Before an Obituary Runs: Costs, Photos, and Verification

An obituary can be submitted by email at [email protected] or through a guided self-service portal. The obituary desk can answer questions about the process and deadlines at 651-228-5263. A submission should include the submitter’s full name, address, phone number, and any alternate phone number. It should also name the deceased, provide the notice text, and include a photo if desired. JPEG and PDF images are preferred, but TIF and other file types may be accepted. The desk will report any problem with a photo file. A multi-day discount must be arranged on the first publication date. When a photo is included, it must run on both days to qualify.

The death must be verified before an obituary can be published. The submitter needs to provide the name and telephone number of the funeral home or cremation society handling the arrangements. Staff must contact that office during normal business hours. Extra time should be allowed for this check. Weekend schedules can be especially important because weekend hours are limited. If the body was donated to the University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program or a similar body-donation program, that program’s phone number is required for verification. A death certificate may be provided instead, but only one form of verification is required.

Print and online notices cannot direct readers to an outside guestbook or another media source where an obituary appears. A funeral home website or family email address may be listed for contact. After a submission is completed, a proof is faxed or emailed for review. That proof lists the price and the dates when the notice will appear. Errors or requested changes must be reported before publication and before the deadline for that day. After publication, the publisher is not responsible for errors that remain following final proofing. Payment must be received before publication and after the proof is approved. Credit cards are accepted by phone only under payment-card regulations. EFT payments are also handled by phone and require a routing number and account number.

The minimum obituary charge is $162 for up to 12 lines. Each additional line costs $12. Notices longer than 40 lines receive a 7.5% discount per line. A second publication date brings a 20% discount on both placements. When three obituaries are placed, the third placement is free. Each published photo costs $125 per day. For example, two photos appearing over two days create four photo charges totaling $500. The requested publication date depends on the stated deadline schedule, and those times allow no exceptions. A Memoriam notice is different because it remembers someone who has died rather than serving as a standard obituary, and its rates are also different. More information is available at 651-228-5280. The obituary desk is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is closed on weekends and holidays.