14 Unusual Ways to Scatter Ashes

Choosing where to scatter a loved one's ashes is a deeply personal decision, and it does not have to follow convention. If you are looking for something that reflects who they were, here are fourteen of the more unusual ways families choose to say goodbye, grouped by air, water and land.

Quick answer: Beyond a simple garden or sea scattering, families scatter ashes by firework, plane, drone, hot air balloon, biodegradable balloon, and even into space or to the moon. On the water, options include sea burial by boat, beaches, and memorial coral reefs. On land, sports grounds and memorial gardens are popular. Always check permission for the location and consider keeping a small portion back in a keepsake urn before you scatter.

By air

Fireworks

Sending a loved one out with a bang has become a genuinely popular choice, with several companies offering celebration-of-life firework displays. A small amount of ashes is loaded into individual rockets, so you can send some skyward and keep the rest. Self-fire options come with a certificate of authenticity so you know only your loved one's ashes are inside.

By plane

Sometimes called an aerial burial, scattering from a plane usually includes a certificate and the GPS coordinates of the release. You can often accompany the pilot, or follow in a second aircraft. Choose a reputable operator, as low-pressure currents can draw ashes back toward the plane if it is not done properly.

By drone

If a plane feels too impersonal, a remote-controlled drone brings the ceremony closer to home. You can do it yourself with a capable drone, or use a specialist service, and a second drone can film the moment.

Skydiving

Still a niche choice, but a powerful one. A trained skydiver can release ashes mid-jump, and some specialist operators will arrange it on a family's behalf if you ask.

Biodegradable balloons

A small amount of ash is placed in each biodegradable balloon, which rises and bursts high in the sky. It makes a gentle group ceremony, with each family member releasing their own. Avoid attaching string or other materials that could harm wildlife.

Hot air balloon

Several companies, particularly in the South West of England, will take you up at dawn or dusk to scatter ashes over panoramic views. A quiet, beautiful send-off with the whole landscape below.

Into space

For someone who looked up at the stars, a portion of ashes can be launched into the stratosphere, with the ascent and release filmed as a keepsake. The ashes eventually re-enter the atmosphere and return to earth.

To the moon

A small ash capsule can be carried to the moon aboard a memorial spacecraft on a lunar lander. Wherever you are, you can then look up and know they are there.

On the water

Sea burial by boat

A classic for good reason. Ashes can be cast directly from a boat, or placed in a water-soluble urn that floats briefly and then disperses as it dissolves. Our biodegradable water urns are made for exactly this.

Jet ski

There is no formal service for this yet, but families have done it themselves, taking a loved one out across the water for a final ride. As ever, check local rules for the spot you choose.

Beaches

Scattering on a beach is usually allowed, out of sight of others and away from water systems. Some families dig a small hollow, or build a sandcastle to rest the ashes in, and let the incoming tide carry them out to sea.

Memorial coral reef

Ashes can be set into a cast concrete memorial reef, which is lowered to the sea bed to become an artificial reef and a habitat for marine life, expected to last hundreds of years. Many providers give you the GPS location so you can dive to visit.

At a meaningful place

A sports ground or memorial garden

For a lifelong supporter, many clubs have a garden of remembrance where ashes can be scattered, and a few still allow scattering pitchside. Always contact the club first to arrange permission and a time. Where scattering is not allowed, clubs often offer memorial bricks, plaques or walls instead.

Memorial bullets

Not for everyone, but fitting for a keen shooter or hunter. A small amount of ashes can be loaded into cartridges, from a single round to an organized day for family and friends, with some providers offering personalised shells.

Keep a little back

Whichever you choose, many families keep a small portion of ashes before scattering, in a keepsake urn or a piece of ashes jewellery, so they always have something close. For the practical side of scattering cleanly, see our guide on how to scatter ashes, and for every option in one place, our hub on what to do with ashes after cremation.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need permission to scatter ashes?

On your own land, no. For public land, sports grounds, beaches and private estates you should ask the landowner or managing body first. In the UK, stay at least 1 km from any drinking-water source. For scattering by air or at sea, use a licensed operator who handles the permissions.

Can I scatter ashes at sea myself?

Yes. In the UK no formal permit is needed to scatter at sea, though you should keep clear of marinas and water intakes. A biodegradable water urn makes the release cleaner and more dignified than casting loose ashes.

Can ashes really be sent into space or to the moon?

Yes. Specialist companies launch a small portion of ashes into the stratosphere or carry an ash capsule to the moon aboard a memorial spacecraft. Only a small amount is used, so you can keep the rest.

Should I keep some ashes before scattering?

Many families do, and many who scatter everything later wish they had kept a little. A keepsake urn or ashes jewellery lets you hold on to a small portion for a future memorial.