Funeral Costs in Maryland: 2026 Guide

End of Life Planning Guide | By Sara Marsden-Ille | Updated April 2026

Planning a funeral in Maryland — whether for yourself or a loved one — can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re also navigating grief and urgent decisions. This comprehensive guide explains what funerals actually cost in Maryland, how to compare burial and cremation options, your legal rights as a consumer, and where to find help if money is tight.

With average traditional funerals in Maryland running over $9,000 and direct cremation available from as little as $1,395 in Baltimore, understanding your options can save thousands of dollars and bring peace of mind.

Quick Facts: Funeral Costs in Maryland

Before diving into the details, here’s a simple overview of what common funeral service types cost in Maryland in 2026. These figures are based on Funeralocity’s 2026 pricing data and the DFS Memorials provider network.

Maryland’s funeral prices sit above the national average, with traditional funerals often exceeding $9,000 before cemetery costs are added. The good news: families who choose direct cremation through a DFS Memorials provider in Maryland can arrange a dignified cremation for under $1,500, saving thousands compared to a full-service funeral.

Understanding Your Funeral Cost Breakdown

When families first see a funeral home’s General Price List (GPL), they are often surprised by just how many separate charges make up a funeral bill. Understanding what each line item actually covers helps you compare quotes, decline services you don’t need, and avoid unnecessary upsells.

Basic services fee: This non-declinable fee covers the funeral director’s professional services, administrative overhead, and staff time. In Maryland, basic services fees typically range from $1,800 to $3,200, depending on the funeral home. This fee is charged regardless of what type of service you select.

Transfer and preparation: Transporting the deceased from the place of death to the funeral home runs $300 to $600. Refrigeration (an alternative to embalming) costs $100 to $200 per day. Embalming, if elected, averages $700 to $950 in Maryland.

Casket or cremation container: A traditional casket ranges from $1,200 for a basic steel model to $10,000 or more for a premium hardwood or bronze model. Cremation containers — simple combustible alternatives — start at $85. You have the right under the FTC Funeral Rule to purchase a casket from a third-party retailer without paying a surcharge at the funeral home.

Facility and staffing fees: Using the funeral home for viewing ($400–$600), funeral service ($500–$800), or graveside service ($400–$600) adds significant cost. Staff time for hearse use ($325–$500) and flower car ($150–$200) is separate.

Cemetery costs (separate): Burial plots in Maryland typically cost $2,500 to $6,500, with premium sections in metro Baltimore or Bethesda reaching $10,000+. Opening and closing fees run $1,000 to $2,000, and a burial vault or grave liner (required by most cemeteries) adds $1,200 to $3,000.

Federal law requires all Maryland funeral homes to provide an itemized General Price List on request — whether by phone or in person — so you can compare prices. Always ask for and compare GPLs from multiple funeral homes before signing a contract.

Choosing a Funeral Home in Maryland

Maryland is home to more than 400 licensed funeral homes and mortuaries, ranging from small family-run operations to large multi-location corporate chains. Choosing the right provider is one of the most important decisions you’ll make, because pricing, philosophy, and service style can vary dramatically between funeral homes in the same town.

Define your needs first:

Before calling any funeral home, sit down and decide what you actually need. Are you looking for a traditional funeral with viewing and graveside service, or a simple direct cremation? Is price your primary concern, or are facility quality and reputation more important? Do you need a location close to family, or can the service be held elsewhere? Having clear criteria helps you filter options quickly.

Compare General Price Lists:

Under the FTC Funeral Rule, every Maryland funeral home must provide a General Price List (GPL) on request. Call three or four funeral homes and ask for their GPL — they must provide it free of charge, over the phone if you ask. Line up the prices side by side. You’ll often find that identical services vary by $2,000 or more between providers in the same metropolitan area.

Consider corporate versus independent:

Large corporate-owned funeral homes (such as SCI/Dignity Memorial locations) often charge premium prices and push expensive service packages. Independent, family-owned funeral homes typically offer more flexibility and lower prices. Direct cremation providers — who specialize only in cremation — are almost always the most affordable option for families choosing cremation.

Visit DFS Memorials Maryland to find a low-cost, quality-assured cremation provider near you.

