DIRECT CREMATION
A simple, dignified cremation without a funeral service, starting at $997. Arrange online in under 15 minutes, or call us day or night.
Prefer we call you?
Phone answered 24/7 · Serving Chicago and Cook, DuPage, Lake, Will, Kane, Kendall, McHenry, Grundy and Kankakee counties, and Lake County, Indiana
PRICE
One clear package price, with every other cost listed beside it. Most families pay about $1,400 in total for a direct cremation, including the required permit and container.
MOST CHOSEN
STARTING AT
$997
A simple, dignified direct cremation, arranged online or by phone with no in-person visit.
Other costs, listed up front
County cremation permit
Required for every cremation. We apply for it for you, in any county we serve.
$200
REQUIRED
Certified death certificates
Optional. $40 for the first copy and $20 for each additional copy. We order them for you.
$40
FIRST COPY
Alternative container
Required by the state for every cremation.
$160
REQUIRED
Temporary urn
Holds the cremated remains until you choose a permanent urn.
$25
STANDARD
Sales tax on merchandise
10.5% on the cremation container and urn. Services are not taxed.
$19.43
REQUIRED
Immediate removal from the place of death
For a removal from a home, nursing home or hospice, or any removal needed immediately.
$295
IF APPLICABLE
Urns and keepsakes
Choose one from our urn and keepsake collection, or use one you already have.
Varies
OPTIONAL
KNOW YOUR EXACT COST
Your guaranteed total: direct cremation
Death certificates are optional: $40 for the first copy and $20 for each additional copy. Pick your exact choices and we send the price in writing. It is guaranteed, with no obligation.
GET MY GUARANTEED PRICETHE BASICS
Direct cremation is a cremation without a funeral service or viewing beforehand. It is the simplest and most affordable way to care for someone who has died, and it is chosen by more families than any other option.
Choosing direct cremation does not mean giving up a goodbye. Many families hold a memorial, a celebration of life or a quiet gathering later, at home, at church or anywhere that feels right, once the urgent decisions are behind them.
Families also call it
IN ILLINOIS
$200
Every cremation needs a county permit
We apply for it for you, in any county we serve, along with the death certificate and every other document.
STEP BY STEP
Every direct cremation is individual, and we handle each step for you.
Call us or arrange online, day or night. Our phone is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
We come to the home, hospital, hospice or nursing home and care for your loved one in our climate-controlled holding area.
We file the death certificate and apply for the cremation permit with the county, city and state.
Your loved one is cremated individually, and identified and accounted for at every step.
Pick up at our funeral home, 3521 N. Pulaski Rd., or ask about secure shipping.
Both are respectful choices, and both return your loved one’s cremated remains to you. Here is how they differ.
| Compared | Direct cremation | Family Farewell |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $997 | $1,997 |
| Private viewing | Not included | One private hour for family |
| Visit to the funeral home | Not needed | Yes, for the viewing |
| Arrange online | Yes, in about 15 minutes | Yes, or by phone |
| Memorial service | Hold one later, anywhere | Hold one later, anywhere |
| Best for | A simple, affordable goodbye | Saying goodbye in person first |
Compare every option and price
Still deciding between cremation and burial? Our cremation vs. burial guide compares the costs side by side.
WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE IT
These are the reasons families tell us matter most.
From $997, with every fee listed up front. Most families pay about $1,400 in total.
Arrange online in about 15 minutes or by phone, and we take care of the rest.
Hold a service or gathering later, wherever and whenever feels right for your family.
We update you as each step is completed, so you always know where things stand.
HOW TO ARRANGE IT
Arrange a direct cremation online in under 15 minutes, or call (773) 866-2273 any time. No in-person visit is needed.
We come to the home, hospital, hospice or nursing home, day or night, and take care of the permit and all the paperwork.
Pick up at our funeral home, 3521 N. Pulaski Rd., or ask about secure shipping.
NEED HELP NOW?
Start direct cremation arrangements online in under 15 minutes, or call and speak with our team. The phone is answered 24/7.
PLANNING AHEAD?
A prepaid direct cremation plan locks in today’s price and spares your family difficult decisions later.
WHAT FAMILIES SAY
5.0
from more than 1,000
Google reviews
“Every interaction with him or his staff was professional and compassionate. They made the process feel effortless. … Having prices posted on their website for the different services let me know what to expect for final cost.”
“Caring cremations was amazing when I lost my wife. … there was zero awkward and insulting upsell (which everyone warned me about). In fact, I called and asked questions, then still made the arrangements online. Very straightforward.”
“I arranged everything online on their website with their very easy process. Prices were affordable. Great communication and prompt replies from Vivian. She’s professional, kind and compassionate.”
“Milos patiently answered my questions regarding pricing, cremation, etc. In person, I met with Vivian, who explained the process, pricing, and paperwork. The process was very easy and not complicated at all.”
“My father passed recently and wanted a very basic cremation. … Not only are you saving money, but Vivian was amazing. … She told me “don’t worry; we’ll take care of it” a few times and put me at ease. We selected a beautiful urn and it was also very affordable.”
“They were wonderful. Very professional, yet caring. You hear stories about your money being taken, not the case here, felt very comfortable every step of the way.”
“Caring Cremations was very easy to set up (I did it in advance). Prices were competitive. The documentation was all available via email. The people I worked with were respectful, punctual, kind and considerate.”
“Caring cremations is #1 for caring and affordable cremation services. They completed services for my father in 2020 and just completed cremations for my mother in July of 2026. A family business, they are caring and professional.”
Swipe for more stories from families →
OUR FAMILY, SERVING YOURS
Caring Cremations is a small team led by our family, and we care for every family as we would our own.
Milos
Owner & Funeral Director
Vivian
Director of Family Services
Gary
Lead Funeral Director
Armando
Funeral Director Apprentice
Joel
Senior Care Specialist
Claudia
Family Care Specialist
Direct cremation is a cremation without a funeral service or viewing beforehand. Your family can still hold a memorial or celebration of life later, wherever and whenever you choose.
Our Direct Cremation starts at $997. With the required $200 county permit, the $160 cremation container, a $25 temporary urn and tax, the total is $1,401.43. Certified death certificates are optional.
Yes. Your loved one receives the same care as with any service we provide: kept in our climate-controlled holding area, cremated individually and identified at every step.
No. Most families arrange everything online in about 15 minutes or by phone. You are always welcome to visit our funeral home at 3521 N. Pulaski Rd.
Direct cremation does not include a viewing. If your family would like to see your loved one first, our Family Farewell includes one private hour at our funeral home, starting at $1,997.
Most of the time is spent on paperwork: the death certificate must be signed and the county must issue the cremation permit. We file everything for you and keep you updated at every step. Our guide on how long cremation takes in Illinois explains each step.
Yes. A prepaid direct cremation plan locks in today’s price, from $997, and you can pay in full or monthly. See our prepaid cremation plans.
Yes. When you arrange online, you can choose to pay over time with Affirm, subject to eligibility.
We serve families across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs at the same price, and we come to the home, hospital, hospice or nursing home wherever your loved one is.
Call us any time. We’re happy to explain the process and every cost before you decide.
(773) 866-2273Or
Phone answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
FUNERAL HOME · MEETINGS AND PICKUPS
Caring Cremations – Irving Park
3521 N. Pulaski Rd., Chicago, IL 60641
Get directionsReviewed by Milos Djordjevic, Licensed Funeral Director and Owner · Updated October 2026
The same price in every community we serve.
