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Wilkes-Barre Cremation Services
Direct cremation from $895. Compare 14 local providers, read real reviews, and get free quotes — no pressure.
Wilkes-Barre Cremation Costs — 2026
Prices vary widely. Here's what to expect in Wilkes-Barre.
$895–$4,795
No funeral service, simple container. The most affordable option.
$4,270–$9,110
Includes cremation plus a memorial or graveside service.
$6,460–$11,245
Viewing, funeral service, then cremation. Most comprehensive option.
Save Money on Cremation in Wilkes-Barre
Prices can vary by $1,000+ between providers in Wilkes-Barre. Always compare at least 3 quotes to ensure you're getting a fair price. Use our free quote form below to get started.
About Cremation in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
With a population of about 40,000+, Wilkes-Barre is a well-established community in Pennsylvania. Direct cremation services are priced at $895–$4,795, which is near the national average. In the northeastern United States, cities of this size tend to have enough provider competition to keep prices reasonable.
At $895–$4,795, direct cremation costs in Wilkes-Barre run above Philadelphia's $775–$2,095 range. It's worth comparing providers across the area, as a short drive could yield significant savings.
At current Wilkes-Barre pricing, you're likely to find reasonable options — but it's still worth requesting quotes from multiple providers. The FTC requires funeral homes to give you itemized pricing, so use that to your advantage. We list 14 providers in Wilkes-Barre on this page.
Cremation in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's cremation market varies by region, with Philadelphia and Pittsburgh commanding higher prices than central and rural areas. Allentown, Harrisburg, and Scranton offer mid-range options.
Pennsylvania Cremation Laws
Pennsylvania requires a 24-hour waiting period before cremation. A coroner or medical examiner must authorize the cremation, and the next of kin must provide written consent.
Money-Saving Tip
Pennsylvania prices drop significantly outside Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Providers in the Lehigh Valley, Poconos, and Central PA often charge $500-$1,000 less than major metro providers.
Cremation Providers in Wilkes-Barre, PA
Compare pricing, reviews, and contact info for local providers.
14 providers
Recent Google Reviews
Chris was kind, helpful, and very communicative. We are grateful to him and his staff for providing exactly what we wanted for my mom, and explaining everything along the way. I can see why many families in the area have trusted Yanaitis for generations.
During the hardest time of my life I am so glad that our family picked Yanaitis. Our family truly felt cared about and supported every step of the way
Honestly there are no words to describe the high degree of compassion Mr. Yanaitis showed to my recently deceased sister (even prior to her anticipated passing). Afterwards, he afforded our family the same degree of concern and attention. He is superb.
Recent Google Reviews
Very reasonable and worked well understanding financial situtions
Thank you Ted, Madeline and Dan. Well done throughout.
I had a very positive experience with this funeral home on 5/27/21. Ted Collins, Funeral Director, was professional yet caring during this difficult time. He walked us through the process and took care of all the details. i would highly recommend this funeral home.
Recent Google Reviews
I highly recommend this wonderful family owned business that treats you and your deceased loved ones like their own family.
Recent Google Reviews
We recently worked with Corcoran Funeral Home to help handle the burial of my father. John Corcoran and his son were very helpful, working with our local funeral home to receive the remains, and the cemetery to handle the burial. Professional, sensitive, and good with communications made a difficult process easier and is appreciated. The people were top notch and it really made a difference.
Recent Google Reviews
Jared Jordan is very helpful , caring , understanding , compassionate and just an incredible human being !!! He did a wonderful job putting together a beautiful service for my father!! From top to bottom he took care of my family and I! Much appreciated!! Thank You!
We recently entrusted the services of our Dad to this funeral home and couldnt be more satisfied. Steve and Jared handled everything with the utmost respect for our Dad and our Family. Every request we had was met with compassion and a sense of urgency to ensure we were happy with the results. We know our Dad would have been proud of how his life was honored, and for that we will be forever grateful! Thank You& The Centak Family
Our second parent has recently utilized the services here. Our grandparents previous. Always wonderfull attention to family in these sensitive times. Honoring family oddities of services. Understanding every service is unique. Taking extra time to research an odd floral arrangement to be sure we knew whom to thank.