Burial in Maryland: Costs and Considerations

Traditional burial remains a meaningful choice for many Maryland families, especially those honoring religious traditions or with existing family cemetery plots. However, burial is also the most expensive funeral option, with total costs frequently exceeding $12,000 once cemetery expenses are included.

Cemetery Plot Costs:

Plot prices in Maryland vary widely by location. Baltimore metropolitan cemeteries typically charge $3,500 to $8,000 for a standard ground plot, with premium sections or mausoleum crypts reaching $10,000 to $15,000. Rural Maryland cemeteries may offer plots for as little as $1,500 to $2,500. Consider that cemetery plots are purchased separately from funeral home services, and opening/closing fees of $1,000 to $2,000 are charged on top of the plot purchase.

Burial Vaults and Grave Liners:

Most Maryland cemeteries require an outer burial container — either a concrete grave liner ($800 to $1,500) or a sealed burial vault ($1,200 to $5,000+). These containers prevent the ground from settling as the casket deteriorates. While Maryland state law does not require a vault, individual cemeteries can and do mandate them as a condition of burial.

Caskets:

Casket prices at Maryland funeral homes range from $1,200 for entry-level steel models to $10,000+ for premium hardwood or bronze caskets. Under the FTC Funeral Rule, you have the legal right to purchase a casket from a third-party retailer — such as Costco, Walmart, or online casket stores — and the funeral home must accept it without charging any handling or usage fee. This alone can save families $1,500 to $3,000.

Grave Markers and Headstones:

A flat bronze marker typically costs $800 to $2,000, while an upright granite monument runs $2,000 to $5,000 or more. Cemetery installation fees add $200 to $500. Shopping for markers directly from monument companies — rather than through the cemetery — often yields significant savings.

Cremation in Maryland: An Overview

Cremation has surged in popularity across Maryland, with more than 55% of families now choosing cremation over traditional burial. The reasons are clear: cremation is significantly less expensive, offers greater scheduling flexibility, and provides families with many meaningful options for memorialization.

Direct Cremation: The most affordable cremation option — and the most affordable funeral option overall. Direct cremation involves the deceased being collected, legally documented, and cremated without any services, viewing, or embalming beforehand. Ashes are returned to the family in a temporary container within 7–14 days. In Maryland, direct cremation from DFS Memorials providers starts at just $1,395 in Baltimore.

Cremation with Memorial Service: The cremation is performed first, then a memorial service is held later at the funeral home, place of worship, or another location chosen by the family. This allows more time for planning and often results in a more personal, meaningful gathering. Total cost in Maryland typically ranges from $3,717 to $5,200.

Full-Service Cremation: A traditional funeral service with viewing, visitation, and ceremony — with cremation performed after the service instead of burial. This option preserves all the rituals of a traditional funeral while eliminating cemetery costs. Full-service cremation in Maryland averages $6,866.

One of the greatest advantages of cremation is scheduling flexibility. Unlike traditional burial, which must occur relatively soon after death, cremation allows families weeks or months to plan a memorial service. Many families schedule cremation without an immediate service, then hold a memorial gathering at a later date when relatives can travel to Maryland or when the family is emotionally ready. This “disposition-first” approach often results in more meaningful celebrations of life and can reduce overall costs significantly.

Another advantage is portability. After cremation, the remains (called ashes or cremains) can be kept at home in an urn, scattered in meaningful locations, buried in a cemetery plot, interred in a columbarium niche, placed in a mausoleum, or even divided among family members. Maryland offers many beautiful natural settings for memorial services — from the Chesapeake Bay and Assateague Island to the Blue Ridge foothills and family properties — giving families the freedom to create truly personalized tributes.

For a full breakdown of cremation pricing, options for handling ashes, Maryland cremation laws, and how to find a low-cost cremation provider, see our guide to cremation costs in Maryland.

Green and Natural Burial in Maryland

Maryland has embraced green burial more readily than many states, with several dedicated natural burial grounds and a growing number of conventional cemeteries offering green burial sections. Green burial eliminates embalming chemicals, uses biodegradable caskets or burial shrouds, and places the body directly in the earth to decompose naturally — both environmentally responsible and typically more affordable than conventional burial.

Home Funerals in Maryland: Maryland is one of the states where it is legal to conduct your own home funeral — you do not need to employ the services of a funeral director. Families can legally wash and dress the body at home, hold a vigil or viewing, and transport the deceased to the cemetery or crematory themselves. Note that if you handle final arrangements without a funeral director, you must file the death certificate yourself with the Maryland Department of Health within 72 hours of death.

