Funeral planning in Missouri
What to do, what it costs, and what Missouri actually requires, in plain words, one step at a time.
Missouri 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:Family burial grounds must be deeded to the county commission within 60 days
What things cost in Missouri
Typical ranges for the West North Central region. Your local prices will differ, so always ask for an itemized quote.
Direct cremation
Gravely estimate$1,300–$3,000
Cremation with service
Survey data$5,700–$7,700
Traditional burial
Survey data$7,400–$10,100
Green burial
Gravely estimate$2,600–$6,100
How we got these numbers
Direct cremation: 20–45% of the 2023 NFDA West North 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 North Central regional service median, rounded to the nearest $100.
Traditional burial: Planning band of ±15% around the 2023 NFDA West North Central regional service median, rounded to the nearest $100.
Green burial: 30–70% of the 2023 NFDA West North 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 North 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.
- Missouri does not require a funeral director - families can make their own arrangements
- The State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors regulates funeral establishments and preneed contracts
- A death certificate must be filed within 5 days of death
Missouri allows families flexibility in caring for their loved ones. Take time to understand your options.
- Missouri requires a 24-hour waiting period after death before cremation
- The cause of death must be established and a death certificate filed before cremation
- All cremations must occur at a licensed funeral establishment
- The next of kin must sign a cremation authorization form
- If using a funeral director, the body must be embalmed, refrigerated, or placed in a sealed casket within 24 hours
- Family burial grounds are permitted on private property under one acre
- The cemetery must be deeded in trust to the county commission
- Record the deed with the county clerk within 60 days of establishing the burial ground
- Burial plots should be at least 150 feet from water supplies and 25 feet from property lines
- Check local zoning regulations and health department rules before proceeding
The death certificate must be filed within 5 days of death and before final disposition
Certified copies cost $14 for the first copy, $11 for additional copies ordered together
We recommend ordering 8-10 copies for insurance, banks, and legal matters
Natural cause deaths process in 1-2 weeks; other causes may take up to 12 weeks
Copies available from local health departments for deaths since 1980
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
- The Board examines all preneed sellers to ensure consumer funds are protected
- File complaints with the Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors at (573) 751-0813
- For unresolved issues, contact the Missouri Attorney General's Consumer Hotline at 800-392-8222
- Beware of unlicensed entities - verify licenses before purchasing services
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.