Recent Google Reviews
The funeral director was extremely helpful. We found ourselves suddenly faced with the death of our mother and at a loss on what we were supposed to do. She walked us through everything and even dealt with the life insurance company for us. I would recommend this place to anyone who has lost a loved one.
The funeral home that took care of my dad provided exceptional service from beginning to end. During a very difficult time, they handled every detail with professionalism, compassion, and care. The ability to complete everything electronically made the process so much easier and less stressful. I truly could not have been more pleased with their service and am very grateful for the support they provided.
My grandmother passed away the week before Christmas 12/18/25, Kniffen OMalley handled all the details. Losing a loved isnt easy but is even harder around the holidays. Madison handled everything professionally and was very patient. The service and all details were just as I selected. The picture and video slides were touching. Thank you Madison you did an excellent job. Thank you for everything and always being there when I sent another message.
Direct Cremation
$4,495
Cremation + Memorial
$9,110
Full Service
$11,245
Recent Google Reviews
I wish I could give them 10 stars. Kind, caring, accommodating, thoughtful, and professional are just a few of the words that I would use to describe MJ McLaughlin. We were all emotional wrecks and it was such a relief to know that they had everything under control.
I have no words to express the good service we received from these people. The attention, the love, the patience, the professionalism with which they do their work is priceless. I am infinitely grateful to Mr. Tommy Mclaughlin for making us feel appreciated in the midst of so much pain. He was always attentive and only told us everything we could. To attend, count on me... the florist where we ordered the flowers very unprofessional, and this man, just half an hour before the funeral service, ordered flowers and said don't worry Yohanka, the funeral home will take care of it, don't worry, everything will be fine... thank you very much because although we live Two and a half hours from the place he made sure everything went well.. thanks Tommy
I lost my father and my family was lost and overwhelmed. MJ McLaughlins top quality, compassionate services helped us celebrate his life in a very loving and meaningful way. Tommy is highly detail-oriented. He went above and beyond to meet the familys every need, including adding beautifully decorated personal touches. He is a wealth of knowledge in his field and Im so glad we chose McLaughlins for my dads funeral services. All his suggestions were spot on. Theres no way we couldve fulfilled my dads last wish without you, Tommy! On behalf of the entire Rosario family, thank you McLaughlins for helping us fulfill his last wish of returning to his country, for your kindness, and for providing the family such memorable moments.
Recent Google Reviews
Mr. Daniel Hughes is personable, respectful and professional. He understood the individual needs I requested to help me through it all.
He took care of my mother's and father's arrangements went out of his way to help
My father passed away on a Thursday morning. The home hospice company had previously called Daniel J Hughes Funeral services as my mother wanted them to handle the services. When the hospice called to notify of his passing, Daniel was at our house within an hour. He took great care to handle the transfer of my father with dignity. We met with him that afternoon to make the arrangement and the process went very well. Daniel explained all options in detail and a difficult process was completed with ease. The funeral service was held two days later and my family was completely satisfied. I highly recommend Daniel J. Hughes Funeral Services.
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Recent Google Reviews
A couple months ago I dealt with the unexpected death of my 40 year old husband, John and his wife were extremely helpful and caring. Every step was done with the choices of what my husband would want and not costs. I was not pushed in any way only given options and even understanding that at our age we weren't prepared for this in the least. I know I can contact them anytime if I need help with something. I would gladly use their services again when necessary.
John and Lori Morris are both professional and compassionate. They treated me and my family like their own family. My Dad received the upmost care and respect! Thank you both. We will be forever grateful to you both!
Mr. Morris was nothing but professional, courteous, and comforting to our entire family during a very difficult time. We all felt the entire process went as well as could be. The care and dignity in which Mr. Morris treated our mom was as if she was his own!
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Recent Google Reviews
I informed my Family that when my time comes I want to have my funeral from Patrick Lehmans Funeral Services. I spoke to Mr. Lehman at length about it. They do EVERYTHING right! You can trust Mr. & Mrs. Lehman 100%. I had a Family Memorial Stone designed there and they went above and beyond with help & design! Then we had 3 additional stones made for old family graves in Hazleton, PA. I vowed then this is where I wanted my funeral. I had to move to North Carolina because of severe illness, but I am at peace knowing all will be handled with care, efficiency & dignity by them! Thank you Mr. & Mrs Lehman!
