How long does cremation take?

When a loved one is cremated, it’s natural to have questions about the process. A common question we hear from families is, “How long does cremation take?”. Here, we explain the cremation timeline to help you understand what to expect.

The cremation timeline

The cremation process can vary in length, depending on your loved one’s circumstances and wishes. Your Funeral Specialist will be able to answer your questions in more detail, but we can provide a general overview of what’s involved and how long things can take.

Completing documents

Before your loved one’s cremation takes place, we’ll ask you to complete the necessary paperwork and help you obtain the required authorisations. This crucial step ensures we have the correct documentation to begin the cremation process. This can often be completed in one sitting – either during the first meeting with us or at a later date.

Transferring your loved one

Once the paperwork is complete, we’ll arrange to transfer your loved one's body to the crematorium. This step is carried out by experienced professionals in a specialised vehicle. The duration of the journey depends on how far your loved one’s funeral service is from the chosen crematorium.

Preparing for cremation

Once in the care of the crematorium, your loved one will be prepared for cremation. This starts with a careful identification process, followed by the removal of their personal belongings only at your request. Any special items you’d like them to be cremated with should be placed inside the coffin during the viewing or given to your Funeral Specialist ahead of time. You can learn more about how we prepare your loved one for cremation here.

Cremation process

Once cremation begins, the process can take several hours. Your loved one’s coffin or casket is gently placed into the cremation chamber, where heat begins to break down the body. The temperature will reach between 800–1,000 degrees Celsius throughout the process. Then, they’ll undergo a gentle cooling process before their remains are processed into a fine ash.

Returning the ashes

After the cremation process is complete, your loved one’s ashes will be placed into a container or cremation urn. Then, the crematorium staff will arrange to return them to your family. The entire process can take up to a week and will generally begin right after the funeral takes place.

After your loved one’s ashes are returned to you, you can decide what you’d like to do with them. Many families choose to keep them close by displaying the urn in their home, while others scatter their ashes in a special place, like their favourite beach or lookout.

At White Lady Funerals, we support families with care, compassion and respect. If you have any questions or need more personalised advice, please get in touch.