Funeral Services
at Saddleback Chapel Mortuary
Funeral Options and Service Types
Losing someone you love is one of life’s most difficult experiences. At Saddleback Chapel Mortuary in Tustin, CA, we believe that a meaningful funeral service plays a vital role in honoring the person who has passed, supporting those who are grieving, and bringing family and friends together during a time of loss.
While many families choose traditional funeral services, others prefer to create something more personal and unique. Regardless of what you need, our funeral directors will guide you through every option and help you plan a service that reflects the life, values, and wishes of your loved one.
We are non-denominational and welcome families of every religion, culture, and tradition. If you are unsure where to begin, call us at (714) 544-1450. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Types of Funeral Services We Offer
The following are common types of funeral services chosen by the families we serve. These services can take place over multiple days or be completed in a single day depending on your needs and preferences. We can combine, adjust, or personalize any of these options.
Viewing, Visitation, and Gathering
A gathering of family and friends, often called a viewing or visitation, provides an opportunity for the people closest to the deceased to come together, pay their final respects, and begin the process of saying goodbye. The casket is typically present, either open or closed, depending on the family’s wishes.
Viewings can be held at Saddleback Chapel, at a church or place of worship, or at another venue the family chooses. Some families hold a brief private viewing before a larger public service, while others open visitation hours for an extended period so that friends, coworkers, and community members can attend at their convenience.
Church Ceremony
For families with a connection to a local congregation, a church funeral brings together the people, traditions, and surroundings that have been meaningful throughout your loved one’s life. Many families in Orange County have celebrated baptisms, weddings, and holidays in their church. A funeral service in that same space carries deep significance.
Saddleback Chapel Mortuary works with churches and places of worship of all denominations throughout Tustin, Santa Ana, Irvine, Orange, Anaheim, and the surrounding communities. We coordinate all logistics with your clergy and church staff so that you can focus on your family. Church funerals are typically held in the morning and are followed by a graveside committal service.
Chapel Service
A chapel service at Saddleback Chapel is a popular option for families whose loved one was not affiliated with a church, families coming from outside the area, or those who prefer a shorter, more contained service. Our dedicated chapel provides a warm, welcoming setting with comfortable seating, professional audio and video equipment, and a reverent atmosphere suited to services of any type.
Unlike some funeral homes that convert a visitation room for funeral services, Saddleback Chapel has a purpose-built chapel designed specifically for ceremonies. This means no awkward setup transitions and a more respectful experience for your guests.
Graveside Ceremony
A graveside service can range from a small, casual gathering of close family members to a larger formal ceremony with a structured program. In many cases, the graveside committal follows a church or chapel service earlier in the day. Some families choose to hold only a graveside service without a preceding ceremony.
Family members, clergy, and friends may participate in the graveside ceremony by sharing readings, poems, prayers, or personal reflections. We work with all cemeteries throughout Orange County frequently, including El Toro Memorial Park, Pacific View Memorial Park, Fairhaven Memorial Park, Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, and others.
Memorial Services and Celebrations of Life
A memorial service is held without the body present, often after a cremation or burial has already taken place. This gives families the flexibility to plan a gathering on their own timeline, in a setting of their choosing, without the time pressure that sometimes accompanies traditional funeral arrangements.
Memorial services and celebrations of life can be held at a restaurant, reception center, country club, hotel banquet facility, a family member’s home, or in a park. The tone can be reflective and solemn, uplifting and celebratory, or a blend of both. Our funeral directors can help you plan every detail.
Receptions after services are becoming increasingly popular. There are local venues that can accommodate them, and we’re happy to share a list of recommended venues.
Explore Your Options
Every family is different, and every service should be too. Here are some of the most common arrangements chosen by the families we serve. Each of these can be adjusted to meet your needs:
- Viewing or visitation hours, followed by a funeral service at church
- Viewing or visitation hours, followed by a funeral service in the chapel
- Viewing or visitation hours, followed by a graveside ceremony
- Church or chapel service, followed by graveside committal
- Graveside service, followed by a memorial gathering
- Graveside service with no preceding viewing or visitation
- Memorial service or celebration of life at an off-site venue
Personalizing the Service
Even the smallest personal touch can transform a funeral service from a standard ceremony into a deeply meaningful tribute. At Saddleback Chapel Mortuary, we encourage every family to consider ways to personalize their loved one’s service. The following options are available for both burial and cremation services.
