Families in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints often face the cremation question with real uncertainty, because the answer is not as black-and-white as it is in some other faiths. Mormon cremation is neither forbidden nor formally encouraged — the Church leaves the choice largely to the family while expressing a clear preference for traditional burial. If you are trying to honor your faith and your loved one's wishes at the same time, understanding that nuance matters.
This guide explains what the LDS Church actually teaches about cremation, where the preference for burial comes from, how temple garments and ordinances factor in, and the practical steps a Latter-day Saint family can take. For the broader picture across faiths, see our overview of cremation and religion.
What the LDS Church Teaches About Mormon Cremation
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not prohibit cremation. Its official General Handbook notes that the Church does not normally encourage cremation but leaves the decision to the family, taking into account local laws, customs, and the feelings of the deceased and their family.
In other words, cremation is permitted, not condemned. A member who is cremated is not cut off from blessings, ordinances, or the promise of resurrection. Church teaching holds that the resurrection is an act of God's power that is not limited by how a body was laid to rest — whether buried intact, lost at sea, or reduced to ashes.
That said, the Church clearly prefers burial where it is possible and lawful. Burial connects to long-standing scriptural symbolism about the body being laid to rest and rising again, and it mirrors the burial of Jesus Christ. So the honest summary is:
- Cremation is allowed for Latter-day Saints.
- Burial is preferred and encouraged where practical.
- The family decides, ideally following any wishes the deceased expressed.
Is Cremation a Sin in the LDS Faith?
No. Cremation is not classified as a sin in Latter-day Saint teaching, and choosing it does not endanger a person's salvation or standing in the Church. Leaders have consistently taught that the manner of disposition does not affect the resurrection.
This is an important reassurance for families who feel guilt or worry. If a loved one chose cremation for financial, practical, or personal reasons, that choice does not carry spiritual penalty. For a wider scriptural discussion that many members find helpful, see is cremation a sin in the Bible and the related look at cremation in Christianity.
Where the Church asks for care is in how cremation is carried out — specifically around dignity, temple ordinances, and clothing.
Temple Garments, Endowed Members, and Clothing
For members who have received their temple endowment, the question of clothing carries special weight. The Church's guidance is that, when possible, the body of an endowed member should be dressed in temple clothing before cremation, just as it would be for burial. Where local law or circumstances make that impractical, local leaders can offer guidance on how to proceed respectfully.
Key points for endowed members:
- The body may be dressed in temple garments and temple clothing prior to cremation where feasible.
- A bishop or stake president can advise when questions arise about clothing or ordinances.
- The absence of a traditional casket does not remove the sacred nature of the service.
Families should raise these questions early with their bishop and with the cremation provider. A good provider will accommodate dressing the body in temple clothing before the cremation takes place. Our list of questions to ask a cremation provider can help you cover these details in one conversation.
Planning a Latter-day Saint Funeral With Cremation
An LDS funeral service can be held whether the body is present for burial or has been cremated. The service is typically directed by the bishop and centers on the plan of salvation, comfort, and testimony. Cremation simply changes the physical arrangements, not the spiritual meaning of the gathering.
Common approaches Latter-day Saint families take:
- Viewing or funeral first, cremation after. A traditional viewing and funeral are held with the body present, then the body is cremated afterward. This preserves the familiar service while still choosing cremation.
- Direct cremation, memorial later. The body is cremated first through a direct cremation, and a memorial service is held afterward with the ashes present.
- Cremation with graveside interment of ashes. The ashes are buried in a cemetery plot, sometimes with a dedicatory prayer offered at the grave, keeping the tradition of a dedicated resting place.
Many families like the third option because it keeps the practice of dedicating a grave — a meaningful ordinance in LDS tradition — while still choosing cremation. A bishop can dedicate the grave where ashes are interred just as with a casket burial.
Cost, Practicality, and Making the Decision
Cost and circumstance are legitimate factors, and the Church's deference to the family explicitly allows for them. Cremation is often significantly less expensive than traditional burial, which matters for families on a budget or when a death happens far from home. You can compare typical prices in our average cremation cost by state guide.
When weighing the decision, faithful families often consider:
- The expressed wishes of the person who died
- The feelings of close family members
- Cost and financial strain on survivors
- Distance — for example, a death away from where the family lives
- Local laws and customs
There is no single "right" LDS answer. The Church trusts families to weigh these prayerfully. If burial is affordable and desired, it aligns with the Church's stated preference. If cremation better fits the family's situation, it is fully within the bounds of faithful practice.
Helpful Resources
Authoritative and related sources for Latter-day Saint families:
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — official site
- FTC — shopping for funeral services
- National Funeral Directors Association
Related guides on this site:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Mormons be cremated?
Yes. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints permits cremation. It does not encourage it and prefers burial where practical, but it leaves the decision to the family, considering the wishes of the deceased, local law, and family feelings. A cremated member is fully entitled to the promise of resurrection.
Is cremation a sin in the LDS Church?
No. Cremation is not a sin and does not affect a person's salvation or standing. Church leaders teach that the resurrection is not limited by how a body was laid to rest, so choosing cremation carries no spiritual penalty.
Should an endowed member be cremated in temple garments?
Where possible, yes. Church guidance is that an endowed member's body should be dressed in temple garments and temple clothing before cremation, just as for burial. If local law makes this impractical, a bishop or stake president can advise how to proceed respectfully.
Can you have an LDS funeral if the body is cremated?
Yes. A full Latter-day Saint funeral or memorial service can be held with cremation. Some families hold the viewing and funeral with the body present and cremate afterward; others hold a memorial with the ashes present. The bishop typically directs the service either way.
Can ashes be buried and the grave dedicated?
Yes. Many LDS families bury the ashes in a cemetery plot and have a bishop offer a dedicatory prayer at the grave, preserving the meaningful tradition of dedicating a resting place while still choosing cremation.
Why does the Church prefer burial over cremation?
Burial reflects long-standing scriptural symbolism of the body being laid to rest and rising in the resurrection, mirroring the burial of Jesus Christ. The preference is about symbolism and tradition, not a prohibition, which is why cremation remains an acceptable choice.