Articles and Advice

Can you Watch/Witness a Cremation?

Yes, watching a cremation is allowed. The specific guidelines depend on the rules established by your mortuary or crematorium. Because there are no laws around witness cremations—the specific term for cremations that are viewed by witnesses—each facility is free to make and enforce  its own policies. 

Independent and smaller crematories are often not set up to accommodate witnesses. But larger crematoriums, often operated by funeral homes, are likely to have viewing areas for family members. 

Here at All California Cremation, we are proud to offer families the opportunity to witness their loved one’s cremation at any of our crematories. 

Why Witness a Cremation? 

Families may choose to witness a cremation for religious purposes. For example, in Hinduism, it is traditional for a family member to press the button to begin the cremation. 

Witness cremations also provide closure for your family. They can offer comfort as you’re able to see your loved one one last time. 

What Is the Cremation Process for Families? 

We feel it’s important to be given a final moment of farewell with your loved one. To help you better understand what you can expect, here are five steps to the cremation process for families. 

1. Proper Authorization Is Obtained

The cremation process cannot begin until the right documentation is signed by all required parties. These documents include: 

• 
  Cremation permit and Death Certificate: The death certificate and cremation permit are filed by the funeral home through the county health department. While the death certificate are ordered from the county directly, the permit is available electronically as soon as it is filed. 
• 
  Signed copy of cremation authorization: In California, 51% of the surviving next of kin must authorize the cremation. The funeral home will help walk your family through the necessary paperwork.

At All California Cremation, our cremations generally occur within three days of receiving the cremation permit. 

1. The Body Is Placed in a Cremation Container

To keep our services as affordable as possible, our team at All California Cremation places your departed loved one into a cremation container. This container is made of strong, rigid, and flammable cardboard.

Most states, including California, do not require a casket for cremation. But federal law requires a funeral home or crematory to inform you that you have an option to use an alternative container. The container must be made available to you by the funeral home/crematory.

1. The Container with the Body Is Moved to the Retort

Families will enter the witness cremation viewing area. Once they notify the crematory staff they are ready, the operator will begin the cremation process.

The body and container is then moved into the retort, or cremation chamber—an industrial furnace that holds and cremates the deceased. The retort is an enclosed space, so you cannot actually witness the cremation process. Rather, you watch the contained body enter the retort. 

1. Remaining Metals Are Removed & Remains Are Ground

Once the cremation is complete, bone fragments and non-consumed metal items (dental gold and silver, etc.) are collected. The bone fragments are processed down to a consistent size (also known as ashes). The cremated remains may contain some amount of metal, depending on each body, and that is generally handled in accordance with the crematory’s policies and procedures. 

1. Ashes Are Transferred to the Urn

The ashes are returned to the family. You are more than welcome to create and/or bring your own urn or some type of durable container (there is no law that requires cremated ashes to be in an urn). We are also happy to offer urns at our mortuary. 

How Long Does Cremation Take? 

Though it varies across cremation facilities, the cremation process takes, on average, four hours—two to three hours for the actual cremation and the remaining two hours for the ashes and chamber to cool down. 

Families may be present throughout the whole process, or they can simply watch their loved one’s body and container enter the retort. 

Is Your Loved One Clothed When They Are Cremated? 

If you’ve had a funeral ceremony for your loved one, they are generally cremated in their clothing (as long as there’s nothing that can damage the cremation chamber). If you’re interested in a direct cremation (without a service or viewing), the deceased are often cremated in whatever they passed away in (hospital gown, pajamas, etc.). But clothing is optional and completely up to you. 

We’re Here for You During the Final Moments

We understand it’s not easy seeing your loved one for the last time. At All California Cremation, we do our diligence in providing a respectful witness cremation experience that showers you and your family with comfort and closure. If you’d like to learn more about our services, contact our team today.