State Guide: Ash Scattering in Georgia

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: Live Oak 🌳
• State Bird: Brown Thrasher 🐦
• State River: Chattahoochee River 🌊
• State Stone: Quartz 💎
• State Song: "Georgia on My Mind" 🎶
• State Motto: "Wisdom, Justice, and Moderation" ⚖️

How prevalent is the practice of scattering cremated ashes or cremains in Georgia?

The practice of scattering ashes has become increasingly popular in Georgia, reflecting a broader national trend toward cremation and personalized memorials. While specific statistics on ash scattering in Georgia are limited, cremation has seen a significant rise.

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 law permits the scattering of ashes on private property (with the owner’s consent), on uninhabited public land, and in waterways, provided the remains are finely processed. Several cemeteries have developed designated scattering gardens to accommodate this growing preference.

Examples of Ash Scattering Gardens in Georgia

In Georgia, several cemeteries and organizations offer scattering gardens—designated areas where families can respectfully scatter the cremated remains of their loved ones. Here are some notable options:

Arlington Memorial Park Scattering Garden

• Location: Sandy Springs, GA
• Description: Sandy Springs is known for its parks and recreational areas, especially along the Chattahoochee River, and the beautiful Arlington Memorial Park fits right in. Located on Mount Vernon Highway, the memorial park covers 122 acres of rolling hills, mature trees and 2 sparkling lakes. It is truly breathtaking. The first burial at Arlington Memorial Park took place in 1922, and we’ve provided exceptional cemetery service to Atlanta-area families ever since. Over the years, we have evolved to meet the changing needs of the community while maintaining our small-town charm and picturesque grounds.
• Website: Arlington Memorial Park

Westview Cemetery Cremation Garden

• Location: Atlanta, GA
• Description: Opening in October of 1884 with nearly six-hundred acres of land, Westview Cemetery was designed to be the premier cemetery in the Southeast. During the past century, more than 108,000 interments have taken place here. Operating as a non-profit organization, Westview remains the largest cemetery in the Southeast today, and one of the largest non-profit cemeteries in the United States.
• Website: Westview Cemetery

Honey Creek Woodlands

• Location: Conyers, GA
• Description: Honey Creek Woodlands is a memorial nature preserve in Conyers, Georgia located among the Monastery of the Holy Spirit's 2,300 acres and adjacent to the 40,000 acre Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area
• Website: Honey Creek Woodlands

Historic Oakland Cemetery Scattering Garden

• Location: Atlanta, GA
• Description: Historic Oakland Cemetery is Atlanta’s oldest public park and the final resting place of many of the city’s most noted citizens. Less than a mile from downtown, its 48 acres are full of treasures – history and gardens, sculpture and architecture, ancient oaks and magnolias.
• Website: Historic Oakland Cemetery

Are there mail-in options for ash scattering services?

Yes! If you are looking for a way to celebrate your loved one, consider a customizable mail-in ash scattering ceremony with Farmstead Scattering Garden. We’ve simplified the process by offering a mail-in service. With Farmstead Scattering, you can mail cremated remains, and upon arrival, we’ll honor your loved one by scattering their ashes on our working farm. With our services, you can choose a specific location and customize the scattering ceremony.

Visit our service page or call or text us at (814) 450-5432 to learn more.