What to Do With Cremated Remains: Scattering, Burial, or Keeping Them
Reviewed by Everendium Editorial Team · Last reviewed August 18, 2026
Quick answer
Common options include scattering (on private land with permission, at sea, or in a designated scattering garden), burying the urn in a cemetery plot or niche, or keeping the remains at home. Families can also divide remains among several people, or combine some options — there's no single correct choice.
Cremation opens up more flexibility than burial in what happens next — here are the main paths families consider.
Scattering
- Private land — generally requires the landowner’s permission
- Public land (parks, beaches) — often has specific rules or requires a permit; check locally before scattering
- At sea — federal regulations generally require scattering at least 3 nautical miles from shore
- A dedicated scattering garden — some cemeteries offer a specific area designed for this
Burial of ashes
An urn can be buried in a standard cemetery plot (sometimes alongside a full-size grave), or in a specifically designed cremation garden or plot sized for urns.
Niches (columbarium)
A columbarium is a structure built specifically to house urns in small individual compartments called niches — often found at cemeteries or places of worship, offering a permanent, visitable location without ground burial.
Keeping remains at home
This is one of the most common choices and is generally not restricted by law — many families find comfort in keeping their loved one close.
Dividing remains
Families can divide cremated remains among multiple people or locations — some kept at home, some buried, some given to family members, sometimes incorporated into keepsake jewelry.
Scattering
- ✓Private land needs permission
- ✓Public land often needs a permit
- ✓At sea: 3+ nautical miles
Burial of Ashes
- ✓Standard plot or cremation garden
- ✓A permanent, visitable spot
- ✓Can be alongside a full grave
Niche (Columbarium)
- ✓Compartment built for urns
- ✓Permanent, no ground burial
- ✓Often at a cemetery or church
Keeping at Home
- ✓Generally not restricted by law
- ✓No cemetery involved
- ✓Can divide remains later
None of these options is more respectful than another.
There’s no wrong choice
None of these options is more respectful than another. Many families take time to decide, and it’s completely fine to keep remains temporarily while considering the right long-term choice.
Rules on scattering vary significantly by location — check local and federal regulations (especially for water scattering) before proceeding.
Frequently asked questions
Can I scatter ashes anywhere I want?+
Not necessarily — private land generally requires the owner's permission, many public parks and beaches have specific rules or require a permit, and scattering at sea has federal requirements (generally at least 3 nautical miles from shore). It's worth checking local and federal rules before scattering.
Is it legal to keep cremated remains at home?+
Yes, in the vast majority of places — keeping an urn at home is one of the most common choices and generally isn't restricted.
What is a columbarium niche?+
A small, dedicated compartment within a columbarium (a structure built specifically to hold urns), often located at a cemetery or place of worship — an alternative to ground burial or scattering.
Can remains be divided among family members?+
Yes — many families choose to divide remains, keeping a portion at home, burying or scattering another portion, or distributing small amounts among several family members, sometimes in keepsake jewelry.
Sources
Related glossary terms
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