Cremation Services in Illinois

Compare 208 cremation providers across 1,287 cities. Average direct cremation: $2,200.

$2,200 Avg. Direct Cremation
55% Cremation Rate
208 Providers Listed
65,458 Est. Cremations/Year

Cremation Laws in Illinois

Waiting Period

24 hours

Alkaline Hydrolysis

Legal

Human Composting

Not yet legalized

Scattering Ashes

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

Additional Notes

Alkaline hydrolysis legalized in 2012. 24-hour mandatory waiting period. Strict record-keeping requirements for crematories. Written consent of next of kin required.

Cremation Cost Breakdown in Illinois

Typical price ranges for cremation services in Illinois

ServiceLowAverageHigh
Direct Cremation Basic cremation with no ceremony. Includes transportation, paperwork, cremation, and return of remains in a simple container. $1,210 $1,870 $2,640
Cremation Memorial Cremation followed by a memorial service at the funeral home or other venue. May include a viewing before cremation. $3,960 $5,500 $7,040
Cremation Viewing Full-service cremation with visitation/viewing, funeral ceremony, and cremation. Requires embalming and casket rental. $4,840 $6,600 $8,800
Transport Transfer of remains from place of death to the cremation facility. Often included in package pricing. $330 $550 $880
Urn Basic Simple container for cremated remains. Ranges from a basic cardboard box (often included) to a modest urn. $44 $110 $330
Urn Premium Handcrafted or designer urn in materials like bronze, marble, ceramic, or hardwood. $220 $440 $1,100
Death Certificate Certified copies of the death certificate. Most families need 5-10 copies for insurance, banking, and legal purposes. $11 $22 $44
Traditional Burial Full traditional burial including casket, embalming, viewing, ceremony, burial plot, vault, and headstone. Shown for cost comparison. $7,700 $9,900 $13,200

The Cremation Process in Illinois

Step-by-step guide to cremation in Illinois

1

Obtain a Death Certificate

When a death occurs in Illinois, a physician or medical examiner must sign the death certificate. The funeral home or cremation provider typically handles filing with the Illinois vital records office. Order 8-12 certified copies ($22-$44 each) - you'll need them for insurance claims, bank accounts, and legal matters.

2

Choose a Cremation Provider

Compare providers in Illinois - our directory lists 208 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 Illinois averages $2,200, but prices range from $1,210 to $2,640.

3

Complete Authorization

Illinois 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 Illinois, transportation typically costs $330-$880. 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. Illinois 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 Illinois, 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 Illinois

Cost Comparison

Direct cremation in Illinois: $1,210-$2,640. Traditional burial: $7,700-$13,200. 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. Illinois offers alkaline hydrolysis as an even greener option, using 90% less energy than flame cremation.

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. 55% of Illinois families now choose cremation.

Timeline

Illinois 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 Illinois

200 providers listed

Colonial-Wojciechowski Funeral Home

Chicago, IL

6250 North Milwaukee Avenue

Donnellan Funeral Home

Chicago, IL

10525 South Western Avenue

Drake & Son Funeral Home

Chicago, IL

5303 North Western Avenue

Elmwood Funeral Chapel

Chicago, IL

11200 South Ewing Avenue

Frank F. Opyt Funeral Home

Chicago, IL

13350 South Baltimore Avenue

GREIN Funeral Directors

Chicago, IL

2112-2114 West Irving Park Road

Griesel Jimenéz Stodden Funeral Home

Chicago, IL

10240 South Ewing Avenue

Heavenly Angels Funeral Home

Chicago, IL

1811 West 103rd Street

Higgins Funeral Home (Heavenly Angels)