Green Burial Grounds in Maryland: Maryland is home to certified natural burial grounds including Serenity Ridge Natural Cemetery in Windsor Mill and sections at several conventional cemeteries across the state. Green burial in Maryland typically costs $2,500 to $4,500 — significantly less than conventional burial because it eliminates the costs of embalming, metal caskets, and concrete vaults. For more information about green burial options, consult our green burial directory.

Aquamation (Alkaline Hydrolysis): Beyond traditional green burial, Maryland families can also explore aquamation, also called alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation. This emerging technology uses heated water and potassium hydroxide to reduce the body to its mineral components, with a smaller carbon footprint than flame cremation. Learn more about aquamation and its availability through our comprehensive guide.

Embalming and Maryland Law

A common misconception is that embalming is legally required after death in Maryland. This is false. Maryland law does not mandate embalming in any circumstance. Embalming is a business practice used to preserve the body for viewing and is entirely optional. You have the right to decline embalming and can direct the funeral home to proceed with cremation, immediate burial, or direct disposition without preserving the body.

When Funeral Homes May Require Embalming: While not legally mandated, some funeral homes may require embalming if you request an open casket viewing or visitation lasting more than 24 hours. They justify this requirement for aesthetic and health reasons. However, this requirement is negotiable. Many funeral homes offer alternative approaches: refrigeration, a brief viewing period without embalming, or closed casket services. Always ask whether a specific funeral home will work with you on this point.

Maryland’s 48-Hour Waiting Period: Maryland law requires a minimum 48-hour waiting period after death before cremation can take place. This allows time for the deceased to be properly identified, for the Cremation Authorization paperwork to be completed, and for any legal holds or investigations to be communicated to the funeral home. Plan your cremation timeline with this mandatory waiting period in mind.

Embalming Costs: If you do choose embalming, expect to pay $700 to $950 for the basic service in Maryland. Additional cosmetology services (hair and makeup styling) typically cost $150 to $350 more. These costs should appear as separate line items on the funeral home’s General Price List.

Maryland Funeral Regulations and Your Rights

Understanding your consumer rights protects you from unnecessary expenses and unethical practices. Both federal and Maryland state laws provide important safeguards when arranging funeral services.

The FTC Funeral Rule: The Federal Trade Commission’s Funeral Rule requires all funeral homes to provide an itemized General Price List free of charge. This list must clearly separate each service and merchandise item with its individual price, allowing families to choose exactly what they want rather than being forced into expensive package deals. The Funeral Rule also protects your right to:

• Use a casket purchased from any source (including online retailers) without the funeral home charging a handling or usage fee
• Use an urn purchased from any vendor without additional charges
• Decline unnecessary services like embalming, viewing room rental, or guest books
• Receive a written itemized bill before paying
• Receive a casket price list including rental caskets if offered

Maryland State Board of Morticians and Funeral Directors: This state regulatory body oversees funeral directors and funeral establishments in Maryland. If you have a complaint about funeral home conduct, service quality, or adherence to state regulations, you can file a formal complaint:

Maryland State Board of Morticians and Funeral Directors
4201 Patterson Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21215
Phone: (410) 764-4792

Home Funeral Rights: Maryland is one of the states where families have the legal right to care for their own dead without hiring a funeral director. You can conduct a home funeral, prepare the body yourself, and arrange for burial or cremation directly. However, some crematories in Maryland require a funeral director to handle the body, so check with the crematory directly if you plan to arrange cremation without a funeral director.

Container Requirements: Maryland law does not require a casket for cremation — families can use a simple rigid combustible container made of materials such as cardboard, plywood, or a cloth shroud. Metal caskets are never necessary for cremation and waste money. For ground burial, most Maryland cemeteries require burial vaults or grave liners, though this is a cemetery policy rather than a state law requirement.

Pre-Planning Your Funeral and Setting Aside Funds

Pre-planning your funeral while you’re healthy and thinking clearly provides immense peace of mind. It also locks in current prices, protects your loved ones from making expensive decisions under emotional stress, and ensures your wishes are respected.

