Losing a loved one is never easy, and making decisions about cremation in New Hampshire can feel overwhelming—especially when you are balancing grief, logistics, and family preferences. This guide explains how cremation typically works in New Hampshire, what it may cost, what state rules generally require, and how to compare cremation providers in a calm, practical way. This is general information, not legal advice.

Cremation Overview in New Hampshire

Most families arranging cremation in New Hampshire follow a similar path:

• Transfer into care: A funeral home or direct cremation provider brings your loved one into their care from a home, hospital, hospice, or medical examiner’s office.
• Paperwork: The death record is completed and filed, and a burial/transit permit is obtained. In New Hampshire, the permit includes the method and place of disposition (such as a crematory). See New Hampshire RSA 5-C:67 (Burial Permit).
• Authorization: A signed cremation authorization form is required before cremation can occur. See New Hampshire RSA 325-A:22 (Cremation Authorization Form).
• Medical examiner review and timing: New Hampshire law generally requires a 48-hour waiting period (with an exception for certain infectious/contagious deaths) and a medical examiner certificate before cremation. See New Hampshire RSA 325-A:18 (Medical Examiner’s Certificate).
• Cremation and return of ashes: After cremation, the cremated remains are processed and returned to the authorized person, usually in a temporary container unless an urn was selected.

Many families also choose a memorial gathering—either at a funeral home, a place of worship, a cemetery, or a meaningful location. Cremation can be simple and private, or it can include traditions like visitation, a service, military honors, or cultural rites.

Average Cremation Costs in New Hampshire

Cremation costs vary widely based on the provider, distance for transport, service level, and add-ons. Prices also commonly change over time. Many providers also charge additional fees for factors like higher body weight, extended refrigeration, or transfers outside a normal service area. For example, some published price lists show fees for cases above a certain weight threshold and for extended refrigeration. See Cremation Society of New Hampshire pricing (effective dates and add-on fees).

Important cost note: All ranges below are approximate, in USD, and meant to help you compare options. Costs vary by provider, body size, and over time.

Direct cremation (no visitation or ceremony)

• Typical range: about $1,195–$3,500
• Example published pricing includes a direct cremation starting around $1,195 from a low-cost provider serving New Hampshire (Northeast Cremation Service NH pricing) and package pricing around $1,495–$1,895 (member vs. non-member) from a statewide provider (Cremation Society of New Hampshire package pricing).
• Some full-service funeral homes may list “just cremation” packages at higher prices depending on what is included. For example, one New Hampshire funeral home lists a “Just Cremation Package” starting at $3,150 (Phaneuf prices page).

Cremation followed by a memorial service

• Typical range: about $2,450–$6,000+
• This often includes the cremation plus a gathering/service (with staff and facilities), printed materials, and coordination. Published packages can include examples like a “Veterans Tribute” or gathering packages around the mid-$2,000s and a “Life Celebration” package in the low-to-mid $4,000s (CSNH package pricing), and other providers list memorial/gathering packages starting higher depending on what is included (Phaneuf cremation package examples).

Cremation with visitation/viewing (before cremation)

• Typical range: about $4,000–$9,000+
• Costs are higher because visitation often requires embalming or additional preparation, use of viewing space, staff time, and sometimes a rental casket. Price lists and package PDFs from local funeral homes can show traditional-service-for-cremation options in this range (see examples from Brewitt cremation packages PDF).

When you compare cremation costs, ask for a General Price List (GPL) and an itemized estimate. The federal FTC Funeral Rule guidance explains the price list disclosures you can request and use to comparison shop.

If you’re also choosing products, these Funeral.com resources can help you plan with less stress: urn size guide, cremation jewelry collection, and keepsake urns for sharing ashes.

Cremation Laws and Legal Requirements in New Hampshire

New Hampshire’s cremation rules are found in state law and are carried out by cremation authorities and funeral establishments. The points below are common requirements families run into. This is not legal advice; for your situation, verify with your provider and official sources.

Who has the legal right to authorize cremation?

New Hampshire law ties the right to authorize cremation and control the final disposition of cremated remains to custody-and-control rules (generally found in RSA 290). The cremation chapter states that the right to authorize cremation “vests pursuant to RSA 290.” See RSA 325-A:17 (Right to Authorize Cremation).

If the person who died named an agent in a written signed document, that person generally has custody and control. If not, custody and control usually falls to the next of kin. See RSA 290:17 (Custody and Control Generally).

Next-of-kin order of priority

When there is no designated agent, New Hampshire law defines “next-of-kin” and lists an order of priority (for example, spouse, adult children, parent, and so on). See RSA 290:16 (Definitions, including next-of-kin priority).

Waiting period and medical examiner certificate

New Hampshire generally requires that a body not be cremated within 48 hours of death (with an exception if the person died of a contagious or infectious disease). It also requires a certificate from a medical examiner and a burial permit before cremation in most in-state cases. See RSA 325-A:18 (Medical Examiner’s Certificate, waiting period, and documentation).

Authorization form and required information

A crematory authority generally must receive a signed cremation authorization form, a permit for transit/cremation (as required by law), and other documentation before proceeding. The statute also describes what the authorization form typically includes (identity of the deceased, authorizing agent relationship, intended disposition, hazard representations, and more). See RSA 325-A:22 (Cremation Authorization Form).

Burial/transit permit

New Hampshire’s burial permit process includes information such as the method, date, and place of disposition (including a crematory). See RSA 5-C:67 (Burial Permit).