Chicago, IL

244 East 138th Street

Hudson Funeral Home

Chicago, IL

8745 South Commercial Avenue

Lawrence Funeral Home

Chicago, IL

4800 North Austin Avenue

Leak and Sons Funeral Home

Chicago, IL

7838 South Cottage Grove Avenue

MJ Suerth Funeral Home

Chicago, IL

6754 North Northwest Highway

Malec & Sons Funeral Home

Chicago, IL

6000 North Milwaukee Avenue

Michalik Funeral Home

Chicago, IL

1056 West Chicago Avenue

Midtown Funeral Home and Cremation Options

Chicago, IL

3918 West Irving Park Road

Muzyka & Son Funeral Home

Chicago, IL

5774-5776 West Lawrence Avenue

Muzyka Funeral House

Chicago, IL

2157 West Chicago Avenue

Olson Funeral Home

Chicago, IL

6467 North Northwest Highway

Parkside Chapel

Chicago, IL

5948 South Archer Avenue

Rago Brothers Funeral Homes

Chicago, IL

7751 West Irving Park Road

Salerno’s Galewood Chapel

Chicago, IL

1857 North Harlem Avenue

Smith & Thomas Funeral Home

Chicago, IL

5708 West Madison Street

Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home

Chicago, IL

6150 North Cicero Avenue

Beidelman-Kunsch Funeral Home

Naperville, IL

516 South Washington Street

Beidelman-Kunsch Funeral Homes & Crematory

Naperville, IL

24021 Royal Worlington Drive

Collins & Stone Funeral Home

Rockford, IL

128 South 5th Street

Cremation Society of Illinois

Rockford, IL

6825 East Riverside Boulevard

Fitzgerald Funeral Home

Rockford, IL

3910 West Riverside Boulevard

Gasparini & Oliveri Funeral Home

Rockford, IL

707 Marchesano Drive

Olson Funeral Home - North Main Chapel

Rockford, IL

2811 North Main Street

Laird Funeral Home

Elgin, IL

310 South State Street

Bisch Funeral Home

Springfield, IL

2931 South Koke Mill Road

Boardman-Smith Funeral Home

Springfield, IL

800 South Grand Avenue West

Butler Funeral Home

Springfield, IL

900 South 6th Street

Ellinger-Kunz Funeral Home

Springfield, IL

530 North 5th Street

Ruby Funeral Services & Chapel, Inc.

Springfield, IL

1520 East Washington Street

Tails to Remember Pet Services

Springfield, IL

3036 North Peoria Road

Vancil-Murphy Funeral Home and Cremation Services

Springfield, IL

437 South Grand Avenue West

Walker Funeral Services

Springfield, IL

2300 East Cook Street

Simons Mortuary

Peoria, IL

912 West John H. Gwynn Jr. Avenue

T.W. Parks Colonial Chapel

Peoria, IL

201 North MacArthur Highway

Evergreen Cremation Services

Champaign, IL

314 Tiffany Court

Heath & Vaughn Funeral Home, Inc.

Champaign, IL

201 North Elm Street

Mittendorf-Calvert Funeral Home

Champaign, IL

611 East Pennsylvania Avenue

Owens Funeral Home

Champaign, IL

101 North Elm Street

Walker Funeral Service

Champaign, IL

704 North Fourth Street

Cermak Home For Funerals

Cicero, IL

5844 West Cermak Road

Carmody-Flynn

Bloomington, IL

Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home

Bloomington, IL

1104 North Main Street

Haliburton Funeral Chapel

Evanston, IL

1317 Emerson Street

Shalom Memorial Funeral Home

Arlington Heights, IL

1700 West Rand Road

Donnellan Funeral Home

Skokie, IL

10045 Skokie Boulevard

Haben Funeral Home & Crematory

Skokie, IL

8057 Niles Center Road

G.L. Hills Fueral Home and Cremation Ceter

Des Plaines, IL

Graceland Avenue

Oehler Funeral Home

Des Plaines, IL

2099 Miner Street

Midwest Mortuary Service

Tinley Park, IL

7030 Centennial Dr

Morizzo Funeral Home

Hoffman Estates, IL

2550 Hassell Road

Kurrus Funeral Home

Belleville, IL

1773 Frank Scott Parkway West

Serenity Memorial Chapel

Belleville, IL

3416 West Main Street

Nelson Funeral Home

Park Ridge, IL

820 Talcott Road

Kolssak Funeral Home Ltd.

