As cremation continues to grow in popularity across Utah and the rest of the U.S., many families wonder: Can cremation ashes be buried and memorialized with a headstone, just like a traditional burial? The short answer is yes—with a few important legal and practical considerations.

This guide explains Utah state laws, local cemetery rules, and headstone options so your loved one’s final resting place is both meaningful and compliant. Whether you're planning ahead or making arrangements during a difficult time, this article offers clarity and peace of mind.

Utah Law: What’s Allowed with Cremated Remains?

Utah has relatively flexible laws when it comes to cremated remains. According to Nolo’s Utah Funeral Law Guide, once a body has been cremated, the ashes are considered sterile and non-hazardous. This means:

• You can keep the ashes at home.

• You can scatter ashes on private property (with permission), or in designated scattering areas on public lands.

• You can bury cremated remains in a cemetery plot—either in a dedicated urn garden, a shared family plot, or even in a full-sized grave.

Unlike full-body burials, cremains do not require embalming, a casket, or traditional burial protocols. However, when burying ashes in a cemetery, you must still follow cemetery-specific rules—and this is where most of the regulation comes into play.

Cemetery Rules: Where and How Can You Bury Cremains in Utah?

While Utah law allows the burial of cremated remains, the cemetery itself determines the specifics—including where you can bury ashes and what kind of headstone is permitted.

Here are a few common rules you'll find in Utah cemeteries:

1. Urn Vaults or Outer Containers Are Often Required

Cremated remains must typically be placed in a durable urn, and that urn must often be buried inside a protective vault or liner. This prevents soil collapse and preserves the integrity of the burial plot.

2. Size Limits for Headstones May Apply

For cremation-only plots or shared plots, cemeteries often place restrictions on marker sizes. For example, Murray City Cemetery in northern Utah specifies that cremation markers in shared lots must be no wider than 26 inches to accommodate multiple interments on one plot (Murray Headstone Regulations).

3. Number of Ashes Per Plot

Cemeteries may allow multiple sets of ashes in a single grave—commonly two or more—especially when a spouse wants to be laid to rest with their partner.

4. Headstone Approval Process

Most cemeteries require pre-approval for headstones. This includes verifying the material, size, design, and placement.

If you're considering a headstone to accompany cremated remains, working with a local expert like Richfield Monuments ensures compliance with local cemetery rules while still creating a beautiful, lasting tribute.

Permits, Documentation & Transportation Requirements

While cremation brings fewer legal hurdles than traditional burials, there are still a few important requirements to keep in mind:

✅ Burial or Transit Permit

Before ashes can be buried or moved, Utah law requires a burial-transit permit, usually obtained by the funeral director. If the ashes are being transferred to a different location—say from Salt Lake to Richfield—this paperwork helps ensure everything is documented correctly.

✅ Death Certificate

A certified copy of the death certificate must be filed with the Utah Office of Vital Records within 5 days after the death and before final disposition.

✅ Cemetery Coordination

Coordinate with the cemetery in advance to determine what fees, opening/closing services, or plot approvals are required. Some cemeteries require scheduled staff to be present for any interment, including urns.

These steps are manageable and often handled by your funeral director—but it’s important to understand that cremation does not mean you can bypass burial rules entirely.

Headstone Options for Cremation Burials

Just like traditional graves, cremation plots can be memorialized with a headstone, plaque, or upright monument. The key difference lies in size and placement.

✦ Flat Markers

Popular for urn gardens and shared plots. Made of granite or bronze, these sit flush with the ground and can include names, dates, and artwork.

✦ Upright Monuments

If burying cremains in a full plot (or combining urn and casket), a traditional upright monument can be installed. These are commonly used for family plots or spouse memorials.

✦ Cremation Benches

A bench-style memorial can house the urn inside and also serve as a seating area for visitors. These are ideal for larger family plots.

Richfield Monuments offers all three—and our design team ensures each monument is not only beautiful but fully compliant with Utah cemeteries' requirements.

How Richfield Monuments Can Help

At Richfield Monuments, we understand the weight of these decisions.

We specialize in custom granite markers for both full burials and cremation interments throughout Central Utah. Our process is personal and supportive—from choosing a stone to final cemetery delivery and placement.

We’ll help you:

• Select the right monument for your loved one’s cremation burial.

• Navigate local cemetery rules on sizes, placement, and vault requirements.

• Design custom artwork or inscriptions to make the marker truly unique.

You don’t have to do this alone. We’re here to ensure every step—from legal compliance to design—goes smoothly and with the dignity your family deserves.

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Bury Ashes with a Headstone in Utah

Utah families absolutely have the right to bury cremated remains with a headstone, as long as they follow the relevant cemetery’s policies and obtain the proper permits.

With a trusted local partner like Richfield Monuments, you’ll gain both the guidance and the craftsmanship needed to create a lasting tribute.

Whether you’re pre-planning or remembering a loved one, we invite you to contact us and start the conversation.

📌 Helpful Resources

• Burial and Cremation Laws in Utah – Nolo.com

• Murray City Headstone Regulations

• Utah Funeral Guide – US-Funerals.com