Does Illinois Require Embalming for Burial?
Does Illinois Require Embalming for Burial?
by Mat Olejniczak and Andrew Ringa
No. Illinois has no law requiring embalming — not for burial, not for cremation, not for any method of disposition. No Illinois statute or administrative rule requires it, for any reason or length of time.
This is useful to know simply because it means embalming is a choice, not an obligation — the same way choosing a casket or a shroud, burial or cremation, is a choice. Illinois Natural Burial's funeral directors can walk you through what Illinois law actually requires versus what's a matter of personal or family preference.
What Illinois law actually says
Embalming is still common, and many funeral homes offer it, but it's rarely necessary — refrigeration accomplishes the same purpose of preserving the body temporarily. Illinois simply has no statute putting embalming on the list of legal requirements for burial or cremation.
This is true in most states, not just Illinois. Embalming is often chosen for practical reasons — an open-casket viewing, or a longer time gap before the service — but it isn't legally required here for any reason.
No casket requirement either
The same is true for caskets: no Illinois law requires a casket for burial, and none requires one for cremation. Illinois Natural Burial can arrange for a shroud burial with no casket at our partner cemeteries.
Shroud burial, with no embalming, is entirely legal in Illinois.
What happens instead of embalming
Without embalming, INB relies on refrigeration in the time between death and the service — a simple, routine part of care that we handle as a normal step, not a special accommodation. It keeps the body in good condition for a graveside service, a visitation, or church service without altering the body the way embalming does.
A licensed funeral director is still required
No embalming requirement doesn't mean no funeral director is needed. Illinois is one of only ten states that requires a licensed funeral director to be involved in disposition, regardless of the method chosen. INB's staff members (Mat and Andrew) have been fully licensed Illinois funeral directors for many years and we can help your family arrange a natural burial, water cremation, or terramation in addition to any other funeral services that may be right for you.
What this means for green or natural burial
Because embalming has never been legally required in Illinois, choosing a shroud and foregoing embalming — the heart of natural burial — isn't a special exception or a workaround. It's simply making use of an option that's always been legally available. If you're drawn to a greener option, Illinois law isn't standing in your way.
Reviewed by: Mat Olejniczak and Andrew Ringa, Licensed Funeral Directors. Last reviewed: October 15, 2026.
This article is for informational purposes and isn't legal advice. Laws can change; contact us or consult IDFPR for current requirements.
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