Funeral planning in Pennsylvania
What to do, what it costs, and what Pennsylvania actually requires, in plain words, one step at a time.
Pennsylvania guide
Read straight through, or jump to your situation. Save this link to come back anytime. Updated Jul 2026.
Good to know:No funeral director required - families can handle arrangements directly
Tip:You can legally designate someone other than next-of-kin to make funeral decisions
What things cost in Pennsylvania
Typical ranges for the Middle Atlantic region. Your local prices will differ, so always ask for an itemized quote.
Direct cremation
Gravely estimate$1,300–$2,900
Cremation with service
Survey data$5,500–$7,500
Traditional burial
Survey data$7,300–$9,900
Green burial
Gravely estimate$2,600–$6,000
How we got these numbers
Direct cremation: 20–45% of the 2023 NFDA Middle 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 Middle Atlantic regional service median, rounded to the nearest $100.
Traditional burial: Planning band of ±15% around the 2023 NFDA Middle Atlantic regional service median, rounded to the nearest $100.
Green burial: 30–70% of the 2023 NFDA Middle 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 Middle 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.
- Pennsylvania does not require a licensed funeral director to make or carry out final arrangements
- The State Board of Funeral Directors regulates the industry and handles complaints
- Families have significant flexibility in how they care for their loved one
Pennsylvania lets you name someone other than your next-of-kin to control funeral decisions - put it in writing, and consider having it signed, witnessed, and notarized so it holds up if it's ever challenged.
- Pennsylvania requires a 24-hour waiting period after death before cremation
- Every cremation must be referred to the county coroner for approval
- A cremation authorization form must be signed by the responsible party
- A casket is not required - an alternative combustible container is acceptable
- The funeral home must accept a casket or urn you purchase elsewhere
- Home burial on private property is allowed in Pennsylvania - no state law prohibits it
- Check local zoning - Philadelphia prohibits burials outside established cemeteries
- Family cemeteries must be registered with the local county clerk
- Graves must be at least 18 inches deep from the top of the casket to ground surface
- Burials must be at least one mile from any municipal water supply
The local registrar must submit the death certificate to Vital Records within 90 days
A permit for disposal must be obtained from the registrar before burial or cremation
Certified copies cost $20 each regardless of quantity
We recommend ordering 8-10 certified copies for insurance, banks, and legal matters
Records are available for deaths that occurred since 1906
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 any decisions
- Funeral homes must accept caskets purchased elsewhere without extra fees
- Embalming is not required - refrigeration or a sealed container are alternatives
- You can designate a funeral agent to make decisions on your behalf
- File complaints with the State Board of Funeral Directors at dos.pa.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.