When you're dealing with a loss, the last thing you need is financial stress. So when families ask me, "what's the real cost to get cremated?" the answer really depends on the services that feel right for you. A simple, direct cremation will always be the most affordable option, while services that include a viewing or memorial will naturally cost more.
- Direct Cremation: This is the simplest, most affordable option. It includes transportation, basic professional services, the cremation itself, and the return of remains.
- Service Choices Impact Cost: Adding a family viewing, memorial service, or choosing a specific urn will increase the total cost.
- Location Matters: Costs can vary, even within Texas. Always ask for a detailed price list.
- Transparency is Key: A reputable provider will give you a clear, itemized breakdown of all charges with no hidden fees.
For over 20 years, I've had the privilege of serving Texas families, and one of the most common things I hear is how confusing and overwhelming the process can be. A family once called me, completely lost after getting three different quotes that all seemed to be for the same service but had wildly different prices. They just wanted a simple, honest number. That conversation reinforced my commitment to absolute clarity. My goal at Cremation.Green is to provide straightforward answers so you can make a dignified choice without any added pressure.
Understanding the True Cost of Cremation
I'm Eric Neuhaus, owner of Cremation.Green. After helping thousands of families navigate these decisions, I've learned that transparency isn't just good business—it's a form of compassion. My job is to give you clear information so you can make an informed choice that feels right for your family.
Cremation costs vary not just by the services you choose, but also by your location. The final price is a combination of professional services, transportation, and choices you make regarding containers or urns.
At its core, direct cremation is the most straightforward service. It's a dignified process where we handle the cremation without a public viewing or formal funeral, which keeps the cost manageable. On the other hand, a cremation with a memorial or a full viewing is closer to a traditional funeral service and will have a higher total expense.
Cremation Service Options and Typical Inclusions
To help you see the difference, this table breaks down the most common cremation packages and what they typically include.
| Service Level | Typical Included Services | Best For Families Who… |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Cremation | Transportation, basic care, cremation process, simple container, return of ashes | …want a private, simple, and affordable option without any ceremonial events. |
| Cremation with Memorial | All direct cremation services, plus coordination of a memorial service | …want to separate the cremation from the celebration of life, giving them flexibility to hold a gathering later. |
| Full-Service Cremation | All of the above, plus embalming, viewing/visitation, and a funeral ceremony before cremation | …prefer a more traditional service that allows for a final viewing of their loved one before the cremation. |
Each path is a valid choice. The best one is simply the one that aligns with your family's wishes and budget. I've always believed in providing clear information from the start. For a deeper look at what a simple service covers, you might find our article on how much a simple cremation costs helpful.
Ultimately, my team and I are here to walk you through every option, ensuring the path you choose honors your loved one and respects your family.
What Really Influences Cremation Pricing
When families ask about the cost of cremation, I explain that the final price is a combination of several services. My job is to walk you through each one so you see exactly where your money is going, with no surprises. The total cost is built from a few core components, and understanding them helps clarify how your choices affect the final price.
This diagram helps visualize how different service levels branch out and ultimately shape the cost.
As you can see, the choice between a direct cremation and a more traditional, full-service option has the largest impact on the overall cost.
Core Service Fees
Every cremation begins with a professional services fee. This covers our team's time, expertise, and the careful coordination needed to manage the process with dignity. It also includes handling all necessary legal paperwork required by the Texas Funeral Service Commission, ensuring every detail is filed correctly. This fee guarantees a licensed professional is overseeing every step, from the moment your loved one enters our care until they are safely returned to you.
Transportation and Care
Another key factor is transportation. This involves bringing your loved one into our care from their place of passing, whether it's a hospital, care facility, or a private home. Our team handles this transfer with professionalism and respect, providing a secure and dignified journey to our private, luxury crematory. The cost can vary based on distance, but it’s a necessary part of ensuring continuous, compassionate oversight from our dedicated staff.
