Scattering Ashes in Georgia — A Complete Guide

Everything Georgia families need to know about ash scattering laws, designated scattering gardens, sea scattering requirements, and cremation options in the Peach State.

Author's Note: When I was 19, my best friend from high school and I took off for spring break and drove to Georgia for spring break. It was my first long drive, and it was the start of my love of driving trips. My dad was always a fan of driving "straight through" to wherever we were going, and while I would like to say I am a fan of a relaxed trip, stopping at various places along the way, I take after him. I am a big fan of efficiency in getting from point A to B. That friend moved to Georgia a few years later and still lives there. I get to visit her occasionally, though I tend to fly these days. 

If you are thinking of scattering ashes in the state of Georgia, it may be helpful to know the official symbols:

  • State Flower: Cherokee Rose 🌹
  • State Tree: Southern Live Oak 🌳
  • State Bird: Brown Thrasher 🐦
  • State Fruit: Peach 🍑
  • State Gem: Quartz 💎
  • State Song: "Georgia on My Mind" 🎶
  • State Motto: "Wisdom, Justice, and Moderation" ⚖️

How Prevalent Is Ash Scattering in Georgia?

The practice of scattering ashes has become increasingly popular in Georgia, reflecting a broader national trend toward cremation and personalized memorials. In 2020, the cremation rate in Georgia was approximately 50%, with projections showing continued growth. With this increase, more families are seeking meaningful and personalized ways to honor their loved ones, including scattering ashes in designated gardens, cemeteries, or natural locations.

Georgia's diverse landscape — from the Atlantic barrier islands and marshes of the Golden Isles, to the mountain ridges of the Blue Ridge in the north, to the rolling piedmont forests and red clay of the Piedmont Plateau — provides deeply meaningful settings for final farewells. Whether families choose a cemetery scattering garden, a beloved outdoor location, or a trusted mail-in service, Georgia offers a wide range of meaningful options.

Georgia Laws on Scattering Ashes

Georgia has relatively few laws controlling where cremated remains may be kept or scattered on land. The key statutes governing cremation and disposition in Georgia are:

  • Georgia Code § 31-10-15 — Death certificate must be filed with the local health department within 72 hours of death
  • Georgia Code § 31-10-20 — Requires a funeral director to obtain a permit (final disposition permit) before cremating a body or transporting it out of state
  • Georgia Code § 31-21-4 — Governs sea and water scattering of cremated remains (see important note below)
  • Georgia Code § 31-21-5 — Cremation must occur in a licensed crematory

Rules by location type:

  • Private Property: Scattering on your own land is freely permitted. Scattering on another person's private property requires the landowner's consent — written permission is advisable.
  • Public Land (city and county): Georgia has few state-level restrictions on land scattering, but individual cities and counties may have their own ordinances. Always check with the local governing authority before proceeding.
  • Georgia State Parks: Contact the specific state park's office in advance. Scattering in state parks is generally possible in undeveloped areas with common sense and courtesy.
  • National Parks and Forests: Georgia is home to Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest and several national park units. Each has its own policy; contact the relevant ranger district or park office before making any plans.
  • Aerial Scattering: No Georgia state law restricts scattering from an aircraft. Federal aviation law requires that the ashes be removed from their container before release — do not drop the urn itself.

⚠️ Important: Georgia's Sea Scattering Requirements

Georgia has a specific state law governing the scattering of cremated remains at sea — requirements that go beyond what most states impose:

Under Georgia Code § 31-21-4:

  • Scattering at sea must take place within 50 days of cremation
  • You must file a statement with the local health department that includes the name of the deceased, time and place of death
  • Remains must be scattered at least three nautical miles from the nearest shoreline
  • Cremated remains must be removed from their container before scattering at sea
  • The federal EPA must be notified within 30 days of the scattering
  • The EPA does not permit scattering on public beaches or in wading pools

Because of these specific requirements, families planning a sea scattering off Georgia's Atlantic coast — including the waters near Savannah, Tybee Island, Jekyll Island, or the Golden Isles — should plan carefully and work with a licensed boating service familiar with these legal obligations.

Ash Scattering Gardens in Georgia

In Georgia, several cemeteries and green burial grounds offer designated scattering options — permanently maintained spaces where families may scatter cremated remains and create a lasting place of remembrance. Here are verified options:

Milton Fields Natural Burial Ground — Ash Scattering

Location: 1150 Birmingham Road, Milton, GA 30004 Phone: (404) 372-5446 Email: info@miltonfieldsgeorgia.com

Located about an hour north of Atlanta in the charming city of Milton, Milton Fields is Georgia's only green burial perpetual care cemetery, licensed by the Georgia Office of the Secretary of State. Set on 17 acres of rolling hills, hardwood forests, and green pastures, the property was homesteaded in the 1800s and has been thoughtfully preserved as a natural burial ground. Milton Fields explicitly offers scattering of ashes in a section of the cemetery reserved for this purpose, with professional scattering services starting at $700 (attended by family) or $500 (unattended). Families may also choose in-ground burial of ashes in biodegradable urns, and optional engraved granite markers are available. The property is certified by the Green Burial Council, partnered with Conservation Burial Partners, and zoned as a cemetery by the City of Milton. Milton Fields is the rare Georgia option that offers both a meaningful natural setting and a permanent, maintained resting place.

