Guide to Scattering Ashes

When you or your loved one choose cremation, you'll discover that you have many options to handle the remains, including scattering. Scattering ashes may feel incredibly modern, but the practice dates back thousands of years in several cultures.

If you want to scatter the ashes of a loved one, you have a lot of choices you can make. Did your loved one like the idea of having their ashes scattered at a national park or large lake? You may have that option. Of course, you also have a few rules to follow. With this information, you can make the choice that provides the best goodbye to your loved one and helps you through the grieving process.

When you receive the ashes from the funeral home or crematorium, you can expect the remains to be in a bag inside a temporary box, with an identification tag inside the bag. If you asked the organization to place the remains into an urn, they will give you the ashes inside the urn instead.

The ashes themselves weigh about 4 to 6 pounds for an average adult, which looks like 8 to 12 cups of volume. You can use our cremation ash calculator to get a better estimate, which you may need to estimate the amount of ashes you will have for scattering urns or keepsakes. The ashes look a little like fine gravel or sand, and they may be a little inconsistent in quality between the various pieces. For a traditional cremation process that includes processing the remains in a cremulator, you should not see any large pieces of bone.

When you get ready to transport the remains to your chosen location for the scattering ceremony, you can either keep the remains in the original container or transfer them to an urn.

If you need to travel to the scattering site, you should choose a durable urn or an additional container that will not collapse or break during transport. For example, if you need to drive for more than a few hours to the scattering location, you may want to place the temporary container inside a box to add another layer of protection.

Scattering tubes make a great option for families who want everyone to participate in the scattering. These tubes usually hold a small amount of ashes, and they may have the person’s name or a picture printed or engraved on them. If you want to use scattering tubes for the ceremony, you may want to fill them with remains before you leave home.

Once you know that you want to scatter the ashes, you need to choose one or more locations for the scattering. Keep in mind that you may have limitations on scattering, especially if you don’t own the property. Here are a few ideas that you can use to help you plan.

A Favorite Place

Everyone has a favorite place, whether that is home, a great vacation spot, or a location in a distant wilderness. Many families like the idea of scattering the ashes at a loved one’s favorite spot. In this way, you can leave your loved one in a wonderful location where they spent many of their happiest hours.

State or National Parks

Since state and national parks tend to have beautiful sights and make wonderful vacation memories, many people think of having their ashes scattered at these parks. It is such a common request that most parks have published guidance about whether, how, and when you can scatter the ashes in these locations. Be sure to research rules for the specific park you have in mind. Most national parks allow scattering of ashes, but state parks may not offer the same consistency.

Rivers, Lakes, and Oceans

Scattering or burying ashes in water has a high appeal for people who believe that the water is their home, or who want to feel a part of the renewal that the water cycle creates. If you want to scatter ashes in water, you need to follow specific rules. For scattering on an ocean beach, national guidelines may require you to go out three nautical miles before you scatter or release the remains. If you want to scatter ashes on a river, lake, or other landbound water source, you must get permission from the agency that controls access to the water.

Airplane or Aerial Scattering

Scattering ashes over a large amount of land usually calls for an airplane or aerial scattering. Many people like the idea of having their remains sent into the air (or even space) as a way of becoming one with the immortal world. If you want to scatter ashes this way, you’ll need to hire an organization or pilot with experience. The FAA sets minimal rules for scattering ashes by air, but you may have local and state laws that you have to follow. Plan to get the permission of the land owner beforehand, and ask the pilot about their experience releasing ashes into the air.

Scattering Gardens

Given the popularity of scattering ceremonies and the idea of scattering as a permanent rest for a loved one, many organizations offer gardens where people can perform the scattering. Scattering gardens offer the similar comfort and convenience of burial in a cemetery, with a different option for the disposition of ashes. Your local cemetery may have a scattering garden that you can reserve for this purpose. You might have the option to install a plaque or other reminder of your loved one.