Discussing Preferences with Family: Begin by having candid conversations with close family members about your values regarding death, memorial, and end-of-life decisions. Discuss whether you prefer burial or cremation, the type of service (traditional funeral, memorial service, or small gathering), any religious or cultural preferences, and your budget constraints. Document these preferences in writing and share copies with family members and your executor.

Pre-Paid Funeral Plans: The sale of preneed funeral contracts in Maryland is governed by state legislation and overseen by the Maryland State Board of Morticians and Funeral Directors. All funds must be deposited into a trust account or used to purchase a preneed insurance policy. You should very carefully consider prepaying any funeral plan — it has been known for trusts to be mismanaged and funds lost. Also check the terms for transferring or canceling a prepaid contract, especially if you may move to another area or state.

Funeral Savings Accounts and POD Accounts: An alternative to preneed plans is establishing a funeral savings account or a Payable-On-Death (POD) account with a bank. These accounts allow you to set aside funds specifically for funeral expenses, and the money passes directly to a designated beneficiary upon your death, bypassing probate. This approach offers flexibility — you control the funds, can adjust the amount, and can decide how the money is used. Learn more about funeral savings options and how to set up accounts that protect your funeral funds.

Organizing Important Documents: Create a centralized file containing: life insurance policies, cemetery plot deeds, prepaid funeral plans, bank account information, Social Security card, birth certificate, marriage license, will, power of attorney, and healthcare directive. Keep original documents in a safe deposit box and provide your executor with a list of all accounts and their locations.

Death Away from Home: Funeral Shipping

If your loved one passes away outside Maryland, transporting the body back home for funeral services or burial involves significant costs. Understanding funeral shipping expenses helps you plan realistically and explore your options.

Domestic Funeral Shipping Costs: Transporting remains within the United States typically costs $3,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on distance and the funeral home’s handling. This includes embalming (often required for transport), a shipping container, airline fees, ground transportation, permits, and coordination between funeral homes. For this reason, many families choose to cremate at the place of death and have the cremated remains shipped back to Maryland.

International Funeral Shipping Costs: If death occurs outside the United States, costs escalate significantly. International funeral shipping ranges from $6,900 to $15,000 or more, depending on the originating country, required documents, customs clearance, and complexity of arrangements. Our comprehensive funeral shipping guide walks through the process, requirements, and cost-saving strategies when arranging transport of remains.

Travel Protection Plan: For families concerned about the risk of death away from home, the DFS Memorials Travel Protection Plan offers affordable coverage. For just $450 for an individual policy (or a family plan at comparable rates), you receive lifetime protection covering funeral transportation expenses. The plan covers death occurring 75 or more miles from your home, includes global coverage for travel abroad, and provides up to $5,000 in transportation reimbursement. Learn more about Travel Protection Plan coverage and how it provides peace of mind during travel.

End-of-Life Support & Death Doula Services in Maryland

Planning for end-of-life care in Maryland is about more than legal documents or funeral arrangements — it’s about ensuring comfort, clarity, and dignity during one of life’s most vulnerable transitions. End-of-life support professionals, often known as death doulas or end-of-life doulas, provide non-medical, holistic guidance to individuals and families before, during, and after death. Their services may include advance care planning, emotional and spiritual support, legacy projects, family advocacy, bedside presence, and grief support, all tailored to the laws, resources, and care options available in Maryland.

Whether working alongside hospice or supporting families independently, death doulas help reduce fear, ease decision-making, and ensure that a person’s final wishes are understood and honored. Families can explore local end-of-life doulas and support services through our Maryland Death Doula Directory.

Veteran Benefits and Military Funeral Honors

Veterans and service members have access to specific funeral benefits and honors that can significantly reduce out-of-pocket funeral costs and provide meaningful military recognition.

Social Security Death Benefit: If the deceased was receiving Social Security benefits, their Social Security account automatically receives a one-time death benefit of $255, which can be paid to the surviving spouse or dependent children. This modest benefit can help offset funeral expenses.

Military Burial Honors: Veterans who served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces are entitled to military funeral honors. This includes a flag-folding ceremony and two uniformed service members presenting the American flag to the family. These honors are provided at no cost and add profound meaning to veteran funerals. The funeral home can coordinate military honors, or you can contact the deceased veteran’s branch directly.