Container, Urn, and Documentation
Next, you'll select a cremation container, which is a simple, combustible container required for the process. After the cremation, you'll choose an urn to hold the cremated remains, which can range from a simple container to a more decorative, personalized one. Finally, we assist with obtaining certified copies of the death certificate. These are official legal documents you’ll need for handling personal affairs. While we manage the ordering process, the county charges its own fee for each copy.
At Cremation.Green, our promise is full transparency. There are no hidden fees. Every service and its associated cost are clearly listed on our Transparent Pricing page.
We can also arrange optional services, such as a private family viewing or an expedited service. To see how all these pieces fit together, you can find a complete breakdown in our guide to the cost of cremation and service.
How Our Simple and Dignified Process Works
After serving Texas families for over 20 years, I’ve learned that one of the most comforting things I can offer is a clear, simple path forward. When a family calls us, often in a moment of crisis, they don't need a complicated process. That’s why I designed our approach at Cremation.Green to be as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
It all begins with a single phone call to my team. We’re here for you 24/7, ready to provide immediate support. From that moment on, we handle every detail with care.
From Your First Call to Our Care
Once you place your trust in us, we'll gently bring your loved one into our care and transport them to our private, luxury crematory. You won’t have to visit a funeral home or deal with overwhelming paperwork in an unfamiliar office. Instead, we’ll guide you through completing all necessary authorizations online, from the comfort of your home.
This modern approach allows you to focus on your family, not on logistics. My team will also manage the essential documentation behind the scenes, including:
- Securing the Death Certificate: We handle filing the necessary information with the proper authorities.
- Obtaining Cremation Permits: We ensure all legal requirements set by the Texas Funeral Service Commission are met.
The Cremation and Return
Every cremation is performed individually at our private facility, guaranteeing your loved one never leaves our professional care. This is a promise of dignity and accountability I stand by personally.
Following the cremation, we place the cremated remains in the urn you've selected and coordinate directly with you for their safe return. Our entire system is built on open communication and respect for your family’s needs.
For a more detailed look, you can see a complete overview in our guide to the 8-step cremation process.
This shift toward straightforward processes reflects a broader trend. The cremation rate in the U.S. is expected to reach 63.4% in 2025 and is projected to climb to 82.3% by 2045, significantly outpacing traditional burials.
My team and I are here to guide you, not rush you. This process ensures that from your first call to the final moment of return, your loved one is treated with the honor they deserve.
Why a Private Crematory Provides Peace of Mind
One of the most important questions I hear from families is, "Where does the cremation actually happen?" It’s a detail most people don’t think to ask, but it makes all the difference. Many funeral homes don’t own their crematory; they contract with a third-party, industrial facility.
At Cremation.Green, we don't operate that way. We own and operate our own private, luxury crematory. This is a critical distinction. It means that from the moment your loved one comes into our care, they never leave it.
A Higher Standard of Care and Accountability
By managing our own facility, we maintain a complete, unbroken chain of custody. That isn't just an industry term; it's a genuine promise of accountability. We personally oversee every single step of Our Process, ensuring the highest standards of dignity and professionalism.
This direct control allows us to provide a level of care that third-party operators can't guarantee. We designed our crematory not as an industrial site, but as a tranquil and respectful environment dedicated to honoring the person entrusted to us.
What This Means for Your Family
Choosing a provider with a private crematory gives you an undeniable sense of calm. It removes any uncertainty about where your loved one is or who is caring for them. This commitment to in-house care is a core reason hundreds of families throughout Austin and Central Texas have put their trust in us, making us one of the highest-rated funeral homes in the state.
Here’s the assurance our private crematory provides:
- Continuous Care: Your loved one remains with our compassionate, professional team from start to finish.
- Unwavering Dignity: Our facility is designed for reverence and respect, not high-volume processing.
- Absolute Transparency: We can answer any question you have about the process because we're the ones managing it.
Our commitment to a dignified final step is reflected in the trust we've earned. Our 450+ five-star reviews from Texas families are a testament to the peace of mind our process provides. It’s about ensuring compassionate and honorable care, every single time.