Wheeling, IL

189 South Milwaukee Avenue

Leek and Sons Funeral Home

Urbana, IL

1215 West Bradley Avenue

Grove Memorial Chapel

Elk Grove Village, IL

1199 South Arlington Heights Road

Colonial-Wojciechowski Funeral Home

Niles, IL

8025 West Golf Road

Skaja Terrace Funeral Home

Niles, IL

7812 North Milwaukee Avenue

Kelly & Spalding Funeral Home

Highland Park, IL

1787 Deerfield Road

Weinstein & Piser Funeral Home

Wilmette, IL

111 Skokie Boulevard

McKenzie Funeral Home

Oak Forest, IL

15618 Cicero Avenue

Harrison Funeral Chapel

Alton, IL

1924 Central Avenue

Anderson Funeral & Cremation Services

Belvidere, IL

218 West Hurlbut Street

Simkins Funeral Home

Morton Grove, IL

6251 West Dempster Street

Carbonara Funeral Home

Melrose Park, IL

1515 25th Avenue

Modell Funeral Home

Homer Glen, IL

12641 West 143rd Street

Herr Funeral Home

Collinsville, IL

Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home

Collinsville, IL

515 Vandalia Street

Sunset Funeral Home

Machesney Park, IL

Krueger Funeral Home

Blue Island, IL

13050 Greenwood Avenue

Walker Funeral Home

Carbondale, IL

Thornridge Funeral Home

Dolton, IL

15801 Cottage Grove Avenue

Van Hoe Funeral Home,

East Moline, IL

1500 6th Street

Ahlgrim Family Funeral Services

Lake Zurich, IL

415 South Buesching Road

Davenport Family Funeral Homes and Crematory

Lake Zurich, IL

941 South Old Rand Road

Johnson-Nosek Funeral Home

Brookfield, IL

Prairie Avenue

Reuland & Turnbough

Lake Forest, IL

1407 North Western Avenue

Wenban Funeral Home

Lake Forest, IL

Hirsch West End Chapel

Matteson, IL

3501 Lincoln Highway

Perkins & Sons LLC

Westchester, IL

1923 South Mannheim Road

Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home

Marion, IL

900 N Court Street

Leak & Sons Funeral Homes

Country Club Hills, IL

18400 Pulaski Road

Lake View Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens

Fairview Heights, IL

5000 North Illinois Street

Hallowell & James Funeral Home

La Grange, IL

1025 West 55th Street

Clugston-Tibbitts Funeral Home

Macomb, IL

303 East Washington Street

Zimmerman-Harnett Funeral Home

Forest Park, IL

7319 Madison Street

Kisselburg Wauconda

Wauconda, IL

245 North Main Street

Irwin Chapel Funeral Homes

Glen Carbon, IL

591 Glen Crossing Road

Hitzeman Funeral Home

La Grange Park, IL

9445 31st Street

Diversey Funeral Home

Lincolnwood, IL

Lux Chapel

Rantoul, IL

1551 East Grove Avenue

Bauer Funeral Home

Effingham, IL

1212 West Evergreen Avenue

Johnson & Sons Funeral Home

Effingham, IL

1110 North 4th Street

Larson-Nelson Funeral Home

Plano, IL

1010 West South Street

Turner-Eighner Funeral Home and Crematory

Plano, IL

3952 Turner Avenue

The Tower

Lyons, IL

Davenport Family Funeral Home

Barrington, IL

149 West Main Street

Paradise Garden Funeral Home

Riverdale, IL

300-306 East 115th Street

Pitchford Funeral Home

Wood River, IL

2555 Vaughn Road

Sunset Funeral Home

Mahomet, IL

1102 Churchill Road

Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home

Bethalto, IL

727 East Bethalto Drive

Kuratko-Nosek

Riverside, IL

2447 Des Plaines Avenue

Woodlawn

Riverside, IL

Healy Chapel

Sugar Grove, IL

370 Division Drive

Cumberland Chapels

Harwood Heights, IL

8300 West Lawrence Avenue

Moll Funeral Home

Mascoutah, IL

34 West Main Street

Crawford Funeral Home

Jerseyville, IL

1308 McClusky Road

Gaskins Funeral Home

Harrisburg, IL

Reed Funeral Chapel

Harrisburg, IL

McCorkle Funeral Home

Rockton, IL

765 North Blackhawk Boulevard

Rogers Atkins Funeral Home

Salem, IL

403 South Broadway

Donnel-Wiegand Funderal Home

Greenville, IL

203 West Oak Street

Young Funeral Home

Greenville, IL

118 West College Avenue

Hough Funeral Homes LTD

Hillsboro, IL

1119 School Street

Zarzycki Manor Chapels

Willow Springs, IL

8999 South Archer Avenue

Beecher Funeral Home

Beecher, IL

602 Dixie Highway

Staab

Sherman, IL

2626 East Andrew Road

Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home

Morrison, IL

404 East Lincoln Way

Esterdahl

Coal Valley, IL

Speer Funeral Home

Aledo, IL

2502 Southeast 3rd Street

Ruestman Harris Funeral Home

El Paso, IL

40 West Main Street

Countryman Funeral Home

Pecatonica, IL

529 Washington Street

Robison

Catlin, IL

103 Douglas Street

Crain Funeral Home & Cremation Service

Cairo, IL

4815 Sycamore Street

Felty's Funeral Home

Carrier Mills, IL

Miller's Funeral Home

East Dubuque, IL

1185 IL-35

Butler Funeral Home

New Berlin, IL

East Gibson Street

Knapp Funeral Home

Clifton, IL

415 North Main Street

McMullin-Young Funeral Home

Bethany, IL

109 North Lincoln Street

Hardin County Funeral Service

Rosiclare, IL

6 Stone Church Road

Schmitz-Banks & Beals

Nauvoo, IL

2420 Young Street

Ward–Lummis Funeral Home

