Cremation Services

Cremation Services with Care and Compassion

Our experienced team is here to guide you through each step, answer your questions, and provide the professional care and support you deserve.

Simple, Affordable Cremation with Dignity and Respect

At Lafferty & Smith - Marin Cremations, we provide affordable direct cremation services to families in Novato, CA, and the surrounding communities. As a family-owned and operated provider, we are committed to making the cremation process as simple and straightforward as possible while treating every loved one with dignity and respect.

What Is Direct Cremation?

Direct cremation is a simple cremation option that takes place without a traditional funeral service, visitation, or viewing beforehand. It provides families with an affordable, uncomplicated way to care for their loved one without the additional expenses associated with traditional funeral arrangements.


Following cremation, families receive their loved one's cremated remains and can choose how they wish to honor their memory privately and in their own time.

Our Direct Cremation Process

We believe arranging a cremation should be simple and stress-free. Our team will help you understand the process and guide you through the necessary arrangements.


  1. Contact Our Team: Reach out to us when a death occurs or when planning ahead. We'll explain the next steps and answer any questions you may have.
  2. Bringing Your Loved One Into Our Care: We coordinate the transportation of your loved one and ensure they are treated with dignity and respect throughout the process.
  3. Completing the Necessary Arrangements: Our team assists with the required paperwork, authorizations, and permits before cremation can take place.
  4. Cremation and Return of Remains: Once all necessary authorizations are complete, cremation is performed, and your loved one's cremated remains are prepared for return according to your arrangements.

Why Choose Marin Cremations?

At Lafferty & Smith - Marin Cremations, we believe families deserve straightforward cremation services without unnecessary complications. We focus on providing:

  • Affordable Options: Simple direct cremation services without the added costs of traditional funeral ceremonies.
  • Professional Care: Respectful handling and attention to detail throughout the cremation process.
  • Clear Guidance: Helpful answers and support from our experienced team.
  • A Simple Process: Straightforward arrangements designed to make a difficult time a little easier.
  • Family-Owned Service: Personal attention from a team dedicated to serving local families.

We're Here When You Need Us

Whether you're arranging a direct cremation for a loved one or planning ahead for yourself, Lafferty & Smith - Marin Cremations is here to help. Contact our team to learn more about our direct cremation services and take the next step with confidence.

Black silhouette of a decorative vase with white accents on a plain background

Memorial Service

The memorial service can be held in our chapel, a church, or any other venue the family chooses. We work with our families to design a service that honors their loved one with stories, music, or scripture.

Black silhouette of a decorative urn or vase with a lid on a white background

Graveside Service

A graveside or committal service is typically held immediately following the funeral service, but it can also be a small, intimate gathering of those closest to you.

Permanent Memorialization


Urn on table at home

Keeping an Urn at Home

This is a common choice. Families can select the perfect urn for their loved one.

Columbarium

Placing the Urn in a Columbarium (aka, a "niche")

Many families find comfort in having a final resting place that they can visit.

Blue urn surrounded by yellow flowers and greenery on a dark cloth outdoors

Burying the Urn

Similar to a casket, an in-ground burial of the urn allows for a final resting place.

A hand in a cozy sleeve sprinkling dust over a blurred pink-blue sunset sky and sea horizon

Scatter the ashes

Some families find comfort in scattering the cremated remains at a place that was special to their loved one.