It's important to realize there is no standardized cremation cost in the Reading area; every crematory, funeral home, or cremation provider offers cremation services and products at differing price points (depending on their location in Berks County and the services they offer).

The cost of cremation services in Reading commonly ranges from $1295 (Cremation Society of Berks County is among the lowest in the area), to $4000 plus, when contracted through most funeral homes. Certainly, while cremation prices differ depending upon the area served; commonly cremation will cost you far less than that of a traditional, casketed burial.

The price you pay for a cremation, will cover transfer of the decedent from place of death, the cremation arrangements, the cremation process in our private crematory and the completion of all the necessary paperwork. However, you can incur additional charges above and beyond this amount, for things like:

Certified copies of the original death certificate ($20 per copy)

Newspaper obituary notices (Reading Eagle Obituaries Minimum Price - $370)

Disposition of the cremated remains through scattering or burial

Purchase of an alternative urn

There really are no standardized cremation costs. Basically, the individual charges which make up the final cost of cremation include the administrative services of a funeral professional, transportation of the deceased to the crematory, the alternative or cremation casket selected, and the fees charged by the crematory for the cremation process. There are additional costs, if you decide to hold a funeral or memorial service. 

Much like other purchases which are a combination of charges for services rendered and products which support the completion of those services (such as the purchase of carpeting and under-padding, which are then combined with the cost of installation); the cost of cremation can vary (depending on the products and services selected). Speak with one of our funeral professionals to learn more about the cost of our cremation services. 

One of our specialties is direct cremation services. Direct cremation refers to a simple cremation service without any type of ceremony or funeral. Direct cremation is ideal for those who want a simple service and want the most affordable cremation option. Essentially the direct cremation service fee covers the completion of the necessary paperwork, removal of the deceased from the place of death, and the actual cremation of the deceased. Go to our Benefits of Cremation section for information on how cremation and the benefits it offers.