Funeral planning in Arkansas
What to do, what it costs, and what Arkansas actually requires, in plain words, one step at a time.
Arkansas guide
Read straight through, or jump to your situation. Save this link to come back anytime. Updated Jul 2026.
Good to know:Families can conduct home funerals without a funeral director
Tip:Register family graveyards with the county clerk before burial
What things cost in Arkansas
Typical ranges for the West South Central region. Your local prices will differ, so always ask for an itemized quote.
Direct cremation
Gravely estimate$1,200–$2,700
Cremation with service
Survey data$5,000–$6,800
Traditional burial
Survey data$6,700–$9,100
Green burial
Gravely estimate$2,400–$5,500
How we got these numbers
Direct cremation: 20–45% of the 2023 NFDA West South Central regional cremation service median, rounded to the nearest $100. This is not an NFDA direct cremation median.
Cremation with service: Planning band of ±15% around the 2023 NFDA West South Central regional service median, rounded to the nearest $100.
Traditional burial: Planning band of ±15% around the 2023 NFDA West South Central regional service median, rounded to the nearest $100.
Green burial: 30–70% of the 2023 NFDA West South Central regional burial service median, rounded to the nearest $100. This is not an NFDA green burial median.
Cremation-with-service and traditional-burial planning bands are ±15% around 2023 NFDA West South Central regional medians, rounded to the nearest $100.
Direct cremation is a Gravely planning estimate equal to 20–45% of the applicable NFDA cremation service median.
Green burial is a Gravely planning estimate equal to 30–70% of the applicable NFDA burial service median.
These are regional or national planning ranges, not state-specific prices or provider quotes. Cemetery, monument, merchandise, and local provider fees may be separate. Ask providers for a current itemized General Price List.
Where did the death happen?
Jump straight to the steps for your situation.
- Arkansas does not require a funeral director - families can handle arrangements themselves
- The State Board of Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Cemeteries, and Burial Services oversees the industry
- A fact-of-death record must be filed within 3 days, and a complete death certificate within 10 days
Arkansas gives families flexibility in how they care for their loved ones. Take time to understand your options.
- Once your funeral home or crematory takes custody of unembalmed remains, they can hold them without refrigeration for up to 24 hours - after that, refrigeration is required until cremation happens. There's no minimum wait before cremation itself.
- The authorizing agent (typically next of kin) must sign a cremation authorization form
- All cremations must be arranged through a licensed funeral director - crematories cannot contract directly with families
- The coroner must authorize cremation before it can proceed
- Home burial on private property is permitted by establishing a family graveyard
- Family graveyards must be registered with the county clerk before burial
- No more than 5 acres can be exempted for a family burial ground
- Check local zoning laws - rural areas are more likely to allow home burial
- A casket is not required by state law - you may build your own container
A fact-of-death record must be filed within 3 days of death
The complete death certificate must be registered within 10 days
Certified copies cost $10 for the first copy, $8 for additional copies ordered together
We recommend ordering 8-10 copies for insurance, banks, and legal matters
Allow 7-14 days for mail orders; same-day service available at the Little Rock office
State and county probate rules vary. Use this as a starting point, not legal advice.
- You have the right to an itemized General Price List before making decisions
- Funeral homes must accept caskets purchased elsewhere without added fees
- The Board has a consumer representative who serves as a voting member
- File complaints with the State Board of Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Cemeteries, and Burial Services at (501) 682-0574
- The FTC Funeral Rule applies - you can report violations at ftc.gov
This guide is general information to help you plan, not legal, medical, financial, or tax advice. Laws, fees, and procedures change and can vary by county. Before acting on anything here, confirm the details with your funeral provider, the responsible state or county office, or a licensed professional.