Cremation Overview in Ohio

Losing a loved one is never easy, and making decisions about cremation in Ohio can feel overwhelming—especially when paperwork, timelines, costs, and family preferences all collide at once. This guide is here to help you understand your options in clear, plain language, so you can make choices that feel respectful, manageable, and aligned with what matters most to your family.

In Ohio, cremation is commonly chosen because it can offer flexibility for timing, travel, and memorial planning. Many families choose to separate the practical step of cremation from the emotional step of a gathering, holding a memorial service days or weeks later when more people can attend. Others choose a visitation first, then cremation, with a formal ceremony at a funeral home or place of worship.

In most situations, a funeral home or cremation provider will coordinate transportation into their care, filing the death certificate, obtaining the required permit for disposition, securing the cremation authorization, and arranging the return of the cremated remains. This is general information, not legal advice. If you have a question about how a rule applies to your circumstances, a licensed Ohio funeral director, the local registrar, or an official state source can usually clarify next steps.

Average Cremation Costs in Ohio

Cremation costs in Ohio vary widely by provider, location, what is included, body size, transportation distance, and changing operating costs over time. When you compare prices, try to compare “apples to apples” by asking what is included (permits, transportation radius, alternative container, return of cremated remains, and any aftercare support) and what may be added (death certificates, mileage, special handling, urn upgrades, or ceremony space).

Direct Cremation

Direct cremation (sometimes called “simple” or “immediate” cremation) typically includes transport into the provider’s care, required paperwork, an alternative container, the cremation itself, and return of the cremated remains. In Ohio, published package pricing commonly falls in the approximate range of $895–$1,500, depending on what is included and the area served. For example, some providers publish direct cremation pricing around $895, while others list higher package pricing when additional features are included (such as private farewells, witnessing, broader service areas, or specific administrative items).

It is also important to ask about surcharges that may apply in certain situations. Some providers list additional fees for higher body weight or special handling, which can change the total significantly.

Cremation Followed by a Memorial Service

Cremation followed by a memorial service generally means the person is cremated first, and the gathering happens afterward with an urn present (at a funeral home, church, private venue, or even at home). Total cost often lands in the approximate range of $2,000–$6,000, depending on whether the funeral home provides the venue and staff, whether you choose printed programs, catering, flowers, video tributes, clergy or celebrant fees, and what kind of urns or keepsakes you select.

Many families lower costs by doing direct cremation and holding a memorial at a place of worship or a family home, then choosing a meaningful but simple urn. If you want to browse options, Funeral.com’s cremation urns for ashes collection is a helpful starting point, and the cremation urn size chart can help you choose an appropriate capacity.

Cremation With Visitation or Viewing

Cremation with visitation/viewing usually includes preparation of the body (often embalming), facility and staff for visitation, and sometimes a formal ceremony before cremation. Because this option adds professional preparation and facility time, total costs are often higher—commonly in the approximate range of $4,000–$8,000+ depending on the funeral home, the length of visitation, and merchandise choices such as a rental casket, upgraded urn, or printed materials.

If you are deciding between service types, it may help to remember that a viewing is not required for every family. Some families find it essential for closure, while others feel more comfortable with a memorial after cremation. There is no single “right” answer—only what fits your family.

Cremation Laws and Legal Requirements in Ohio

Ohio’s cremation laws are primarily found in the Ohio Revised Code and related administrative rules. The goal is to ensure lawful authorization, proper identification, public health protections, and respectful handling of the person who died. The links below point to official legal sources so you can verify details directly.

Disposition Permit and Death Certificate Filing

Ohio law generally requires a permit (often referred to as a burial or disposition permit) before a body can be cremated, and it ties issuance of that permit to filing a satisfactory death certificate. Ohio law also states that a permit authorizing cremation is not issued on a provisional death certificate. You can review this requirement in Ohio Revised Code § 3705.17 (burial permit; cremation restrictions).

Waiting Period Before Cremation

Ohio law sets a minimum waiting period before cremation in most cases. A key provision is that at least 24 hours must elapse since death as indicated on a complete, nonprovisional death certificate (with a limited exception related to certain communicable disease circumstances). See Ohio Revised Code § 4717.23 (prohibited acts prior to cremation).

Who Has Authority to Decide

Ohio recognizes a “right of disposition,” which includes the right to make arrangements and purchase goods and services for burial or cremation. Many families encounter this issue when there are multiple adult children, blended families, or uncertainty about who can legally sign. An adult can also assign their right of disposition in advance. For the statutory language, see Ohio Revised Code § 2108.70 (right of disposition).

Cremation Authorization Form

In Ohio, cremation generally requires a signed authorization by the appropriate authorizing agent. Ohio law describes required contents for the authorization form, including statements about the authority to authorize cremation and efforts to address potential priority conflicts. See Ohio Revised Code § 4717.24 (cremation authorization form).

