Where in San Francisco can you spread ashes?
Owen Barnes
Updated on May 19, 2026
Where in San Francisco can you spread ashes?
Ash Scattering Locations near San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco Bay. For an ocean setting, our most typical ash scattering location is just past the Golden Gate Bridge in a quiet cove by the Marin Headlands in a private setting. A nice bay setting is in the calm water behind Angel Island.
Do you need a permit to scatter ashes in California?
All California burials, whether a full body land burial, full body sea burial, or a scattering of ashes require a permit issued from the County. An original or certified death certificate or transit permit is required in order to obtain the California permit.
What is the protocol for scattering ashes?
According to California law, ashes may be scattered by employees at a licensed cemetery, crematory, registered cremated remains disposers, funeral establishment staff members, family members of the deceased, or any person who has the right to control the disposition of the remains or their designee as long as that …
Is Spreading ashes illegal in California?
Many people like to scatter their loved one’s cremated remains by air, and while California hasn’t enforced any laws on this, individuals aren’t allowed to drop any objects that could potentially injure people or property, according to federal law.
Can I scatter ashes on the beach?
Spreading Ashes at Sea Is Allowed According to the EPA, burial at sea of human remains – cremated or not – is permitted, but there are several scattering ashes laws and regulations that you need to follow: Any type of remains, including ashes, can only be placed in the ocean 3 nautical miles from land or more.
How much does it cost to scatter ashes at sea?
An unattended water burial involves hiring a service to take your loved one’s ashes and perform the water burial without family or friends present. The average cost of an unattended water burial at sea ranges from $200 to $500.
Is it legal to scatter ashes in SF Bay?
How to scatter ashes in the San Francisco Bay Area. Scattering ashes is legal as long as you get written permission from the individual or authorities overseeing the land you wish to use for your memorial. In scattering gardens, which some cemeteries provide for scattering ashes.
Why is spreading ashes illegal?
Most states do not have any laws prohibiting this, but federal law does prohibit dropping any objects that might injure people or harm property. Cremains themselves are not considered hazardous material, but for obvious safety reasons you should remove the ashes from their container before scattering them by air.
Where can you not scatter ashes?
Auckland’s regional parks, the Auckland Botanic Gardens in Manurewa and Parnell Rose Gardens have prohibited the scattering of ashes in their parks and gardens. Ash scattering is also discouraged in local parks and on sports fields, where visitors picnic, exercise and relax.
Are you allowed to scatter ashes anywhere?
You are free to scatter ashes anywhere on your own private property, but if someone else owns the land, you need to ask permission first. If the property owner says no, find another location. Don’t try to secretly spread the ashes anyway.
Can you sprinkle ashes anywhere?
Can ashes be spread anywhere?
Can I scatter ashes anywhere? You can scatter your loved one’s ashes in public, but in most cases, you will need to obtain permission from the local council. If it’s on private land, then you’ll need to obtain permission from the owner. If you own the land yourself, then the decision is entirely yours.