Frequently Asked Questions

The Cremation Association of North America (CANA) defines cremation as the dissolution process that reduces human remains to bone fragments. Cremation also includes processing and pulverization of the bone fragments into pieces that are usually no more than one-eighth inch.

The deceased is placed inside the cremator and is carefully monitored until the cremation is complete. The overall process takes between two to five hours depending on the body size and the heat in the chamber. When cremation is complete the bone fragments that remain, now called cremated remains, will be carefully gathered and sent through a processor machine to reduce the fragments to less than 1/8 inch in size. The cremated remains are then transferred into the container the family selected and returned respectfully to the family.

Typically, embalming is used when the body is going to be openly viewed during a funeral. Otherwise, refrigeration is used to slow down the body decomposition until the cremation takes place.

The ashes are grey and white in color and may vary in different shades from person to person.

ATX Cremation should be called (512) 817-0782 as soon as you receive permission from the proper authorities. Then navigate to our website at ATXcremation.com and follow the prompts by clicking “A Death Has Occurred.“ Completely arrange and purchase the cremation that fits your needs.

The legal next of kin or designated agent (if signed and acknowledged by such person prior to death) can authorize the cremation. In cases where there are multiple next of kin, all such persons must approve the cremation.

No. To help keep our costs so affordable, you must complete the required forms and payment online at ATXcremation.com.

Customers have the option for a private family goodbye viewing, up to 5 people, in person for an additional fee of $400 with the purchase of the private goodbye package. There may be special considerations that apply regarding scheduling.

All cremations are performed at Harrell Funeral Home in Austin, Texas, a licensed crematory. Harrell is a very reputable, long standing funeral and cremation provider in Austin and has many certified crematory operators with decades of experience.

Absolutely. An additional fee of $250 will apply from the Funeral Home General Price List and can be applied to either cremation package.

Our goal is to complete the cremation as quickly as possible; however, the process is dependent on receiving a cremation permit and signatures from the doctor, justice of the peace, and medical examiner as they are responsible for signing the death certificate. Once authorization is complete, the cremation will be performed as soon as possible.

One of the benefits of cremation is that you can plan a memorial service at your convenience. You are not required to rush through the process, which is so common with a traditional burial. If you desire to have a memorial service, you may visit with Harrell Funeral Home about upgrading to a memorial cremation package that meets your needs.

ATX Cremation has a comprehensive interactive online obituary center. Families can post the obituary of their loved one online, and friends can share a message with the family, share the obituary on social media, or send flowers. ATX Cremation will post a free obituary for all families on our website. If you would like to have help publishing an obituary in the newspaper, we can help you do that as well. There will be an additional publication cost from the newspaper for this service. ATX Cremation will also publish the name and death date of all deceased customers in the Austin American Statesman as well.

We give you the first certified copy in our cremation package. The charge is $4 for each additional.

No! There are no hidden fees in our packages.

Texas law does not allow pre-payment for funeral/cremation services unless funding is through a funeral insurance plan or trust with a funeral home. However, we encourage you to pre-register your information and requests so that you or your loved one’s wishes can be more easily carried out. Payment can be made once the death occurs. If you must pre-pay, please call Harrell Funeral Homes at (512) 443-1366 and the standard cremation charges will apply from the Funeral Home general price list.

We service the entire Austin Area including Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson Counties, with no additional mileage fees unless you outside of our 25 mile radius. Additional milage fees are $3.50 per additional mile.

Yes. We can take a digital thumbprint for you to securely record your loved one. The cost is $50. You can use the thumbprint to purchase personalized jewelry from us or anyone else.