Natural burials are becoming an increasingly popular choice for those who want an environmentally friendly and meaningful final resting place. But if you or a loved one are considering a natural burial, you might wonder whether you can reserve a burial plot for your partner.
The short answer? It depends on the burial ground and its policies. Some natural burial sites allow couples or families to reserve adjacent plots, while others may have restrictions due to conservation efforts.
Let’s explore what you need to know about reserving a natural burial plot for your partner and how to plan ahead for a peaceful and meaningful resting place together.
Are Natural Burial Plots Available for Couples?
Unlike traditional cemeteries, natural burial grounds often focus on conservation and minimal environmental impact. Because of this, availability and reservation policies can vary widely.
Can You Be Buried Together?
- Many natural burial grounds allow couples to purchase adjacent plots so they can rest side by side. For instance, this is something you can discuss with Inspired Meadows.
- Some sites have designated “family areas” where multiple plots can be reserved together.
- Others may not allow reservations in advance to preserve the land’s natural landscape and keep space open for future burials.
How to Find Out
If you want to ensure you and your partner can be buried together, contact the burial ground directly. Ask about their policies on reserving adjacent plots and whether they offer pre-purchase options.
Why Reserving a Plot Early Matters
Since natural burial sites tend to have limited space, planning ahead can help secure a spot for you and your partner.
Ensuring Availability
- Popular natural burial grounds can fill up quickly, especially in conservation-focused sites.
- By reserving a plot early, you avoid the risk of space running out in your preferred location.
Financial Considerations
- Some natural burial sites offer discounts for reserving multiple plots at once.
- Prices for burial plots can increase over time, so purchasing early can lock in lower rates.
Alternative Options for Being Buried Together
If your preferred natural burial site doesn’t allow reservations, there are still ways to ensure you and your partner have a connected final resting place.
Side-by-Side Burial Without Pre-Booking
- Some burial sites don’t allow plot reservations but will try to accommodate requests when the time comes.
- This option carries some risk, as there’s no guarantee that adjacent space will still be available.
Scattering Ashes Together
- If cremation aligns with your beliefs, some natural burial sites allow ashes to be scattered in designated areas.
- Some locations even allow for a combined burial where ashes are placed in biodegradable urns.
Tree or Memorial Planting
- Some natural burial grounds offer memorial tree planting, where couples can have a shared tree as their final resting place.
- This can be a meaningful and symbolic way to remain connected.
Questions to Ask Before Reserving a Natural Burial Plot
If you’re considering reserving a burial plot for your partner, here are some key questions to ask the burial ground:
- Do you allow reservations for adjacent plots?
- Are there family or partner sections available?
- What are the costs and payment options for reserving multiple plots?
- Are there restrictions on memorial markers, plants, or other personalisation options?
- What happens if we don’t reserve plots in advance? Will you try to accommodate our request?
By getting clear answers to these questions, you can make an informed decision about your burial plans.
Questions to Ask Before Agreeing to a Natural Burial
Can My Family Visit?
Many people want to have a natural burial so that they can reserve a beautiful spot for the family. In other words, it’s somewhere you can visit and be remembered. Of course, you have to ensure that the provider allows this and your family can have the freedom to come and go.
What Will the Costs Be?
Of course, you need to make sure that you’re in a financial position to afford a natural burial. Generally, it’s going to be more cost-effective than other options. But, you still have to realise that different sites cost different amounts. So, make sure that you get a quote from the company to see if this price is going to be within your budget.
How Long is the Ownership?
Most companies give you ownership of the plot for a certain number of years. This is something that you must enquire about before purchasing. After all, most people want this area to become special for their family for many years to come. They don’t want the ownership to run out within this time.
Can I Personalise the Plot?
For some people, personalisation is very important. They want to plant a tree or have beautiful flowers that represent their interests and personality. So, you should ask the company if this is part of the deal. Then, you can make sure that you’re getting the natural burial that makes you feel the most satisfied.
Conclusion
Reserving a natural burial plot for your partner is possible in many locations, but policies vary. Some burial grounds allow reservations for side-by-side plots, while others prioritise availability for future generations and limit pre-purchasing.
If being buried together is important to you and your partner, planning ahead is key. Research different burial grounds, ask about their policies, and explore alternative options if necessary.