Guide to Planning the Perfect Ash Scattering Ceremony
How to create a meaningful, beautiful farewell in nature
Why Ash Scattering?
Cremation gives families the freedom to choose a farewell that truly reflects their loved one’s life and spirit. For many, scattering ashes in a natural setting—on a mountain, along a beach, or beneath a beloved tree—feels more fitting than any funeral home could offer.
An ash scattering can be simple or ceremonial, solo or shared, planned soon after a loss or years later. There’s no wrong way—only your way.
This guide will help you plan a thoughtful, peaceful ash scattering tribute step by step.
🌿 See Available National Park Destinations →
📞 Speak to a Memorial Specialist: (515) 206-4845
📧 bonaventurememorial@gmail.com
🎵 How to Create a Meaningful, Beautiful Farewell in Nature
Start With the Feeling: Celebration or Solitude?
Before you decide on the location, vessel, or even date, ask yourself:
What kind of goodbye do you want to create?
Not just for your loved one—but for yourself, and for anyone else grieving alongside you.
Some families want something vibrant. A gathering full of music and color. A send-off that feels like a final adventure, or one last story well told.
Others crave stillness. A quiet moment in the woods. Just the sound of wind through trees and the hush of goodbye. Something personal. Something sacred.
No matter which path speaks to you—or if you’re somewhere in between—there’s a way to make this moment deeply meaningful.
🌅 If You Want a Joyful, Celebratory Tribute
Your loved one lit up every room. They had a signature laugh. They never missed a road trip, family BBQ, or Saturday morning hike.
If they lived boldly, why not say goodbye the same way?
Here’s how to bring that spirit into your ash scattering ceremony:
🎶 Make it musical: Play their favorite songs, hire a live guitarist, or build a playlist that reflects their life’s soundtrack.
🗣️ Tell stories: Invite family and friends to share memories aloud or write notes to read at the ceremony.
🌄 Choose a striking location: A scenic overlook, dramatic beach, or iconic mountain trail can mirror the awe they inspired.
🥂 Include a toast or picnic: Share a glass of their favorite drink, pass around their favorite snack, or eat a final meal in their honor.
🧤 Wear their signature style: Instead of black, ask guests to wear flannel, jerseys, hiking boots—or whatever said them.
💌 Scatter with a ritual: Release ashes alongside petals, biodegradable confetti, or water-soluble notes with messages of love.
Think of this kind of ceremony as a love letter to the life they lived. Something heartfelt, real, and maybe even joyful.
🌲 If You Prefer a Quiet, Personal Moment
Maybe your person was private. Maybe you are. You don’t need a crowd or a microphone to say goodbye meaningfully.
For some, the most powerful tributes happen in stillness.
Here’s how to shape a private farewell:
🍃 Pick a quiet, symbolic place: A forest grove, gentle beach, favorite trail, or even your backyard can hold quiet power.
📖 Bring a single reading: A poem, letter, or quote can become your ceremony—spoken aloud or read silently in the moment.
🔥 Light a flame: A single candle, a small firepit, or a biodegradable lantern at dusk can be a beautiful visual ritual.
🧘 Pause for silence: A moment with no words can be incredibly moving. Let nature speak for you.
🌸 Scatter with natural elements: Wildflowers, pinecones, feathers, or stones can be gently placed as part of the release.
🧣 Wear something of theirs: A scarf, jacket, or necklace. Something that makes you feel close.
This kind of goodbye doesn’t need an audience. It just needs intention. You can go alone, bring one person, or invite a few who deeply understand the meaning.
Whether your farewell is joyful or quiet—or a mix of both—BONAVENTURE can help you plan a scattering ceremony that honors your person in a way that feels right for you. We handle permits, location logistics, and even personalized details—so you can focus on what matters most: the moment itself.
Ready to start planning?
📧 bonaventurememorial@gmail.com
📞 (515) 206-4845
✅ Step 1: Choose the Right Setting
Ask yourself:
Was there a place they loved?
Did they always say, “Scatter me here”?
Do you want somewhere private, scenic, or symbolic?
Popular locations include:
National Parks (with permits)
Secluded beaches
Scenic overlooks or mountain trail
Backyards or private land (with permission)
Bioluminescent bays or lakes at dusk
BONAVENTURE offers fully permitted scattering in iconic places—from Mount Rainier to California redwoods to glowing Florida shores.
Step 2: Know the Legal Guidelines
Ash scattering is legal in all 50 U.S. states, but there are important rules and nuances depending on the setting. Understanding the legal landscape ensures that your tribute is not only meaningful, but also respectful and compliant.