Family Property

Scattering remains on family property can offer the best of many worlds: the ability to visit the remains whenever you like, proximity to home and family, and a location that doesn’t require a lengthy permit process. If you choose to scatter the ashes on family property, keep in mind that you may not be able to take the ashes with you if you or your family member decides to sell the property.

Once you have a location in mind for the scattering of ashes, you may want to consider different methods to scatter them. Each one can make a great way to say your last goodbyes to a loved one. Here are a few methods to consider, with a little background on each of them.

Casting

Casting is perhaps the most common and best-known method of scattering ashes. Simply put, casting involves spreading the ashes over the ground. The practice dates back as much as 3,000 years ago or more. The ancient Greeks and Romans made cremation a common part of treating bodies after death, as well as the ancient Hindu peoples. In each, they would have had a special ceremony to cremate the body, scattering the ashes on the ground or water afterward.

Trenching

Trenching cremated remains is another option for scattering ashes. During trenching, you dig a small trench or hole to put the ashes, and cover the remains with a bit of soil to conceal them. If you want to plant a tree or wildflower seeds to grow along with the ashes, trenching makes a great choice.

Trenching was a popular practice for the Greeks and Romans, and it became their default method for disposing of cremated remains for many centuries. They may have buried the remains into an urn that was placed into the ground with the remains of the fire, or placed the ashes into a wooden bucket for burial in the ground. Archeologists have found evidence of both in Greek and Roman settlements.

Raking

Raking ashes involves spreading some ashes on the ground, and then raking the ashes into the ground. This process gives people time to think about what they would say to their loved ones as they return their remains to the earth. Once the raking is complete, families can plant a garden or scatter seeds to see life growing again.

Raking cremated remains comes as a variation of casting ashes, which many ancient civilizations practiced. Some experts claim that raking and casting were more popular among groups of people who did not have the time or space to dig a unique trench or hole to place an urn.

Water Scattering

Scattering ashes over water is a dream come true for many people. The ability to return to the water is central to many cultures, ancient and modern. During a water scattering, you may scatter the ashes on top of the water, or place a biodegradable urn that will sink below the surface within a few minutes.

Many Asian cultures practice water scattering as an ancient rite. Returning ashes to water is an important rite for Hindu people, as well as Buddhists living in Tibet. They believe that the practice allows them to move to the next step after death.

Aerial Scattering

Aerial scattering usually involves dropping remains by plane, but you may also choose to use a helicopter, hang-glider, hot air balloon, or even drone. The person disposing of the ashes might use a funnel or other device to spread the remains over the air. You may choose to have a ceremony, and then arrange to watch the scattering from the ground.

Aerial scattering is a relatively recent option, although many have taken advantage of the choice. This method gained popularity as a way for military pilots to scatter their ashes. These days, you don’t need to be in the military to have access to the option.

Is it legal to scatter ashes?

You may have the option to legally scatter ashes in a variety of places, including land and water. If you don’t own the property, you must get permission from the person or entity that controls the land where you want to scatter the remains. Many public places allow you to scatter ashes if you obtain a permit and scatter the remains according to specified rules.

Do national parks allow ashes scattering?

Most national parks in the U.S. and Canada allow visitors to scatter ashes in certain places throughout the park. They may require you to request a permit in advance. The parks usually have rules that you have to follow, such as avoiding scattering on water and burying the remains in the dirt so that it is not obvious to other visitors. Consult individual parks for updated rules and regulations. 

What kind of urns can you use to scatter ashes?

You can use almost any type of urn as part of a scattering ceremony, but scattering urns are specifically designed for scattering. Scattering urns usually have an easy-open top so that you can pour out the remains quickly and easily. These urns also tend to cost less than the average, since they are not generally meant for permanent storage.

What else can you do with ashes?

If you don’t want to scatter or bury a loved one’s cremated remains, there are many other options you can choose for a fitting final rest:

• Have a portion of ashes made into a stone or piece of jewelry
• Launch a small amount of ashes into space
• Place the ashes into a manmade reef

If you come up with several ideas for the way you’d like to dispose of the remains, you don’t have to choose just one. You can keep a portion of remains in a keepsake, scatter some in a beautiful place, bury more in a nearby cemetery, and send the rest into space.

