Direct Cremation Services in Devon

At South Hams Family Funerals we understand that saying goodbye is a deeply personal experience. Our direct cremation service in Devon offers a simple, dignified, and affordable option for families who prefer a private farewell without a traditional funeral service.

What is Direct Cremation?

Direct cremation, also known as unattended cremation, is a simple and dignified option where the person is respectfully cremated without a formal funeral service or ceremony at the crematorium.

This arrangement is often chosen by families who prefer a private or personal farewell at a later time, wish to avoid the formality or cost of a traditional service or are planning a separate memorial or celebration of life.

What’s included in a Direct Cremation from South Hams Family Funerals

  • The professional and respectful care of the person who has died
  • Completion of all necessary legal paperwork and arrangements
  • Cremation taking place at Exeter Crematorium, with 8:00am slots arranged by Susi, the funeral director
  • Cremated remains being scattered in the crematorium’s garden of remembrance, returned to our care for collection, or collected by the family either directly from the crematorium or from our funeral home

Why choose Direct Cremation by South Hams Family Funerals?

Affordable & Cost-Effective

Direct cremation is one of the most economical choices, avoiding costs associated with a traditional funeral service.

Simple & Stress-Free

We handle all necessary arrangements with care and professionalism, giving you peace of mind.

Keep Your Loved One Near

In most circumstances your loved one can be kept at the family home if preferred.

Visitors Welcome Anytime

Visitors are welcome to see their loved one at the chapel of rest any time, even out of normal office hours.

Flexible Memorial Options

We can help families plan a personalised memorial at a later date, in a setting that is meaningful to them.

What do you get with a Direct Cremation from South Hams Family Funerals

Susi and her team will provide support and guidance throughout the process. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.

We are proud to provide an option for loved ones to assist with direct cremation on the day at no extra cost. This service allows family members to partake in the final farewell, adding an intimate touch to the process and fostering a sense of closure and peace.

  • 24/7 collection and transportation of your loved one, within a 30-mile radius and into our care until the funeral. Unlike many other funeral directors, there is no “Out-of-Hours” surcharge.
  • We make all necessary arrangements and collate the required documentation (please note however that we are not able to register a death ourselves).
  • We provide a simple coffin. 
  • You and your family can assist with taking your loved one to the crematorium and where appropriate carry the coffin in.
  • A simple, dignified cremation process carried out with respect.
  • Crematorium and Doctors fees included.
  • Scattering of cremated remains in the crematorium’s Garden of Remembrance or returning them to our care for collection within 30 days. 

Direct cremation

£1295

(Discount available for those on low incomes or facing financial hardship)

Our direct cremation service is a simple, dignified, and affordable option for those who do not wish to hold a full funeral ceremony.

What’s included

  • Collection of your loved one with care, dignity, and respect by our professional team, using our
    beautiful hearse and a temporary coffin.
  • Transfer to our funeral home, where your loved one will be gently looked after while legal and
    administrative paperwork is completed.
  • Opportunity to visit your loved one at our funeral home, arranged by appointment with Susi, our
    funeral director. Visits are offered in a peaceful, private setting with respect and compassion.

On the day of the cremation

  • Your loved one will be taken to either Exeter Crematorium or another crematorium of your choice (for an additional charge) for an early morning cremation (we aim for
    8:00 am arrival).
  • Whenever possible, we work with you to arrange:
  • A chance for family to be present and witness the final farewell, or
  • For family or friends to assist in carrying the coffin into the crematorium.
  • Alternatively, we can arrange a drive of honour past your home or a meaningful location, so family
    and friends may say their goodbyes from the roadside.
  • Please note: an additional charge may apply if this requires significant travel or extra time.

Optional extras (Additional charges may apply)

  • Returning your loved one home or to a church the night before the cremation.
  • Keeping your loved one at home until the day of the cremation (subject to circumstances).
  • Arranging a bespoke farewell service at a location of your choice (safe and appropriate venues
    only). We can:
  • Bring your loved one to the venue with our bearers and funeral director Susi.
  • Return them to our funeral home afterwards until the cremation day.

Please refer to our full price list for additional options. All services can be tailored to suit your family’s needs and wishes.

Talk to us about our direct cremation services

bespoke Direct cremation

POA

We offer a bespoke version of the direct cremation, as detailed in our price list. While it remains simple and low-cost, it is carried out with the same level of respect, compassion, and attention to detail as any of our services.

We’re also happy to help arrange opportunities for the family to be present at key moments – or to say goodbye in a meaningful way, even if not at the crematorium itself.

Talk to us about our direct cremation services

How to arrange a Direct Cremation

Arranging a direct cremation with South Hams Family Funerals is simple. You can contact us and our dedicated team will guide you through the process with care and professionalism. We are here to support you every step of the way.

For more information or to discuss your needs, please reach out to us. Let us help you create a meaningful farewell that honours your loved one’s memory.

We’re ready to help.

Whatever you need, whenever you need it.

Perhaps you need help urgently, or perhaps you just want to understand your options before deciding anything. Either way, get in touch whenever suits you — there’s no pressure, and no obligation, just genuine care.

If your call is not answered immediately, please be rest assured that we will call you back as soon as possible. Being in a rural area means we can sometimes find ourselves temporarily without phone signal.

You can also text “Callback please” to request a call back from us.