National Cemetery Burial: Eligible veterans can be buried at a Veterans Administration cemetery at no cost. Maryland is home to several VA cemeteries including Baltimore National Cemetery, Annapolis National Cemetery, Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery, Crownsville Veterans Cemetery, Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery in Hurlock, Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery in Owings Mills, and Rocky Gap Veterans Cemetery in Flintstone. Burial at a national cemetery is free, though the family bears the cost of the casket and transportation to the cemetery. For eligibility verification and burial arrangements, contact the Veterans Affairs office at 1-800-827-1000 or visit www.va.gov.

Maryland State Veteran Benefits: The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs may offer additional assistance for eligible low-income veterans. Contact the Maryland DVA to determine what funeral or cremation benefits may be available.

Body Donation in Maryland

Body donation for medical research and education is a meaningful and often cost-effective end-of-life choice. Donating your body to science can be a great way to facilitate your end-of-life needs while contributing to medical advancement. Most body donation programs handle everything from the moment you notify them of the death, including collecting the body, the donation, the free cremation, and the return of the cremated remains to the family.

Anatomy Board of Maryland: Unlike many states where body donation is handled by individual medical schools, Maryland has a centralized state agency — the Anatomy Board of Maryland — that manages all whole-body donations to medical institutions across the state. The Board coordinates distribution of anatomical gifts to the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, and other Maryland medical schools and research institutions.

Anatomy Board of Maryland
655 W. Baltimore Street, Room B-026
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: (410) 547-1222 or (800) 879-2728

Several national organizations also offer anatomical gift programs. However, understand that an anatomical donation cannot always be accepted at the time of death — it can be affected by the needs of medical and research institutions at the time, transportation logistics, and other factors. If you’re interested in body donation, contact the Anatomy Board of Maryland or a national organization directly to learn about their specific programs, eligibility requirements, and registration process. Our comprehensive body donation guide provides detailed information about how the process works and how to register your wishes.

Ash Scattering and Memorial Options After Cremation

After cremation, Maryland law provides several meaningful options for handling and memorializing the cremated remains. Understanding these choices helps families select the option that best honors their loved one’s memory and values.

Maryland Ash Scattering Options: Maryland allows families significant freedom in how they handle cremated remains. You may legally:

• Keep the remains at home in an urn or container
• Place cremains in a grave alongside other family members
• Inter cremains in a columbarium niche at a cemetery or memorial garden
• Entomb cremains in a mausoleum
• Scatter cremains on private land (with the property owner’s consent)
• Scatter cremains on public land using common sense guidelines
• Divide cremains among multiple keepsake urns for family members

Meaningful Scattering Locations: Maryland offers many beautiful natural settings for scattering ceremonies — the Chesapeake Bay, Assateague Island National Seashore, Catoctin Mountain Park, and the Blue Ridge foothills all provide meaningful backdrops. For state parks and public lands, check with local authorities for specific requirements regarding scattering ceremonies, and remember that any floral tributes should be entirely biodegradable.

Cemetery Memorialization: More Maryland cemeteries now offer dedicated cremation columbarium niches and bespoke memorial scattering gardens. Some gardens offer small plaques or benches to create a long-lasting tribute. These options provide a permanent memorial location while preserving the affordability of cremation. Our detailed ash scattering guide covers scattering locations, regulations, and memorialization options.

Death Certificates: What You Need to Know

Death certificates are essential legal documents that you’ll need for estate settlement, insurance claims, Social Security benefits, pension applications, property transfers, and numerous other purposes. Understanding how to obtain them and how many copies you need prevents problems down the line.

Maryland Death Certificate Costs: The fee for a certified death certificate in Maryland is $10.00 per copy. Under Maryland Code, Health-General, § 4-212 (2018), the funeral director (or the family if handling arrangements independently) must file the death certificate with the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene within 72 hours of the death. The attending physician or medical examiner must certify the cause of death before the certificate can be finalized.

Where to Obtain Death Certificates: Additional copies of death certificates can be obtained from the Maryland Department of Health Division of Vital Records. You can order them in person, by mail, or online:

Maryland Department of Health
Division of Vital Records
6764-B Reisterstown Road
Baltimore, MD 21215
Phone: (410) 764-3038

How Many Copies Do You Need? Most families underestimate how many copies they’ll need. Order at least 10-15 certified copies. You’ll need originals for: life insurance claims (each policy), Social Security benefits, veterans benefits, bank account closures, investment accounts, mortgage payoff, vehicle title transfer, pension benefits, and government benefit applications. Most authoritative bodies that require evidence of death will require an original certified death certificate. Having extra copies available prevents costly repeat orders later.

