Terms of Service

By using Bonaventure Memorials' ash scattering services, you agree to the following terms and conditions. These terms are designed to ensure a clear, respectful, and dignified process for every family we serve.

01 Service Agreement

Authorization

By placing an order, you confirm that you are authorized to make decisions regarding the disposition of your loved one's cremated remains, and that you have consulted with other family members as appropriate.

Designated Representative Model

Bonaventure Memorials operates as your designated representative. Your family retains full authority over the disposition. We carry out the scattering ceremony on your behalf, under your authorization, in full compliance with all applicable federal and state land regulations. Any required park or land authorizations are obtained in your family's name.

Unaccompanied Service

All Bonaventure ceremonies are conducted without family attendees present. This is a fundamental aspect of our service model and allows us to fulfill ceremonies across remote, protected, and seasonally constrained landscapes that would be inaccessible under an accompanied model. Every ceremony is carried out with the utmost care, reverence, and documentation.

Release of Cremated Remains

Upon confirmation of your order, you authorize Bonaventure Memorials to receive and scatter your loved one's cremated remains as specified in your service request. You understand that once the scattering is completed, the remains cannot be retrieved.

02 Payment Terms

Payment Due

Full payment is required at the time of booking to secure your service date and destination.

What Is Included

• Guidance through securing any required park or land authorizations in your family's name
• Professional scattering ceremony carried out by experienced wilderness professionals
• GPS coordinates certificate documenting the exact scattering location
• Professional ceremony photography
• Formal certificate of scattering
• Native tree donation to the USDA Forest Service Plant-A-Tree Program in the national forest nearest your loved one's scattering location

Payment Methods

We accept all major credit cards and electronic payments through our secure Squarespace checkout.

Refund Policy

Please review our complete Refund Policy prior to booking. Refund eligibility is determined by the stage of service at the time of cancellation request.

03 Customer Responsibilities

Shipping Cremated Remains

You are responsible for shipping cremated remains to us using a USPS-approved cremains shipping kit, available free at USPS.com. Step-by-step shipping instructions are provided upon booking. Shipping costs are the responsibility of the family or their funeral home.

Providing Accurate Information

• Full legal name of the deceased
• Preferred scattering destination
• Any specific timing requests
• Current contact information for service updates

Legal Authorization

You confirm that the cremated remains have been legally released for disposition and that you have the authority to authorize their scattering. You agree to comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws governing the disposition of cremated remains.

Packaging

Please do not ship cremated remains in an urn or container of sentimental value, as containers cannot be returned following the ceremony. Do not include mementos, tokens, or personal items — we are unable to place any items at scattering sites in order to comply with Leave No Trace principles and federal land regulations.

04 Timing and Scheduling

Typical Timeline

Most scatterings are completed within 4 to 12 weeks of booking, depending on destination and season. An estimated timeframe will be provided at booking, with updates throughout the process.

Seasonal Considerations

The timing of your ceremony may vary based on weather conditions, seasonal access, and location-specific factors. Bonaventure selects timing with care, honoring your loved one in conditions that reflect the natural beauty of the destination. Factors include:

• Seasonal weather and safe access conditions
• Natural events that enhance the ceremony experience
• Location-specific optimal timing
• Park or land management scheduling requirements

Delays

Bonaventure Memorials shall not be held liable for delays caused by weather, permit processing timelines, seasonal access restrictions, or other factors beyond our reasonable control. We will communicate proactively with your family throughout any delay.

05 Environmental and Site Standards

Every Bonaventure ceremony is conducted in strict accordance with Leave No Trace principles, federal land regulations, and applicable state environmental guidelines. We do not place markers, tokens, or any physical items at scattering sites. The land is honored and left exactly as we found it.

Our team includes soil scientists and aquatic specialists who evaluate each scattering site to ensure zero ecological impact on the surrounding environment. Archaeological and historical significance is assessed for every location prior to any ceremony.

06 Available Destinations and Special Requests

Bonaventure Memorials offers scattering services at a curated selection of destinations across America's most breathtaking public lands. Ceremonies are performed only at listed destinations. Destination availability is subject to seasonal access, land management conditions, and authorization status.

For specific requests or destinations not currently listed, please contact us at contact@destinationspreading.com. We will do our best to accommodate meaningful requests within what is legally and operationally possible.

07 State Regulatory Compliance

Bonaventure Memorials LLC is registered and operating in compliance with applicable state regulations in all states where we provide services. This includes Washington State, where we operate under the requirements of WAC 308-47A-020, and Iowa, where we are classified as a scattering services provider under Iowa Code Chapter 523I.

A complete record of each disposition performed is maintained for a minimum of seven years in accordance with state requirements, and is available for inspection upon lawful request.

08 Limitations of Liability

While Bonaventure Memorials is committed to providing a meaningful and dignified ceremony, our liability is limited to the direct cost of the service purchased. We cannot be held liable for:

• Emotional distress or psychological consequences related to the scattering process
• Delays caused by weather, permit processing, seasonal access, or factors beyond our control
• Minor variations in exact timing or location due to environmental or regulatory conditions

Force Majeure

In the event of circumstances beyond our reasonable control — including natural disasters, extreme weather, government restrictions, or permanent park closures — Bonaventure Memorials shall not be held liable for delays or inability to fulfill the service as originally planned. In such cases, we will work with your family to reschedule, select an alternative destination, or provide a full refund in accordance with our Refund Policy.

09 Dispute Resolution

Direct Communication First

If you have any concern regarding your service, please contact us first at contact@destinationspreading.com or (515) 206-4845. We are committed to resolving every concern promptly and fairly.

Mediation

Any disputes that cannot be resolved through direct communication will be submitted to mediation in Iowa prior to the initiation of any legal proceeding.

Governing Law

These terms are governed by the laws of the State of Iowa. Any legal proceedings must be conducted in Iowa courts.

10 Modifications to These Terms

Bonaventure Memorials reserves the right to modify these terms at any time. Any changes will be posted on our website with an updated date. Your continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the modified terms.