Nature Memorial Ceremonies
Return ashes to the earth in a nature-based ceremony.
What is a Nature Memorial?
A meaningful and healing experience in nature
Nature memorials are a beautiful ceremony to lay your loved one’s ashes to rest, allowing grief to settle and healing to begin.
An uplifting experience, unlike somber cemeteries.
The sights and sounds of a thriving forest bring comfort to your grief.
Each season is a powerful reminder of life’s continuity.
Why Nature Memorials?
A moment families remember most
The journey to the tree is part of the ceremony. Quiet, unhurried, peaceful.
Ashes are mixed with native soil and wildflowers. Attendees may participate.
Family and loved ones circle the Memorial Tree that will honor them and continue to grow.
Space to remember out loud—moments, small things, the life that connects everyone.
Ashes return to the earth at the tree’s base, becoming part of the living forest.
No rush, no schedule. Stay for as long as the family needs, the day is yours.
What a Nature Memorial feels like
Ceremonies as unique as the lives they honor
Every Nature Memorial is shaped by the people in it. The readings, the music, the memories you share. Every ceremony is different.
"Guests mixed the ashes with soil. Their reaction: 'This is so Andre.' We released a hawk—like Andre leaving our nest. One more step in our healing."
"This felt different—more connected, more peaceful. He won't be in a coffin. He'll be growing, nurturing something bigger. If you have to go, this is how."
"No crying—just stories, laughter, and joy. None of the dread of a wake. We had pictures, my daughter played the flute. It was exactly what I was looking for."
"Simple, intimate—just me and my two boys. The team let us go at our own pace. I loved being asked what readings we wanted. The boys liked being part of it."
Celebration of life gathering
Who can attend a Nature Memorial Ceremony?
Family, friends, and pets are welcome to come together, share memories, and help return ashes to the soil. How guests participate:
- Mix ashes with native soil.
- Spread ashes at your memorial.
- Sow native wildflower seeds.
- Share personal stories, readings or poems.
- Take private moments for reflection.
- Explore the forest following the ceremony.
Personalizing the experience
Memorials look different for every family
A Guide helps you figure out what makes sense for you—from the tree to a ceremony that feels like the person you’re honoring.
Choose a species, size, and individual tree in a location that speaks to you.
Celebratory, religious or secular ceremony. Add rituals, letters, or songs.
Intimate or large gatherings—family, friends, and pets are all welcome.
Up to 180 characters, 6 lines—name, dates, a quote, whatever feels right.
The ceremony can happen days, months, or years after purchase.
Return your loved one to nature
- Bring your own officiant or personal rituals
- Military honors available for veterans
- Use our recommended readings
- Share personal letters, poems, or songs
We handle everything
Your Guide leads the ceremony start to finish. Just show up—we handle every detail.
- Guide leads the spreading of ashes; guests may participate
- All ceremony logistics handled for you
- Permits, documentation and legal spreading included
You lead the way
Everything you need is waiting on arrival—a simple, private farewell at your own pace.
- Step-by-step instructions for returning ashes to the earth.
- All tools and materials provided
- Permits, documentation and legal spreading included
Forest Stewardship
More than a memorial.
A conservation act.
Each of our nine Memorial Forests is cared for through long-term stewardship—actively managed and ecologically maintained.
When ashes return to the earth, they become part of a living forest. Your memorial doesn’t just rest in nature. It helps safeguard it.
Forest Stewardship
Long-term care of each forest: ecological monitoring, trail maintenance, and ongoing access for all families.
Minimal Footprint
No concrete vaults, no embalming chemicals, minimal development. Our process honors the earth.
Wildlife Corridors
Our forests connect to broader ecological networks, creating safe passage for at-risk wildlife species.
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
What families say
"Putting my mother to rest in the forest allowed my grief to rest, too. Today I visited on my first birthday without her—our decision was a great one."
Two ways to create a living memorial
Memorial Tree
- Multiple people & pets at one tree
- You choose tree & location
- Add a personalize Guide-led ceremony
- Add customized Memorial Marker
Your tree. Your forest. Your choices.
