How much does cremation cost in Des Moines?
Cheapest Option $895 Celebrate Life Iowa
Average Cremation $1,867 Des Moines average
Providers Compared 15 with pricing data
Cremation Providers in Des Moines — Sorted by Price
| # | Provider | Direct Cremation | Basic Services Fee | Phone |
| 🏆 | Celebrate Life Iowa 1200 Valley West Drive | $895 | $1,885 | 515-689-5522 |
| 2 | Hamilton's Funeral Home 605 Lyon St | $1,340 | $1,845 | 515-243-5221 |
| 3 | Hamilton's Near Highland Memory Gardens 121 NW 60th Ave | $1,340 | $1,845 | 515-289-2442 |
| 4 | Hamilton's On Westtown Pkwy 3601 Westown Pkwy | $1,340 | $1,845 | 515-224-0078 |
| 5 | Hamilton's Southtown Funeral Home 5400 SW 9th St | $1,340 | $1,845 | 515-285-3911 |
| 6 | Henderson-Highland Park Funeral Home 3500 6th Ave | $1,625 | $2,195 | 515-309-6550 |
| 7 | Brooks Funeral Care Tonini Chapel 2135 SW 9th St | $1,715 | $1,490 | 515-282-7311 |
| 8 | Sunset Funeral Chapel & Cemetery 7601 Fleur Dr | $1,715 | $1,490 | 515-285-4600 |
| 9 | Arnold's Highland Park Funeral Home 3500 6th Avenue | $1,850 | $1,950 | 515-288-6551 |
| 10 | Iles Funeral Homes Westover Chapel 6337 Hickman Rd | $2,310 | $1,895 | 515-276-4567 |
| 11 | Dunn's Funeral Home & Crematory 2121 Grand Ave | $2,390 | $1,925 | 515-244-2121 |
| 12 | Grandview Park Funeral Home 3211 Hubbell Ave | $2,390 | $1,925 | 515-265-1652 |
| 13 | West Des Moines Iles Arrangement Center 6800 Lake Drive Suite 200 | $2,390 | $1,925 | 515-270-3800 |
| 14 | Hay, Merle, Funeral Home & Cemetery 4400 Merle Hay Rd | $2,470 | $2,140 | 515-278-4633 |
| 15 | McLaren's Resthaven Chapel 801 19th St | $2,895 | $2,795 | 515-225-7225 |
What is included in direct cremation?
✓ Transportation Transfer of the deceased from the place of death to the crematory.
✓ Death certificate filing The funeral home completes and files the death certificate with the state. Additional certified copies are typically $10–$25 each.
✓ Cremation The actual cremation process, carried out at a licensed crematory.
✓ Return of remains Ashes returned in a basic plastic or cardboard container. Upgrades to urns cost extra.
What is NOT included in direct cremation:
- Embalming (not needed for direct cremation)
- Viewing or visitation
- Formal funeral service or ceremony
- Decorative urn (add $50–$500+)
- Obituary placement
- Flowers
Many families choose direct cremation and then hold a separate memorial service at home, a park, or a place of worship — at no additional cost to the funeral home.
Frequently Asked Questions — Cremation in Des Moines
What is the cheapest cremation option in Des Moines, Iowa?
The cheapest direct cremation in Des Moines is $895 at Celebrate Life Iowa, located at 1200 Valley West Drive. Call 515-689-5522 for current availability.
Is direct cremation legal in Iowa?
Yes, direct cremation is legal in all 50 states including Iowa. The FTC Funeral Rule guarantees your right to choose only the services you want. No funeral home can require you to purchase embalming, a viewing, or a casket if you choose direct cremation.
What is the difference between direct cremation and cremation with a service?
Direct cremation has no embalming, no viewing, and no funeral ceremony at the funeral home. It's the simplest and least expensive option. Cremation with a service (sometimes called "cremation with memorial") adds one or more of those elements — a viewing before cremation, a funeral ceremony at the funeral home, or a graveside service. Each addition increases the cost.
Can I hold a memorial service after direct cremation?
Yes. Many families choose direct cremation precisely because it separates the practical arrangements from the memorial. Once you have the ashes, you can hold a memorial service anywhere — at home, at a park, at a church, or at a restaurant — at any time that works for the family. There is no funeral home fee for this.
About This Pricing Data
Cremation prices for Des Moines, Iowa are sourced from OfficialObituary.com's
directory of 10,000+ funeral homes. Prices are collected from individual funeral home
General Price Lists and updated periodically. Always confirm current pricing directly
with the provider before making arrangements.
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