Cremation Services in Georgia

Compare 120 cremation providers across 629 cities. Average direct cremation: $2,100.

$2,100 Avg. Direct Cremation
48% Cremation Rate
120 Providers Listed
49,216 Est. Cremations/Year

Cremation Laws in Georgia

Waiting Period

24 hours

Alkaline Hydrolysis

Legal

Human Composting

Legal

Scattering Ashes

Permitted on private land with owner consent; no specific state restrictions on scattering

Additional Notes

Georgia legalized alkaline hydrolysis in 2012. Human composting was legalized in 2025 (SB 241), making it the 13th state. Coroner or medical examiner must authorize all cremations.

Cremation Cost Breakdown in Georgia

Typical price ranges for cremation services in Georgia

ServiceLowAverageHigh
Direct Cremation Basic cremation with no ceremony. Includes transportation, paperwork, cremation, and return of remains in a simple container. $1,155 $1,785 $2,520
Cremation Memorial Cremation followed by a memorial service at the funeral home or other venue. May include a viewing before cremation. $3,780 $5,250 $6,720
Cremation Viewing Full-service cremation with visitation/viewing, funeral ceremony, and cremation. Requires embalming and casket rental. $4,620 $6,300 $8,400
Transport Transfer of remains from place of death to the cremation facility. Often included in package pricing. $315 $525 $840
Urn Basic Simple container for cremated remains. Ranges from a basic cardboard box (often included) to a modest urn. $42 $105 $315
Urn Premium Handcrafted or designer urn in materials like bronze, marble, ceramic, or hardwood. $210 $420 $1,050
Death Certificate Certified copies of the death certificate. Most families need 5-10 copies for insurance, banking, and legal purposes. $11 $21 $42
Traditional Burial Full traditional burial including casket, embalming, viewing, ceremony, burial plot, vault, and headstone. Shown for cost comparison. $7,350 $9,450 $12,600

The Cremation Process in Georgia

Step-by-step guide to cremation in Georgia

1

Obtain a Death Certificate

When a death occurs in Georgia, a physician or medical examiner must sign the death certificate. The funeral home or cremation provider typically handles filing with the Georgia vital records office. Order 8-12 certified copies ($21-$42 each) - you'll need them for insurance claims, bank accounts, and legal matters.

2

Choose a Cremation Provider

Compare providers in Georgia - our directory lists 120 across the state. The FTC's Funeral Rule requires all providers to give you an itemized General Price List over the phone or in person. Direct cremation in Georgia averages $2,100, but prices range from $1,155 to $2,520.

3

Complete Authorization

Georgia requires written authorization from the next of kin or legal representative before cremation can proceed. There is a 24 hours mandatory waiting period after death. The medical examiner or coroner must also approve the cremation in most cases.

4

Transportation & Preparation

The cremation provider will transport the deceased from the place of death (hospital, home, nursing facility) to their facility. In Georgia, transportation typically costs $315-$840. For direct cremation, no embalming is required. If a viewing is planned, embalming may be necessary.

5

The Cremation Process

The cremation takes place in a specialized chamber called a cremation retort at 1,400-1,800°F. The process takes 2-3 hours. Afterward, the remains are processed into a fine powder (cremains) weighing 3-7 pounds. Georgia also allows alkaline hydrolysis (water cremation) as an alternative method.

6

Receive the Cremated Remains

Cremated remains are returned to the family within 3-10 business days, typically in a basic container or urn. In Georgia, you can keep the remains at home, inter them in a cemetery columbarium, scatter them following state guidelines, or choose a memorial option like a cremation garden or reef burial. Scattering rules: Permitted on private land with owner consent; no specific state restrictions on scattering

Cremation vs. Burial in Georgia

Cost Comparison

Direct cremation in Georgia: $1,155-$2,520. Traditional burial: $7,350-$12,600. Cremation is typically 60-80% less expensive. Even full-service cremation with a ceremony costs significantly less than burial.

Environmental Impact

Cremation uses fewer land resources than burial. Traditional burial involves embalming chemicals, a casket, and a concrete vault. Georgia offers alkaline hydrolysis as an even greener option, using 90% less energy than flame cremation. Human composting is also available in Georgia.

Flexibility

Cremation offers more flexibility for memorial services - they can be held anytime, anywhere, without the time pressure of traditional burial. Families can split remains among multiple urns, scatter in meaningful locations, or create memorial products. 48% of Georgia families now choose cremation.

Timeline

Georgia requires a 24 hours waiting period before cremation. Traditional burial typically occurs within 3-7 days. Cremation can happen within 1-5 days after the waiting period, and memorial services can be planned at any later date.