Handling, Identification, and Disposition of Cremated Remains

Ohio law addresses how cremated remains may be handled and disposed of, including rules intended to prevent improper commingling (with certain exceptions when authorized). Ohio law also explicitly notes that certain kinds of scattering are not prohibited, such as scattering at sea or by air, and scattering in a cemetery area dedicated exclusively to scattering. See Ohio Revised Code § 4717.27 (disposing of cremated remains).

Licensing and Oversight of Crematories

Ohio funeral homes, crematory facilities, and crematory operators are regulated by the state. Administrative rules cover licensing requirements for crematory facilities, including requirements around being “actually in charge” and facility standards. See Ohio Administrative Code Rule 4717-7-04 (crematory facilities). For consumer context on the crematory operator role, see Ohio Board of Embalmers & Funeral Directors guidance on crematory operator licensing.

Types of Cremation and Service Options in Ohio

When families talk about “cremation,” they often mean different things. In practice, your options usually come down to how much ceremony happens before or after cremation, and who is present.

Direct Cremation

With direct cremation, there is no viewing or formal ceremony before cremation. The provider handles the legal steps, then returns the cremated remains to the family or to a designated person. Families may later hold a memorial service with photos, music, readings, or a religious ritual. This approach is often chosen for simplicity, budget, or flexibility.

Cremation With a Memorial Service Afterward

This option separates the practical timeline from the gathering. Your family may hold a memorial in Ohio after travel is arranged, after an obituary is published, or after a venue is available. It can be formal (a chapel service) or informal (a celebration-of-life gathering). Many families choose a primary urn plus smaller keepsakes for close relatives; Funeral.com’s keepsake cremation urns for ashes are designed for sharing a small portion when that feels meaningful.

Cremation With Visitation or Viewing

Families who want a traditional timeline often choose a visitation first, then cremation. This may include embalming, dressing, and preparation for a viewing, followed by cremation after the ceremony. In Ohio, a funeral home can explain which preparation steps are recommended based on timing, condition, and the family’s preferences.

Other Disposition Methods You May Hear About

Families sometimes ask about alternatives like alkaline hydrolysis (“water cremation”) or natural organic reduction. Ohio’s current statutory definition of “cremation” is based on heat and flame. You can see the definition in Ohio Revised Code § 4717.01. If you are interested in other methods, ask providers what is currently authorized and available in Ohio at the time you are making arrangements, and verify through official state sources when possible.

Cultural Norms and Local Practices Around Cremation in Ohio

Ohio is diverse—large metropolitan areas like Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, and Dayton sit alongside smaller towns and rural communities. Because of that mix, there is no single “Ohio way” to approach cremation, but a few patterns are common.

Many families choose cremation for its flexibility. It can allow time for relatives to travel, reduce immediate pressure to choose a cemetery plot, and support personalized memorials. In many communities, memorial services are still often held in churches or funeral home chapels, with an urn placed on a table alongside photos, flowers, and a guestbook.

Scattering is also common, especially when a place has personal meaning—family property, a cemetery scattering garden, or a location connected to hobbies or family history. If you are considering scattering on public land, the best practice is to contact the managing agency in advance, because permit or location rules can vary by park system or local government.

How to Choose a Cremation Provider in Ohio

Choosing among cremation providers can feel difficult when you are grieving. A practical approach is to compare a few providers using the same set of questions and ask for everything in writing.

Start With Licensing and Accountability

Ask whether the provider is a licensed Ohio funeral home or crematory facility, and who is responsible for the cremation. Ohio regulates crematories and crematory operators, and you can reference state rules on crematory facility requirements in Ohio Administrative Code Rule 4717-7-04.

Request Transparent, Itemized Pricing

Ask for a written General Price List (GPL) and an itemized estimate, not just a headline price. Under the FTC’s Funeral Rule, funeral providers must give a General Price List to people who ask in person about funeral goods, services, or prices. See FTC guidance on complying with the Funeral Rule. Transparent pricing makes it easier to compare providers fairly and avoid surprises.

Clarify What’s Included

When comparing cremation costs, ask whether the price includes transportation (and the radius), refrigeration, permits, the alternative container, the crematory fee, and return of the cremated remains. If your loved one died in a hospital or nursing facility, ask whether pick-up is included and whether there are mileage or after-hours fees.

Ask About Identification and Tracking

Families often worry about receiving the correct ashes back. Ask how the provider identifies the person throughout the process (ID bands, tracking systems, written logs), whether they cremate one person at a time, and how the cremated remains are transferred into the container and released to the family.

Discuss Aftercare and Final Disposition Plans

Before you sign authorization paperwork, discuss what will happen to the cremated remains: pickup by a designated person, delivery or shipping, placement in a cemetery, or scattering. If scattering is part of your plan, choose a container that fits that plan—some families use a temporary container for scattering and a separate keepsake or display urn. For wearable remembrance options, Funeral.com’s cremation jewelry collection can be a practical way for multiple family members to keep a small portion close.