Starting at $6,200 • View Pricing
Bundle with cremation • Save $1,000
Spreading Grove
- Honors one life in a shared grove
- Location chosen for you
- Simple self-led memorial ceremony
- Includes small, simple marker
A grove. A forest. A place to rest.
Starting at $2,250 • View Pricing
Bundle with cremation • Save $1,000
Find your perfect Memorial Forest
Our Memorial Trees and Spreading Groves rest in protected forests across America. These are some of the most beautiful, biodiverse places left in this country.
What to expect
What happens when you talk to a Guide
A Guide helps you understand your options, answers your questions, and walks you through next steps—no pressure.
How does it work? What’s included? Is this right for me?
Guides can show you trees virtually or plan a forest visit.
Every detail is shaped around your family’s values.
We’ll help you understand what’s right for you.
You’re under no obligation. This is just a conversation.
Comparing Memorial Options
Memorial Trees: a natural alternative
Memorial Trees honor life differently than traditional, natural, or green burial—with practical advantages. They create what traditional memorials can’t: a living place that changes and grows with the seasons.
| Better Place Nature Memorial | Celebration of Life | Traditional Funeral | Green Burial | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Return ashes to the earth; create a living memorial |
Celebrate life and legacy |
Honor deceased with formal goodbye |
Return body to earth naturally |
| Setting | Protected forest | Anywhere | Funeral home, church, cemetery |
Conservation cemetery |
| Atmosphere | Uplifting, peaceful, nature-focused |
Joyful, casual, personalized |
Formal, somber, structured |
Reverent, peaceful, nature-focused |
| Timing | Flexible | Flexible | Within days of death | Within days of death |
| Availability | Widely available | Widely available | Widely available | Limited locations |
| Sustainability | High | Varies | Low | High |
| Cost | $100-$1,500 | $500-$5,000 (widely varies) |
$10,000 (with burial) |
$5,000 (plot + services) |
Talk to a Guide, 24/7
When you’re ready, we’re here.
Explore at your own pace
See the two ways families honor a life.
Questions?
We're here to help.
What is a Nature Memorial Ceremony?
A Nature Memorial Ceremony is a nature-based ceremony where ashes are legally returned to the earth in a protected forest setting, creating a living memorial.
Is a Nature Memorial Ceremony included with my Better Place package?
A self-led Nature Memorial Ceremony is included with a Spreading Grove. You can upgrade to a Guide-led ceremony for an additional fee. If you choose a Memorial Tree, a Guide-led Nature Memorial Ceremony is available to add on.
What’s the difference between the included self-led and guide-led ceremonies?
The included self-led ceremony provides materials and instructions for your family to conduct a private ceremony in a shared grove. The guide-led ceremony includes a staff member who facilitates the entire experience.
How much does a Guide-led nature memorial cost?
For current pricing, please see our pricing page.
Can I hold a nature memorial for a pet?
Yes. We offer legal pet spreading at your Memorial Tree with a complimentary pet tribute ceremony included. For current pricing, please see our pricing page.
How is a Better Place Nature Memorial Ceremony eco-friendly?
Our Nature Memorial Ceremonies are designed with sustainability at their core. Ashes are mixed with native soil in a vessel and are returned to the earth in a nest at the forest floor in protected forest land, helping preserve natural habitats. There are no concrete vaults, synthetic materials, or chemical treatments—just a simple, meaningful ceremony where your loved one becomes part of the living forest ecosystem.
How does Better Place compare to green burial and natural burial options?
Unlike green burial cemeteries that require natural burial within days of death, Better Place offers complete flexibility. You can hold your Nature Memorial Ceremony weeks, months, or years after cremation.
Compared to traditional celebrations of life, Better Place provides a permanent natural resting place in a shared Spreading Grove or at a private Memorial Tree in a protected forest.
Can I combine a family member and pet in the same memorial?
Yes. At a dedicated Memorial Tree, you may place the ashes of multiple family members and pets for an additional cost. With a shared Spreading Grove, only one person’s ashes may be spread, and you cannot choose the specific location. For current pricing, please see our pricing page.
How do I schedule a Nature Memorial Ceremony?
Contact our team to schedule your ceremony. We’ll work with you to find the perfect date and time.
Can friends and family attend?
Yes, family, friends, and pets are welcome to attend and participate in the ceremony.
