2023 State Guide to Scattering Ashes - Wyoming Edition
How much does cremation cost in Wyoming: $1,885
This forty-third edition of state guides to scattering ashes focuses on the state of Wyoming. This unique state is home to beautiful rolling high plains, picturesque rivers and lakes, pristine mountain peaks, and the admired Yellowstone National Park!
In this state guide, we’ve highlighted important information that answers some of the most frequently asked questions funeral homes in Wyoming and other states receive about scattering ashes. This includes if scattering is allowed in Wyoming, where in Wyoming can you scatter ashes, and what urn or container should be used to scatter.
Rules in Wyoming for Scattering Ashes
In Wyoming, no state laws exist around storing or scattering ashes. You can keep the cremated ashes of a loved one or pet in an urn or any other container you choose. They can also be placed in a crypt, grave, or niche. The ashes resulting from the cremation process are harmless and do not present any risks to our health.
Even with the lack of state-wide laws in place that restrict scattering ashes, if this is of interest to you or your family, it is still a good idea to reach out to your city or county government to find out if there are any local restrictions or other regulations in place.
Where to Scatter Ashes in Wyoming?
In Wyoming, there are many beautiful locations where families choose to scatter a love one or pet’s ashes. Also, many families choose to hold a memorial service outdoors at the place where the scattering will take place. At this service, family and friends can come together, say a few words, and share stories of their loved one who passed. In addition, many services will give each person who attends the option to scatter some of the ashes.
Below we point out some of the more popular places where families choose to scatter ashes in Wyoming.
- National Parks – Wyoming is home to 7 National Parks, including the stunning Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks! With the amazing scenery that is present at the National Parks located in Wyoming and many other states, these are common places where people prefer to scatter ashes. As each National Park has its own rules and regulations related to scattering, it is important to reach out to the park ranger’s office where you want to scatter to learn about any restrictions and other regulations that may exist.
- Private Property – In Wyoming, along with most other states, you can scatter the cremated ashes of a loved one or pet on property that you own (this can include a yard, piece of land, etc.). If you’re interested in scattering a loved one’s ashes on private property that’s owned by somebody else, you should get their permission first.
- Public Land – With its wide open spaces, and without any state restrictions, many families choose to scatter ashes on public land in Wyoming. However, prior to doing this, it’s recommended to check with county or city government offices to find out if any special zoning or other restrictions exist at the local level.
- Scattering Gardens – A growing number of churches and cemeteries in Wyoming now allow scattering in designated areas on their property (these are typically referred to as a ‘scattering gardens’). To find one near you, reach out to your local funeral director or do a quick online search.
- Scattering by Airplane – Wyoming doesn’t have any state laws that prohibit you from scattering cremated ashes from an airplane. If this is something you plan on doing, it’s good to know that federal aviation law prohibits you from dropping any objects from the sky (such as the urn that’s used to scatter) that can cause harm to people or damage property.
- Water Burials – Many people in Wyoming and in other states throughout the country have a special connection to the water elect to have a water burial for their memorial. If this is something you’re interested in doing, it is important to know that the U.S. EPA requires that they’re provided notice within 30 days of a water burial occurring and U.S. federal law states that this needs to occur at least 3 nautical miles from land.
How to Scatter Ashes?
In recent years, the amount of people who are opting for cremation (vs. burial) has seen a dramatic increase. This is primarily due to a much lower cremation cost and that families are less traditional than they once were. With this growing trend, a number of new urn options have recently been introduced, including urns designed to scatter ashes. These unique urns give families the ability to easily scatter ashes at a meaningful location, or another beautiful location of their choosing.
Below we highlight some of the more popular scattering urns offered online and by funeral homes in Wyoming and throughout the country.
Eco Scattering Urn
The patented Eco Scattering Urn is offered by hundreds of leading funeral homes nationwide and is highly unique – it’s the only urn designed to scatter ashes that’s 100% bamboo. Bamboo is a sustainable resource that’s one of the strongest building materials on earth. The Eco Scattering Urn comes with a proprietary open and close locking mechanism that gives families the ability to scatter with control and ease. This unique feature also gives families the ability to safely transport their loved one’s ashes in the urn to that special location (or locations) to scatter. The Eco Scattering Urn starts at $49 and is TSA compliant.
Paper Scattering Urns
There are many scattering urns manufactured from paper that can be found at funeral homes in Wyoming and throughout the country, and also online. These unique urns typically come with a nature scene or other image printed on the outside. While they work great for most families, they do come with some drawbacks. This includes that they shouldn’t get wet (so avoid scattering with these in a weather event) as it can effect the integrity of the urn, and there’s an additional step while loading the ashes that includes gluing part of the urn together.
Water Urns
With the increasing cremation rates throughout the country, water burials are becoming more and more common. Hundreds of funeral homes nationwide are catering to this demand and are now offering water burial options with the Eco Water Urn. This unique, patent pending urn floats on the water for up to a few minutes until the bottom breaks open and the ashes are released into the water. The Eco Water Urn comes packaged in a cylinder casing made from bamboo. This packaging also provides for a wonderful way that families can securely transport the urn holding their loved one’s ashes to that special way on the water to scatter.
Multiple Memorials
As cremation rates continue to accelerate in Wyoming and most other states, a number of new memorials and urns that incorporate ashes of a loved one have recently been introduced. With so many wonderful new options, many families cannot just decide on a single memorial to honor their loved one. Instead, they choose to separate their loved one’s ashes and include a portion in two or more memorials. This can include the following:
- Scattering cremated ashes at a special place (or multiple places);
- Including the ashes in a bio urn and grow a living tree memorial;
- Putting the ashes in an indoor planter urn and grow a bonsai tree or houseplant memorial from the center of the urn;
- Including the cremated ashes in a stunning stone or jewelry that can be worn with pride; or
- Having some of their ashes infused into a beautiful glass decoration.