Aftercare and unclaimed cremated remains

New Hampshire law treats the delivery of cremated remains to the authorizing agent (or their representative) as “final disposition” for purposes of the cremation statute. It also describes what may happen if cremated remains are unclaimed after 60 days and the provider cannot get direction despite reasonable attempts to contact the authorizing agent. See RSA 325-A:27 (Cremated Remains; Final Disposition).

If you have questions about paperwork, timing, or who can act for a family, many people find it helpful to speak with a local funeral home or review educational resources like New Hampshire Funeral Resources & Education (“Learn the Law”).

Types of Cremation and Service Options in New Hampshire

Families usually choose one of three broad approaches to cremation in New Hampshire:

Direct cremation

Direct cremation is the simplest option: there is no visitation and no formal ceremony before cremation. Families can hold a memorial later (or not at all). This option is often the lowest-cost choice and can still be meaningful and dignified.

Cremation with a memorial service (after cremation)

With this approach, cremation happens first, and then family and friends gather later with an urn, photos, music, readings, or a tribute video. This can happen at a funeral home, a church, a cemetery, a restaurant event space, or at home. It can be formal, simple, or very personalized.

Cremation with visitation/viewing (before cremation)

This option includes a visitation or viewing before cremation, sometimes with a short ceremony. It may require additional preparation and facility time, which is why it typically costs more.

Product choices can shape the experience too. Some families choose a simple temporary container, while others prefer a permanent cremation urn, a keepsake for each child, or cremation jewelry for daily remembrance. Funeral.com’s urn size guide and keepsake urn selection can help you choose confidently.

Cultural Norms and Local Practices Around Cremation in New Hampshire

New Hampshire families often value practicality, privacy, and flexibility—so direct cremation followed by a separate memorial is common. Many services are small and family-centered, and gatherings may happen weeks later to accommodate travel and weather.

You will also see a wide range of cultural and religious practices. Some families hold a church service with cremation afterward; others prefer a “celebration of life” in a community hall; and some choose quiet, immediate cremation with private ash scattering.

Scattering is a meaningful choice for many people in New Hampshire, especially in natural spaces that mattered to the person who died. While New Hampshire may not have a single, statewide “scattering law” that fits every place, permission and land-manager rules still matter. If you plan to scatter on public land, check with the managing agency. For federal lands and waters, these resources can help you understand common rules:

• Bureau of Land Management guidance on scattering cremated remains (federal public lands managed by BLM)
• National Park Service example policy on scattering ashes (parks vary; contact the specific park)
• U.S. EPA Burial at Sea guidance (including cremated remains)
• 40 CFR 229.1 (burial at sea rule text)

How to Choose a Cremation Provider in New Hampshire

Choosing among cremation providers can feel like a lot, especially when time is short. These steps can help you compare options without getting overwhelmed:

Ask for an itemized price list and estimate

Request a General Price List (GPL) and an itemized estimate for your chosen option (direct cremation, memorial after cremation, or cremation with viewing). The FTC Funeral Rule explains the documents you can request and how they help you compare apples-to-apples.

Confirm what is included

Even “direct cremation” packages can vary. Ask whether the quote includes transportation, refrigeration, basic container, crematory fee, medical examiner fee, required permits, and the return of ashes.

Ask about timing (and what can delay it)

In New Hampshire, cremation typically cannot occur immediately because of the legal waiting period and medical examiner certificate requirement. Ask how long the provider expects the process to take and what could delay it (paperwork, weekends/holidays, medical examiner scheduling, or family authorization timing). See RSA 325-A:18.

Understand identity checks and “chain of custody”

Ask how the provider verifies identity throughout care, including identification at transfer, before cremation, and when returning the ashes. Also ask how the crematory handles personal effects and prosthetics/implants.

Discuss aftercare and disposition plans early

If you plan to scatter, ask the provider about practical steps (containers for travel, split keepsakes, or paperwork for flights). If you plan to keep ashes at home, consider a secure location and a suitable urn. Funeral.com’s urn size guide and cremation jewelry collection can help you plan meaningful keepsakes.

Notable Cremation Providers in New Hampshire

Disclaimer: The following list is not a recommendation or endorsement. It is a starting point to help families research cremation providers across New Hampshire. Availability, pricing, and service areas change, so contact providers directly for current details.

• The Cremation Society of New Hampshire — Multiple locations (including Manchester) — Offers direct cremation, cremation packages, and planning resources. Website | Phone: 603-622-1800
• Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium — Manchester — Offers “just cremation” and cremation with gathering or graveside options, plus online price list tools. Website
• Brewitt Funeral Home, LLC — Exeter (also Raymond and Epping) — Offers cremation services with an on-site crematorium and published local contact numbers. Website | Phone (Exeter): (603) 772-3554
• Winnipesaukee River Crematorium (Simoneau Paquette Funeral Home) — Laconia — Provides cremation services and local guidance for families. Website
• J. Verne Wood Funeral Home — Portsmouth — Offers funeral and cremation options for Seacoast families. Website
• DiLuzio Foley and Fletcher Funeral Homes — Keene — Offers funeral and cremation services (Dignity Memorial network). Website
• Bennett Funeral Home — Concord — Offers funeral and cremation services (Dignity Memorial network). Website
• Northeast Cremation Service — Serves New Hampshire — Offers low-cost simple cremation services with published starting price for New Hampshire service area. Website | Phone: (603) 600-4158

FAQs About Cremation in New Hampshire

Final note: Laws and prices change. For any situation involving cremation laws, permits, timing, and current costs, verify details directly with providers, local funeral homes, and official state and local sources.