Is a Casket Required for Cremation to Take Place?

A casket is not required for a cremation to take place. In most states, all that is required is an alternative container which can be constructed of wood or fiberboard/cardboard, and is cremated along with the deceased.

Is Embalming Required for Cremation?

Absolutely not. Public health law states that any human remains held 24 hours beyond death, and not yet cremated or interred at a cemetery, shall be either embalmed, or kept under refrigeration. Most reputable funeral establishments and crematories have on-site refrigeration.

Can a Cremation Be Witnessed by the Family?

Yes, in most situations, the cremation provider will permit family members to be in attendance when the body is placed into the cremation chamber. A few religious groups include this as an integral part of their funeral practice.

Are There Any Religions That Do Not Approve of Cremation?

Most major religions accept cremation, except Islam and Orthodox Judaism. Most Christian denominations allow cremation. The Catholic Church approves cremation but encourages interment in a cemetery. Buddhists favor cremation, and Hindus consider it the orthodox method of disposition.

Can More than One Cremation Be Performed at Once?

No. It is both practically impossible and illegal. Most modern cremation chambers are not large enough to house more than one adult at a time.

What Usually Happens after the Cremation Is Finished?

After cremation, bone fragments and non-consumed metal items are collected and separated from the remains using inspection and magnets. Bone fragments are processed into a uniform size and sealed in a plastic bag, then placed in a container or urn chosen by the family.

What Do Cremated Remains Look Like?

Cremated remains are a powdery and granular mix in shades of gray to white. An average adult’s remains typically weigh between four to eight pounds.

Are All Cremated Remains Returned to the Family?

Yes, except for microscopic particles that cannot be retrieved, all cremated remains are returned to the family.

Are Urns Required to Collect the Cremated Remains?

No law requires an urn, but cremated remains must be kept in a container. A basic urn is included in the cremation package, with options available for upgrades.

What Options Are Available with the Cremated Remains?

In California, cremated remains may be kept at home, scattered at sea (500+ yards from shore), scattered on private property with permission, or interred in a cemetery. They can also be divided into keepsake urns or jewelry for memorialization.

How Can You Be Certain That All Remains Are Kept Separate, and You Receive the Correct Remains?

Reliable cremation providers have strict policies to ensure accuracy and prevent errors. It's your right to ask about the procedures used for identification, cremation, processing, and packaging of remains.

Santa Monica, CA Funeral Services

Simple cremations, personalized memorials, transparent pricing. Our team is here to help you.

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Compassionate Care for Santa Monica Families

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Personalized Attention

Every family is unique, and so is every farewell. At Farrington Mortuary, we listen with empathy and create services that reflect the life and wishes of your loved one.

Always Available

Whether it’s day or night, our caring team is here for you. From the first call to the final goodbye, we walk beside you with full-time support and guidance.

Transparent & Trusted

No pressure, no hidden fees—just honest, affordable care. Families in Santa Monica trust us for clear communication and respectful service during difficult times.

Need Help Planning a Meaningful Goodbye?

Guiding you with compassion, clarity, and care — from simple cremations to custom memorials. We’re here when it matters most.

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Personalized Memorials Made Simple

At Farrington Mortuary, we understand that every life is unique. We specialize in making the memorial planning process easy and personalized, ensuring a meaningful tribute at an affordable and transparent price.

The Traditional Way

Somber, impersonal settings
Limited options
Confusing costs

The Farrington Mortuary Way

Contemporary spaces that reflect the individual
Customized services, from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations
Clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees

What We Offer

Whether you're looking for a simple cremation or a personalized celebration of life, our services are transparent, affordable, and delivered with the highest quality of service. Choose the goodbye that's right for you and your loved one.

