Glossary
Mortuary
A mortuary is a facility where bodies are received, prepared, and held before burial or cremation. The term is often used interchangeably with funeral home, though a mortuary can also mean a building focused on preparation and storage of the body.
In everyday use, "mortuary" and "funeral home" usually mean the same kind of business. Some facilities emphasize preparation and refrigeration of the body, while a full-service funeral home also offers viewing rooms and ceremonies.
Like any funeral provider, a mortuary is covered by the FTC Funeral Rule and must provide itemized pricing on request.
Related terms
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Common questions
- What is the difference between a mortuary and a funeral home?
- In everyday use they usually mean the same kind of business. Some facilities labeled mortuary emphasize preparation and refrigeration of the body, while a full-service funeral home also offers viewing rooms and ceremonies.
- Does the FTC Funeral Rule cover a mortuary?
- Yes. Like any provider that sells funeral goods and services, a mortuary is covered by the FTC Funeral Rule and must provide itemized pricing on request and let you choose only what you want.
- Can a mortuary handle the whole funeral?
- A full-service mortuary or funeral home can handle everything from receiving and preparing the body to the service and final disposition. A facility focused mainly on preparation may coordinate with others for the ceremony.
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This definition is general information, not legal or financial advice. Laws and prices vary by state and provider. See our editorial standards.