When someone chooses to be cremated, they may want their ashes to be scattered in one or more locations. These are often places that held meaning for them in life, whether it was a favorite vacation spot or a place from their childhood. When you receive your loved one’s cremated remains back after cremation services in a funeral home in  Holly Hill, SC, you will need to do some research before you make plans to scatter their ashes. Here are some genxxxeral guidelines for commonly chosen places. 

Private Property 

You may always scatter ashes on your own personal property. However, if you want to go to some other private property, it’s necessary to get permission from the owner first. If it’s a family member or friend’s land, all you need to do is ask. If it’s a larger venue, such as a stadium, private golf course, or amusement park, you will need to contact the head of the organization that maintains the property. They will let you know whether you may scatter ashes there, and if there are any restrictions on where you can go. 

Public Property 

If your loved one wanted their ashes scattered in a place like a public beach or park, you must contact local authorities first. They may have regulations about what areas it is permitted to scatter ashes, as well as areas where it may be forbidden. The same thing applies to national parks as well, where scattering is generally permitted, but there are areas that it is expressly forbidden. 

Rivers, Lakes, and Ponds 

When it comes to waterways, each one is unique, and will have its own set of rules. You will need to contact city officials or the DNR to find out what is permissible, and where. They will be able to help you get the permits you need, and they can inform you of areas where it is not permitted to scatter ashes. 

The Ocean 

It is always legal to scatter ashes in the ocean, but it comes with a caveat. You must be at least three nautical miles off-shore to scatter ashes. Any other materials that you scatter with the ashes, such as flowers, must all be biodegradable as well. 

Cemeteries

Some people choose to scatter their loved one’s ashes at a cemetery. Many cemeteries have special scattering gardens, which provide a peaceful place to lay your loved one to rest. As is true with many of the above items, you should still contact the cemetery before scattering, to make sure that you’re doing it in the right place. 

Scattering ashes can provide a meaningful and unique opportunity for family and friends to gather and reminisce about their lost loved one. Each person in attendance can spread a small amount of ashes, allowing them to have a personal chance to say goodbye to the one who has passed. Choosing pet cremation services near Holly Hill, SC, allows for the scattering of ashes, and it’s important to do your research first. Make sure that where you plan to visit allows for the scattering of ashes, by contacting the owners of the property or the local authorities. That way, you can be at peace while returning your loved one to a meaningful place. If you want to know more about scattering ashes or funeral pre-planning, don't hesitate to contact us.