Understanding Viewings at Funeral Homes in California: What Families Need to Know

Losing a loved one is never easy, and making funeral arrangements can feel overwhelming. One of the most common rituals before burial or cremation is the viewing, also known as a visitation. In this article, we’ll explain what a viewing involves, what California law says about it, and what families should expect from a funeral home in California.

What Is a Viewing at a Funeral Home?

A viewing is a formal or informal gathering where friends and family can see their loved one, offer condolences, and say goodbye. It often takes place in a licensed funeral home or memorial chapel.

There are two main types of viewings:

Open Casket: The body is prepared and visible.
Closed Casket: The body is present but not visible.

In California, viewings can be either public or private, depending on the wishes of the family.

two people sitting at venue seeing open casket

In moments of farewell, love and memory remain eternal.

Are Viewings Legal in California?

Yes. Viewings are legally permitted in California but are regulated by the California Cemetery and Funeral Bureau.

Key legal requirements:

Funeral homes must be licensed by the state.
If a viewing takes place more than 24 hours after death, the body must be either embalmed or refrigerated. Embalming is not required in California. Refrigeration is a legal and acceptable alternative.
Families must receive a General Price List (GPL) from the funeral provider, as required by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and California law.

Common Places for Viewings in California

Funeral homes and mortuaries (Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, etc.)
Private family chapels.
Churches or religious venues.
Residential homes (less common but permitted under certain health conditions).
Virtual platforms (Zoom or live stream, especially since COVID-19).

If you’re searching for “funeral homes with viewings near me” in California, many providers now include this as a standard offering.

How Much Does a Viewing Cost in California?

Costs vary based on the city and the funeral home’s services. On average:

Basic viewing setup: $500 – $1,200
With embalming & preparation: $1,500 – $3,500
Viewing + funeral package: $3,000 – $10,000+

Prices can be higher in major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, or San Diego, where operational costs are higher. The final cost can also depend on the venue (funeral home, church, or private location), the length of the viewing, and whether it’s paired with a witness cremation.

Why Do Families Choose to Have a Viewing?

To honor the memory of a loved one.
To help with the grieving process.
To provide closure and space for emotional support.
As a way to gather extended family and community.

For many Californians, including but not limited to Latino, Filipino, Catholic, and other cultural and spiritual communities, viewings are an important cultural and spiritual tradition. Viewings hold significance across a wide range of cultures and belief systems, and families should feel empowered to honor their traditions.

people making final farewell to loved one

In the quiet of farewell, love speaks louder than words.

Planning a Viewing in California? Here’s What to Ask Your Funeral Home:

Is embalming required for the type of viewing I want?
Can the viewing be private or public?
Do you offer live-streaming or virtual viewing?
Do I need to bring identification for a witness cremation or any type of private viewing?
What does your viewing package include?
How long can the viewing last?
What facilities do you offer for family and guests?

How Anubis Inc. Supports Families During Viewings

At Anubis Inc., we understand that viewings are deeply personal moments. Our process is designed to ensure respect, clarity, and comfort for every family.

Preparation and Assessment

We first assess whether the deceased is viewable. We typically do not embalm unless specifically requested.
A head block is placed under the head to support a natural mouth closure.
Eye caps are used to prevent sunken eyes, and light cosmetic work is applied if needed.
If clothing is provided, the deceased is dressed; otherwise, we use a white shroud.

Viewing Locations

Families can choose from:

A partner church in Pasadena.
Destiny Funeral Home in Long Beach.
Our own Palm Springs chapel and crematory.

We coordinate with the venue and the family to find the best fit.

Scheduling and Pricing

We work closely with families to schedule the viewing. Pricing varies depending on:

Time of day (daytime is more affordable)
Weekends and durations over 1 hour may incur higher costs

We also handle all required paperwork, including the viewing waiver and authorization form.

Day of the Viewing

Our team transports and sets up the space, stays onsite to assist, and ensures everything runs smoothly. For special cases (e.g., tissue gas ordecomposition), we may use a shroud or recommend a closed-container viewing.

Palm Springs Experience

At our Palm Springs chapel:

We prepare the room privately and invite the next of kin to arrive 10–15 minutes early to confirm presentation.
If the loved one is not viewable, a closed-container option is offered.
The family can also use our kitchen and sitting area to settle in before the official viewing begins.

Conclusion

Viewings offer families a meaningful opportunity to say goodbye, reflect, and gather in remembrance. In California, they are an important part of many funeral traditions, especially across diverse communities in Southern California.

Whether you’re planning a private farewell or a public viewing in cities like Los Angeles or Palm Springs, a trusted funeral provider can help you create a respectful and legally compliant experience.

At Anubis Inc., we are committed to supporting families with compassion, clarity, and care every step of the way. If you’re seeking a thoughtful and reliable partner to guide you through this journey, we’re here for you.

Contact Us

Los Angeles: (323) 644-3323
Palm Springs: (760) 804-3323
Email: info@anubiscremations.com

References

California Cemetery and Funeral Bureau. (n.d.). Consumer Guide to Funeral and Cemetery Purchases [PDF]. Retrieved August 4, 2025, from https://www.cfb.ca.gov/consumer/consumer_guide.pdf
Federal Trade Commission. (2024, January 25). Funerals: your rights under the FTC Funeral Rule. Retrieved August 4, 2025, from https://consumer.ftc.gov/shopping-and-donating/funerals?
Federal Trade Commission. (2015, April 21). Complying with the Funeral Rule [Business guide]. Retrieved August 4, 2025, from https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/plain-language/565a-complying-with-funeral-rule_2020_march_508.pdf?
National Funeral Directors Association. (n.d.). Remembering A Life – planning a funeral. Retrieved August 4, 2025, from https://nfda.org/consumer-resources/planning-a-funeral/preplanning?