Funeral planning in Georgia
What to do, what it costs, and what Georgia actually requires, in plain words, one step at a time.
Georgia guide
Read straight through, or jump to your situation. Save this link to come back anytime. Updated Apr 2026.
Good to know:No funeral director required - families can handle arrangements
Tip:File the death certificate within 72 hours to avoid delays
What things cost in Georgia
Typical ranges for the South Atlantic 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$5,200–$7,000
Traditional burial
Survey data$6,800–$9,200
Green burial
Gravely estimate$2,400–$5,600
How we got these numbers
Direct cremation: 20–45% of the 2023 NFDA South Atlantic 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 South Atlantic regional service median, rounded to the nearest $100.
Traditional burial: Planning band of ±15% around the 2023 NFDA South Atlantic regional service median, rounded to the nearest $100.
Green burial: 30–70% of the 2023 NFDA South Atlantic 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 South Atlantic 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.
- Georgia does not require a licensed funeral director - families can make their own arrangements
- The Georgia State Board of Funeral Service and the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division both handle complaints
- The death certificate must be filed within 72 hours
Georgia gives families flexibility in how they care for their loved ones. Take time to explore your options.
- Georgia requires a 24-hour waiting period after death before cremation
- A cremation authorization form must be signed by the next of kin
- The county vital records registrar must issue a final disposition permit first
- Cremations must be performed in state-licensed facilities
- Remains can be scattered at sea within 50 days, at least 3 miles from shore
- Home burial on private property is allowed - no state law prohibits it
- Check local county ordinances - some areas have restrictions
- Some counties require minimum lot sizes (e.g., Pike County requires 5 acres)
- A casket is not required by state law, though cemeteries may have rules
- Burial vaults are not required by state law
The death certificate must be filed with the county registrar within 72 hours
Medical certification of cause of death must also be completed within 72 hours
Certified copies cost $25 for the first copy, $5 for each additional
We recommend ordering 8-10 copies for banks, insurance, and legal matters
Mail-in requests take 8-10 weeks; visit a county office for faster service
State and county probate rules vary. Use this as a starting point, not legal advice.
- You have the right to receive an itemized General Price List
- Embalming is not legally required in Georgia
- Funeral homes must accept caskets or urns purchased elsewhere
- File complaints with the Georgia State Board of Funeral Service through the Secretary of State
- The Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division handles deceptive practice complaints
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.