Short answer: A Latter-day Saint funeral is usually a simple service led by a local lay leader called a bishop, held in a meetinghouse or funeral home, followed by a graveside dedication. The congregation often helps with a meal. Please talk with your bishop or branch president about details.
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What generally happens between death and burial in the Latter-day Saint tradition?
Practices vary
This page describes general practice in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Local leaders and families make many choices. Please ask your bishop or branch president for guidance that fits your situation.
Latter-day Saint congregations are called wards or branches. After a death, families often call their bishop or branch president, who offers comfort and helps plan the funeral. Members of the ward often step in with meals, childcare and practical help.
Many families hold a viewing or family visitation before the funeral, either at the funeral home or the church building. A short family prayer is often said there.
Church members who have received temple ceremonies may be dressed in sacred temple clothing, which is white. This is the family's choice, and the bishop can explain how to arrange it.
Who leads a funeral in the Latter-day Saint tradition?
A bishop or branch president usually conducts the funeral. These are volunteer leaders from the congregation, not paid clergy. Family members often speak, and the Relief Society (the women's organization) or elders quorum often helps with the meal.
Ward members can serve as musicians, speakers or pallbearers, so the funeral often feels like a community effort.
What are the typical service elements in the Latter-day Saint tradition?
- Viewing or family visitation, with a family prayer.
- Opening hymn and prayer.
- Talks by family members or friends, who share memories and faith. The bishop often gives closing remarks.
- Music: hymns and sometimes a family musical number.
- Closing hymn and prayer.
- Graveside service with a dedicatory prayer, where the grave is blessed.
- A meal for the family and guests, often prepared by ward volunteers.
What does the Latter-day Saint tradition say about cremation, embalming, autopsy and organ donation?
| Topic | General approach |
|---|---|
| Cremation | Not prohibited. The decision is left to the family. Please ask your bishop. |
| Embalming | Generally accepted. It is common when there will be a viewing. |
| Autopsy | Permitted when required by law or for medical reasons. The family decides. |
| Organ donation | A personal choice. The Church does not oppose it. |
These are general statements. If your family has a strong view, or if there is a question about burial clothing or timing, your bishop can help.
What are the mourning customs in the Latter-day Saint tradition?
The Church has no formal mourning period. Members believe in the resurrection and in families being together after death, and funeral talks often reflect that hope.
Support from the ward may continue for weeks. Ministering brothers and sisters often check in. Grief is respected as personal, and families are encouraged to use counseling if needed.
What can guests expect, and what should they wear?
Guests of any faith are welcome. The service is usually quiet and focused on remembering and comforting.
Dress as you would for a church service on Sunday: modest, neat clothing. Follow the family's request. For men, a suit or a shirt and tie is common. Women often wear dresses or skirts. Follow the family's request if they have given one.
If a meal follows, you are welcome to stay. A short note of thanks to the family is appreciated.
Funerals are often held on a weekday. Check the obituary for the day and location.
How do I tell a funeral home about the Latter-day Saint tradition needs?
Let the funeral home know which Church leader to contact and whether temple clothing will be used. These points help.
- Name the bishop or branch presidentAsk them to call the funeral director.
- Say whether the person received temple ceremoniesTemple clothing may be used for burial. Ask the bishop how to arrange it.
- Decide on viewing and where it will beChurch building or funeral home.
- Ask about a graveside dedicationA priesthood holder usually offers it.
- Tell them about the mealAsk whether the ward will prepare it.
- Confirm timingFunerals are generally held on weekdays.
How does the ward help the family?
The local congregation often steps in quickly. The Relief Society and the elders quorum may bring meals, help with housework, set up the meetinghouse and organize the meal after the funeral. The bishop meets with the family, helps plan the service and offers spiritual support.
Ward members may check in for weeks or months. If you need practical help, say so. Many members are glad to give it.
What if the person was not a member, or was not active?
Families of all backgrounds can ask a bishop for help. A bishop may be willing to hold a service or offer comfort even when the person who has passed was not active or not a member. Policies about using the meetinghouse can vary, so ask.
If you prefer a funeral home chapel or another place, that is fine too. Funeral directors in many areas are familiar with the customs. Be clear about the clothing and whether a grave dedication is wanted.
Family members who have received temple ceremonies can help with dressing the person who has passed. Ask your bishop or a temple worker how this is usually arranged.
Frequently asked questions
What is temple clothing?
It is sacred white clothing worn by members who have received temple ceremonies. Many are buried in it. The bishop can explain what is needed.
Can a Latter-day Saint be cremated?
It is not prohibited. The decision is left to families. Ask your bishop.
Who prepares the meal?
Often the ward's Relief Society. The family can ask the bishop to arrange it.
Do I need to be a member to attend?
No. Guests of any faith are welcome.
How do I plan an interfaith funeral or memorial service?
An interfaith service blends elements from more than one tradition, and the key is open conversation with family and the people leading the service. Decide what matters most to your loved one and to each family member, such as readings, prayers, music, or rituals. Some officiants are experienced at interfaith ceremonies, and some venues are open to guest clergy. What to do: speak with one or two officiants about their approach, share a draft program with family before the day, and keep the service simple and respectful of each tradition represented.
Can a funeral home arrange clergy or a place of worship?
Funeral homes can often help you contact clergy or celebrants and may host services in their own chapel, but they do not replace a place of worship. If your family belongs to a congregation, contact the clergy early to learn about their policies, scheduling, and any fees. Some places of worship hold funerals for members only, while others welcome families who are not regular attendees but share the faith. What to ask: ask your clergy about available dates and requirements, and ask the funeral home whether they coordinate with the place of worship, music, and cemetery on the day.
Do all religions allow cremation?
No single answer applies to every religion, and practices vary by tradition and by community. Some faiths accept cremation, some discourage or limit it, and others leave the choice to the family. Different branches or congregations within the same religion may also hold different views. Because of this variation, it is best not to assume, and a respectful question to a faith leader is almost always welcome. What to do: ask your clergy member, faith leader, or a trusted elder about your tradition's guidance, and tell the funeral provider about any religious requirements so arrangements can respect them.
How soon after a death are funeral services held in different traditions?
Timing varies widely by tradition, family, and logistics, and there is no single rule. Some communities hold services within a day or two, while others wait several days to allow relatives to travel. Local laws, medical examiner involvement, and cemetery schedules can also affect timing. Because customs differ, check with your own community, and remember that many families adjust timing to fit travel and the availability of the officiant, the venue, and the cemetery. What to ask: ask your clergy or community leader about customary timing, tell the funeral provider early about any time preferences, and confirm what flexibility the provider and cemetery have.
Who can officiate a funeral if our family is not religious?
A funeral can be led by a clergy member, a celebrant, a funeral director, or a trusted family member or friend, depending on your wishes. Many families without a specific faith choose a professional celebrant who writes and leads a personal ceremony. Some funeral homes can recommend officiants, and some states have rules about who may sign legal documents. What to ask: ask the funeral home about officiant options and fees, ask each candidate about their approach and experience, and share stories about your loved one so the ceremony reflects their life.
What if family members hold different beliefs about the funeral?
When family members hold different beliefs, the most helpful approach is to listen to each person and look for elements everyone can accept. Start by identifying what your loved one wished, if known, and which parts of the service matter most to each relative. A neutral officiant, a private family moment, or two separate gatherings can sometimes help, and there is rarely only one right way to honor a person. What to do: hold a calm conversation before the funeral director meeting, write down shared priorities, and consider asking a trusted clergy member or family counselor to help find common ground.