You can say goodbye at the morgue itself — before the body is taken to the cemetery or the crematorium. It is the simplest option when the family does not want a separate ceremony in a hall, or when only a few people will attend. The time is agreed with the morgue, and we handle that. Call +371 2208 4540.
How a farewell at the morgue works
- An agreed time. The morgue sets aside a specific slot, tied to how the institution runs, so the time is fixed in advance rather than on the day.
- The family gathers. Those closest attend; a wide circle of guests is not expected.
- A short ceremony. Flowers, a moment of silence, sometimes words from a priest or a celebrant.
- Departure. After the farewell the coffin is placed in the hearse and the cortege leaves for the cemetery or the crematorium.
A farewell at the morgue usually takes between half an hour and an hour — the morgue confirms the exact slot. For a longer format with music and eulogies, a farewell hall suits better.
The preparation without which no farewell is possible is done by the morgue: washing, dressing and placing in the coffin. That is covered on preparation of the body at the morgue.
Where else a farewell can be held
- In a farewell hall — a longer ceremony, room for guests, music and speeches; see farewell halls.
- In a cemetery chapel — convenient when the burial takes place there; we book it with the cemetery supervisor.
- In a church — if the family wants a service; the parish sets the time.
- At the crematorium — a short ceremony immediately before the cremation; see cremation.
| Place | Who it suits |
|---|
| The morgue | Those closest, a short farewell before departure |
| A farewell hall | A wider circle of guests, speeches and music |
| A cemetery chapel | When the burial is in the same cemetery |
| A church | If the family wants a service |
| The crematorium | A short ceremony immediately before the cremation |
These can be combined: a farewell at the morgue for those closest, then a ceremony at the chapel or the crematorium.
At home/apartment
In a hospital
In a public place
In another city
Call a service representative by phone +371 2208 4540 or submit a request on the website.
Prepare an identity document of the deceased and documents of those who were present.
Check the service representative's information, as well as the emergency service personnel's identification cards.
Call a service representative to the hospital by phone +371 2208 4540 or submit a request on the website.
Once the representative arrives, verify their information with the information you previously provided over the phone.
Start the paperwork with our representative, then follow their recommendations.
Emergency services register the death and take the body to the forensic morgue.
Police officers contact relatives and inform them where the deceased has been taken.
After reporting the death, call a funeral service specialist at +371 2208 4540
Call the service's hotline at +371 2208 4540 or submit a request on the website.
Enter into an agreement with the funeral service, outlining all services provided.
A specialist will gather all necessary documents and arrange for the repatriation and reception of the deceased in the desired city.
What the cost is made up of
A farewell at the morgue is usually the least expensive option: there is no hall to rent for several hours and no separate address to bring mourners to. The bill has three parts — the morgue's services at the hospital's tariff, our work (arranging, hearse, transport, leading the ceremony) and flowers with accessories.
Moving the ceremony to a farewell hall or a chapel adds the room hire and longer transport time. We state the actual figure before work begins; what the plans contain is on funeral costs.
All essential services for cremation
Optimal set of goods and services for cremation
Extended cremation set with farewell in the hall
All essential services for burial
Optimal set of goods and services for burial
Extended burial set with farewell in the hall
Funeral plans may be subject to adjustment.
Changing the funeral plan will allow for a more personalized and meaningful farewell ceremony that reflects the uniqueness and importance of the deceased to their loved ones and community.
What the family prepares
Clothing for the deceased is needed beforehand and is handed to the morgue in advance. The rest depends on what the family wants: flowers and wreaths, a photograph, candles, music if the morgue's rules allow it, and someone to say a few words. If a priest or celebrant leads the ceremony, we fit their arrival to the morgue's slot.
What clothing to bring and how preparation works is described here; the paperwork side is on documents for a funeral.
What the service arranges
We agree the time with the morgue, fit it to the cemetery or crematorium schedule, provide the hearse and transport for mourners, deliver flowers and wreaths, and either lead the ceremony or invite a priest. The family does not have to ring the hospital to find out when they may come — we deal with that.
When the farewell has to be arranged quickly
Sometimes a family needs the farewell within two days — relatives have come for a short visit, or religious custom requires it. It can be done: the limiting factor is not the morgue but the paperwork and the cemetery or crematorium schedule. The registry office records the death on the day of the report, so the certificate usually comes quickly.
Call and name the date you want straight away — we will check whether it is realistic and tell you honestly, rather than promising and then moving it.
We contacted the Riga City Funeral Service—the staff was attentive and promptly processed all the necessary paperwork. The ceremony was organized with respect and appropriate level—without unnecessary formality, but with a dignified approach. Next time, I might clarify the details online, but overall, we were satisfied.
Excellent service during a difficult time: professional, personable, and calm. The staff helped with all the paperwork and offered advice on how to best organize the funeral. I recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable and discreet service.
Common mistakes
- Inviting guests before the time is agreed. The morgue's schedule is firm and set by the institution, not the family.
- Planning a long ceremony at the morgue. If there will be speeches and music, book a farewell hall.
- Forgetting transport for mourners. The cortege moves on afterwards, and not everyone has a car.
Can a farewell be held at the morgue?
Yes. It takes place before the body is taken to the cemetery or the crematorium, at an agreed time. We agree that time with the morgue.
How long does a farewell at the morgue last?
Usually between half an hour and an hour — the morgue confirms the exact slot. For a longer format with speeches and music, a farewell hall is more suitable.
How many people can attend?
Those closest usually gather at the morgue. If a wide circle of guests is expected, it is better to book a farewell hall or a cemetery chapel.
Can a religious ceremony be held at the morgue?
A short one, yes, where the morgue's rules allow it. A full service is normally held in a church or chapel; we set the times so the two do not clash.
What has to be prepared beforehand?
Clothing for the deceased, handed to the morgue in advance, plus flowers, a photograph and, if you wish, music or a celebrant. We arrange the rest.
