A basic funeral service without visitation typically costs significantly less than a full-service funeral that includes viewing or visitation. The core components of such a service generally include the professional services of the funeral home, transportation of the deceased, preparation of the body (excluding embalming if not requested), and the use of facilities for the funeral ceremony itself, but without the additional time and space allocated for visitation or viewing.
According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) and other authoritative sources, the **median cost of a full-service funeral with viewing and burial is around $8,300 to $9,995**, while a **direct cremation without any ceremony or visitation averages about $2,000 or less** depending on location and provider[1][3][4]. A basic funeral service without visitation falls somewhere between these two extremes, often closer to the lower end because it excludes the costs associated with visitation.
Breaking down the costs:
– **Basic services fee**: This is a non-declinable fee charged by funeral homes for their professional services and overhead. It typically ranges from $2,000 to $2,500[2][7]. This fee covers administrative tasks, securing permits, coordinating with cemeteries or crematories, and general management of the funeral process.
– **Transportation**: The cost to transfer the deceased from the place of death to the funeral home usually ranges from $300 to $600, depending on distance and region[2][4].
– **Preparation of the body**: If embalming is not performed (which is common when there is no visitation), the cost is reduced. Basic preparation such as washing and dressing the body may cost around $250 to $300[6]. Embalming, which is often required for visitation, can add $700 to $850 or more, but it is not necessary if there is no viewing[4][6].
– **Use of facilities for funeral ceremony**: Holding a funeral service without visitation typically involves a shorter use of the funeral home’s chapel or another venue, which can cost around $500 to $1,000 depending on the location and length of the service[4][6].
– **Casket or alternative container**: For a burial, a basic casket can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,500 or more, but for cremation or simple services, a basic container or rental casket may be used, which can be less expensive[1][7].
– **Additional fees**: These may include permits, death certificates, obituary notices, and other administrative costs, which can add a few hundred dollars.
In total, a **basic funeral service without visitation generally costs between $3,000 and $5,000**, depending on whether it is a burial or cremation, the region, and the funeral home. This estimate excludes cemetery plot fees, grave markers, and other cemetery-related expenses, which are separate and can add thousands more[4][8].
For example, a direct cremation, which is the simplest form of funeral service without visitation or ceremony, averages about $2,000 or less and includes transportation, cremation, and a basic container for the ashes[1][3]. If a basic funeral ceremony is added but visitation is excluded, the price rises but remains below the cost of a full-service funeral with viewing.
Regional differences are significant. Urban areas tend to have higher costs due to facility fees, permits, and transportation, while rural areas may offer lower prices but fewer service options[1][2].
It is important to note that federal law under the FTC Funeral Rule requires funeral homes to provide an itemized General Price List (GPL) upon request, allowing consumers to compare prices and avoid hidden fees[1].
In summary, a basic funeral service without visitation is a more affordable option than a full-service funeral with viewing, typically costing in the range of $3,000 to $5,000, depending on the choices made and the location. Direct cremation without any ceremony or visitation is even less expensive, averaging around $2,000 or less.
Sources:
[1] fexguy.com, 2025 Cremation Cost
[2] pinnaclequote.com, Cremation Costs for Seniors 2026
[3] after.com, The Cheapest Funeral Possible
[4] finalexpensebenefits.org, Funeral Cost in the USA
[5] dfsmemorials.com, Simple Cremation Services in Evansville
[6] funeralocity.com, Average Funeral Cost
[7] funeralocity.com, Funeral Costs and Pricing
[8] smart.dhgate.com, Understanding the True Cost to Bury a Person
