Utah’s DIY Funerals: Families Can Take Charge Of Burials, Coffins, and Gravestones

When a loved one passes on, are you required to use a licensed funeral director or can the family handle everything from funeral to burial. The truth is in Utah you can do it all yourself.  

Navigating Legal Requirements for Self-Directed Funerals

I’m not sure you would want to handle everything yourself, but it is legal. There is a list of requirements that must be met according to the law should you choose to bypass a funeral home. 

A lot of the requirements have to do with the death certificate and caring for and transporting the body. There is a website in Utah that goes through how to handle each step if you want a DIY ceremony. 

Weighing the Practicalities: DIY vs. Professional Services

That isn’t all you can do on your own. If you want to build your own coffin, that is also legal in Utah. Once again, there are specifications you have to meet for the build. My dad actually had his own pine box made. 

The funeral home was not too happy with my dad’s choice, but Utah does allow it if it is built to fit the vault and is sturdy enough for transport. You can also make your own gravestone, but once again, must me the requirements of the cemetery. 

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It seems like a lot of work at a stressful time when you can have a professional who will take care of all the arraignments and make things run smoothly. Still, if you are the ultimate DIY guy, it is legal to do your own funeral in Utah.