Can family members witness the cremation?

The answer to whether family members can witness the cremation depends on who is providing the service.

Some funeral homes have their own crematory onsite with appropriate facilities, and actually encourage and welcome family members to view the cremation. While you won’t see the mechanics of what is taking place inside, you will witness your loved one being placed in the retort, or crematory.

Other funeral homes and cremation service providers use third-party crematories, and witnessing the cremation is not possible. Many of these cremation providers serve only funeral homes and not the public, and do not have facilities set up for family viewing.

Funeral homes and cremation service providers are sensitive to the fact that families’ presence during the cremation process is sometimes part of religious custom, and can give loved ones a sense of closure in the grieving process.

If you and your family wish to be present during the cremation of a loved one, be sure to ask any provider you’re considering whether the facility allows it.