Simple, Dignified Direct Cremation
We provide compassionate, affordable cremation services that honor your loved one with dignity and respect, while giving you the flexibility to celebrate their memory in your own way.
What Is Direct Cremation?
Beyond Cremations focuses exclusively on direct cremation services. Direct cremation means that we cremate the body shortly after death, without a formal viewing or funeral service beforehand. This option is both respectful and straightforward – it allows families to avoid the stress and expense of a traditional funeral, while still ensuring their loved one is cared for with the utmost dignity. We understand that saying goodbye is personal, so even without a formal ceremony, you can still honor your loved one in your own special way, whether that’s an intimate gathering, a scattering ceremony, or any tribute that feels meaningful to you.
What’s Included in the $950 Direct Cremation Package
Professional Guidance
All arrangements handled by a licensed funeral director and our caring staff, who will assist you through paperwork, permits, and every step of the process. We take care of filing the death certificate with the county and obtaining the necessary cremation permit on your behalf.
Transportation
Respectful transfer of your loved one from the place of passing to our facility, anywhere within our service area (San Diego County and parts of Riverside County). We can coordinate with hospitals, nursing homes, hospice facilities, the coroner’s office, or a private residence – wherever your loved one is, we will arrange prompt, professional transportation into our care.
Cremation
The cremation itself is performed at our local, licensed crematory by certified professionals. Your loved one is individually cremated with care and dignity.
California law requires a single cremation at a time, ensuring the ashes you receive are solely those of your loved one.
Care of Remains
Basic urn for ashes is provided at no additional charge. We place the cremated remains into a simple, durable plastic urn (or an upgrade of your choice) and return the ashes to you by the method you select. We also include up to five days of refrigeration prior to cremation at no extra cost, if needed, while paperwork is completed (this is typically sufficient to cover any required waiting period or permitting time).
Support and Guidance
Throughout the process, our staff is available to answer questions and provide updates. We keep you informed of the timeline – from when we receive your loved one into our care, to when the cremation is scheduled, to when the ashes are ready to be returned.
Optional Services and Choices
We offer cremation and memorial options designed to honor every life with care and simplicity.
Receiving Ashes – Your Way
We can ship the urn containing the ashes to your home (or another designated address) via Priority Express mail. This service is secure and trackable, and typically delivers within 1-2 days once shipped.
For families in our service area, we offer hand delivery of the ashes by our staff. We will contact you to schedule a convenient time and bring your loved one’s ashes directly to you, offering a personal touch.
If you prefer not to keep the ashes, we can perform a dignified scattering at sea off the coast at no charge. Our team will respectfully scatter the cremated remains in the Pacific Ocean, in accordance with local regulations and with great care. (If desired, we can inform you once the scattering has taken place; many families find comfort in knowing their loved one’s remains have been released to nature.)
Urn Selection
Every direct cremation package comes with a complimentary basic urn (a simple plastic temporary urn) that securely holds the ashes. However, we also provide a variety of upgraded urns if you wish to choose something more personalized or decorative. Our selection includes options such as a natural wooden urn, biodegradable urns for earth-friendly interment, classic bronze or metal urns, a patriotic American flag design, scattering tube designs, photo-display urns, and more. Prices for upgraded urns range from $105 to $165 depending on the style. You can view pictures of our urn choices in our catalog (on our urns page or provided during arrangements). Whether you prefer something simple or ornate, we have options to reflect your loved one’s personality. (If no urn upgrade is chosen, the ashes will be returned in the default container at no cost.)
Certified Copies of Death Certificate
Most families need official death certificates for estate matters, insurance, etc. We can order death certificates on your behalf from the county. The state of California charges $26 per certified copy. You can request as many copies as you need (we typically recommend getting a few). We’ll handle the ordering and can either mail them to you via regular USPS (free of charge, usually arrives in 2–6 weeks) or via UPS courier (for faster delivery in about 3 business days, $19 fee). If you prefer, you also have the option to order certificates yourself directly from the county; just let us know your preference during arrangements.
No matter which options you choose, our commitment to you remains the same: caring, professional service and guidance through the entire process. We do not offer formal funeral or viewing services, but we are happy to provide advice on planning a memorial service on your own if you wish. Many families hold a life celebration or scattering ceremony after receiving the ashes – we support you in doing whatever helps your family heal.
Have questions? We’re always here to help.
If you have any questions about what’s included or how our direct cremation process works, please don’t hesitate to ask. We take pride in being transparent and helpful. Your peace of mind is our priority.
Serving families in San Diego County and Parts of Riverside
Beyond Cremations provides compassionate cremation services to communities nationwide. Our network of trusted facilities ensures local care wherever you are.