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If you are researching funeral homes in St. Louis, you likely already know how overwhelming the choices and costs can be. Many families assume a traditional funeral is their only option. At Lantern, we specialize in a simpler alternative: direct cremation. By removing the funeral home facility and embalming from the equation, we save families thousands of dollars while maintaining the highest standard of dignity.
When you're facing cremation in St. Louis, it’s okay to feel a little lost in the shuffle of it all—whether you're in Soulard with its brick streets or up by the Central West End. I’ve helped families from The Hill to Lafayette Square, and I know the weight of that first call. We handle everything quietly, with respect for your neighborhood and your story. You don’t have to figure this out alone.
See exactly why more families in St. Louis are choosing direct cremation over the traditional funeral home model.
The Federal Trade Commission's Funeral Rule was created to protect grieving families from predatory pricing, yet many providers in Missouri still hide their true costs. At Lantern, we believe transparency is the highest form of respect.
When we say our direct cremation package is $$1,250, that is the final price for our professional services. It includes the alternative container required by the crematory, the actual cremation process, sheltering, and a TSA-approved temporary urn. We will never hit you with hidden "processing fees," "administrative fees," or surprise transport upcharges within our primary service area.
The only outside costs you will ever see are state-mandated third-party cash advances—such as the exact fee the county charges for Death Certificates, or mandatory Medical Examiner permit fees. If your loved one had a pacemaker, it must be safely removed prior to cremation, which incurs a small fee. We outline every single one of these potential third-party costs instantly over the phone during your first call.
Want a gathering with family? See our memorial options.
Looking for the simplest option? See our direct cremation services.
Need a detailed breakdown? Review all cremation costs.
Prefer traditional burial? Learn why families are choosing cremation.
Explore funeral services options across the country.
Missouri law requires a waiting period before cremation can take place. Additionally, a Medical Examiner permit is required. We handle securing all necessary state permits and observing waiting periods on your behalf, so you don't have to navigate the bureaucracy.
Yes. Our local transport partners cover all major areas surrounding St. Louis, including Downtown St. Louis, Central West End, Soulard, The Hill, Lafayette Square. If you are outside our primary service radius, a minor mileage fee may apply, which we disclose immediately upon your first call.
No. Our $$1,250 fee covers all our professional services, transport, sheltering, cremation, and the temporary urn. The only outside costs you may incur are county fees for certified death certificates, which we obtain for you at cost.