Memory Tables and Collages
Display items that reflect who your loved one was in life. Golf clubs, gardening tools, musical instruments, military memorabilia, artwork, family photos, achievement awards, and other meaningful objects can be arranged on a memory table near the entrance of the service. Photo collages and memory boards provide a visual tribute that guests can reflect on throughout the visitation.
Tribute Videos
A personalized video tribute combines your family’s photographs with music to create a presentation that can be shown during the visitation, service, or reception. These videos can be posted online so that family and friends who are unable to attend in person can view the tribute from anywhere in the world. Additional copies are available for family members to keep.
Live Streaming and Recording
Not everyone who cares about your loved one can be in the room. If you have family members in another state or country who are unable to travel, we can broadcast the service live over the internet. Professional-quality recordings are also available so that the service can be revisited later.
Personalized Music
Funeral music does not have to be limited to traditional hymns. We encourage families to compile music selections that hold special meaning, whether those are classical pieces, favorite songs, or cultural music. Families are encouraged to create a Spotify, Apple Music, or Pandora playlist that can be played on the sound system; the firm also has an extensive CD library (religious and non-religious) to choose from. Our chapel is equipped with a full audio system, and we also have an baby grand piano available for traditional music.
Celebrant Services
A certified Celebrant is a professional trained to help families create personalized tribute services. If you are not affiliated with a church, or if you want an uplifting service that focuses on the life and personality of your loved one, a Celebrant service may be the right choice. Celebrants can work alone or alongside clergy.
Pallbearers
Friends, relatives, church members, or business associates may serve as pallbearers. If the family prefers, we can provide assistance at the cemetery for your loved one’s service. Pallbearer gloves and boutonnieres may be provided if families choose, and is arranged during planning.
Military Honors
If your loved one served in the United States military, we can arrange a flag ceremony, color guard, bugler, or rifle salute. We work with all branches of the military and coordinate with the appropriate honor guard units to ensure your veteran receives the recognition they earned. For more information, visit our Veteran Funeral Services page.
Catering and Reception
We can provide a list of off-site reception options at the venue of your choosing, whether that is a restaurant, banquet center, country club, or private residence. A reception gives family and friends the opportunity to gather, share stories, and support one another after the formal service has concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions About Funeral Services
How much does a funeral service cost in Tustin, CA?
The cost of a funeral service depends on the options you select, including the type of service, merchandise (casket, urn, memorial products), cemetery fees, and any additional personalization. Saddleback Chapel Mortuary is committed to pricing transparency. You can view our General Price List on our pricing page or call (714) 544-1450 to discuss your options and budget.
Can I have a funeral service at my church?
Yes. Saddleback Chapel Mortuary works with churches and places of worship throughout Orange County. We will coordinate with your clergy and church staff to manage all logistics, including scheduling, setup, and transportation.
How do I start planning a funeral service?
Call Saddleback Chapel Mortuary at (714) 544-1450. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. One of our funeral directors will walk you through the process, explain your options, and help you make decisions at your own pace. If you are planning ahead for yourself, you can also schedule a free pre-planning consultation.
Do you serve families outside of Tustin?
Yes. While our facility is located in Tustin, CA, we serve families throughout Orange County, including Santa Ana, Irvine, Orange, Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Garden Grove, Fountain Valley, Westminster, Newport Beach, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, and surrounding communities.
What is the difference between a funeral and a memorial service?
A funeral service is held with the body present, typically in an open or closed casket. A memorial service is held without the body present, usually after the burial or cremation has taken place. Both can be fully personalized and held at a variety of venues.
Let Us Help You Honor Your Loved One
Planning a funeral service is not something you have to do alone. The experienced funeral directors at Saddleback Chapel Mortuary are here to guide you through every decision with patience, compassion, and professionalism. Call us at (714) 544-1450 or visit us at 220 East Main Street, Tustin, CA 92780.