Cremated remains: what are the options?
After a cremation, the family decides what happens to the remains. There is no deadline for most choices, and some families take months to decide. This page covers the common options and what Utah law says about scattering.
Utah law allows cremated remains to be placed in a cemetery grave, niche, crypt, or scattering garden; scattered over uninhabited public land, the sea, or other public waterways; or placed in any manner on private property with the owner’s written consent. Many families also keep the urn at home.
Cremation isn’t the last decision
Once the cremation is complete, you’ll decide what to do with the ashes, also called the cremated remains. Some families choose a cemetery or niche because they want a permanent place where family and friends can visit. Others choose scattering or keep the remains with the family. Think about who may want a place to visit, what will happen to the remains over time, and what feels meaningful to your family.
What are cremated remains?
Cremated remains, often called ashes, are what remains after cremation. The funeral home returns them to the family in a temporary container or in an urn the family chose. You don’t need to decide on a final resting place before the cremation.
Common cremation options for the remains
- Burial in a cemetery
- Remains can be buried in a grave, including a smaller cremation plot. Salt Lake City Cemetery, for example, sells cremains spaces. There is usually an opening and closing fee.
- A niche or columbarium
- A columbarium is a wall or structure with small compartments, called niches, for urns. Many cemeteries have one. See niches and columbariums.
- A scattering garden
- Some cemeteries set aside an area for scattering.
- Keeping the urn
- Some families keep the remains at home, at least for a while.
- Scattering
- Allowed in Utah over uninhabited public land, the sea, or public waterways, subject to health and environmental rules, and on private land with the owner’s written consent.
- Dividing the remains
- Some families share remains among relatives in small keepsake urns. Some faiths ask families not to. See faith and cultural considerations.
A permanent place to visit
Some families want a grave or niche where people can visit, leave flowers, or find a name years later. Others feel closer to a person in a place they loved. Neither is wrong. If the remains are scattered, some families still add a name to a memorial wall or bench in a cemetery.
Scattering ashes in Utah
Utah Code 58-9-611 lists where remains may go. The rules differ by type of land:
| Where | What Utah law says | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Private land | Allowed in any manner with the property owner’s consent | The owner’s written consent must be given to the funeral home before disposal |
| Uninhabited public land | Allowed, subject to health and environmental laws | Ask the agency that manages the land about its own rules or permits |
| The sea or public waterways | Allowed, subject to health and environmental laws | Check any rules for that body of water |
| A cemetery | Allowed in a crypt, niche, grave, or scattering garden | Cemetery fees and rules |
If remains aren’t picked up within 60 days of the cremation, Utah law lets the funeral home dispose of them in any lawful way except scattering. Tell the funeral home your plans. For permits on public land and national parks, see scattering ashes in Utah.
Can there be a memorial service?
Yes. Many families hold a memorial with the urn present, before or at the final placement. A graveside service can also be held when remains are buried. See funeral, memorial and graveside services.
Questions to ask
- How will the remains be returned to us, and in what container?
- Does the cemetery have cremation plots, niches, or a scattering garden, and what do they cost?
- If we plan to scatter on private land, what consent form do you need?
- How long will you hold the remains if we aren’t ready to pick them up?
“What do we need to do, and by when, for the resting place we’re considering?”
Ready to see how these choices apply to your situation?
Your Wayfinder Plan can help organize the options you’re considering and give you a clearer picture of what to ask and compare.
Build My Wayfinder Plan- Where cremated remains may be placed or scattered, written consent, and the 60-day rule: Utah Code 58-9-611.
- Cremains spaces and fees: Salt Lake City Cemetery fees, July 2026–June 2027.
This page provides general information and is not legal advice.