Here’s what you need to know:
🏡 Scattering on Private Land
You can scatter ashes on private property — but you must have the landowner’s permission.
This includes backyards, farms, and privately-owned scenic areas.
If you’re the property owner, no special paperwork is required.
If someone else owns the land (even family), get written consent to protect yourself legally and ensure everyone is aligned.
✅ Pro Tip: Avoid scattering near drinking water sources, buildings, or property lines out of respect and ecological safety.
🌲 Scattering in State & National Parks
Nature-centered tributes are beautiful — but not every park allows scattering, and some require advance approval.
Most National Parks (like Yosemite, Zion, or Mount Rainier) do allow it, but you typically need a scattering permit, which includes:
Your planned location
Date and time
Assurance that no permanent markers or objects will be left behind
Some State Parks have their own applications and rules.
Ceremonies must be non-disruptive, with minimal impact on visitors and nature.
⏳ Permit approval can take 1–4 weeks, so plan ahead.
🌿 See Available National Park Destinations →
📞 Speak to a Memorial Specialist: (515) 206-4845
📧 bonaventurememorial@gmail.com
🌊 Scattering at Sea or Over Water
Scattering ashes in the ocean, lake, or river can be serene and symbolic — but there are a few rules to follow:
Federal Guidelines (EPA):
Ashes must be scattered at least 3 nautical miles offshore (about 3.45 miles)
You must report the scattering to the EPA within 30 days
Urns and containers must be biodegradable, or you must retain them afterward
🛶 For inland lakes and rivers:
Rules vary by state — many require biodegradable vessels and prohibit scattering near docks, marinas, or public swim areas
✈️ Air Scattering
Yes, ashes can be released from a plane — but you must:
Follow FAA guidelines
Ensure no containers are released (only the cremains)
Avoid areas with dense population, highways, or airports
✅ Step 3: Decide Who Will Be There
This is one of the most personal choices you’ll make.
Will this be a private moment or a shared ceremony?
Do you want to be there in person—or prefer we handle it for you?
Is there anyone who can’t travel but wants to join remotely?
Options:
In-person ceremony with family & friends
Remote ceremony with livestream
BONAVENTURE scattering on your behalf with full documentation & GPS location
✅ Step 4: Personalize the Tribute
Ash scattering is a canvas. You can keep it quiet, or you can make it shine.
Here are 10 personal touches to make it unforgettable:
Play a favorite song or playlist
Read a poem, quote, or letter
Scatter at sunset or a special time of year
Release wildflower petals or seeds
Bring a symbolic item: a photo, stone, or keepsake
Pair with candles or lanterns (weather permitting)
Include a moment of silence or shared memories
Film the moment for loved ones who couldn’t attend
Add biodegradable confetti or water-soluble paper notes
Wear something meaningful to them—flannel, team jersey, etc.
✅ Step 5: Choose the Right Vessel
Scattering isn’t always easy with a plastic urn.
Best options include:
Scattering Tubes – easy to hold and made for controlled release
Water-Soluble Urns – designed to float briefly before dissolving
Biodegradable Pouches – for gentle release into soil or sand
BONAVENTURE includes the proper vessel based on your chosen location.
Tips for a Seamless Experience
🌤 Check the wind – Always scatter downwind to avoid blowback.
🧭 Mark the spot – Record the GPS coordinates if you want to return.
🧻 Pack tissues – Even peaceful moments can be emotional.
🧴 Bring sunscreen & water – Especially for longer outdoor ceremonies.
📝 Have a simple plan – Even a loose outline makes the moment feel intentional.
🌲 Why National Parks Are a Top Tribute Choice
National parks offer unmatched beauty—and a sense of eternity.
Families choose them because:
They're protected forever
They represent freedom, adventure, and awe
They hold deep spiritual and symbolic value
Your loved one becomes part of a living landscape
🌿 See Available National Park Destinations →
📞 Speak to a Memorial Specialist: (515) 206-4845
📧 bonaventurememorial@gmail.com
BONAVENTURE partners with select U.S. park regions for legal, respectful, permitted scatterings in awe-inspiring settings.
⚱️ Don’t Want to Travel? We’ll Handle Everything
Some families want to be present. Others want peace of mind knowing it’s handled with care.
BONAVENTURE offers:
Secure cremains pickup
Location planning and permitting
Personalized scattering ceremony with optional photos
GPS-marked certificate & tribute plaque
We make it beautiful—so you can focus on healing
