification procedures throughout the process. A metal identification disk stays with your loved one from start to finish.
What if death happens outside Columbus? Evergreen can coordinate transportation from anywhere in Ohio or arrange transfers from out of state.
Do we need a casket for cremation? Ohio law doesn't require a casket. Many families use a simple cremation container. If you have a viewing, you can rent a ceremonial casket.
Can multiple family members be present? Some crematories allow family witnesses. Ask about this option if it's part of your traditions.
Cremation offers flexibility for personalization:
Evergreen provides livestreaming services so family members who can't attend in person can still participate.
Many people choose cremation as an environmentally conscious option. It requires less land than burial and avoids embalming chemicals.
You can make cremation even more eco-friendly by:
Evergreen partners with the Arbor Day Foundation to plant memorial trees, creating a living tribute while supporting reforestation.
Veterans who choose cremation still qualify for benefits including:
The VA provides a cremation allowance for service-related deaths. For non-service-related deaths, the VA may provide a plot allowance. Evergreen can help coordinate veterans benefits.
Families throughout Franklin County—from Bexley to Hilltop, Upper Arlington to Reynoldsburg—turn to Evergreen for cremation services Columbus Ohio families trust. We serve the entire Columbus metro area and surrounding counties.
Our location at 1855 E 17th Ave provides convenient access from anywhere in the area.
The immediate steps after a death can be confusing. Evergreen provides a helpful guide called "When a Death Occurs" that walks you through:
This resource helps families navigate those first difficult hours.
Choosing cremation raises questions. You might wonder about costs, options, timeline, or what's right for your situation. That's normal.
Whether you're comparing funeral homes, pre-planning, or facing an immediate need, talking with someone who understands cremation services in Columbus can help.
Contact Evergreen Funeral, Cremation & Reception:
Our team answers questions honestly, explains options clearly, and helps you make decisions that honor your loved one or reflect your own wishes.
Evergreen believes quality cremation services should be accessible. We provide affordable pricing without compromising care, professionalism, or respect.
Every family receives the same attention and dignity, regardless of which services they select. You'll work with experienced staff who guide you through each step with patience and understanding.
If you're considering cremation services Columbus Ohio offers, or if you need immediate assistance, we're here to help.
Call (614) 654-4465 to speak with someone today. We're available 24/7 because we know loss doesn't follow a schedule.
Whether you're pre-planning for peace of mind or arranging services for a loved one, Evergreen provides the guidance, support, and care you need during this time.
