Cremation Trend: Together in Life, Together in Death – Couples Are Choosing to Have Their Ashes Scattered Together

As cremation becomes an increasingly popular choice for families across the U.S., a growing trend is emerging among couples who want to ensure they remain together even in death. Scattering ashes together in meaningful locations, whether in nature, on family property, or at a place that holds significant memories, is becoming an emotional and symbolic way for couples to honor their enduring love. This unique memorial practice is evolving as more couples see it as the perfect final tribute to a life spent together.

This guide explores the rise of the "together in life, together in death" trend, why it is gaining momentum, and the emotional and logistical factors that couples consider when deciding to be scattered together.

The Rise of Cremation and Changing Attitudes Toward Memorialization

The trend of joint ash scattering is part of the larger shift toward cremation in the United States. According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the national cremation rate is projected to reach 68% by 2025, an increase from 55.3% in 2020. This shift reflects broader changes in how families approach death and memorialization, with many seeking more personalized, eco-friendly, and cost-effective options.

Cremation, with its flexibility and lower cost compared to traditional burials, is enabling people to choose memorial practices that align with their values, desires, and personal stories. For many couples, the idea of scattering ashes together in a meaningful place — a favorite vacation spot, the place where they met, or the natural world they cherished — represents a way to immortalize their bond.

Moreover, couples are increasingly opting for destination ash scattering ceremonies, with experts noting that more families are choosing unaccompanied scattering services. These services, like those offered by Bonaventure, help families by handling the logistical and legal aspects of scattering ashes in locations that require permits or special permission, such as national parks, remote beaches, or private land.

Why Couples Choose to Be Scattered Together: Symbolism and Significance

For many couples, the idea of remaining together after death is a natural extension of the life they spent together. The act of scattering ashes in a location that holds personal meaning is a powerful symbol of unity, reflecting the love and connection that transcends physical death.

1. A Reflection of Lifelong Partnership

Couples who have shared decades together often feel that their relationship should continue even after death. The choice to be scattered together is an act of symbolizing that their partnership was not limited to the physical realm, but extends beyond it. Being scattered in the same place ensures that the couple’s journey continues, intertwined and inseparable. The ashes become a part of the landscape, the air, or the water in ways that signify their love and eternal connection.

2. Meaningful and Personalized Memorials

For many couples, the location of the scattering is deeply personal. It could be a place that reflects their shared interests, hobbies, or experiences — a favorite beach where they vacationed, a national park where they hiked, or a lake where they spent summer afternoons. Scattering ashes in these locations allows couples to create a memorial that is intimate, unique, and full of meaning. It’s a final opportunity to reflect the personalities and passions that made them who they were.

• For Adventurous Couples: A couple who loved to hike may choose to be scattered on a mountain summit. Similarly, couples who shared a love for the sea might opt to be scattered in the ocean, continuing their connection with the natural world.

• For Homebodies: For couples who preferred the quiet comfort of home, scattering ashes in their backyard or on private land can serve as a poignant reminder of the sanctuary they built together.

3. The Emotional Impact of Unity in Death

The emotional comfort that comes with being united in death is another key reason couples are choosing this path. For surviving spouses, the act of scattering their partner’s ashes alongside their own can provide peace, closure, and a sense of lasting togetherness. Rather than being separated into different locations or cemeteries, couples have the opportunity to remain physically united, their remains scattered together in a place that represents who they were as a pair.

Data and Insights: The Growing Popularity of Joint Ash Scattering

While there is no official data on joint ash scattering specifically, trends in the broader cremation market suggest that the practice is gaining popularity, particularly among couples. According to a 2023 study by the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), 52% of people have attended a funeral or memorial service at a non-traditional location, such as a park or beach, reflecting the growing preference for personalized memorials.

• 68% of people are interested in "green" funeral options, such as eco-friendly cremation and ash scattering, up from 55.7% in 2021. Many couples who are passionate about sustainability choose to have their ashes scattered in protected natural areas like national parks, forests, or along rivers, allowing them to give back to nature while also creating a meaningful tribute.

• The increasing interest in destination ash scattering is also noteworthy. With an influx of services that allow families to scatter ashes in remote or scenic locations — often through unaccompanied scattering options — couples are no longer restricted to local cemeteries or traditional memorial sites.

This shift represents not only a changing attitude toward death and memorialization but also a desire for freedom and flexibility. Couples who may not have been interested in traditional burial options now see cremation and ash scattering as a way to mark their legacy in a way that is true to their life together.

Logistics and Considerations: Planning a Joint Ash Scattering Ceremony

While the emotional and symbolic aspects of scattering ashes together are clear, couples also need to consider the practical elements of this type of memorial. Here are key factors to keep in mind when planning a joint ash scattering ceremony:

1. Choosing the Right Location

Selecting the right location is the most important decision when planning a joint ash scattering. This could be a destination the couple loved, a place that reflects their shared interests, or a spot that holds deep personal significance. Factors to consider include:

• Accessibility: Some locations, such as national parks or remote areas, may require permits or special arrangements to scatter ashes. Working with a professional service like Bonaventure can ensure that all legal requirements are met.

• Environmental Impact: Many couples are drawn to eco-friendly cremation options, and selecting a location that aligns with their environmental values can be a meaningful choice. Public parks, beaches, and other natural spaces offer beautiful places to scatter ashes without leaving a lasting environmental footprint.

2. Legal Considerations and Permits

Before scattering ashes in a specific location, it’s important to research the legal guidelines for that area. National parks, beaches, and other public spaces often require permits, and certain areas may have restrictions on ash scattering. A professional service can help navigate these legal requirements and ensure that the scattering is done in compliance with local regulations.

3. Creating a Personal Ceremony

The ceremony itself is an opportunity to reflect on the couple’s life together and celebrate their shared journey. For those choosing to scatter their ashes together, the ceremony can include symbolic gestures such as reading a poem, sharing memories, or even playing a song that was meaningful to the couple. For many, the simplicity of the moment — surrounded by nature or in a place that holds special meaning — is what makes it so powerful.

A Legacy of Love, Together Forever

As the trend of joint ash scattering continues to grow, more couples are choosing to memorialize their love in a way that is as unique and enduring as their bond. Scattering ashes together in a place that holds significance allows couples to remain united, both in spirit and in memory. The act is symbolic of their enduring connection — a final expression of love that transcends the physical world.

For couples who want to create a lasting tribute to their shared life, choosing to be scattered together in a meaningful location offers a beautiful, eco-friendly, and deeply personal way to ensure that their love continues long after they’re gone. As the trend toward cremation and personalized memorials rises, the “together in life, together in death” movement offers an ever-increasing number of couples the opportunity to make their final journey as one.