Natural Burial California

The basic elements of ensuring a burial is classed as natural or green are to remove all negative environmental impacts.  This means not having the body embalmed, using only a biodegradable burial container, no use of concrete burial vaults, and protecting the natural landscape.  In some natural burial sites, it also means forgoing a typical grave marker and actively conserving the natural habitat.

List of Natural Cemeteries in California:

San Francisco Bay Area Fernwood Cemetery & Funeral HomeGBC certified natural burial & 32-acre wildlife habitat.(415) 843-4220

Napa Tulocay Cemetery & Funeral Home Cayetano Natural Burial Ground is a 2-acre section specially designed as a green burial site and is GBC certified (707) 252-4727

San Mateo County Purissima Cemetery - Newly established green section added

San Diego Fallbrook Masonic Cemetery - A new GBC Hybrid green section. (760) 980-0013

Joshua TreeJoshua Tree Memorial Park, Near Joshua Tree National Park. A GBC certified section is set aside for green burials.

Lincoln Nr. Sacramento Morgan Oaks Eternal Preserve GBC certified 160-acre wildlife preserve featuring 2 hillside gardens. (916) 625-3800

Sacramento Sunset Lawn Cemetery - A conventional cemetery that can accommodate a green burial.

Santa Monica Woodlawn Cemetery Eternal Meadow is a naturalistic wild flower meadow garden protecting native wildflowers & grasses of California (310) 458-8717

Los Angeles Hillside Memorial Park Gan Eden is set aside for traditional Jewish burial. A tradition that has always been the embodiment of green burial.

San Luis Obispo San Luis Cemetery Hybrid cemetery offering a designated area for green burials. (805) 543-7053

Natural Burial Regulations in California

Natural burial is fully legal throughout California, and families in the Los Angeles, Orange County, and Ventura County areas have several certified options within driving distance. Understanding the regulations, the approved cemeteries, and the actual cost breakdown can make the decision easier.

Is Natural Burial Legal in California?

Yes. California Health and Safety Code Section 7000 and following establish the state's rules for disposition of human remains, and none of these provisions require embalming, a casket, or a burial vault. Embalming is only mandated in specific situations, such as when remains will be transported across state lines by common carrier or held for an extended period before final disposition. For a standard natural burial completed within a reasonable time, families can legally choose a simple shroud or a biodegradable container without embalming, provided the chosen cemetery allows it.

Southern California Cemeteries Offering Natural Burial

A growing number of Southern California cemeteries have added dedicated natural or green burial sections. Options include:

• Woodlawn Cemetery, Santa Monica – Eternal Meadow, a naturalistic wildflower meadow set aside for green burial, (310) 458-8717

• Hillside Memorial Park, Los Angeles – Gan Eden section, rooted in traditional Jewish burial practices that align closely with green burial principles

• Fallbrook Masonic Cemetery, San Diego – A Green Burial Council Hybrid-certified section, (760) 980-0013

• Joshua Tree Memorial Park, Joshua Tree – A Green Burial Council certified section near Joshua Tree National Park

Farrington Mortuary can help coordinate arrangements with any of these locations or others in the Southern California area.

What Is Permitted in a Natural Burial?

A true natural burial removes anything that would interfere with the body's natural return to the earth. This typically means:

• Shroud or biodegradable casket – Untreated wood, wicker, cardboard, or a simple cloth shroud instead of a metal or hardwood casket

• No embalming – The body is cared for using refrigeration or other non-chemical methods until burial

• No burial vault – The body and container are placed directly into the earth without a concrete or metal liner

• Natural landscaping – Many natural burial grounds use a flat stone, plaque, or GPS marker instead of a traditional headstone to preserve the natural setting

Natural Burial Cost Breakdown

Farrington Mortuary's natural burial package starts at $2,640. That price generally includes:

• Basic services of the funeral director and staff

• Transportation of remains to the place of burial

• A biodegradable casket or burial shroud

• Coordination with the chosen natural burial cemetery

Cemetery plot fees, opening and closing costs, and any optional services are set by the individual cemetery and are separate from Farrington Mortuary's package price. Call (800) 674-3659 for a full, itemized quote based on the cemetery you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions About Natural Burial

Is natural burial legal in California?

Yes. California law does not require embalming, a casket, or a burial vault for most burials. As long as the chosen cemetery permits it, families can choose a shroud or biodegradable container without embalming.

How much does natural burial cost in California?

Farrington Mortuary's natural burial package starts at $2,640, which covers basic services, transportation, and a biodegradable casket or shroud. Cemetery plot and opening and closing fees are billed separately by the cemetery.

Which Southern California cemeteries offer natural burial?

Options include Woodlawn Cemetery in Santa Monica, Hillside Memorial Park in Los Angeles, Fallbrook Masonic Cemetery in San Diego, and Joshua Tree Memorial Park near Joshua Tree National Park.

What is the difference between natural burial and green burial?

The terms are often used interchangeably. Both avoid embalming, non-biodegradable caskets, and burial vaults. Some use "green burial" specifically for burials in a Green Burial Council certified cemetery, while "natural burial" can describe the same practice more broadly, including on private land where permitted.