Funeral planning in Vermont
What to do, what it costs, and what Vermont actually requires, in plain words, one step at a time.
Vermont guide
Read straight through, or jump to your situation. Save this link to come back anytime. Updated Apr 2026.
Good to know:Families can care for their own dead without a funeral director
Tip:Vermont allows natural burial grounds on private property
What things cost in Vermont
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.
- Vermont allows families to care for their own dead without a licensed funeral director
- Home burial and natural burial grounds are permitted on private property
- The Board of Funeral Service protects consumers and can help with complaints
Vermont gives families significant freedom in caring for their loved ones. Take the time you need to make decisions that feel right.
- Vermont requires a 24-hour waiting period after death before cremation
- A medical examiner must issue a cremation certificate
- A $25 fee is paid to the department for the cremation permit
- A burial-transit permit is required before cremation
- Vermont also allows natural organic reduction (human composting) as an alternative
- Home burial of family members is legal on your own property
- The site must be 150 feet from water supply and 25 feet from power lines
- Check local zoning - most rural residential areas allow family burial grounds
- The burial must be registered with the town and noted on the property deed
- Vermont permits natural burial grounds without vaults or embalming
Death certificates must be filed within 48 hours of death
The burial/transit permit must be filed by the 10th of the month following disposition
Certified copies cost $10 each ($12 if ordered online)
We recommend ordering 8-10 certified copies for insurance, banks, and legal matters
Noncertified copies are available at no charge
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
- The Funeral Services Trust Account protects prepaid funeral purchases
- Embalming is not required by law
- Caskets and vaults are not required by state law
- File complaints with the Secretary of State at 802-828-2367
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.