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If you are researching funeral homes in Pittsburgh, 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.
Planning a cremation in Pittsburgh means honoring a life tied to these hills and rivers—whether they watched the skyline from Mount Washington, walked the streets of Lawrenceville, or loved the energy of the South Side. As your funeral director, I’m here to guide you through this simply and with heart, serving families from Shadyside to Downtown and every neighborhood in between. You don’t have to carry this alone; we’ll handle the details with quiet respect, so you can focus on remembering.
See exactly why more families in Pittsburgh 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 Pennsylvania still hide their true costs. At Lantern, we believe transparency is the highest form of respect.
When we say our direct cremation package is $$1,295, that is the final price for our professional services. It includes the alternative container required by the crematory, the actual cremation process, sheltering, and a TSA-approved temporary urn. We will never hit you with hidden "processing fees," "administrative fees," or surprise transport upcharges within our primary service area.
The only outside costs you will ever see are state-mandated third-party cash advances—such as the exact fee the county charges for Death Certificates, or mandatory Medical Examiner permit fees. If your loved one had a pacemaker, it must be safely removed prior to cremation, which incurs a small fee. We outline every single one of these potential third-party costs instantly over the phone during your first call.
Want a gathering with family? See our memorial options.
Looking for the simplest option? See our direct cremation services.
Need a detailed breakdown? Review all cremation costs.
Prefer traditional burial? Learn why families are choosing cremation.
Explore funeral services options across the country.
Pennsylvania law requires a waiting period before cremation can take place. Additionally, a Medical Examiner permit is required. We handle securing all necessary state permits and observing waiting periods on your behalf, so you don't have to navigate the bureaucracy.
Yes. Our local transport partners cover all major areas surrounding Pittsburgh, including Downtown Pittsburgh, Mount Washington, South Side, Lawrenceville, Shadyside. If you are outside our primary service radius, a minor mileage fee may apply, which we disclose immediately upon your first call.
No. Our $$1,295 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.