Where to Publish an Obituary

You can publish an obituary in newspapers, online memorial websites, funeral home websites, and social media platforms. Most families choose a combination of these options to reach both local communities and distant friends and family.

Writing and placing an obituary is often one of the first public acknowledgments of a death. The choice of where to publish depends on your budget, the deceased’s community connections, and how widely you want to share the news.

Newspaper Obituaries

Local newspapers remain the traditional choice for obituary publication. Most newspapers charge based on word count or column inches, with costs ranging from $200 to $1,000 or more for a standard obituary.

Major metropolitan newspapers typically charge the highest rates. The New York Times, for example, charges approximately $56 per line for obituaries, while smaller local papers may charge $300-500 for a standard-length obituary.

Source: The New York Times Paid Obituaries

How to Submit to Newspapers

Contact the newspaper’s obituary desk directly or submit through their website. Most papers require:

• The obituary text in the specified format
• A recent photograph (optional but recommended)
• Proof of death (death certificate or funeral home verification)
• Payment information

Submission deadlines vary, but most newspapers need obituaries 24-48 hours before publication. Weekend and holiday editions may have earlier deadlines.

Online Memorial Websites

Online memorial platforms offer free and paid options for publishing obituaries. These sites often provide additional features like guest books, photo galleries, and donation collection tools.

Popular online memorial websites include Legacy.com, Obituaries.com, and specialized platforms like Everloved. Many of these sites syndicate obituaries to multiple newspapers and websites, expanding reach significantly.

Benefits of Online Obituaries

Online obituaries offer several advantages over traditional newspaper publishing:

• No word count limits
• Ability to include multiple photos
• Interactive features like guest books and memory sharing
• Permanent accessibility
• Easy sharing via social media and email
• Often free or low-cost

Funeral Home Websites

Most funeral homes automatically publish obituaries on their websites as part of their services. This is typically included in the funeral home’s fees and provides a central location for service information.

Funeral home obituaries usually include:

• Basic biographical information
• Service details and location
• Surviving family members
• Preferred charities for donations
• Guest book for condolences

The funeral home staff can help you write and format the obituary according to their website’s requirements. Many also offer to submit the obituary to newspapers on your behalf for an additional fee.

Social Media Platforms

Social media has become an increasingly common way to share death announcements and obituary information. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram allow immediate sharing with extended networks.

Facebook offers specific memorial features, including the ability to memorialize accounts and create tribute posts. Many families use Facebook events to share funeral service details and coordinate attendance.

Social Media Best Practices

When sharing obituary information on social media:

• Confirm that immediate family has been notified first
• Use appropriate privacy settings
• Include a link to the full obituary if published elsewhere
• Be mindful of the deceased’s social media preferences

Professional vs. Self-Publishing Options

You can write and place obituaries yourself or work with funeral homes and professional services. Self-publishing gives you complete control over content and placement but requires more time and effort.

Working with funeral homes streamlines the process but may limit your options or add costs. Some families choose a hybrid approach, writing the obituary themselves but using professional services for placement.

DIY Obituary Placement

If placing obituaries yourself:

• Research submission requirements for each publication
• Prepare high-resolution photos in advance
• Have death certificate information readily available
• Plan for different deadlines across publications

Cost Considerations

Obituary publishing costs vary significantly by platform and length. Here’s a general breakdown:

• Local newspapers: $300-800 for standard obituary
• Major metropolitan papers: $800-2,000+ depending on length
• Online memorial sites: Free to $50 for premium features
• Funeral home websites: Usually included in funeral services
• Social media: Free

Many newspapers offer package deals that include both print and online publication. Some also provide reduced rates for shorter death notices versus full obituaries.

Timing and Deadlines

Different platforms have different timing requirements. Newspapers typically need 24-48 hours notice, while online platforms can publish immediately.

Consider your funeral planning timeline when choosing publication dates. The obituary should appear early enough for people to make travel arrangements but not so early that service details aren’t finalized.

Weekend and Holiday Considerations

Many newspapers have limited weekend editions or don’t publish on certain holidays. Plan accordingly if the death occurs near a weekend or holiday period.

Online platforms don’t have these restrictions, making them good options for immediate announcements that can be supplemented with newspaper publication later.

Legal and Practical Requirements

Most publications require proof of death and verification of the person submitting the obituary. This typically means providing a copy of the death certificate or verification from the funeral home.

Some newspapers also require payment upfront, while others may bill family members directly. Clarify payment terms when submitting.

Be prepared for fact-checking from newspaper staff, especially for longer obituaries or those mentioning public figures or achievements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to publish an obituary?

Local newspapers typically charge $300-800, while major papers can cost $800-2,000+. Online memorial websites are often free or charge $10-50 for premium features. Funeral home website publication is usually included in their services.

Can I publish an obituary without using a funeral home?

Yes, you can contact newspapers and online platforms directly to publish obituaries. You’ll need a death certificate or other proof of death for verification. Many families choose this route to save money or maintain control over the content.

How soon should an obituary be published?

Obituaries should typically be published within 2-5 days of death, allowing time for people to make arrangements to attend services. However, there’s no legal requirement for timing, and families can publish whenever feels appropriate.

What’s the difference between a death notice and an obituary?

A death notice is a brief announcement of death with basic service information, usually 50-100 words. An obituary is longer and includes biographical information, accomplishments, and family details. Death notices cost significantly less than full obituaries.

Do all newspapers publish obituaries?

Most newspapers publish obituaries, but policies vary. Some smaller papers only publish obituaries for local residents, while others accept submissions from anyone willing to pay. Many newspapers also have online-only obituary sections that cost less than print publication.

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult qualified professionals for guidance specific to your situation.