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Witness Cremation
A calm and respectful farewell, allowing families a quiet moment to say goodbye.
A thoughtful, affordable choice
Witness Cremation Service
This option offers a unique opportunity to be present at the start of the cremation process. It includes a brief visitation or identification, providing a moment of closure and a personal farewell.
You'll witness the beginning of the cremation process in a private, respectful setting, offering you a meaningful way to say goodbye.
What's Included:
- In-home arrangement (or meet virtually/phone)
- 30-minute Visitation in our Aldergrove Chapel
- Witnessing the start of the cremation process
- Registration of death with Vital Statistics
- Transfer from place of death (24-hour service)
- Cardboard cremation container (other choices available)
- Cremation fee
- White cardboard cremation urn
- Death Certificate
- Delivery of Death Certificate and ashes to your home
- Online Obituary and Executor Assistance Resources
- All Taxes and Fees
Scheduled Monday to Friday at 8:30am, with Witness Cremation to follow at 9:00am.
Complete Package: $2,729.40
An affordable choice for Vancouver, Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley witness cremations.
Sample Cost Breakdown
Professional Fee: $993.00
Witness Cremation Service: $695.00
Cremation Fee: $695.00
Cremation Container: $145.00
Consumer Protection BC Fee: $48.00
GST: $126.40
Death Certificate: $27.00
Total: $2,729.40
Customization
& Service Options
You can personalize the experience at any time. Choose from longer visitation periods, urn or keepsake options, or extra death certificates.
We also offer optional memorial services and ceremonies that can be scheduled at your convenience, including traditional services or more personalized gatherings tailored to your loved one's memory.
Our Process
Supporting you in every step
In Home Arrangements
Our compassionate team will visit you at home (or meet virtually/phone, if you prefer) to guide you through the paperwork and answer any questions.
Transfer & Cremation
We respectfully transport your loved one from their place of passing to our on-site crematorium, where every step is managed with the utmost care.
Return of Ashes & Certificates
Once cremation is complete, we deliver the ashes and death certificate(s) directly to your door for your convenience.
Steady support is within reach
Accessible, flexible cremation & funeral services
Thoughtful ways to honour a loved one's memory
Personalization & Post-Cremation Options
At Alternatives, we help families choose meaningful ways to lay their loved ones to rest — whether that's in nature, at sea, or somewhere close to home.
Sea Scattering Cremated Remains
Alternatives proudly offers an Annual Sea Scattering of Cremated Remains, a respectful and environmentally conscious memorial conducted exclusively by our professional team. This service is ideal for families seeking a serene, natural tribute—without the need for in-person attendance.
- Secure, respectful storage of ashes until annual ceremony
- Individual name reading and gentle scattering into the sea
- Personalized commemorative certificate with date & GPS coordinates
$95.00 (plus tax)
Conservation Memorial at Heritage Gardens
At Heritage Gardens, we will help you create the perfect tribute for that loved one who means the world. We are dedicated to helping families navigate their grief journey by providing a space for healing & artful expression.
- Burial of ashes directly into the earth - no urn required
- Choice of garden (Willow, Katsura, Harmony or The Glen)
- Ongoing care and perpetual maintenance of the garden
- Intimate Committal Ceremony
- Personalized bronze memorial (fish, bird, bee, or classic plaque) or engraved riverstone
- Supports local conservation and environmental efforts
Inquire directly with Heritage Gardens Cemetery for pricing.
Customization Options
Personalize the experience with urns, keepsakes, additional death certificates, and other thoughtful tributes.
Ask our team and we'll help you compare options.
Why Choose Alternatives
We're guided by three simple principles for over 33 years
Transparency: Straightforward pricing with no hidden fees.
Compassion: We treat every family as if they were our own.
Trust: Experienced professionals guiding you through every step.
We stand apart by providing genuine, people-centered care that balances affordability with dignity — ensuring your loved one is honoured in the way you choose. For over 33 years, Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services has served families throughout Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore our resources for guidance throughout every stage.
What's included in the Witness Cremation package?
It includes transfer into our care, registration of death, a 30-minute visitation in our Aldergrove chapel, witness cremation, a cremation container and urn, a Death Certificate, and delivery of ashes and documents.
How do we get started?
Contact our team and we'll guide you through the next steps. We can arrange in-home, by phone, or virtually—whatever feels easiest.
Can we add options like a longer visitation or keepsakes?
Yes. You can personalize at any time with a longer visitation period, urns and keepsakes, additional death certificates, or other service options.