When you start thinking about what you can do, you might get an idea and want to start planning everything right away. Before you get too deep into the plans, however, you should keep a few factors in mind. Answering these questions will help you to tailor a scattering ceremony that works for everyone, including you.

Who can help you plan and carry out the ceremony?

Planning a scattering ceremony isn’t necessarily an easy task, especially if you need to obtain permits, pay fees, and coordinate a large number of attendees. Carrying out a loved one’s final wishes can be hard in the middle of grief, and you deserve to have as much help as you need. Ask people close to you to do certain tasks, even if you just need them to pass along the time to a few people or research the rules for scattering at a particular location. Ask someone to show up early to the location and make sure everyone knows where they need to go. A little help goes a long way at a difficult time, and it’s nice to know that you’re not having to plan everything by yourself.

Do you plan to scatter all of the remains, or keep some for keepsakes?

Although you might imagine keeping all the remains together in one place, you should know that you don’t have to do so. You can keep a portion of the remaining ashes in a single urn, or split the remains into keepsake urns for friends and family. Cremation jewelry also makes a wonderful choice, so that everyone can keep your loved one close to them.

Is the event or location accessible to loved ones who want to participate?

Before choosing a location, you should consider the invitees and confirm that the scattering location will be accessible for them. Many public places require scattering to happen in places that are a little off the beaten path, which means that they may be difficult to reach for wheelchair users or those who have limited mobility. If your loved one chose a location that unintentionally excludes someone from the experience, you should consider hosting multiple ceremonies or hosting a memorial at an accessible location prior to the scattering. That way, everyone gets an opportunity to say goodbye.

Do you want to be able to visit the location after the scattering?

Many people imagine scattering a loved one’s remains in a beautiful, far-off place. This choice can be an excellent idea, but not if you intend to visit the remains regularly. Families often choose to keep a loved one’s remains at home or bury them in a nearby cemetery, so they can visit whenever they want. Distant locations can complicate this activity. If you’re certain that you will want to visit the scattering site regularly, you should consider locations that offer you the convenience and flexibility.

Do you intend to host a memorial before or during the scattering?

Scattering ashes often takes less time than you expect, so you may want to decide whether to host a memorial ceremony before or during the scattering. Keep in mind that memorials don’t have to include anything in particular. You can choose to make them however you want, as a fitting send off party for a loved one. For example, you might host a beach bonfire or barbecue before a plan to scatter ashes on water. During a scattering, you could hand out a number of scattering tubes and ask everyone to share a favorite memory before they pour out the ashes.

How will you document the scattering?

Documenting the scattering ceremony is an important part of the grieving process. With a video or photo record, you can revisit the experience whenever you want. 

Documentation also helps those who cannot attend to feel as if they were a part of the experience. Ask multiple people to record the event, or consider hiring a professional photographer or videographer.

You can have a more successful scattering experience if you keep the following tips in mind as you prepare:

• Get permission for scattering on private property that isn’t yours, preferably in writing.
• If you change your location at the last minute, confirm that the property owner or manager approves of the change.
• Avoid scattering ashes in heavy wind, or consider making a windbreak so that the ashes do not blow back at you.
• Try to plan the scattering on a nice day with minimal wind, rain, or snow.
• Choose the container to transport the ashes in advance, whether you select a traditional urn, a scattering urn, or a scattering tube.

With this information, you have pretty much everything you need to start planning a scattering ceremony. Remember these important factors:

• Choose a location that provides a fitting goodbye, that works for people who want to attend.
• Get permission in advance.
• Order scattering tubes, keepsake urns, or cremation jewelry as soon as you can, so you have enough time to receive and fill them before the ceremony.

Planning for the last rest of a loved one is one of the hardest things you’ll ever have to do. The experience can also provide you with wonderful closure and the ability to imagine your loved one resting in a beautiful, memorable location.