Asheville Area Alternative Funeral and Cremation Services
702 Riverside Dr, Asheville, NC, 28801
Questions to Ask When You Call
You're not expected to know this. These questions help you compare and avoid surprises.
“Can I see your General Price List?”
Federal law (FTC Funeral Rule) requires them to give you itemized pricing. You have every right to ask.
“Do you accept insurance assignment?”
This means they bill the insurance company directly. You don't pay thousands upfront and wait to be reimbursed.
“What's included vs. what's extra?”
Packages may not include everything. Ask about the casket, embalming, transportation, facility fees, and death certificate copies.
Know Your Rights
The FTC Funeral Rule protects you. Every funeral home must provide an itemized General Price List if you ask — in person or over the phone. You are never required to buy a package and can choose services individually. You also have the right to use a casket purchased elsewhere.
Payment & Financial Options
Average in North Carolina
$2,246 – $7,063
Source: NFDA 2023 · Direct cremation to traditional burial
If they had life insurance, it can cover this
Funerals in this area run $2,246–$7,063. If your loved one had a life insurance policy, the benefit can cover these costs — and we'll file the claim and handle the carrier for you, even without the policy number. $0 upfront, and nothing if it doesn't pay out.
Services Offered
Business Hours
What Families Say
“Our experience was wonderful. The staff is extremely kind and knowledgeable and everyone took great care in making sure this difficult time was easier. We are so grateful for everyone that was involved in the process.”
— Ashley T
“Our family has had the misfortune of using the services of Asheville Area Alternative Funeral and Cremation Services twice in less than three months. From the first contact we found staff to be very responsive, available and concerned. I've never had to make any kind of funeral arrangements before and no matter which staff member I had to deal with, each was courteous, kind and polite and answered all of our questions, but they were incredibly accommodating, kind and patient with the natural burial of my husband, who died suddenly. Family that had not seen his body was given an appointment and allowed to wash and dress his body. Carl, the funeral director helped the family every step of the way, explained everything to us and followed up with us the next day to make sure we had found a bagpiper for the funeral services. The staff on hand for the funeral services were also very kind and helpful, making sure family members who wanted to help lower the casket into the ground were briefed ahead of time on what to do. I really can't say enough good things about this place. The Fearnside family thanks you for all of your help at such a difficult time!”
— Connie Fearnside
“In 2019 when a family member passed away, we were referred here by a well known funeral home due to them not being able to provide services because of their cost. In the past 5 years, we’ve had to use Asheville Area Alternative Funeral Home 3 times and all 3 times they have done such an amazing job with our loved ones and treated them and us with respect and kindness! We have been very pleased with their services and received as great of care at probably half the cost of other funeral homes. We would highly recommend them!! Thank you for all you’ve done for our family!”
— Lisa Dryman
We can help with what comes next.
We file the life insurance claim and recover unclaimed property — the payout can help cover costs like these. $0 upfront.
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