Honestly, the way we handle death in the Mile High City is changing faster than the weather on Colfax. You might think that in 2026, the traditional newspaper notice is a relic of the past, like those old orange RTD buses. But if you’ve actually had to deal with the logistics of obituaries in Denver Colorado recently, you know it’s a weirdly complex mix of high-tech digital legacies and surprisingly expensive old-school print.
Basically, an obituary isn't just a "goodbye" anymore. It’s a public record, a genealogy goldmine, and—let’s be real—a significant line item in a funeral budget.
The Cost Reality Check: It’s Not Just a Few Bucks
Most people assume they can just "post a notice" and be done with it. That’s rarely how it works if you want a formal record.
In Denver, the Denver Post remains the heavy hitter for print. If you want a "Death Notice"—which is basically just the name, dates, and service info—you’re looking at a flat rate of around $225. That gets you into the print edition and their digital replica.
But if you want the full story? The photo of Grandpa at Red Rocks, the long list of grandkids, and the funny anecdote about his obsession with Casa Bonita? That’s a "Paid Obituary." Those prices are variable based on length. It's not uncommon for a heartfelt, multi-day run to cost $500 to $1,200.
💡 You might also like: Wire brush for cleaning: What most people get wrong about choosing the right bristles
If that makes your wallet hurt, you aren't alone. The Denver Gazette is a frequent alternative, often starting significantly lower—sometimes around $65 for a basic placement—and they’ve been aggressive about digital-first bundles that include Legacy.com guestbooks.
Why Print Still Wins (Even for Gen Z)
You’d think everyone would just post on Facebook and call it a day. But here’s the thing: print obituaries are "verified."
Since the Denver Post and Gazette typically require verification from a funeral home—like Horan & McConaty or Feldman Mortuary—the notice acts as a legal-adjacent proof of death. Banks, insurance companies, and even social media platforms sometimes use these published notices as part of the "proof" needed to close accounts or claim benefits.
Plus, there's the genealogy factor. A hundred years from now, a TikTok tribute will be gone. A digitized scan of a Denver Post page? That's what a great-great-grandkid will find on a research site.
📖 Related: Images of Thanksgiving Holiday: What Most People Get Wrong
The Digital Shift: 2026 Trends
We’re seeing a massive shift toward "Digital-Only" packages. The Post now offers these for families who don't care about the physical paper but want the SEO (Search Engine Optimization) of a major news site.
- Social Media Wills: More Denverites are appointing "Digital Executors."
- Endless Tributes: This is the Post’s digital platform where photos and stories live forever, often included in the print price.
- The Sentinel Colorado Option: For those in the Aurora/East Denver area, the Sentinel offers a more community-focused (and sometimes more affordable) vibe.
What Most People Get Wrong
People often wait too long. They think they have weeks. In reality, newspaper deadlines in Denver are brutal.
For the Denver Post, if you want something in the Tuesday paper, you usually have to have it finalized and paid for by 3:00 PM on Monday. If you’re aiming for Sunday (the most read day), the deadline is often Noon on Saturday. Miss that window, and you’re waiting until the middle of next week while the momentum of the service planning is already passing you by.
Another misconception? That you must use the funeral home's writer. You don't. While places like Newcomer Denver offer to help, you can write the tribute yourself and submit it directly to the paper's "funerals" email. It's often more personal that way.
👉 See also: Why Everyone Is Still Obsessing Over Maybelline SuperStay Skin Tint
How to Do It Right (The Actionable List)
If you are currently navigating this in the Denver metro area, here is how you handle the logistics without losing your mind:
- Check the Verification: If you aren't using a funeral home, have the cremation or death certificate ready. The newspapers won't publish without proof to prevent "death hoaxes."
- Ask for the "Best Value" Bundle: The Denver Post often has a "3-day package" where the second day is 50% off and the third is free. Don't buy just one day; it’s a waste of money in a fast-moving news cycle.
- Use the "Death Notice" for Facts, "Digital" for Fluff: If money is tight, run a bare-bones $225 notice in print for the record, then use a free platform like Tulip Cremation’s obituary tool or a Facebook Memorial page for the long, rambling stories and 50 photos.
- Keyword Your Content: It sounds cold, but it’s practical. If the deceased was a "Denver Public Schools Teacher" or a "Broncos Superfan," include those phrases. It helps old friends find the notice through Google alerts.
- Watch the Formatting: Newspapers charge by the line or by the inch. Avoid "widows"—single words at the end of a paragraph that create a whole new line of expensive white space.
The "Denver way" of memorializing people is becoming much more about the life lived than just the dates. Whether it's a digital tribute or a small block of text in a Sunday paper, the goal is the same: making sure the city knows someone who loved these mountains is gone.
Next Steps for You:
If you're ready to start writing, pull the "Facts" first: full name, birth/death dates, and the name of the funeral home. Then, decide on your budget. If you have under $200, stick to digital-only and local community blogs. If you want the permanent historical record, reach out to the Denver Post's funeral desk at 303-954-2312 to get a quote on their current per-line rates.