Resources

Direct cremation is a simple cremation process that takes place shortly after death, without a formal funeral service or viewing beforehand. Here’s how it works with Beyond Cremations: First, we respectfully transport your loved one from the place of passing into our care. We then obtain the necessary authorizations and file paperwork with the county (including the filing for the death certificate and cremation permit). Once permits are approved, the actual cremation is performed at our licensed crematory. The process involves placing the body in a cremation chamber, where intense heat reduces it to ashes (cremated remains) over the course of a few hours. After the cremation, the remains (which consist of fine ash and bone fragments) are processed into a uniform powder and placed in a temporary urn or the urn of your choice. Finally, we return these ashes to you in the method you’ve selected. In summary, direct cremation skips the ceremonial services — focusing on the dignified care of your loved one’s body and the prompt return of their ashes to the family. Many families choose to hold a memorial service or celebration of life on their own schedule after receiving the ashes, which offers flexibility to honor your loved one in a personalized way.
If you’d like assistance finding a venue for your memorial service, our team can help connect you with trusted partners — and we’re pleased to offer discounted rates through our affiliated locations.

The timeline can vary a bit, but generally the entire cremation process (from the time we take your loved one into our care until you receive the ashes) takes about one to two weeks. Most families can expect to receive the cremated remains within 7 to 10 business days after finalizing the arrangements. Here’s what happens during that time: The first few days are usually spent completing the necessary paperwork – a doctor must sign the death certificate and the county issues a cremation permit before we can proceed. This paperwork step can take a few days depending on how quickly we get signatures and approvals. Once all documents are in order, the cremation is scheduled at the crematory (usually this can be done within a day or two of permit approval). The cremation itself only takes a few hours, but we also allow time for the remains to cool and be processed. After cremation, we prepare the ashes (in the urn you chose, with proper labeling) and then arrange for delivery or pickup. If you opted for mailing, we send the package via USPS Express which typically delivers in 1-3 days. If you chose hand delivery, we schedule that within a day of the ashes being ready. We will keep you updated throughout so you know when to expect the ashes.

Note: In some cases, factors like delays in obtaining the doctor’s signature, or scheduling constraints at the crematory, can extend the timeline a bit. But we make every effort to complete everything as quickly and respectfully as possible. If you have an urgent need or deadline, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate.

We offer three options for receiving the cremated remains, so you can choose whatever is most convenient and comfortable for you:

• Mail via USPS Priority Express: We can ship the ashes to you using USPS Priority Mail Express service. This method is safe, trackable, and used commonly for transporting cremated remains. There is a $95 fee for this option (which covers the special handling and express shipping costs). Once shipped, delivery usually occurs the next day or within 2 days, and we will provide you with tracking information so you know when to expect the package.
• Hand Delivery: If you are within our local service area, our staff can personally deliver the ashes to you at home (or another convenient location). There is a $105 fee for hand delivery. We will schedule a delivery time that works for you, and a caring team member will bring the urn to you and ensure it’s placed directly in your hands. Families often appreciate this option for the added peace of mind and personal touch.
• Scatter at Sea: This is a bonus fourth option if you do not wish to keep the ashes. We can scatter the ashes at sea (off the coast of San Diego) free of charge. Our team handles the scattering in a respectful manner, complying with all legal requirements (such as performing it beyond the appropriate distance from shore). If you choose this option, we can provide a confirmation once the scattering is completed. Some families find comfort in knowing their loved one’s remains have been returned to nature in the ocean’s embrace. (If you’d like to be present or have a memorial at the time of scattering, talk to us and we can guide you on how that might be arranged through local charter services; our free service is typically an unattended scattering.)

No matter which option you choose, we ensure that your loved one’s ashes are handled with care and returned to you securely.

A basic urn is included at no cost with our cremation package – you do not have to purchase an urn unless you want something different. Our included urn is a simple, dignified plastic container that is suitable for storage, burial, or scattering of the ashes. However, many families do choose to select a more personalized or decorative urn as a lasting tribute to their loved one. We offer a range of optional urn upgrades to suit different tastes: for example, wooden urns, biodegradable urns (often chosen for earth burials or water scattering), classic metal urns like bronze or pewter, patriotic urns (decorated with the American flag for veterans or patriots), photo urns that can display a favorite photograph, and other artistic designs. The prices for these urns range from about $105 to $165 depending on the style. We can show you pictures and samples of the available urns during the arrangement process (or you can view them on our urn catalog page). If you select an upgraded urn, we will transfer your loved one’s ashes into that urn for you. If you choose not to purchase an urn, the ashes will be returned in the provided container and you can always transfer them to an urn or keepsake of your own later. There is absolutely no pressure to buy anything extra – the choice is entirely up to you and what you feel is appropriate.