Exploring Water Cremation as a Gentle Alternative
While our focus is always on dignified care, I know many families are also looking for environmentally responsible options. That’s why we are proud to offer water cremation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis, as one of our core Austin cremation services. It’s a gentle and eco-friendly choice that aligns with our commitment to thoughtful, modern care.
A Gentle Process Explained Simply
Instead of flame, water cremation uses a combination of water flow, temperature, and alkali to speed up the natural process that occurs after death. It's a quiet, water-based method that is much kinder to the environment. The result is the same pure inorganic bone mineral remains as flame cremation, ready to be returned to the family in an urn.
This method stands out for its smaller environmental impact:
- It uses over 90% less energy than traditional flame cremation.
- It has a smaller carbon footprint, with zero direct emissions of mercury or other harmful greenhouse gases.
For many, this gentle process feels like a more peaceful final step. It honors a loved one’s life while also showing respect for the natural world, a value many Texas families hold dear.
How Does it Compare to Flame Cremation?
The real difference is in the method, not the outcome for the family. While flame cremation relies on high heat, water cremation uses a gentle water solution. The choice between them often comes down to personal values and what feels right for you and your loved one.
At Cremation.Green, we provide clear details on both choices so you can make a decision with confidence. You can learn more about this gentle alternative by visiting our page on Water Cremation. And if you're wondering about the cost differences, our guide to water cremation cost offers transparent answers.
Common Questions About Cremation in Texas
After helping hundreds of Texas families, I've noticed the same questions come up again and again. My goal is to give you direct, honest answers so you can feel more confident during an already difficult time.
What is included in a direct cremation package?
Direct cremation is our most straightforward option. It includes everything necessary for a simple, dignified cremation without formal ceremonies. Our package typically covers transportation, the professional services of my licensed team, securing all required permits, the cremation process at our private crematory, and a simple container for the return of your loved one's ashes. For a complete breakdown, I encourage families to look over our Transparent Pricing page.
Is a viewing possible with cremation?
Yes, a viewing is an option. While it isn't part of a standard direct cremation, we can arrange for a private, intimate viewing for your immediate family at our facility. This gives you a chance to say a final goodbye in a quiet, peaceful setting before the cremation takes place. It’s a personal decision, and my team is here to support whatever feels right for your family.
How long does the cremation process take?
From the moment your loved one enters our care, the entire process generally takes about 7 to 10 business days. This timeline allows us to handle several critical steps with care, including getting the death certificate signed by a doctor and securing legal permits from the state. Once we have all authorizations, the cremation is performed, and we coordinate with you for the respectful return of your loved one’s remains. You can see a full timeline on Our Process page.
Does Cremation.Green serve families outside of Austin?
Yes. While we are based in Austin, we proudly serve families across Central Texas and have the capabilities to provide cremation services in Texas statewide. Our process is designed to be managed from the comfort of your own home, making our services accessible no matter where you are located in the state. If you're looking for "cremation near me," we are here to help.
Taking the Next Step With Confidence
Making final arrangements is a significant responsibility, and my goal is to give you the clarity you need to handle it. Whether you're planning ahead or dealing with an immediate loss, the most important thing is to gather good information from someone you trust.
I encourage you to review our Transparent Pricing and get familiar with Our Process. Thinking ahead can also lift a heavy weight, and our guide on a prepaid cremation service is a great place to begin. As you navigate these decisions, you might also face the challenge of what to do with a loved one's home. You can find practical guidance on cleaning out a house after death that might help ease that burden.
We believe that open communication is the cornerstone of trust. It is our commitment to provide a dignified and transparent service for every family we have the privilege to help.
When you're ready, my team and I are here to personally answer your questions, with no pressure or obligation. We're dedicated to providing the respectful, compassionate care your family deserves.
My team and I at Cremation.Green are here to serve you with professionalism and genuine care. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me directly if you have any questions. You can call us or visit us online at https://www.cremation.green.
