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
Even cremated remains can impact delicate ecosystems. Parks typically require that:
No markers or memorials are left behind
Ashes are scattered away from trails, water sources, or archaeological sites
The site remains undisturbed after the ceremony
👉 Tip: Call the specific park office for the most accurate and current permit info. Rules may change seasonally or by region.
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.
💼 Working with a Scattering Service
Many families choose to work with a professional ash scattering service to avoid the paperwork, permit confusion, and logistical challenges—especially if the family cannot travel to the destination themselves.
How BONAVENTURE Makes It Easier
At BONAVENTURE, we’ve designed our services to remove stress from the process and create a ceremony that’s both legal and deeply meaningful.
✅ We Handle All Legal Requirements
Whether it’s securing a national park permit or submitting paperwork to the EPA after a sea scattering, our experienced team ensures every detail is handled with precision and respect.
📍 We Offer 18 Stunning, Pre-Approved Locations
From the towering peaks of Yellowstone to the serene shores of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, each BONAVENTURE location is vetted, permitted, and protected—so you can focus on the tribute itself, not red tape.
📦 We Manage Everything From Start to Finish
Prepaid, secure shipping of ashes to our care
All permits and location logistics
Thoughtfully scheduled ceremonies with privacy and care
🪵 A Personalized Memorial for Every Family
Each ceremony includes a handcrafted wooden plaque with:
Your loved one’s name
GPS coordinates of the scattering
An optional inlay of ashes, sealed in the back
It’s a lasting keepsake designed to honor both memory and place.
Plan with Confidence, Mourn with Peace
Legal requirements should never stand in the way of a meaningful goodbye. BONAVENTURE exists to make this journey simpler—for every family, at every stage of grief.
If you’re unsure which destination is right, or want help navigating the legal process, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
🌿 See Available National Park Destinations →
📞 Speak to a Memorial Specialist: (515) 206-4845
bonaventurememorial@gmail.com