Website: miltonfieldsgeorgia.com

Historic Oakland Cemetery — Columbarium (Atlanta)

Location: 248 Oakland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312 Phone: (404) 658-6019

Founded in 1850, Historic Oakland Cemetery is Atlanta's oldest and most storied burial ground — a 88-acre Victorian garden cemetery, registered arboretum, and City of Atlanta park near Grant Park. It is the final resting place of over 70,000 Georgians, including author Margaret Mitchell, golf legend Bobby Jones, Mayor Maynard Jackson, and six Georgia governors. Oakland recently completed its first columbarium development, the Eastern Memorial Promenade — a new structure of Elberton granite offering cremation niches along a restored roadway between East Hill and the historic African American Burial Grounds. Please note: Oakland does not currently operate a dedicated ash scattering garden; the new columbarium is for niche inurnment. Families interested in burial at Oakland should contact the Sexton's office directly, as the cemetery is nearly sold out of traditional lots.

Website: oaklandcemetery.com

Are There Mail-In Options for Ash Scattering Services?

Yes. Families who prefer a meaningful alternative to Georgia's options — or who simply want a peaceful, rural setting without travel or logistical requirements — may choose a mail-in ash scattering service.

Farmstead Scattering Garden is located on a working farm in northwestern Pennsylvania and offers a private, customizable mail-in experience. Cremated remains are mailed directly to the farm, where the scattering is carried out respectfully according to the options selected by the family. While this service is not located in Georgia and is not affiliated with state or federal lands, it provides a simple and meaningful option for families who value a lush, pastoral farm setting — a complement to Georgia's own rich natural landscapes.

Visit our service page at farmsteadscattering.com/collections/services, or call or text us at (814) 450-5432 to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scattering Ashes in Georgia

Is it legal to scatter ashes in Georgia?

Yes. Georgia has few laws restricting where cremated remains may be kept or scattered on land. The key requirements relate to sea scattering (see below) and the initial cremation process, which requires a licensed crematory and a final disposition permit obtained by the funeral director. Once remains are in the family's custody, common-sense guidelines apply for land scattering.

Does Georgia have specific laws for sea scattering?

Yes, and this is important. Under Georgia Code § 31-21-4, sea scattering must occur within 50 days of cremation, at least three nautical miles from shore. You must file a statement with the local health department including the deceased's name and time and place of death. Remains must be removed from their container before scattering. The EPA must be notified within 30 days. Work with a licensed boating service experienced in Georgia's legal requirements.

Can I scatter ashes on Georgia's beaches?

No. The EPA prohibits scattering on public beaches or in wading pools. Ocean scattering must take place at least three nautical miles from shore, typically by boat.

Can I scatter ashes in Georgia state parks?

Georgia State Parks generally allow discreet, private scattering in undeveloped areas. Contact the specific park's office in advance to confirm any guidelines or conditions for your chosen location.

Can I scatter ashes in the Chattahoochee National Forest or other federal land?

Georgia's national forests are managed by the U.S. Forest Service, which generally treats individual non-commercial ash scattering as casual use. Stay at least 100 yards from trails, roads, campgrounds, and water sources, and leave no containers or markers behind. Contact the relevant ranger district for guidance on your specific planned area.

Can I scatter ashes along the Georgia coast or Golden Isles?

Yes, in the ocean waters — but subject to Georgia's specific sea scattering laws (50-day limit, three nautical miles, health department filing, EPA notification). Many boating companies in Savannah, Brunswick, and the Golden Isles area offer assisted scattering-at-sea services and can help navigate the legal requirements.

Can I scatter ashes in Savannah's historic cemeteries?

Savannah's famous cemeteries — including Bonaventure Cemetery and Colonial Park Cemetery — are primarily historic sites or city-owned parks. Contact each cemetery directly about any scattering or interment options, as policies vary. Bonaventure Cemetery is a Chatham County-managed cemetery; call their office to inquire about current scattering availability.

What if there is no scattering garden near me in Georgia?

Milton Fields outside Atlanta is Georgia's most accessible and clearly documented natural ash scattering location. For families in other regions — central Georgia, the coast, or rural areas — Farmstead Scattering Garden in northwestern Pennsylvania accepts cremated remains by mail and carries out the scattering on a private working farm. Call or text (814) 450-5432 for more information.

Can I mail ashes for scattering if I live in Georgia?

Yes. Cremated remains may be legally mailed within the United States via the U.S. Postal Service using Priority Mail Express — the only domestic carrier federally permitted to transport cremated remains. Remains must be properly packaged and labeled. Farmstead Scattering Garden can walk you through the mailing process when you contact us.

Is a funeral home required to scatter ashes in Georgia?

A licensed funeral home or crematory must handle the cremation itself, and Georgia requires a funeral director to obtain a final disposition permit before cremation (Georgia Code § 31-10-20). Once remains are in the family's custody, no funeral home is required for the scattering — unless you are using a cemetery or burial ground that may coordinate through a funeral director.

How much does ash scattering cost in Georgia?

Costs vary by provider and service type. Milton Fields charges $500 for an unattended professional scattering or $700 attended by family. Oakland Cemetery's new columbarium offers niche inurnment at various price points — contact their office for current rates. Mail-in services like Farmstead Scattering Garden offer flexible pricing. Call or text (814) 450-5432 for details.

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