Getting started is simple, and we’re here to assist you 24/7. When you need our services (whether a death has occurred or you anticipate need soon), you have a couple of options to begin arrangements:

1. Call Us: You can reach us at 844-954-1214 any time, day or night. Especially in an immediate need situation, a phone call is often the fastest way to get things moving. Our compassionate staff will gather some basic information and guide you on the next steps. We’ll ask a few questions (such as the location of your loved one and some personal details) and can often start coordinating the transfer into our care right away during the call.
Our team is there to pick up your loved one usually within 2 hours from the call. If there are at a hospital or medical examiner, we will coordinate with them the next day after we obtain a release form signed by the next of kin.
2. Online “Instant Quote” / Arrangement Form: If you prefer, you can use our website to start the process online. We have an easy-to-use online arrangement form (often called an “instant quote” tool) where you input details at your own pace. It will ask you the necessary questions – for example: Has the death already occurred, or is it imminent? Which county are they in (San Diego or Riverside)? What is the location (hospital, home, nursing facility, etc.)? Then it will collect your information and relationship to the deceased, and details about your loved one (name, date of birth, etc.). You’ll also be able to select the options we discussed (how you’d like the ashes delivered, urn choice, number of death certificates, etc.) as part of this process. The form will calculate the total cost and allow you to securely check out with a credit card. This online tool is available 24/7, so you can make arrangements at whatever time is best for you, from the comfort of home. Of course, if you have any questions while filling it out, you can call us for help.
   Once you submit the online form (or complete arrangements by phone), our staff is immediately notified. If your loved one has already passed away, we will quickly coordinate the transportation to bring them into our care (we can usually arrange pickup from local hospitals or residences within an hour or two). If death is expected soon (for example, your loved one is in hospice care), we will take down the necessary information and be on standby to respond at the time of need – this can provide peace of mind knowing everything is pre-arranged.

After we have the initial information and you have decided to proceed, we will guide you through signing the required authorization forms (these can be done electronically via email) and we will handle the rest from there. Payment can be made by credit card (online or by phone) – remember a 3% processing fee applies. We strive to make the entire arrangement process as easy as possible. Many families are pleasantly surprised that arrangements can be made entirely remotely – there is usually no need to come into our office in person unless you want to. We’re happy to accommodate you by phone, email, and online.

We are proud to serve all of San Diego County – from the coast to the inland areas, north county to south bay – and parts of Riverside County. Specifically, our service area in Riverside County includes the communities nearest to San Diego (for example, the Temecula and Murrieta region, and surrounding areas). If you’re unsure whether your location is within our range, please give us a call. Generally, if the death occurs within San Diego County or the southwestern part of Riverside County, we will be able to help. We are based in San Diego (our office is in the Sorrento Valley area), and our team is accustomed to traveling throughout the area to bring loved ones into our care. There is no extra charge for transportation within these service areas. For locations slightly beyond, we may still accommodate or help connect you with a closer provider. Our goal is to ensure everyone in our community has access to compassionate, affordable cremation care.

One benefit of direct cremation is that it gives you flexibility to hold a memorial or celebration of life on your own timeline. You don’t have to rush into a funeral service within a few days of the death (as is often the case with a burial). Instead, you can wait until after you receive your loved one’s ashes, and then plan a gathering that feels right for your family. Many families choose to have a memorial service or a scattering ceremony with the ashes a week or two after the death, or even later – it’s entirely up to you. Once we return the ashes to you, you can take the time you need to organize a meaningful tribute. This could be anything from an intimate family get-together at home, to a larger celebration of life event, or even multiple events in different locations for far-away relatives. Direct cremation does not limit your memorial options; it simply separates the timing of cremation from the memorial, so you have the freedom to plan when and how to honor your loved one’s life. If you need recommendations for local venues, celebrants, or ideas for memorial services (including veteran honors, religious customs, etc.), we’re happy to provide guidance as part of our support.