Johnson & Taft Mortuary
5.0(2)
Compare 8 funeral homes and cremation providers in Bakersfield. Providers in this area average 4.8 stars based on family reviews. Find pricing, services, and contact information to help your family make the right choice.
115 18th St, Bakersfield, CA 93301
3125 19th St, Bakersfield, CA 93301
8803 Scobee St, Bakersfield, CA 93311
2801 F St, Bakersfield, CA 93301
124 Oak St, Bakersfield, CA 93304
620 Oregon St, Bakersfield, CA 93305
1900 N Chester Ave Ste B, Bakersfield, CA 93308
531 California Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93304
Bakersfield, California is home to 8 funeral homes serving a metropolitan population of approximately 403,000 residents. These funeral providers maintain an exceptional average Google rating of 4.8 stars, reflecting consistent quality in end-of-life services across the city. Located in Kern County at the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley, Bakersfield's funeral homes accommodate diverse cultural and religious traditions, including significant Hispanic, Basque, and Filipino communities that shape local memorial practices.
Funeral costs in Bakersfield typically range from $1,500 for direct cremation to $7,000-$12,000 for traditional burial with services. California state law requires funeral homes to provide itemized price lists upon request. Families comparing the 8 funeral homes in Bakersfield can expect transparent pricing, with the city's average provider rating of 4.8 stars indicating strong customer satisfaction with value received.
Cremation has become the preferred choice in Bakersfield and throughout California, with the state's cremation rate exceeding 60%—well above the national average. Bakersfield's dry climate and lower groundwater levels make burial viable, though many families choose cremation for cost savings and flexibility in memorial timing. All 8 funeral homes in Bakersfield offer both options, with several providing on-site crematories.
Families in Bakersfield should compare services, pricing transparency, and facility amenities across the city's 8 funeral homes. California requires all funeral establishments to be licensed by the Cemetery and Funeral Bureau, which consumers can verify online. With an average rating of 4.8 stars, Bakersfield's funeral homes demonstrate consistently high service standards, though visiting facilities in person helps determine the right fit for specific cultural or religious needs.
The arrangement process in Bakersfield typically begins with a meeting at the chosen funeral home to select services, merchandise, and finalize paperwork required by California law. Bakersfield funeral directors handle death certificate filing with Kern County and coordinate with local cemeteries or crematories. Families should bring the deceased's vital statistics, clothing preferences, and any pre-arrangement documents to expedite the process, which usually concludes within 1-3 hours.
California law mandates embalming only when burial or cremation will not occur within 24 hours or when the body is transported by common carrier. In Bakersfield, Kern County issues burial permits and death certificates, with most funeral homes submitting electronic filings to expedite processing. Home funerals are legal in California with proper registration, though Bakersfield families typically utilize professional services from one of the city's 8 licensed funeral homes.
Pre-planning is available at all 8 funeral homes in Bakersfield, allowing individuals to document wishes and secure current pricing against future inflation. California's Preneed Funeral Contracts Law protects consumers by requiring funds to be held in trust or insurance products until services are needed. Bakersfield residents can arrange pre-planned services in person or through home consultations, with contracts transferable to other California funeral homes if relocation occurs.