Funeral planning in New Hampshire
What to do, what it costs, and what New Hampshire actually requires, in plain words, one step at a time.
New Hampshire 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 file paperwork directly
Tip:Home burial is legal on family property with proper documentation
What things cost in New Hampshire
Typical ranges for the New England region. Your local prices will differ, so always ask for an itemized quote.
Direct cremation
Gravely estimate$1,400–$3,200
Cremation with service
Survey data$6,000–$8,100
Traditional burial
Survey data$7,600–$10,300
Green burial
Gravely estimate$2,700–$6,300
How we got these numbers
Direct cremation: 20–45% of the 2023 NFDA New England 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 New England regional service median, rounded to the nearest $100.
Traditional burial: Planning band of ±15% around the 2023 NFDA New England regional service median, rounded to the nearest $100.
Green burial: 30–70% of the 2023 NFDA New England 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 New England 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.
- New Hampshire does not require a funeral director - families can handle arrangements themselves
- The death certificate can be filed directly with the Town Clerk at no cost
- Home burial on family property is permitted with proper documentation
New Hampshire gives families significant flexibility in caring for their loved ones and handling arrangements.
- New Hampshire requires a 48-hour waiting period after death before cremation
- A medical examiner must authorize each cremation
- Written authorization from next of kin is required
- Pacemakers must be removed before cremation
- No casket required - a simple cremation container is acceptable
- Home burial is legal for relatives on family property
- The site must be at least 100 feet from any dwelling and 50 feet from water sources
- The burial must be recorded on the property deed upon transfer
- A public right of way for family access must be documented
- Local zoning regulations must also be followed
Death certificates must be filed electronically within 36 hours of death
Original paperwork must follow within 10 days
Certified copies cost $15 for the first copy, $10 for additional copies ordered same time
We recommend ordering 8-10 certified copies for insurance, banks, and legal matters
Any city or town clerk can provide copies for deaths occurring in NH
State and county probate rules vary. Use this as a starting point, not legal advice.
- You can handle all arrangements yourself without a funeral director
- Prepaid funeral funds must be deposited in a NH bank or licensed insurance/trust company
- Embalming is not required unless there will be public viewing after 24 hours
- Grave liners and vaults are not required by state law
- File complaints with the Board of Registration of Funeral Directors and Embalmers
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.