Pleasant Hill, IL

502 South Main Street

Sloan Funeral Home

Galatia, IL

110 State Street

Cramer-Leamon Funeral Home

Orangeville, IL

200 West High Street

Grant-Johnson Funeral Home

Bradford, IL

217 East Main Street

Fullenwider-Park Funeral Home

Mechanicsburg, IL

200 South Church Street

Dauderman Mortuary

Alhambra, IL

609 East Main Street

Daughenbaugh Funeral Home

Dakota, IL

115 South West Street

Miller & Steinke Funeral Home

Scales Mound, IL

316 South Avenue

John L. Ziegenhein and Sons

East Carondelet, IL

All Cities in Illinois

Cities with cremation providers or population over 10,000

Chicago 25 providers Springfield 8 providers Rockford 7 providers Champaign 5 providers Elgin 4 providers Naperville 3 providers Bloomington 3 providers Skokie 3 providers Pekin 3 providers Lovejoy 3 providers Peoria 2 providers Des Plaines 2 providers Belleville 2 providers Niles 2 providers Mchenry 2 providers Collinsville 2 providers Lake Zurich 2 providers Lake Forest 2 providers Ottawa 2 providers Marion 2 providers Effingham 2 providers Plano 2 providers Riverside 2 providers Harrisburg 2 providers Greenville 2 providers Equality 2 providers East Carondelet 2 providers Alto Pass 2 providers Dundee 2 providers Waukegan 1 provider Cicero 1 provider Evanston 1 provider Arlington Heights 1 provider Tinley Park 1 provider Hoffman Estates 1 provider Buffalo Grove 1 provider Romeoville 1 provider Park Ridge 1 provider Wheeling 1 provider Urbana 1 provider Rock Island 1 provider Elk Grove Village 1 provider Mundelein 1 provider Highland Park 1 provider Wilmette 1 provider Huntley 1 provider Oak Forest 1 provider Alton 1 provider Belvidere 1 provider Morton Grove 1 provider Melrose Park 1 provider Zion 1 provider Homer Glen 1 provider Machesney Park 1 provider Blue Island 1 provider Carbondale 1 provider Dolton 1 provider East Moline 1 provider Frankfort 1 provider Brookfield 1 provider Matteson 1 provider Morton 1 provider Westchester 1 provider Country Club Hills 1 provider Fairview Heights 1 provider La Grange 1 provider Washington 1 provider Bradley 1 provider Macomb 1 provider Antioch 1 provider Forest Park 1 provider Wauconda 1 provider Wood Dale 1 provider Glen Carbon 1 provider La Grange Park 1 provider Lincolnwood 1 provider Rantoul 1 provider Columbia 1 provider Roscoe 1 provider Troy 1 provider Lyons 1 provider Barrington 1 provider Riverdale 1 provider Wood River 1 provider Mahomet 1 provider Bethalto 1 provider Sugar Grove 1 provider Harwood Heights 1 provider Mascoutah 1 provider Jerseyville 1 provider South Beloit 1 provider Rockton 1 provider Princeton 1 provider Salem 1 provider Murphysboro 1 provider Monticello 1 provider Hillsboro 1 provider Willow Springs 1 provider Creve Coeur 1 provider Beecher 1 provider Sherman 1 provider Morrison 1 provider Dupo 1 provider Coal Valley 1 provider Eldorado 1 provider Aledo 1 provider Fairbury 1 provider El Paso 1 provider Trenton 1 provider Pecatonica 1 provider Catlin 1 provider Cairo 1 provider Carrier Mills 1 provider Maroa 1 provider East Dubuque 1 provider Venice 1 provider Neoga 1 provider New Berlin 1 provider Clifton 1 provider Wyoming 1 provider Bethany 1 provider Divernon 1 provider Morrisonville 1 provider Rosiclare 1 provider Nauvoo 1 provider Pleasant Hill 1 provider Galatia 1 provider Hardin 1 provider Orangeville 1 provider Bradford 1 provider Mechanicsburg 1 provider Alhambra 1 provider Dakota 1 provider Hutsonville 1 provider Scales Mound 1 provider Aurora Joliet Schaumburg Bolingbrook Decatur Palatine Orland Park Oak Lawn Berwyn Mount Prospect Oak Park Wheaton Normal Downers Grove Glenview Elmhurst Plainfield Lombard Moline Bartlett Dekalb Crystal Lake Carol Stream Streamwood Quincy Carpentersville Hanover Park Calumet City Addison Northbrook Oswego Woodridge Glendale Heights North Chicago Gurnee Galesburg Algonquin Burbank Danville Lansing Lake In The Hills Glen Ellyn Granite City Chicago Heights New Lenox Vernon Hills Edwardsville Batavia Lockport Woodstock West Chicago Elmwood Park Westmont Lisle Rolling Meadows Kankakee Freeport South Elgin Maywood Loves Park Roselle East Peoria Bloomingdale Villa Park Darien Park Forest Yorkville South Holland Geneva Grayslake Libertyville Crest Hill Harvey Montgomery Evergreen Park Mokena Homewood Deerfield Alsip Bensenville Bellwood Round Lake Sycamore Palos Hills Franklin Park North Aurora Shorewood Bourbonnais Cary Godfrey Lemont Jacksonville Hinsdale Charleston Bridgeview Mattoon Prospect Heights Dixon Sterling Mount Vernon Hickory Hills Chicago Ridge Chatham Midlothian Morris Western Springs Warrenville Channahon Hazel Crest Lincoln Canton Richton Park Minooka Winnetka Justice Kewanee Streator Herrin Centralia Palos Heights River Forest Schiller Park Markham Pontiac Waterloo Fox Lake Worth River Grove Taylorville