Basic Direct Cremation

Direct Cremation is for families looking for a simple farewell without a viewing or service. This includes:

• Individual, Private Cremation

• Refrigerated Storage

• Personal Return of ashes

• Cremation Container

*Personal Delivery of Death Certificates Available for Additional Cost

Cremation with Scattering of Ashes at Sea

Cremation with Sea Scattering is for families looking for a simple, beautiful funeral at sea with an ashes scattering. This includes:

• Refrigerated Storage

• Cremation Container

• Basic, Plastic Urn

• Scattering performed by boat captain

• Professional services of the licensed funeral director to file the necessary permits, complete the death certificate and notify local, state and government agencies

Direct Alkaline Hydrolysis (Water Cremation)

Pickup & Transport of your loved one into our care

• Individual, Private Cremation

• Refrigerated Storage

• Temporary Urn

• Personal Return of ashes

Individual, Private Alkaline Hydrolysis

• Professional services of the licensed funeral director to file the necessary permits, complete the death certificate and notify local, state and government agencies

*Personal Delivery of Death Certificates Available for Additional Cost

Explore Our All Packages

Finding the Perfect Location for Your Farewell

Let Farrington Mortuary help you discover a venue that truly reflects the spirit of your loved one.

Whether you envision a peaceful gathering by the ocean, a memorial in a beautiful garden, or a personalized service at a community center, our team will assist you in securing the ideal setting. We work with various locations throughout Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Ventura, Riverside, and Orange County to provide meaningful and memorable tributes.

Personalized venue

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How It Works

Navigating funeral arrangements can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Reach out to us, and we’ll guide you every step of the way.

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2. Tailored Planning Assistance

We understand that every family is unique. Our team will work closely with you to explore personalized options and ensure that your choices reflect your needs and values.

3. Prioritize Your Loved Ones

Let us handle the details so you can focus on what truly matters—being there for your family during this time. No pressure, no obligations—just compassionate support when you need it most.

Serving Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a community we hold close to our hearts, and we’re proud to offer compassionate memorial services tailored to your needs. Whether you’re in Valencia, Saugus, or any surrounding area, we are here for you 24/7—online or by phone.

Our services are designed to honor your loved one’s legacy with dignity and professionalism, focusing on meaningful venues and personalized touches that reflect their life.

What We Offer:

Handling all necessary documentation
Coordinating cremation or burial services
Returning ashes safely and securely
Selecting venues that resonate with your family’s wishes
Managing logistics, including catering and audio-visual arrangements
A warm, compassionate team with years of experience
Thoughtfully arranged, affordable service packages
24/7 support when you need us most

We are honored to serve families in Santa Monica, helping you create meaningful moments in memory of your loved one.

Why Choose Us?

Transparent Services

We offer clear pricing with no hidden fees, ensuring you can make informed decisions without worrying about unexpected costs during this emotional period.

2. Personalized Approach

Every family has its own story, and we tailor our services to honor your loved one’s unique journey while respecting your values and traditions.

3. Compassionate Care

Our team is dedicated to providing genuine support, guiding you with empathy and understanding every step of the way. Your emotional well-being is our priority.

4. Local Expertise

As part of the Santa Monica community, we understand the importance of honoring lives in spaces that resonate with local beauty and comfort, creating meaningful experiences for families across the region.

We’re Here When You Need Us

If you're searching for a funeral near me or cremation services near me, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re available day or night to answer your questions and guide you through the next steps with empathy and care.

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Frequently Asked Questions –

We offer a full range of funeral services in Santa Monica, including traditional funerals, memorial services, celebration of life ceremonies, and personalized tributes. Our caring team is here to help you create a meaningful service that honors your loved one.
Yes, we offer respectful and affordable cremation services near Santa Monica. Whether you prefer a simple cremation or a service with a memorial, we’re here to guide you through the options with compassion.
A funeral service typically includes the presence of the body and may involve burial or cremation afterward. A memorial service is held after cremation or burial and allows loved ones to gather and remember in a more flexible setting. We offer both funeral and memorial services in Santa Monica based on your family’s wishes.
Yes, we offer affordable cremation near Santa Monica without compromising on care and dignity. Our team can walk you through available packages that suit your preferences and budget.
We understand that loss doesn’t end after the service. That’s why we offer ongoing grief support resources for families in the Santa Monica area. Our staff is always here to help you navigate the healing journey.
You can reach out to us 24/7 for immediate assistance or to schedule a consultation. Whether you're searching for funeral services near me or compassionate mortuary services, our Santa Monica team is ready to help. Call now@ +1 800-674-3659

Santa Monica, CA Funeral Services