Cremation Overview in Tennessee

Losing a loved one is never easy, and making decisions about cremation can feel overwhelming. This guide aims to answer your questions and help you understand your options with compassion and clarity. If you are exploring cremation in Tennessee, most families work with a licensed funeral home or cremation provider that coordinates the required paperwork, transportation, and timing.

In Tennessee, cremation typically cannot move forward until required authorizations are in place and a cremation permit is issued. Tennessee’s “Permit for Cremation of Human Remains” instructions explain that a permit application includes a fee and that the funeral director (or person applying) is responsible for obtaining authorization from the medical examiner in the county where the death occurred. You can review the state form instructions here: Tennessee Department of Health cremation permit instructions.

Families often choose cremation because it can offer flexibility. You can hold a memorial service right away, wait until relatives can travel, keep things private, or plan a gathering that feels personal and manageable. In many cases, the provider will return the cremated remains (often called “ashes” or “cremains”) in a temporary container, and you can decide later what to do next.

Average Cremation Costs in Tennessee

Cremation costs in Tennessee vary widely based on where you live (metro vs. rural), whether you want a viewing or ceremony, transportation distance, and provider pricing. Costs can also vary by body size and over time (for example, some providers charge additional fees for higher weight cases, and fuel/operational costs can change). The ranges below are meant to be realistic planning estimates, not fixed prices.

Direct Cremation

Direct cremation (simple cremation with no visitation or ceremony; cremated remains returned) commonly falls around $1,100–$2,600 in Tennessee, depending on the provider and region. One published Tennessee-focused estimate for direct cremation is in that range: The Living Urn cost overview for Tennessee. A national pricing snapshot that includes a Nashville “low-cost” direct cremation figure is also available here: DFS Memorials 2025 direct cremation cost breakdown (includes Nashville). Some Tennessee providers publicly list starting prices (for example, “Direct Cremation: $1,295”): Cremation and Funeral Services of Tennessee pricing page.

Direct cremation packages often include basic services, transportation within a set radius, the cremation itself, and a temporary container. Third-party fees (such as death certificates and permits) may be separate or included depending on the provider; always ask for a written itemization.

Cremation Followed by a Memorial Service

Cremation followed by a memorial service (a gathering after cremation, often with an urn, photos, or tribute elements) commonly ranges from $2,500–$6,000 in Tennessee. The total depends on where the memorial happens (church, home, funeral home chapel, event space), whether you use staff and facilities, printed materials, audio/visual, catering, and whether you purchase a cemetery niche, scattering garden placement, or other permanent memorial option.

Many families find that a memorial service after cremation provides a meaningful moment of closure without the added costs and logistics of a viewing prior to cremation.

Cremation With Visitation or Viewing

Cremation with visitation/viewing (a viewing or visitation before cremation, sometimes with a short ceremony) commonly ranges from $4,000–$8,500 in Tennessee, and it can be higher depending on facility fees, staffing, embalming (if used), cosmetic preparation, and the selection of a rental casket or ceremonial casket. This option most closely resembles a traditional funeral rhythm, but with cremation rather than burial as the final disposition.

If you want cost clarity, ask the provider for their General Price List and a written statement of the specific goods and services you selected. The Federal Trade Commission’s Funeral Rule explains price list requirements and consumer protections: FTC guidance on complying with the Funeral Rule.

Cremation Laws and Legal Requirements in Tennessee

This section summarizes cremation laws and related rules in an informational way. It is not legal advice. If you have a complex family situation, questions about authorization, or concerns about timelines, a Tennessee-licensed funeral director (or the regulating board) can help you understand the rules for your circumstances.

Cremation permit and prerequisites. Tennessee law requires certain prerequisites before a cremation can occur, including that the crematory operator receives a permit authorizing the cremation. You can see an example statutory prerequisite in the cremation part of Tennessee’s funeral law here: Tennessee Code reference on prerequisites to cremation (TN Code § 62-5-504). The state cremation permit instructions (including a permit fee and medical examiner authorization) are provided by the Tennessee Department of Health: Tennessee Department of Health cremation permit instructions.

Death certificate timing. Tennessee rules also address filing and timing requirements related to death certificates and disposition. For example, Tennessee regulations state that the funeral director (or person acting as such) must secure and file the death certificate with the local registrar within five days. See: Tennessee rule on authorization for final disposition (death certificate filing).

Licensed providers and supervision. Tennessee cremation rules include requirements about how cremations are arranged and supervised. For example, Tennessee crematory rules state that cremations must be arranged through a holder of a valid funeral establishment license and directly supervised by a licensed funeral director during key parts of the cremation process. See: Tennessee crematory requirements (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0660-09-.01).

Identification and separation of remains. Tennessee crematory rules also address how cremated remains are handled, including keeping remains properly identified and separate (no commingling for storage or disposition unless properly authorized) and returning the entire cremated remains to the family and/or responsible party. See: Tennessee crematory requirements on handling and return of cremated remains.

Where to verify Tennessee legal sources. Tennessee’s Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers publishes consumer and regulatory resources and directs the public to official sources for Tennessee Code Annotated and rules. See: Tennessee Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers and Board laws and rules references.

Types of Cremation and Service Options in Tennessee

Most Tennessee providers offer several paths for cremation in Tennessee, and the “right” choice often depends on your family’s needs, budget, and timing.

