World’s Most Expensive Funerals

Funeral costs can vary depending on the kind of funeral you want to have. You will want to consider your budget, as well as what is important to you when planning your own funeral or that of a loved one.

Of course, we have all been witness to some of the most elaborate funerals over the past few decades. From the King of Rock to British Royalty, celebrities and well-known dignitaries have been honored with some of the most expensive funerals ever.

Here are some of those that top the list:

Elvis Presley

Elvis’s family spent nearly $25,000 for his funeral. That may not sound like an exorbitant amount, but remember, it was 1977 when The King died. With the number of fans that descended upon Memphis for the funeral, however, then-President Jimmy Carter had to order 300 National Guards to help keep order in the streets. This brought the actual cost of the funeral up to an even greater amount.

Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson’s passing was an incredible shock to the world. The King of Pop’s music and his legacy left a lasting mark in musical and popular culture. When he passed in 2009, he was preparing his comeback through a series of concerts called “This Is It”. His one million dollar memorial service was held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles and was attended by a flood of celebrities, some of who performed or gave eulogies.

Princess Diana

One of the most glamorous and beloved figures in recent history, Diana died in a car crash in Paris in 1997. The world was in shock. As the former wife of the Prince of Wales, she was no longer considered a member of the royal family. For this reason, it was initially decided by the monarchy that flags should not fly at half-mast. This caused a public outcry. Because she was much-loved, the Queen had a change of heart and allowed Diana a ceremonial funeral that cost the equivalent of $11.8 million today.

Queen Mother

Britain’s Queen Mother, the mother of Queen Elizabeth II, passed away in 2002. She was given a ceremonial funeral in London’s Westminster Abbey. The cost of the funeral was more than $9 million, which equates to roughly $12 million in today’s currency.

Pope John Paul II

This well-loved papal leader was admired the world over for his kindness and compassion. He had such an impact that, when he died in 2005, even leaders from Cuba and North Korea sent their condolences. His Catholic funeral brought together the largest gathering of heads of state in history.

John F. Kennedy

Our nation and the world grieved at the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy. Those who were alive at the time can vividly remember where they were upon hearing the news of his passing in 1963. Kennedy’s somber $15 million funeral was held in Washington, D.C. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery, and it is reported that his burial plot alone cost $13 million.

Ronald Reagan

One of our nation’s most admired presidents, Ronald Reagan, died in 2004 at the age of 93. Reagan was given a state funeral service at the Washington National Cathedral after lying in state for thirty-four hours in the Capitol rotunda. His casket was then transported before his body was returned to California for interment at the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley. The $400 million funeral costs were so high largely due to the declaration of a national day of mourning that closed down the stock market and gave federal employees the day off of work.

Fortunately, at Mountain View Funeral Home, you do not have to spend the likes of the rich and famous when planning a funeral. We offer a variety of affordable services and products to meet every need. Contact us here to learn more about how we can help you.