Cremation Planning Checklist for Illinois

VA National Cemeteries in Illinois

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

Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery

20953 W. Hoff Road, Elwood, IL 60421

Alton National Cemetery

600 Pearl Street, Alton, IL 62002

Camp Butler National Cemetery

5063 Camp Butler Road, Springfield, IL 62707

Confederate Mound

1035 E 67th St, Chicago, IL 60637

Danville National Cemetery

1900 East Main Street, Danville, IL 61832

Fort Sheridan National Cemetery

Vattman Road, Fort Sheridan, IL 60037

Mound City National Cemetery

141 State Highway 37, Mound City, IL 62963

North Alton Confederate Cemetery

635 Rozier Street, Alton, IL 62002

Quincy National Cemetery

36th & Maine Street, Quincy, IL 62301

Rock Island Confederate Cemetery

Rock Island Arsenal, Rock Island, IL 61299

Rock Island National Cemetery

Rock Island Arsenal, Bldg 118, Rock Island, IL 61299

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does cremation cost in Illinois?

The average direct cremation in Illinois costs approximately $2,200, which is above the national average of $1,924. Prices typically range from $1,430 to $3,080 depending on the provider and services selected. Full-service cremation with a memorial ceremony can cost $5,500 to $7,700. We recommend comparing quotes from multiple providers in your area.

What percentage of people choose cremation in Illinois?

Approximately 55% of families in Illinois choose cremation, which is below the national average of 62%. This translates to roughly 65,458 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 Illinois?

Our directory currently lists 208 cremation and funeral service providers across Illinois, serving 1,287 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 Illinois?

Direct cremation is the most affordable cremation option in Illinois, typically costing $1,430 to $2,200. 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 Illinois?

Yes, cremation is significantly more affordable than traditional burial in Illinois. Direct cremation averages $2,200, while a traditional burial with casket, vault, and cemetery plot typically costs $9,900 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 Illinois?

Illinois 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 Illinois?

Yes, Illinois has legalized alkaline hydrolysis (water cremation) 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. Contact local providers to check availability in your area.

How does cremation cost compare to household income in Illinois?

With a median household income of $74,235 in Illinois, the average direct cremation cost of $2,200 represents about 3.0% 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.