Claire ThompsonPlanning a funeral can be overwhelming, especially during a time of loss. Choosing the right service is essential, as it ensures the process is handled professionally and with attention to detail.
A reliable funeral service helps families navigate arrangements efficiently, offering guidance on everything from logistics to legal requirements. It also alleviates unnecessary stress during a difficult period.
With that in mind, here is a list of the best local funeral services in Columbus, selected for their quality, professionalism, and support when it is needed most.
How much do funeral services cost in Columbus?
Funeral services in Columbus typically cost $1,100 for direct cremation and $4,000 for basic traditional burial.
Full services with visitation, ceremony, and casket often begin at $6,400, while cremation with memorials range from $1,800 upward.
1. Marlan Gary Funeral Home (The Chapel of Peace)
Address: 2500 Cleveland Ave
Contact Details:
- +1 614 267 8310
- [email protected]
Business Hours:
- Mon-Sat: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sun: Closed
Having served Columbus for decades, Marlan Gary Funeral Home has established itself as a highly reputable local funeral home.
It was founded by Marlan Gary, a certified funeral director with a Cincinnati College of Mortuary degree and 1992 experience. The company operates 4 locations total, including 2 in Columbus.
Prices start at $4,895 for an economy burial package, which is on the lower end of the city’s range. That shows more flexibility than many providers, as it bundles more (with caskets, flowers, and a free video tribute) than other bare-bone deals.
This complements their convenient payment process, as you can pay using their website’s online form. Do note that there’s a 3.5% card processing fee. This may seem a little over the top, but it aligns with industry standards.
And compared to newer providers, this company is more traditional. The team puts less emphasis on ultra-modern tech, such as interactive virtual memorials.
Guided us with much respect and care
“Staff was very compassionate and professional. They guided us through the difficult journey with much respect and care. I don’t wish this occasion on anyone but you can rest assured with the care and compassion they offer.”
-Leslie Terry, Google Review
Offered exceptional care and heartfelt emotional support
“Our experience with Marlon Gary Funeral Home Chapel of Peace went far beyond standard professionalism. During a time when our family needed both guidance and compassion, they offered exceptional care, heartfelt emotional support, and a level of spiritual sensitivity that brought us true comfort. Their commitment to excellence made one of the most difficult moments of our lives more bearable. We place our full confidence in Marlon Gary Funeral Home Chapel of Peace and would entrust them with the care of any loved one.— The Mattox Family”
-M.D. M, Google Review
2. Ohio Cremation & Memorial Society
Address: 5464 N High St
Contact Details:
- +1 614 840 0900
Business Hours:
- Open 24 hours
Ohio Cremation & Memorial Society has been offering affordable funeral services since 1995. They are licensed by the Ohio Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors, which adds to their credibility.
Several clients even lauded the staff for explaining everything clearly without upselling. The team also handles paperwork, like death certificates and Social Security notifications, very well.
Not only that, their complete traditional service costs under $4,000, which is lower than many Columbus providers’ usually higher rates.
Plus, their church funeral plan already includes a casket, embalming, and body preparation for viewing at a rate below the city averages for similar setups.
If you want something extra, we like that they offer fingerprint keepsakes as a personalized memorial option. The team partners with Legacy Touch to deliver quickly, so you can get it the next business day.
Speaking of convenience, they provide downloadable PDF forms online. These can simplify funeral planning from home, which could lessen your stress during grief.
However, they occasionally miss the mark with their communication. Even if this is a one-off, they once overlooked some details in an obituary.
Thankfully, this isn’t the full picture. They balance things out by being highly accessible in Clintonville, which is helpful for many Upper Arlington and Whitehall residents.
Compassionate, caring, and patient
“They were absolutely amazing throughout the entire process. Compassionate and caring, all of our questions were patiently answered. Pricing was transparent and very reasonable, with no pressure for upsells. We really appreciated they answered all calls themselves, and not a call center. Hopefully not too soon, but wouldn’t hesitate to use them again.”
-Kathy Swanson, Google Review
Very comforting and communicative
“I have used this cremation service for 3 of my passed love ones over the last 5 years. Everytime they show nothing but kindness for each and every step. Very comforting and communicative. As I’m trying to not be a frequented flyer here I will continue to use them if the time so happens i need them again”
-Iroquois Mobley, Google Review
3. Diehl-Whittaker
Address: 1370 E Main St
Contact Details:
- +1 614 258 9549
Business Hours:
- Open 24 hours
If you’re seeking an unbeatable experience in traditional funerals and cremation, Diehl-Whittaker has roots that go back over 100 years.
They started in 1905 as Whittaker Funeral Home, founded by Mrs. Dollie Whittaker, and became Diehl-Whittaker after the Diehl family bought the company in 1969.
That long history doesn’t mean they are impersonal, though. Those we spoke to shared that the trained professionals here—including the funeral director—are caring and dedicated. They also answer calls 24 hours a day for maximum efficiency.
The crew even offers video tributes and online memorials to make the event more personalized. Another top-notch feature is their online payment option, which makes transactions a breeze.