Financial Assistance for Funeral Costs

If funeral costs feel overwhelming, multiple assistance programs and resources exist to help Maryland families manage expenses. Several federal, state, county, and community resources can help offset the cost of a funeral or cremation.

Social Security Death Benefit: The federal government provides a one-time death benefit of $255 to eligible families. This benefit is paid to the spouse living with the deceased or, if there’s no surviving spouse, to dependent children. While modest, this $255 can be applied directly toward funeral costs.

Veterans Benefits: If the deceased was a veteran, VA burial benefits include free burial at a national cemetery (though the family pays for casket and transportation), military honors, and in some cases, cash assistance toward funeral costs. Contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000 to explore available benefits.

Maryland Department of Human Services: Individuals who receive aid through the Maryland Department of Human Services may be eligible for burial and funeral assistance. Contact your local county Department of Social Services to apply. Each Maryland county administers indigent burial assistance through its social services office, with eligibility and benefit amounts varying by jurisdiction.

Religious Organizations and Nonprofits: Churches, synagogues, mosques, and other religious organizations often assist members with funeral costs. Additionally, nonprofits and community organizations sometimes provide funeral assistance to qualified individuals. Contact your religious institution or local social services to learn what support may be available.

Affordable Cremation Services: The DFS Memorials providers in Maryland offer direct cremation starting from just $1,395 in Baltimore, making professional cremation accessible even to families with minimal budgets. Our detailed guide to affording a funeral explores all available assistance programs, money-saving strategies, and resources for families in financial hardship.

Conclusion: Planning Ahead Brings Peace of Mind

Understanding funeral costs empowers you to make informed decisions that honor your loved one while respecting your family’s financial situation. Whether you’re pre-planning for yourself or arranging services unexpectedly, knowledge is your greatest asset. The options available in Maryland — from affordable direct cremation at $1,395 in Baltimore to traditional burial to eco-friendly green burial — mean that meaningful farewell services are accessible at many budget levels.

The key to achieving both financial responsibility and emotional satisfaction is education and intentional planning. Take time to understand what services cost, what’s legally required versus optional, and where you can negotiate better prices. Don’t hesitate to ask funeral directors difficult questions or shop around for better rates. The FTC Funeral Rule protects your right to do so, and Maryland’s competitive funeral market — especially in the Baltimore, Annapolis, and Washington suburbs — means prices can vary dramatically for identical services.

If you’re pre-planning, take action now to document your wishes, explore funding options, and discuss your preferences with family. If you’re arranging services immediately, ask questions, request itemized price lists, and seek less expensive alternatives to services that don’t align with your values. Remember that cremation, green burial, and body donation are all legal, meaningful, and affordable options in Maryland. With the resources and information in this guide, you can navigate funeral planning with confidence and clarity.

Resources and Related Guides

Cremation Costs in Maryland – Full cremation pricing, regulations, and provider options in Maryland

Maryland Funeral Homes – Complete directory of licensed funeral homes across Maryland with contact information

Caskets: Styles, Pricing, and Savings – Comprehensive guide to casket options, materials, and cost-effective purchasing strategies

Grave Markers and Monuments – Detailed information on headstone styles, materials, design options, and pricing

Funeral Shipping and Transporting a Body – Complete guide to arranging body transport, costs, and international shipping considerations

Body Donation – Information about donating your body to medical schools and research institutions

Ash Scattering – Guide to scattering cremains, regulations, and memorial options

Death Doulas in Maryland – Directory of end-of-life support professionals and death doula services available in Maryland

DFS Memorials Network – Affordable cremation services and funeral arrangements across Maryland and nationwide

Green Burial Directory – Find green and natural burial grounds and eco-friendly funeral providers

Maryland State Board of Morticians and Funeral Directors – 4201 Patterson Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215; Phone (410) 764-4792; handles complaints and licensing of funeral professionals

Funeral Consumers Alliance of Maryland & Environs (FCAME) – 9601 Cedar Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814; consumer advocacy and funeral pricing information

FTC Funeral Rule – Detailed explanation of your federal consumer rights when arranging funeral services