What You Need to Know About Scattering Ashes Legally in the U.S.
Scattering ashes can be one of the most meaningful ways to honor a loved one’s memory—especially when done in a place that holds emotional or symbolic significance. Whether you're planning to release ashes at sea, in a national park, or on private land, it's important to know that there are legal guidelines you’ll need to follow.
Understanding these rules early in the process not only ensures you're in compliance with state and federal laws, but also helps avoid any disruption during a deeply personal and emotional ceremony. This guide breaks down the key legal considerations for cremated remains and offers helpful guidance for making the process easier.
🌿 See Available National Park Destinations →
📞 Speak to a Memorial Specialist: (515) 206-4845
bonaventurememorial@gmail.com
Scattering Ashes in National Parks
National parks are often chosen for their breathtaking landscapes and the deep sense of peace they offer—towering mountains, quiet forests, and wide open skies that feel worthy of a meaningful farewell. Choosing to scatter ashes in one of these iconic places can be a powerful way to honor a life well lived.
But because these lands are federally protected, there are specific rules in place to help preserve their natural beauty. That often means applying for a permit, selecting an approved location, and following simple but important environmental guidelines. With a little planning, this type of ceremony can be both fully legal and deeply memorable—a lasting connection to a place as extraordinary as the person you're remembering.
📝 Special Use Permits Are Often Required
The National Park Service (NPS) generally allows cremated ashes to be scattered, but a special use permit is usually required. These permits help the park coordinate your request in a way that protects the environment and maintains the visitor experience.
Permit requirements vary by park, but most include:
A formal application
A map or description of the desired location
A processing fee
Timing restrictions (some parks only allow scattering during certain seasons or hours)
🕐 Plan ahead: Processing times for permits can range from a few days to several weeks.
🌱 Environmental Guidelines
🌱 Protecting Natural Places: Why Ash Scattering Guidelines Matter
Even though ashes are sterile and organic, they can still affect delicate ecosystems—especially in areas where soil, water, and wildlife are carefully balanced. That’s why many national and state parks have specific rules to ensure that scattering ceremonies don’t unintentionally disrupt the land we’re honoring.
These guidelines are designed to preserve the natural beauty of the site—not just for today, but for future generations who seek the same peace and connection.
Most parks require that you:
Avoid leaving markers or memorials behind
This includes plaques, flowers, or personal items. The goal is to keep the landscape wild and unchanged for everyone.Scatter ashes away from trails, waterways, and archaeological sites
This protects both visitor experiences and fragile habitats. Sensitive plant life, animal territories, and historically protected areas all need space to thrive undisturbed.Leave no visible trace after the ceremony
Families are asked not to dig, bury, or alter the environment in any way. Ashes should be gently scattered on the surface and the area left just as it was found.
👉 Tip: Always contact the specific park office before making final plans.
Permits, seasons, and scattering zones can vary widely—especially in protected or high-traffic areas. A quick call ensures you’re fully informed and helps avoid last-minute surprises.
At BONAVENTURE, we handle all permit coordination and environmental compliance on your behalf—so you can focus on honoring your loved one, not navigating red tape.
Scattering Ashes at Sea
There’s something timeless and deeply moving about returning a loved one to the ocean—the rhythm of the waves, the open horizon, the sense of release. Scattering ashes at sea can offer a peaceful, symbolic farewell, especially for those who found comfort or joy near the water. To protect marine ecosystems, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established specific guidelines under the Clean Water Act.
Ashes must be scattered at least three nautical miles from shore, in biodegradable containers if any are used, and the scattering must be reported to the EPA within 30 days. These rules are straightforward, but essential—and with proper planning, a sea scattering can become a beautiful, lawful tribute surrounded by salt air and open sky.
🌊 EPA Regulations
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) governs sea burials through the Clean Water Act. Their guidelines include:
Ashes must be scattered at least 3 nautical miles from land
Only biodegradable containers can be used (no plastics or metal)
A report of the scattering must be filed with the EPA within 30 days of the event
This regulation applies to all ocean waters, regardless of which state you depart from.
⚓ Chartering a Vessel
If you’re not using a personal boat, you’ll need to charter a vessel that’s familiar with these regulations. Captains who regularly perform sea scatterings often handle compliance steps like distance from shore and reporting, but not all do—so always ask.
Scattering Ashes on Private Property
For some families, the most meaningful place to say goodbye is closer to home—on a quiet hill, a family property, or a piece of land that holds generations of memory. In most states, scattering ashes on private property is perfectly legal, especially when it’s land you own. If the land belongs to someone else, permission from the property owner is required, ideally in writing.
While you typically won’t need permits for private land, it's still wise to check local zoning rules or homeowners' association guidelines if applicable. With a bit of preparation, scattering ashes on private property can offer an intimate, heartfelt way to honor a loved one in a place they cherished—one that’s filled not just with beauty, but with belonging.
🏡 If You Own the Property
There are typically no restrictions on scattering ashes on your own land, unless you're in a community with strict zoning laws or HOA rules. It's still a good idea to check with your local municipality to be sure.
📝 If It’s Someone Else’s Property
You must have permission from the property owner. That includes:
Friends or family homes
Privately leased land
Farmland, ranches, or remote rural properties
Verbal consent may not be enough if disputes ever arise. When possible, get written permission to avoid issues later.
Scattering on Public Land or Near Bodies of Water
State parks, lakes, rivers, and other public lands often fall under different regulations than national parks or federal waters.
Some state parks allow scattering with a permit
Others prohibit it altogether
Local parks may have city-level rules
Scattering near lakes or rivers may be subject to environmental protections
✅ Always contact the land manager, parks department, or conservation office before finalizing your plans.
