Cremation trends vary from state to state – and so do the laws governing cremation practices. Learn everything you need to know about cremation services in California, including cost estimates, where to find cremation urns for ashes, and local rules to keep in consideration.
Cremation is the Norm in the Golden State
Most people are aware that cremation is becoming more and more commonplace nationwide. According to CANA, the cremation rate is projected to reach 64.1% in the US and 81.8% in Canada by 2025. But even in a place like California – where cremation has been the preferred choice for decades – this option still sees significant growth each year. California tends to be ahead of the national curve, with an estimated 68% of deaths resulting in cremation as the method of disposition this year.
How Many Crematories Are in California?
Because cremation is so popular, resources are abundant in the Golden State. In fact, California is the state with the most registered crematories available for assistance, with a whopping 227 crematories. Compare that with surrounding states – 67 in Oregon, 57 in Arizona, 26 in Nevada, and 17 in Utah.
Cost of Cremation in California
As with everything else, cremation services are higher in California than the rest of the US, and the cost varies by metropolitan district. With that said, cremation remains significantly more affordable than traditional burial services. Here are the average costs for direct cremation by city.
- Los Angeles – $1524
- Bay Area (San Francisco, San Jose, Stockton, Oakland) – $650-$850
- Sacramento – $1642
- Northern California – $995-$1400
- Southern California – $1358
Remember, these are average costs and much lower cremation services can be found by shopping around locally. It’s also important to budget for cremation urns for ashes or keepsakes for ashes, which are optional depending on what you choose to do with the ashes post-cremation.
While cremation burial and columbarium storage are alternative options, these will involve additional costs. Instead of burial, many people simply prefer to have personal tokens so that they can keep cremation urns at home as part of a remembrance shrine or memorial.
California Cremation Laws
Here are a few laws to consider when planning a cremation in the state of California.
Securing a Death Certificate – A signed death certificate must be submitted before a cremation is authorized to take place. If you were not able to secure a copy of the death certificate when it was first issued, you can request a copy by mail from the California Department of Public Health. For standard cases, you can expect to receive the ashes back in 7-10 days, so keep this in mind when planning memorial services.
Permits in California
In addition to the death certificate, you must have a California cremation permit from the county in which the cremation will take place. Most cremation providers can and will assist with this process.
Learn more details about the cremation laws in USA here: CREMATION LAWS IN THE USA - ALL STATES
Rules on Caskets and Urns
Some families may choose to bury the cremation ashes. While a traditional casket is not required by California law, the cemetery itself may have rules concerning the type of cremation urns considered acceptable.
Local Cremation Services in California
Because of its popularity, California has no shortage of cremation service providers. This is a huge advantage, as families can take the time to find the cremation urns, services, and memorial arrangements right for them.
California Cremation has staff available 24/7 to assist in the process, while Oceanview Cremations and Bay Area Cremation Society are resources available in the San Jose area. And if you like to arrange things digitally, Tulip Cremation offers online services that make cremation planning more convenient.
------------------
Join us in helping families honor the memory of their loved ones and pets through art!
Our Affiliate Program is now available. at https://www.pulvisurns.com/pages/affiliate-program-by-pulvis-art-urns
Latest Stories
Easy Guide to Funeral Homes in Ohio
In Ohio—the “Heart of It All”—families honor their loved ones with a blend of Midwestern practicality and deep community care. From Columbus to Cleveland and Cincinnati, funeral traditions in 2026 reflect a meaningful shift: while many still value the permanence of traditional burial, a growing number are choosing cremation for its flexibility, affordability, and ability to create more personalized memorials.
Easy Guide to Funeral Homes in New York
In New York, funeral planning reflects the state’s fast pace, high costs, and rich cultural diversity. By 2026, families across the Empire State are increasingly balancing long-standing traditions with practical concerns like limited cemetery space, environmental impact, and financial accessibility. From New York City’s dense boroughs to upstate communities, more New Yorkers are embracing flexible, personalized memorial options that honor both legacy and modern realities.
Easy Guide to Funeral Homes in North Carolina
In North Carolina, saying goodbye blends tradition with modern flexibility. While burials remain meaningful, cremation is growing, especially in urban areas, offering personalized memorials and lower costs. Families choose from urns, keepsakes, or scenic tributes, balancing emotional, financial, and environmental considerations. Understanding 2026 trends helps honor loved ones with dignity and lasting care.
Easy Guide to Funeral Homes in Maryland
In Maryland, funeral traditions are shaped by a balance of historic reverence and modern innovation. As of 2026, families across the state are increasingly embracing personalized, environmentally conscious memorials that reflect both practical realities and artistic expression. From urban centers to coastal communities, Marylanders are redefining remembrance in ways that honor legacy, dignity, and evolving values.
Easy Guide to Funeral Homes in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania—the Keystone State—the funeral landscape in 2026 reflects a striking balance between colonial-era tradition and modern, consumer-driven change. From Philadelphia to Pittsburgh and the quiet stretches of Amish Country, families are increasingly weighing heritage against flexibility. While traditional burial remains deeply valued for its sense of historical continuity, cremation—now chosen by approximately 56% of residents—offers affordability, personalization, and the option for more contemporary Celebration of Life gatherings.
Share:
Cremation Costs Breakdown: All You Need to Know
Your Complete Guide to Cremation Urns For Ashes