The decision of what to do with a loved one’s ashes after cremation is deeply personal. While some choose to scatter or keep ashes at home, many families find comfort in burying ashes, a gesture that blends the permanence of burial with the simplicity and flexibility of cremation.

Whether in a cemetery, on private land, or at sea, the burial of an urn provides a meaningful way to honor a life. This guide will walk you through the options for interring ashes, choosing the right burial urn, and navigating religious, legal, and environmental considerations with care and clarity.

Religious Considerations for Urn Burial

Many families start by considering faith-based guidelines. Some religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism encourage cremation, while others, including Islam and Orthodox Judaism, require traditional burial.

The Roman Catholic Church permits cremation but mandates that cremated remains be buried or interred in consecrated ground such as a cemetery, mausoleum, or columbarium. Scattering ashes, keeping them at home, or burying them at sea may be discouraged.

When in doubt, speak with a trusted religious leader to ensure the burial of ashes aligns with your beliefs.

Where Can You Bury Ashes?

1. Cemetery Burial

Cemeteries offer a secure, permanent, and often beautifully maintained location for urn burial. Where do urns go in a cemetery? Cemeteries are responding to this trend by creating burial plots specifically for cremated remains. These plots are smaller in size and are more affordable than traditional burial plots.  If you inter ashes in a cemetery, your options include:

• Full plots: Traditional graves adapted for cremation urns
• Urn gardens: Smaller plots designed specifically for urns for burial
• Companion plots: Burial of urns alongside or above caskets (e.g., “double-depth” graves)

Most cemeteries require an urn vault, a protective outer container that helps prevent the ground from sinking and preserves the integrity of the site. Costs vary depending on the cemetery, location, and plot size.

2. Burying Ashes on Private Property

Families may wish to bury cremains on their own land. This is legal in most states, but you must:

• Own the property or get written permission from the landowner
• Avoid future complications with property sales or relocations

Burial on land owned by others, such as a favorite sports venue, is typically prohibited. Attempting to bury ashes without permission can result in removal or legal action.

3. Interring Ashes in Parks and Wilderness Areas

Scattering ashes in U.S. national parks is allowed in many cases with a permit, but burial of an urn is generally not permitted due to environmental impact.

Local or state parks may have their own regulations. Contact local authorities to understand what’s allowed and whether cremation interment is an option in those areas.

4. Burial at Sea

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) permits burial of ashes at sea provided:

• You're at least 3 nautical miles from shore
• The urn is biodegradable and designed to break down naturally.

Closer burials are regulated by individual states. Learn more about EPA sea burial guidelines.

Transporting Cremated Remains

Wherever you're burying ashes, you'll need to have a safe way of transporting them there. When traveling by air:

• Use a sealed, durable urn
• Confirm TSA and airline rules—some urns must pass through X-ray machines

If mailing, only use the U.S. Postal Service, which legally allows shipping of cremated remains. For more, read our guide to traveling with cremation urns.

Choosing the Right Burial Urn

Selecting anurn for burial depends on location, material durability, and environmental goals.

Tip: If required by the cemetery, purchase an urn vault to protect the urn and surrounding soil. Learn more about urn vaults here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to buy a burial plot for ashes?

Yes, if you’re burying ashes in a cemetery. Many cemeteries offer smaller and more affordable plots for urns.

Can you bury ashes in an existing grave?

In many cases, yes. You may need to purchase a “companion plot” or a double-depth plot if a casket is already present.

Can I bury ashes without an urn?

Yes, but you must still use a burial container or follow legal guidelines—especially in parks or public spaces.

Is it wrong to separate cremated ashes?

This is a personal choice. Some choose to divide ashes for multiple family members or memorial locations.

Final Thoughts

Whether you choose a cemetery plot, a quiet corner of your backyard, or a serene sea burial, there is no “right” way to honor a loved one, only the way that feels right for your family. By selecting the right burial urn and understanding your options, you can ensure a respectful and lasting tribute.

If you need help selecting an urn for burial in ground, contact our compassionate team. We're here to help you honor your loved one with dignity and care.

 

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