I cant thank Mary, Patrick and staff enough for the care and compassion they gave to my family during the unexpected passing of my uncle. I am glad to have chosen this family to take care of my own.
I want to publicly thank the Lehman family funeral service, they treated my family like family. During the most difficult time for my family and I. they were compassionate and professional. We couldnt have asked for a better service for my dearly beloved wife. My wife was the fifth person in the family to have Lehman funeral services care for their arrangements and funeral. I couldnt give a a stronger recommendation. Thank you very much, the family of Leslie and Richard J DellaCroce
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Recent Google Reviews
It was great.
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Recent Google Reviews
They are the best
They were extremely caring, compassionate, and professional. Id recommend their services to anyone!
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Recent Google Reviews
This place was very respectful and friendly. He knew how to make me more comfortable with the experience of my pets death.
Quick service, nice place. Definitely recommend
The company is very professional... They answered all questions I had was able to get me in the same day of calling... I appreciate everything they did for me
Direct Cremation
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How to Choose a Cremation Provider in Wilkes-Barre
5 Questions to Ask
- 1.What's your total price for direct cremation, including all fees?
- 2.Are you licensed in Pennsylvania?
- 3.How long does the cremation process take?
- 4.What payment options do you offer?
- 5.Can I see recent customer reviews?
Red Flags to Watch For
- ✗Refusing to provide itemized pricing
- ✗Pressure to decide immediately
- ✗No physical address or phone number
- ✗Unlicensed or unverified credentials
- ✗Hidden fees not disclosed upfront
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Wilkes-Barre Cremation FAQs
How much does cremation cost in Wilkes-Barre?
Direct cremation in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania ranges from $895–$4,795 based on current provider listings. Prices vary by provider, so we recommend comparing at least 3 quotes.
What is the cheapest cremation option in Wilkes-Barre?
Direct cremation (no funeral service) is the most affordable option, starting at $895 in Wilkes-Barre. Providers like Yanaitis Funeral Home Inc. offer transparent, all-inclusive pricing that covers transportation, a basic container, the cremation itself, and return of ashes.
How do I arrange a cremation in Wilkes-Barre?
Contact a licensed cremation provider in Wilkes-Barre directly. Most providers handle all arrangements including transportation, required permits, filing the death certificate, and returning the ashes. Many offer phone or online arrangements. You can compare 14 providers in Wilkes-Barre on this page.
Does Pennsylvania require a waiting period before cremation?
Most states including Pennsylvania require a waiting period of 24–48 hours after death before cremation can take place. Your cremation provider in Wilkes-Barre will handle all timing requirements and obtain the necessary permits.
Can I have a funeral service with cremation in Wilkes-Barre?
Yes. Many families in Wilkes-Barre choose a traditional funeral service before cremation, or a memorial service afterward. Cremation with memorial services starts around $4,270–$9,110 in Wilkes-Barre.
What is the difference between cremation and burial costs in Wilkes-Barre?
Cremation is significantly less expensive than traditional burial in Wilkes-Barre. Direct cremation starts at $895, while a traditional burial with casket, vault, and cemetery plot typically costs $7,000–$12,000 or more. Cremation also eliminates ongoing cemetery maintenance fees.
How long does the cremation process take in Wilkes-Barre?
In Pennsylvania, the entire cremation process typically takes 3–5 business days from when the funeral home receives the remains. This includes obtaining required permits and death certificates. The cremation itself takes 2–3 hours.
Do I need to buy an urn from the cremation provider?
No. Under the FTC Funeral Rule, cremation providers cannot require you to buy an urn from them. They must return ashes in a basic container at no extra charge. You can purchase an urn separately from any retailer, often at a lower price.
What happens to the ashes after cremation?
After cremation in Wilkes-Barre, the ashes (cremated remains) are returned to the family in an urn or basic container. Families can keep them at home, scatter them in a meaningful location (following local regulations), place them in a columbarium, or bury them in a cemetery.
Can I pre-plan or pre-pay for cremation in Wilkes-Barre?
Yes. Many cremation providers in Wilkes-Barre offer pre-planning and pre-payment options that let you lock in today's prices and relieve your family of making decisions during a difficult time. Contact providers directly to ask about their pre-arrangement plans.
Cremation Guides & Resources
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Cremation Services in Other Pennsylvania Cities
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