Cremation Providers in Georgia

120 providers listed

Carl M. Williams Funeral Direcors

Atlanta, GA

492 Larkin Street Southwest

Meadows Mortuary

Atlanta, GA

419 Flat Shoals Avenue Southeast

Stocks Funeral Home

Atlanta, GA

1970 Hosea L Williams Drive Southeast

Poteat

Albany, GA

Carmichael Funeral Home

Marietta, GA

1130 Whitlock Avenue Northwest

Carmichael Funeral Home

Smyrna, GA

2950 King Street Southeast

Castellaw Funeral Home

Smyrna, GA

866 Church Street

Hanley-Shelton Funeral Directors

Smyrna, GA

473 Lawrence Street Northeast

Scott & Robert's Mortuary, Inc.

Valdosta, GA

312 East Martin Luther King Drive

Stevens Funeral Home

Valdosta, GA

215 East Martin Luther King Drive

Henderson & Sons Funeral Home

Rome, GA

4900 Martha Berry Highway

Reynolds Funeral HOme

Rome, GA

5865 New Calhoun Highway Northeast

Hightower's Memorial Chapel

Douglasville, GA

12651 Veterans Memorial Highway

Platt's Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Evans, GA

337 North Belair Road

Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home

Statesboro, GA

502 Miller Street

Marietta Funeral Home & Crematory

Kennesaw, GA

915 Piedmont Road Northeast

Tom M. Wages Funeral Service

Lawrenceville, GA

120

Wages & Sons

Lawrenceville, GA

1031 Lawrenceville Highway

Southern Cremations & Funerals

Mcdonough, GA

640 McGarity Road

Walker Funeral Home

Carrollton, GA

Plummer Funeral Home, LLC

Decatur, GA

4024 Covington Highway

Owen Funeral Home

Cartersville, GA

Parnick Jennings Funeral Home and Cremation Services

Cartersville, GA

430 Cassville Road Southeast

Honor My Pet

Acworth, GA

4494 Acworth Industrial Drive Northwest

Veterans Funeral Care

Acworth, GA

4671 South Main Street

Donehoo-Lewis Funeral Home

Forest Park, GA

736 South Central Avenue

Mowell's and Son Funeral Home

Fayetteville, GA

180 Jeff Davis Drive North

Hopkins Mortuary

Thomasville, GA

Albritton Funeral Directors

Tifton, GA

1020 Tift Avenue South

Bryant Funeral Home

Bainbridge, GA

JC Harwell & Son Funeral Home

Covington, GA

2157 East Street Southeast

Evans Funeral Home

Jefferson, GA

Chattanooga Funeral Home

Fort Oglethorpe, GA

Ponders Funeral Home

Fort Oglethorpe, GA

Howard Jones Nobles Funeral Home

Jesup, GA

777 South 1st Street

Burpee-Scott Memorial Chapel & Crematory

Fort Valley, GA

2932 US Highway 41 N

Wages & Sons

Stone Mountain, GA

1040 Main Street

Boone Funeral Home

Adel, GA

1804 South Hutchinson Avenue

Clark Funeral Home

Hiram, GA

4373 Atlanta Highway

Bearden Funeral Home

Dawsonville, GA

334 Hwy 53 East

Brantley Funeral Home Inc.

Wrightsville, GA

555 West Court Street

Celebration of Life Memorial

Gray, GA

154 West Clinton Street

Collins Funeral Home

Gray, GA

138 Dolly Street

Wilson Funeral Homes/Wallis

Ringgold, GA

443 Boynton Drive

Crowe-Fields Funeral Home

Millen, GA

364 East Winthrope Avenue

Canton Funeral Home

Ball Ground, GA

Jordan Funeral Home

Monticello, GA

Bernhardt Funeral Home

Ellijay, GA

163 River Street

Bernstein Funeral Home

Bogart, GA

3195 Atlanta Highway

Cochran Funeral Home

Blue Ridge, GA

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home

Winterville, GA

4355 Lexington Road

Hill's Funeral Home, Inc.