Direct cremation. This is the simplest option: the provider transfers the person into their care, completes paperwork, performs the cremation, and returns the cremated remains. Families often hold a memorial later (or keep it private).

Cremation with a memorial service after. With this option, the cremation happens first, and the gathering happens later. Many families like the flexibility: you can plan a service at a church, home, cemetery chapel, or event space, with photos, music, readings, and an urn displayed as a focal point.

Cremation with visitation/viewing before. If your family wants a viewing, you may schedule it before cremation. This can include a visitation window, a short ceremony, or a more traditional funeral service. Some providers use a rental casket for viewing when cremation is chosen.

Choosing an urn, keepsakes, or memorial jewelry. After cremation, many families choose a permanent urn for display, burial, or placement in a columbarium niche. Others choose sharing keepsakes or jewelry so multiple relatives can hold a small portion. If you want practical help with sizing and capacity, Funeral.com’s cremation urn size chart can help you understand common capacities. If you are considering wearable memorials, you can explore the cremation jewelry collection. For families who plan to divide remains among close relatives, Funeral.com’s keepsake cremation urns can be a practical starting point.

Cultural Norms and Local Practices Around Cremation in Tennessee

Tennessee is culturally diverse, and local practices around cremation often reflect family tradition, faith community preferences, and regional norms. Many families choose a church-based memorial service, sometimes with the urn present at the front of the sanctuary or near photos and mementos. Others prefer a small gathering at home, a community hall, or a cemetery chapel.

It is also common for families to separate the timing: cremation first, then a memorial service weeks later when travel is easier. This approach can reduce pressure during an already stressful week and gives families time to coordinate music, readings, and a meaningful tribute.

For families considering scattering in scenic locations, Tennessee’s public lands often have their own rules. For example, Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires permission (a letter of permission) for scattering cremated remains. See: NPS guidance on scattering cremated ashes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If your family is considering burial at sea (for those traveling to an ocean location), federal rules apply; the U.S. EPA summarizes key requirements, including the “three nautical miles from land” guideline. See: U.S. EPA burial at sea guidance for cremated remains.

How to Choose a Cremation Provider in Tennessee

Choosing cremation providers is both a practical and emotional decision. A helpful approach is to focus on transparency, licensing, and the exact scope of services included in the price.

Start with licensing and accountability. Tennessee’s Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers regulates funeral directors, embalmers, and funeral establishments. Their official board page is a solid starting point for consumer resources and license verification tools: Tennessee Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers. The Board’s site also links to a public license verification portal: Tennessee license search and verification.

Ask for written pricing. If you meet with a provider in person and begin discussing services or prices, the FTC’s Funeral Rule requires the provider to give you a General Price List that you can keep. This helps you compare providers and avoid surprises. See: FTC Funeral Rule guidance (General Price List requirements).

Clarify what “direct cremation” includes. Ask whether the quoted price includes transportation within a certain radius, refrigeration, the alternative container, the cremation permit and death certificates, and the return method for the cremated remains. Also ask about possible additional charges tied to body weight or special circumstances.

Discuss chain-of-custody and identification. Most families want reassurance that they are receiving the correct remains back. Tennessee rules address identification and the separation of cremated remains (including limits on commingling and requirements to keep remains properly identified). See: Tennessee crematory requirements on handling cremated remains.

Choose memorial options that fit your plan. If you already know you want to keep the urn at home, place it in a columbarium niche, bury it, travel with it, or scatter, it helps to choose an urn designed for that purpose. Funeral.com’s guide on practical urn selection by scenario can help you think through these decisions: how to choose a cremation urn that fits your plans.

Notable Cremation Providers in Tennessee

Disclaimer: The providers below are not recommendations or endorsements. This is simply a starting list for your research. Pricing, service areas, and availability change, so verify current details directly with each provider.

Cremation Society of Tennessee, Columbia — Offers cremation services and support for families, including arrangements by phone and in person. Website: Cremation Society of Tennessee. Phone: (615) 302-4842.

Cremation and Funeral Services of Tennessee, Waverly — Offers direct cremation and related funeral services with multiple regional contact options across Tennessee. Website: Cremation and Funeral Services of Tennessee. Phone: (615) 477-9359 (Middle TN) and additional regional numbers listed on their site.

Neptune Society – Nashville, Brentwood — Provides cremation services and preplanning support for the Nashville area. Website: Neptune Society – Nashville location page.

Cremation Society of East Tennessee, Knoxville — Provides cremation services in East Tennessee, including at-need and preplanning options. Website: Cremation Society of East Tennessee. Phone: (865) 951-0360.

Chattanooga Cremation Center, Chattanooga — Offers cremation services and planning support in the Chattanooga area. Website: Chattanooga Cremation Center. Phone: (423) 362-5999.

Comfort Cremation Center, Chattanooga area — Offers direct cremation and online arrangement options with published contact information. Website: Comfort Cremation Center. Phone: (423) 531-7141.

Tennessee Cremations, Inc., Memphis — Provides cremation and related support services in the Memphis area. Website: Tennessee Cremations, Inc.. Phone: (901) 324-2923.

Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery, Memphis — Provides funeral and cremation services and cemetery options in the Memphis area. Website: Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery. Phone: (901) 445-8475.

FAQs About Cremation in Tennessee

Important note: Laws, regulations, and prices change. Always verify the latest requirements and current pricing directly with your chosen cremation providers, local funeral homes, and official Tennessee state and local sources before making final decisions.