And even if they have been in the industry for so long, they don’t forget to innovate. Their recent move to this current address offers a new, fully renovated facility to ensure visitors’ comfort.
Still, they sometimes go through delays in processing bodies. Dealing with many clients simultaneously has caused individuals to wait weeks for a cremation.
Everything went very well
“First experience with their services. Everything went very well. Came away not unhappy about anything in their process. Would use them again.”
-Pervin, Google Review
Very pleased with the experience, given the circumstances
“My family and I worked with them for my mom’s services, and I was very pleased with the experience given the circumstances. Thank you for great customer service!”
-Allegra Lewis, Google Review
4. Families First Funeral Care & Cremation Center
Address: 1166 Parsons Ave
Contact Details:
- +1 614 444 3200
Business Hours:
- Open 24 hours
Families First Funeral Care & Cremation Center is known for their budget-friendly services. They even provide flexible payment plans.
For instance, their cemetery package at $3,975 already covers the transport to their care facility, basic funeral director services, and a choice of a 20-gauge casket.
Even their cremation packages are comprehensive—starting at $1,099 and including transport, a container urn, and papers. To make things more seamless, cremation arrangements can conveniently be made from home via video, FaceTime, email, or fax.
At the same time, this company isn’t a large national chain, so we like that they try to be personal and responsive when you call or visit.
We can attest to this firsthand, as someone we interviewed appreciates their 24/7 support. Especially during tough moments, the team patiently helps families who are struggling to make decisions.
Their space also gives off a welcoming environment, with wheelchair-accessible entrances and free parking. So if you don’t need the services right now, you can relax there and consider their pre-planning services to reduce future stress.
Just note that their facilities are geared toward smaller, more intimate services, which may not suit those seeking a grander ceremony.
Incredibly conscientious of our family’s wishes and timeline
“Families First was very attendant and helpful during the memorial preparations for my mother. She had made pre-death arrangements but in another state (before moving to Ohio), so Families First was contracted as a third party to execute her cremation. Nonetheless, Families First was incredibly conscientious of our family’s wishes and timeline and communicated with us well (kindly, expeditiously) throughout the process. I can highly recommend their services.”
-Lindsay Vogt, Google Review
They’ll do whatever to make your worst day easier
“When my grandmother passed a few years ago my mother chose Edward’s funeral home. I don’t remember alot about that day. Except how the people did everything possible to help us . So when my mom passed last month I didn’t worry about trying to find a funeral home. I called the only place that made my worse day well easier I didn’t even remember to bring her clothes they took care of that. My mom made a joke about drawing on her eyebrows when her day comes. I bet they would have. Its so much easier when you have a funeral home that will do whatever to make your worst day just easier..”
-Cynthia “Cindy” McCain, Google Review
5. Leaf Cremation
Address: 1970 Alum Creek Dr
Contact Details:
- +1 380 204 9025
Business Hours:
- Open 24 hours
Leaf Cremation focuses almost entirely on direct cremation. People commend them for their speed, helping those who don’t have the luxury of time during their grief.
They are also transparent, as they typically offer upfront, affordable pricing. At $1,495, you can get basic cremation, which is also payable in 4 installments via LilyPay—no interest charges there.
This all-inclusive package already covers transport within 100 miles, private on-site processing, a wooden urn, and more. It is great that this costs far below city averages for similar full-service cremations.
Besides, their online arrangements add considerable convenience to distant families. You can plan with them online from start to finish, since only a few in-person meetups are needed.
Should you be looking for a unique alternative, we find it incredible that the team can turn ashes into 40 to 60 natural stones. These are for holding, sharing, or scattering as you see fit.
The team even partners with Teraloom Memorial Services to offer ash-scattering in beautiful oceans, mountains, and redwood forests. Everything like permits and logistics will be handled by them too.
That said, they still have limitations. They aren’t ideal for families who want traditional funerals with open caskets, church services, or graveside burials.
So thoughtful and explained everything well
“I would highly recommend using this company. Leigh was amazing and walked us through the whole process. The two gentlemen that came to our house to pick up my husband were so thoughtful and explained everything they were doing and what the next step would be and the Director was very kind when I came to pick up my husband’s remains. As far as price goes, they were very reasonable!”
-Teresa Wolfe, Google Review
Truly made our hardship convenient and hassle-free
“Leaf Cremation on Alum Creek was so nice and so thoughtful to us, I recently miscarried my second baby and wanted to have the remains cremated. When I contacted Leaf, they let me know it wouldn’t cost me anything, which was truly shocking to me because when I miscarried my first, Advantage Cremation by Schoedinger charged me a pretty good amount so I expected to pay but Leaf did not charge me. I really couldn’t believe it, I thought that was so kind of the company. They also went above and beyond by delivering my baby back to me at my home. They truly made our hardship convenient and hassle free. My husband and i cannot thank them enough for giving us that peace of mind during this difficult time. The wooden box we received the ashes in was great quality as well. HUGE Thanks to Leaf, Arielle F. & to the woman who delivered my baby, it truly means a lot ❤️”
-Micailla Beachman, Google Review
