Creative funerals, memorials

We begin by listening. Inspire us with the elements that set an individual apart—a life-long hobby, favorite genre of music or collection of artwork—and our talented team of funeral directors will help create a memorial service that best reflects individualism.

Imagine a catered buffet featuring a secret family recipe, or a masquerade affair where everyone wears the favorite color of the person they celebrate. Whatever you envision, Nelsen Williamsburg has the flexible reception space and creative resources to fulfill almost any final wish.

Burial, cremation options

Whether you prefer a traditional religious ceremony or burial with military honors, we stand ready to guide you through the range of burial options available. We offer cremation services with optional interment of remains to those who prefer an alternative. Our chapel adapts to accommodate celebrants of all faiths and traditions, and our team welcomes guests before and after each service.

Cremation services

We specialize in cremation services that honor loved ones in personalized ways, and families love our transparent pricing. With expertise in scattering ashes and a friendly team who pays attention to every detail, we provide service that is second to none.

More and more people are choosing cremation over traditional burial, but most aren’t familiar with the many options:

• a cremation without a funeral or memorial service of any kind.
• a funeral with your loved one present, followed by cremation.
• a cremation followed by a scattering, cemetery memorialization or celebration of life—or all three.

For those who wish for a more momentous memorial, Neptune Memorial Reef is an underwater cremation garden off the coast of Florida. A Celestis Memorial Spaceflight takes ashes into space for a little while or forever.

There are many options for cremation—and they're not all equal. Here's what you can expect when you choose us for your loved one's cremation:

• Custody of care guaranteed. Our custody-of-care program helps safeguard the identification of your loved one from the time we bring them into our care until the time we return them to your family. We check, cross-check and check again, every step of the way.
• Exclusive custody of your loved one. We operate a private, on-site crematory and work with trusted partners. Once your loved one is in our custody or that of a trusted partner, they’re in our care until they’re returned to your family.
• Licensed, certified, conscientious staff. All Dignity Memorial crematory operators are licensed and certified by Cremation Association of North America, or CANA. Only one person at a time is cremated, and the cremation chamber is thoroughly cleaned before the next person is cremated.

Read more about our cremation services.

We honor veterans

At Nelsen Williamsburg, we understand the unique needs of America’s veterans and their families. As a Level Four Founding Community Partner with We Honor Veterans, we are honored to serve our nation’s heroes and take this responsibility seriously. We have taken steps to ensure our staff is knowledgeable of all the benefits available to military veterans and their families.

In addition, we host community events annually in honor of our veterans and work closely with local veterans organizations. With respect, integrity and dignity, we will walk you through the steps of creating a veteran’s memorial service that truly honors the life and sacrifice of your loved one.

Contact our team

Please reach out to Nelsen Williamsburg if we may provide guidance regarding funeral arrangements in Williamsburg, or if you would like a personal tour of our staterooms and chapel. It is our honor to serve you.

History

Nelsen Williamsburg serves families from Lightfoot to Jamestown Settlement in a tradition dating to 1892. Over the course of a century, generations of central Virginia families have come to trust us to provide burial arrangements that suit their desires and needs with personalized attention to detail.

Today, we continue to provide traditional funeral arrangements while embracing the shift to contemporary and upbeat memorial celebrations.