Greenville, GA

915 R D Hill St

Ginn Funeral Home

Carnesville, GA

Snow's Memorial Chapel

Bolingbroke, GA

1419 Bass Road

Chance and Hydrick Funeral Directors

Augusta, GA

2502 Richmond Hill Road

Jackson-McWhorter Funeral Home

Athens, GA

1253 West Broad Street

Mack & Payne Funeral Home

Athens, GA

625 Nellie B Avenue

Whitney's Mutual Funeral Home

Athens, GA

390 Glenhaven Avenue

All Cities in Georgia

Cities with cremation providers or population over 10,000

Gray 4 providers Atlanta 3 providers Marietta 3 providers Smyrna 3 providers Valdosta 3 providers Douglasville 3 providers Acworth 3 providers Quitman 3 providers Athens 3 providers Rome 2 providers Lawrenceville 2 providers Carrollton 2 providers Cartersville 2 providers Snellville 2 providers Thomasville 2 providers Conyers 2 providers Fort Oglethorpe 2 providers Dahlonega 2 providers Hoschton 2 providers Monticello 2 providers Hiawassee 2 providers Talbotton 2 providers Augusta 2 providers Roswell 1 provider Albany 1 provider Peachtree City 1 provider Tucker 1 provider Woodstock 1 provider Evans 1 provider Statesboro 1 provider Kennesaw 1 provider Mcdonough 1 provider Pooler 1 provider Decatur 1 provider Forest Park 1 provider Fayetteville 1 provider Kingsland 1 provider Norcross 1 provider Buford 1 provider Tifton 1 provider Villa Rica 1 provider Calhoun 1 provider Lilburn 1 provider Bainbridge 1 provider Covington 1 provider Dallas 1 provider Waycross 1 provider Jefferson 1 provider Jesup 1 provider Fort Valley 1 provider Swainsboro 1 provider Cumming 1 provider Stone Mountain 1 provider Barnesville 1 provider Adel 1 provider Blakely 1 provider Hiram 1 provider Chatsworth 1 provider Lindale 1 provider Jonesboro 1 provider Dawsonville 1 provider Baldwin 1 provider Harlem 1 provider Hardwick 1 provider Wrightsville 1 provider Ringgold 1 provider Hahira 1 provider Millen 1 provider Lakeland 1 provider Royston 1 provider Ball Ground 1 provider Clayton 1 provider Ellijay 1 provider Sparta 1 provider Bogart 1 provider Blue Ridge 1 provider Winterville 1 provider Tunnel Hill 1 provider Shellman 1 provider Greenville 1 provider Carnesville 1 provider Blairsville 1 provider Bolingbroke 1 provider Talmo 1 provider Graysville 1 provider Macon 1 provider Rocky Face 1 provider Columbus Savannah Warner Robins Alpharetta Newnan Gainesville Mableton Hinesville Dalton Canton Duluth Redan Lagrange Stockbridge Union City Griffin Suwanee Perry Winder Milledgeville Powder Springs Lithia Springs Richmond Hill Fairburn Americus Holly Springs Dublin Grovetown Brunswick Riverdale Monroe Clarkston Moultrie Loganville Braselton Georgetown Douglas Rincon Vidalia Scottdale Cordele Cedartown Cairo Lovejoy

Cremation Planning Checklist for Georgia

VA National Cemeteries in Georgia

Eligible veterans and their spouses can receive free burial or columbarium placement at national cemeteries

Georgia National Cemetery

1080 Scott Hudgens Drive, Canton, GA 30114

Marietta National Cemetery

500 Washington Avenue, Marietta, GA 30060

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does cremation cost in Georgia?

The average direct cremation in Georgia costs approximately $2,100, which is close to the national average of $1,924. Prices typically range from $1,365 to $2,940 depending on the provider and services selected. Full-service cremation with a memorial ceremony can cost $5,250 to $7,350. We recommend comparing quotes from multiple providers in your area.

What percentage of people choose cremation in Georgia?

Approximately 48% of families in Georgia choose cremation, which is significantly lower than the national average of 62%. This translates to roughly 49,216 cremations per year in the state. The cremation rate has been steadily increasing nationwide and is projected to reach 82% by 2045.

How many cremation providers are there in Georgia?

Our directory currently lists 120 cremation and funeral service providers across Georgia, serving 629 cities and towns. Providers range from large funeral home chains to independent local cremation societies. We recommend contacting multiple providers to compare pricing and services.

What is direct cremation in Georgia?

Direct cremation is the most affordable cremation option in Georgia, typically costing $1,365 to $2,100. It includes transportation of the deceased, necessary paperwork, the cremation itself, and return of the cremated remains in a basic container. There is no viewing, visitation, or funeral ceremony before the cremation. Families can hold a memorial service separately at any time.

Is cremation cheaper than burial in Georgia?

Yes, cremation is significantly more affordable than traditional burial in Georgia. Direct cremation averages $2,100, while a traditional burial with casket, vault, and cemetery plot typically costs $9,450 or more. Even a full-service cremation with a ceremony is usually 40-60% less expensive than a traditional burial. Cost savings is the number one reason families choose cremation.

Is there a waiting period for cremation in Georgia?

Georgia requires a 24 hours waiting period after death before cremation can take place. This waiting period allows time for the medical examiner to review the death certificate and for the family to make final arrangements. Additional time may be needed if the death requires investigation by the medical examiner.

Are alternative cremation methods available in Georgia?

Yes, Georgia has legalized alkaline hydrolysis (water cremation) and natural organic reduction (human composting) as alternatives to traditional flame cremation. Alkaline hydrolysis, also called water cremation or aquamation, uses water and alkaline chemicals to reduce the body. It is considered more environmentally friendly than traditional cremation. Natural organic reduction, or human composting, transforms the body into nutrient-rich soil over a period of several weeks. Contact local providers to check availability in your area.

How does cremation cost compare to household income in Georgia?

With a median household income of $66,559 in Georgia, the average direct cremation cost of $2,100 represents about 3.2% of annual household income. This is roughly in line with the national average. Many providers offer payment plans, and some states have assistance programs for low-income families.