How to Plan a Funeral in Los Angeles: A Step-by-Step Guide
A practical, step-by-step guide for families planning a funeral in Los Angeles — permits, timing, costs, and what you actually need to do first.
The first 24 hours
If the death occurred at home, call hospice or 911 so the death can be pronounced. If it occurred at a hospital, staff will begin the process for you. Choose a funeral home or direct-to-family provider — you do not have to go with the first one offered. In Los Angeles County, the death certificate is filed by the funeral home or crematory with the LA County Registrar-Recorder.
Choosing between burial and cremation
Burial in Los Angeles typically runs $7,000-$12,000 at a traditional funeral home when you include the casket, service, and cemetery costs. Direct cremation runs $800-$2,500. A casket-and-flowers package delivered to any LA funeral home — like our Essential or Signature Tribute — lets you keep the ceremony intimate while cutting the funeral home's casket markup out of the bill.
Permits and paperwork in LA County
A disposition permit is required before burial or cremation and is handled by the funeral home. Death certificates (certified copies) cost about $24 each from the LA County Registrar-Recorder; order 8-10 copies — banks, Social Security, and the DMV each want one.
Timing
Most Los Angeles funerals happen within 7-10 days of death. If the family wants a service sooner, our LA casket + flower packages ship same-week with local delivery to any funeral home or chapel in greater LA.
Frequently asked
How much does a funeral cost in Los Angeles?
A traditional funeral in Los Angeles with casket, service, and burial typically runs $9,000-$14,000. Direct cremation runs $800-$2,500. A casket-and-flowers package like our Essential Tribute ($2,699) or Signature Tribute ($2,999) lets you choose your ceremony separately and avoid the funeral home's casket markup.
Can I bring my own casket to a Los Angeles funeral home?
Yes. Under the FTC Funeral Rule, every funeral home in the United States, including every LA funeral home, must accept a casket you buy elsewhere and cannot charge a handling fee. We deliver directly to the funeral home of your choice.
How fast can a casket be delivered in Los Angeles?
Our LA caskets ship with local delivery, typically within 48 hours of order confirmation. Rush delivery is available if the service is scheduled sooner.
Ready to order a casket + flower package?
Our Essential ($2,699) and Signature ($2,999) packages include a steel casket, five fresh floral arrangements, and local delivery across Los Angeles.