Additional Legal and Personal Considerations
Even if your location is legal and permitted, there are still a few things to think through:
📸 Do You Want to Document the Moment?
There’s no legal requirement to record or report a scattering on private land—but some families choose to:
Take photos
Note GPS coordinates
Create a small written memorial
This can help preserve the memory of the event and the location for future generations.
How BONAVENTURE Makes It Easier
🤝 When a Scattering Service Makes Sense
The legal details, permit applications, and logistics can feel overwhelming—especially during grief. That’s why many families turn to a professional ash scattering service for peace of mind.
How BONAVENTURE Makes It Simple and Beautiful
At BONAVENTURE, we specialize in unaccompanied ash scattering ceremonies in some of the most awe-inspiring natural destinations in the country. We take care of the entire process—so you can focus on the tribute, not the paperwork.
✅ We Handle Every Legal Requirement
From national park permits to EPA reporting, our team ensures complete legal compliance with care and precision.
📍 18 Breathtaking, Pre-Approved Locations
From Yellowstone’s vast valleys to Hawaiʻi’s glowing volcanic shores, our destinations are chosen for their natural beauty and spiritual resonance.
📦 From Home to Tribute—We Handle It All
Free USPS Cremains Kit delivered to your door— available at your local USPS or online
All permits and ceremony planning managed by our team
Quiet, scheduled scattering with deep respect
🪵 A Lasting Keepsake for Your Family
Each family receives a handcrafted wooden plaque with:
The name of your loved one
GPS coordinates of the scattering site
Optional inlaid ashes sealed on the back
Plan with Confidence. Mourn with Peace.
You shouldn’t have to choose between honoring a life well lived and navigating red tape. At BONAVENTURE, we make it possible to do both—with reverence, beauty, and full legal compliance.
🌿 See Available National Park Destinations →
📞 Speak to a Memorial Specialist: (515) 206-4845
📧 bonaventurememorial@gmail.com
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is it legal to scatter ashes?
Yes. In most cases, scattering ashes is completely legal—as long as you follow location-specific guidelines. National parks typically require a permit, sea scatterings must follow EPA regulations, and private property requires the owner’s permission. BONAVENTURE handles all of this for you.
❓ Are ashes bad luck?
No—ashes are not bad luck. But it’s understandable why some people feel uncertain. For many families, keeping ashes at home brings discomfort or a sense of being “stuck.” Scattering ashes in a beautiful, natural place often brings a deep sense of peace, healing, and closure. It’s not about superstition—it’s about finding a way to say goodbye that feels meaningful.
❓ Can we choose where the ashes are scattered?
Yes. BONAVENTURE offers 18 stunning, pre-approved natural destinations across the U.S.—including Yellowstone, Mount Rainier, Ruby Beach, and Glacier National Park. We also offer combo packages for those who want to incorporate multiple iconic locations.
❓ What if we can’t attend the scattering?
That’s okay. BONAVENTURE’s service is designed to be unaccompanied. We’ll handle everything with care and provide a handcrafted memorial plaque with your loved one’s name, GPS coordinates of the scattering, and an optional inlay of ashes.
❓ How do we get the ashes to you?
Use a free USPS Cremains Kit available online or at your local USPS store. It’s secure, trackable, and designed specifically for shipping ashes. Follow the instructions to safely ship ashes to us. After we receive them, they are never out of our possession.
❓ Will we receive anything afterward?
Yes. Every BONAVENTURE ceremony includes a personalized wooden memorial plaque engraved with your loved one’s name and the exact coordinates of where their ashes were scattered. It’s a beautiful, tangible reminder of both memory and place.
❓ Can I scatter ashes in more than one location?
Yes. Many families choose to divide ashes and scatter them in multiple places that were significant to their loved one. BONAVENTURE offers combo packages like:
America the Beautiful Package: Badlands, Yellowstone, and Grand Tetons
Return to Nature Package: Mount Rainier, Olympic National Forest, Ruby Beach
These curated itineraries create a multi-location tribute that reflects a life filled with travel, wonder, and meaning.
❓ Can I choose the date or location of the scattering?
Our team understands that choosing a resting place for your loved one’s ashes is a supremely important decision— So, if you have a special location or date in mind please feel free to reach out through our contact form or email us at bonaventurememorial@gmail.com, and we will work hard to try to facilitate honoring their memory in a way that you think best reflects their life.
❓ Is ash scattering environmentally friendly?
Yes. We prioritize eco-conscious practices in every part of our process—using biodegradable scattering techniques to prevent environmental disruption at all locations. Our staff also partners with consulting park rangers with expertise in soil, aquatic, historical, and archeological impacts. Your loved one’s legacy will be honored in a way that preserves the natural world.
❓ Is it too late to scatter ashes if I’ve had them for years?
Never. In fact, many people feel called to scatter ashes only when the timing and setting feel truly right. Whether it's been a season or many years, nature welcomes your loved one home at any moment. Our service helps transform long-held grief into a sacred act of remembrance—honoring your loved one with a final journey into landscapes of profound beauty and peace.
❓ How do you ensure the ashes are handled with care?
We treat every part of the process with dignity, ensuring that your loved one's ashes are handled with respect and care—from secure transportation to the moment of scattering itself. Our trustworthy team of experts has years of experience in VIP events planning, environmental impact, and guiding in the National Parks— we are passionately committed to using our combined talents to conduct a scattering that truly honors your loved one.
❓ Why is timing important for the scattering ceremony?
Timing enhances the beauty and serenity of the experience. We schedule ceremonies to align with optimal conditions—such as the vibrant wildflower blooms on Mt. Rainier or the serenity of Zion—ensuring a respectful and memorable tribute that honors the legacy and dignity of your individual loved one. Bonaventure
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