Notable Cremation Providers in Ohio

The following list is not a recommendation or endorsement—just a starting point for research on cremation providers in Ohio. Availability, pricing, and service details can change, so confirm current information directly with each provider.

• Shaw-Davis Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Columbus: Offers direct cremation and cremation packages with options such as private viewing or family witnessing. Website: Shaw-Davis Funeral Homes & Cremation Services. Phone: (614) 299-4155.
• Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions (Columbus Area), Columbus: Provides cremation and funeral services across multiple Columbus-area chapels with pricing and planning resources. Website: Newcomer Columbus. Phone: (614) 818-1188.
• Tidd Family Funeral Home, Hilliard: Offers funeral and cremation services in the Columbus metro area with multiple location options and support resources. Website: Tidd Family Funeral Home. Phone: (614) 876-1722.
• Lakeside Simple Cremation, Cleveland: Focuses on simple cremation in Northeast Ohio with published pricing and a streamlined arrangement process. Website: Lakeside Simple Cremation. Phone: (216) 545-0700.
• Walker Funeral Homes & Crematory, Toledo: Provides funeral and cremation services in Northwest Ohio and references an in-house crematory as part of its service offerings. Website: Walker Funeral Homes & Crematory. Phone: (419) 841-2422.
• Routsong Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Kettering (Dayton Area): Offers cremation services with options for gatherings, personalization, and grief support resources. Website: Routsong Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Phone: (937) 293-4137.
• Spring Grove Cremation Society, Cincinnati: Provides cremation packages in the Cincinnati region and publishes direct cremation information and planning resources. Website: Spring Grove Cremation Society. Phone: (513) 853-6868.
• Advantage Cremation Care of Greater Cincinnati, Loveland: Publishes package pricing and offers direct cremation with optional private farewells or witnessing options. Website: Advantage Cremation Care of Greater Cincinnati. Phone: (513) 575-7332.
• Cremation Society of Greater Cincinnati, Cincinnati Region: Provides cremation services for families in the greater Cincinnati area and publishes contact information and service details. Website: Cremation Society of Greater Cincinnati. Phone: (513) 421-5777.

FAQs About Cremation in Ohio

1. Is cremation in Ohio legal?

   Yes. Ohio law regulates the cremation process and sets requirements such as a waiting period and authorization; see Ohio Revised Code § 4717.23 for key conditions.

2. What are the main differences between direct cremation and cremation with services?

   Direct cremation includes no viewing or ceremony before cremation, while cremation with services adds a visitation, ceremony, or memorial gathering that can increase both planning complexity and cremation costs.

3. How much does cremation typically cost in Ohio?

   Many Ohio providers publish direct cremation packages in the approximate range of $895–$1,500, while services with visitation can be several thousand dollars more; compare published examples such as Shaw-Davis cremation packages and Advantage Cremation Care prices.

4. Can I keep my loved one’s ashes at home in a cremation urn?

   In many cases, families do keep cremated remains at home in an urn or other container; if you have questions about specific restrictions tied to a cemetery or other location, ask that location directly. For urn selection help, see the cremation urn size chart.

5. Where can I scatter ashes in Ohio?

   Ohio law addresses scattering in the context of disposition rules and notes that certain scattering (such as at sea or by air) is not prohibited; see Ohio Revised Code § 4717.27. Always obtain permission for private property and check rules for public parks or managed lands.

6. How long does cremation usually take, and when will the ashes be ready?

   The cremation process itself is typically completed within a day, but paperwork and scheduling often mean families receive cremated remains within several days; Ohio also includes a minimum waiting period before cremation in most cases (see Ohio Revised Code § 4717.23).

7. Do prices vary based on factors like weight, service level, or provider fees?

   Yes. Cremation costs can change based on body size (some providers list additional fees), distance for removal/transport, whether you add viewing or ceremonies, and whether you select upgraded merchandise or special handling.

8. How do I know I’m receiving the correct ashes back?

   Ask the provider to explain their identification and tracking steps (ID bands, logs, and chain-of-custody procedures), and whether cremations occur one at a time in a controlled process.

9. What kinds of urns, keepsakes, or memorial options are available?

   Many families choose a primary urn plus smaller keepsakes or wearable memorials. You can explore cremation urns for ashes, keepsake cremation urns for ashes, and the cremation jewelry collection.

10. Can I plan ahead for cremation in Ohio?

    Yes. Many families plan ahead through preplanning or pre-need arrangements, and Ohio law recognizes advance assignment of the right of disposition; see Ohio Revised Code § 2108.70 for the statutory framework.

Laws, regulations, provider policies, and cremation costs can change. Before making final decisions, verify details directly with cremation providers, local funeral homes, the local registrar, and official Ohio state sources.