Unattended
Cremation

A simple cremation with no service or attendees. This option suits those who prefer a private, no-fuss arrangement, without the need for a formal farewell.

Included in all Candour Unattended Cremations

Each unattended cremation includes dignified care, sustainable choices, and compassionate support.

Transfer into our care

We're here every day of the year-day or night, including public holidays-to gently bring your loved one into our care.

Sustainable coffin

A 100% recycled cardboard coffin with a minimalist design that's lightweight, durable, and biodegradable.

Standard Urn

A vessel provided for the dignified return and safekeeping of your loved one's ashes.

Essential care

We ensure your loved one is cared for with dignity and respect, including safe holding and gentle placement into a coffin.

Doctor's Cremation documentation

A legal requirement in Victoria, this certificate involves an independent doctor reviewing and confirming the cause of death prior to cremation.

Death certificate

We register the death with the Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages and arrange for the official certificates to be sent to you.

Transport to crematorium

We arrange for your loved one to be taken to the crematorium with care and dignity.

Dedicated director

A dedicated funeral director will support you with personalised care, seamless coordination, and 24/7 assistance throughout.

Average cost of an Unattended Cremation in Victoria


The average cost of an unattended/direct cremation in Victoria is between $2,500 - $3,300, covering the cremation, coffin and death certificate.

Candour unattended cremation packages.

Explore our flexible packages based on your preferred crematorium or location. Each includes dignified care, transparent pricing, and full coordination.

Essential - Ballarat Cemeteries

$2,900

Ballarat Cemeteries

A cost-effective, environmentally aligned unattended cremation option with all essential care included.

Local - Mornington Peninsula

$3,350

Bunurong · Springvale

Unattended cremation (no service) at your local Mornington Peninsula cemetery, with full care and coordination.

Metro - Greater Metro Melbourne cemeteries

$3,445

Fawkner · Altona · Lilydale

Unattended cremation (no service) at your chosen Metro Melbourne cemetery, with full care and coordination.

Personalised farewell

We offer flexible options to ensure every farewell is truly personal.

Follow to the cemetery

From $5,200

Accompany your loved one on their final journey, with a quiet moment of reflection at the crematorium before the unattended cremation takes place.

A moment together

From $5,015

A private time to gather, view, and place personal items with your loved one—allowing space for connection and farewell prior to cremation.

Witness the cremation

From $5,705

An opportunity to witness your loved one’s placement into the cremator, offering a final act of presence and goodbye.

Unattended Cremation Frequently Asked Questions

What is an unattended cremation?

An unattended cremation, also called a direct cremation, takes place without a formal ceremony or gathering at the time of cremation. It’s a simple and affordable option, with the ashes returned to the family afterwards.

Why do families choose an unattended cremation?

Many families choose unattended cremation for its simplicity, affordability, or because they prefer to hold a memorial or celebration of life separately, in their own time and way.

Can we still have a funeral or memorial later?

Absolutely. You can hold a private or public service after the cremation—at home, a local venue, or even outdoors. Our team can help you plan a meaningful farewell when the time feels right.

What's included in your unattended cremation service?

Our unattended cremation package includes professional support, transfer of your loved one into our care, all required paperwork, a basic coffin suitable for cremation, the cremation itself, and return of the ashes to your family.

Is an unattended cremation respectful?

Yes. Even without a ceremony, every step of the process is carried out with care, dignity, and respect. Our team treats every person as if they were our own family.

How soon will we receive the ashes?

Ashes are typically available within 3 to 5 business days after the cremation. We’ll contact you as soon as they’re ready, and we can arrange for collection or hand-delivery depending on your preference.

Can you personalise an unattended cremation?

While the cremation itself is private, you can absolutely personalise the experience with a custom urn, keepsakes, or by creating your own meaningful tribute at a time and place that suits your family.

Where does the cremation take place?

We work with trusted crematoriums in Melbourne and surrounding areas to ensure every cremation is carried out professionally and respectfully. We’ll explain exactly where and how everything happens.

Can we still view our loved one beforehand?

In most cases, viewings aren’t included in unattended cremations. However, if this is important to your family, we can discuss options for a private farewell or upgrade to a more tailored service.

Is unattended cremation available across the Mornington Peninsula?

Yes. We offer unattended cremation services to families across the Mornington Peninsula, including Mornington, Frankston, Rosebud, Mount Martha, Hastings and beyond.

What is the cost of your unattended cremation?

At Candour Funerals, our unattended cremation service starts from $2,900. This includes professional care, transport, cremation, and the return of ashes to your family. We believe in offering a respectful and affordable option—always with transparent pricing and no hidden costs.

Are all unattended or direct cremations the same?

No. While many providers offer unattended or direct cremation, the level of care and professionalism can vary significantly. At Candour Funerals, we ensure every cremation is handled with dignity and respect. We use appropriate, private vehicles for transport, never stack coffins, and only work with trusted crematoriums within the state of Victoria. Your loved one is always treated with the utmost care—never as just a number.

How do I organise an unattended cremation?

Simply contact Candour Funerals 24/7. Our team will gently guide you through each step—from paperwork and transport to arranging a farewell that reflects your loved one’s life.

Get in touch

We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide assistance and support.

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We acknowledge the Bunurong people of the Kulin Nation, who are the Traditional Owners of the land where we work today and pay our respects to Elders past and present.  We recognise their continued connection to Country and their role in caring for and maintaining Country and waterways over thousands of generations. Tread lightly on this land, it holds all our stories of our Grandmothers and Grandfathers and spiritual connections to Country. May their strength and wisdom be with us today. It is an honour to attribute the words in this acknowledgment to Japanangka Errol West.

Candour is 100% Australian family owned and operated.

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