Understanding Burial Options: A Plain-Language Guide to Choices Families Face

Memorial Mortuaries & Cemeteries Staff • October 21, 2026

When a family begins thinking about final arrangements—whether for a loved one who has just passed or as part of thoughtful advance planning—one of the first questions that often arises is simply: What are our choices? The range of burial options can feel unfamiliar, and it can be hard to know where to start. This guide is meant to walk you through the most common options in plain language, with no pressure and no expectation that you have already decided anything.

Ground Burial

Ground burial is the option most people picture first. A loved one is placed in a casket—or, in some traditions, a shroud—and interred in a designated plot within a cemetery. The grave site then becomes a lasting place where family and friends can come to remember, place flowers, or simply sit quietly.

Within ground burial, families often encounter a few related decisions:

  • Burial plots: A specific section of earth reserved for one or more individuals. Many families choose to purchase adjoining plots so that loved ones can rest near one another over time.
  • Grave markers and monuments: Headstones, flat markers, and upright monuments each carry their own character. Cemeteries typically have guidelines about what is permitted in each section, so it is worth asking about those details early.
  • Outer burial containers: Many cemeteries require a vault or grave liner that surrounds the casket. A knowledgeable cemetery staff member can explain what is customary in any given section.

Mausoleum Entombment

A mausoleum is an above-ground structure that holds one or more individuals in compartments called crypts. Some families are drawn to mausoleums because they offer a sheltered, climate-controlled environment for visiting, regardless of the weather. Others find meaning in the architectural permanence of a mausoleum, or in the option to be placed alongside family members in a shared space.

Mausoleums come in several forms:

  • Community or public mausoleums: Large structures located within a cemetery that offer crypts to many families. These are often the most accessible option and may include chapels or interior garden spaces.
  • Private family mausoleums: Smaller structures built for a single family. These require more planning and coordination and are typically arranged well in advance.
  • Garden mausoleums: Open-air or semi-open structures that blend the feel of outdoor memorial gardens with the shelter of above-ground entombment.

Cremation and Cremation Interment

Cremation has become an increasingly common choice for many families. It is worth knowing that choosing cremation does not mean forgoing a meaningful, permanent place of remembrance. Families who choose cremation still have a range of interment options available to them.

  • In-ground cremation burial: Cremated remains, often placed in an urn, can be interred in a cremation garden, a dedicated cremation section of a cemetery, or even within a traditional burial plot. This creates a permanent location to visit and remember.
  • Columbarium niches: A columbarium is a wall or freestanding structure with small compartments—called niches—designed to hold urns. Many cemeteries offer columbarium niches as an alternative to ground burial for cremated remains. Families may choose a single niche or a companion niche that accommodates two urns.
  • Scattering gardens: Some cemeteries maintain designated areas where families may scatter cremated remains in a natural setting. These spaces offer a place to return to without the need for an individual marker.

Green Burial

Green burial—sometimes called natural burial—is an option that has grown in availability and in interest as more families seek arrangements that feel connected to the natural world. In a green burial, the body is prepared and interred without embalming chemicals and without a traditional metal casket or concrete vault. Instead, biodegradable materials such as a simple wooden casket, a wicker basket, or a natural shroud are used, allowing the body to return to the earth as naturally as possible. Many green burial grounds are designed to look and feel like native meadow or woodland landscapes, with minimal disturbance to the land.

For families drawn to environmental stewardship, or to traditions that emphasize simplicity and a return to nature, green burial can feel like a deeply meaningful fit. Memorial Mortuaries & Cemeteries is proud to be the only cemetery provider in Utah to offer dedicated green burial gardens. Those gardens are located at our Lakeview Cemetery in Bountiful, Utah and our Holladay Cemetery in Holladay, Utah—two distinct spaces where families can find a peaceful, natural setting for a green burial. Our funeral directors welcome questions from families who are curious about whether this path might be right for them.

Terramation and the Scattering of Natural Organic Remains

Terramation—also known as natural organic reduction—is a newer option that some families are beginning to ask about. In this process, the body is gently transformed into nutrient-rich soil over a period of weeks through a carefully managed natural process. The resulting material is sometimes called soil or earth , and families receive it much as they might receive cremated remains after cremation.

Families who choose terramation may decide to use the resulting soil in a home garden, donate it to a land conservation project, or scatter it in a meaningful natural setting. Some cemeteries also offer designated scattering areas where terramated remains can be placed, providing a specific location to return to for remembrance. Because terramation is a relatively new option, availability varies and the process may not be offered everywhere. If this is something your family is curious about, speaking with one of Memorial's knowledgeable funeral professionals is a good place to begin exploring whether and how it can be arranged.

Thinking About What Matters Most

There is no single right answer when it comes to burial choices. Families are shaped by their faith traditions, cultural backgrounds, personal values, and practical circumstances—and all of those factors matter. Some families place great importance on a place their descendants can visit for generations. Others are drawn to simplicity, or to an option that feels closer to the natural world. Many families find that the process of talking through these options together brings a kind of clarity and even comfort.

You do not need to have everything figured out before you ask a question. A conversation is a perfectly reasonable place to begin.

Working with a provider that offers both funeral home and cemetery services can make these conversations easier, because the same team can speak to the full range of choices without handoffs or gaps. At Memorial Mortuaries & Cemeteries, our staff have accompanied families through all of these decisions for more than sixty years. We understand that this is not a transaction—it is one of the most personal decisions a family will make—and we approach every conversation with that in mind.

If you are in the early stages of thinking about these options, or if you are helping a loved one think through their wishes, we encourage you to take your time and ask whatever questions come to mind. There is no obligation in a conversation, and there is no question too basic to deserve a thoughtful answer.

Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.

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The Hidden Losses of Grief: Understanding Secondary Losses

March 27, 2025
More Than One Loss Grief is often thought of as the pain we feel after losing a loved one. But grief isn’t just about the person who died —it’s also about everything that went with them. The routines you shared, the roles you played, the future you imagined, and even the relationships that shift in the aftermath. These are known as secondary losses, and they can be just as difficult as the primary loss itself. Secondary losses are often not antcipated. You might expect to grieve your loved one, but you may not anticipate the deep loneliness that comes from losing the small daily interactions you had with them. You might feel the pain of losing not just a spouse, parent, or friend, but also the identity that came with being their partner, caregiver, or confidant. These hidden losses can make grief feel even heavier, and understanding them can help you navigate this challenging time. What Are Secondary Losses? Grief touches every part of life, which means secondary losses can take many forms. Some of the most common include: · Loss of roles: If you were a caregiver, a partner, or a child who looked to a parent for guidance, that role is now different—or gone entirely. Adjusting to life without that identity can feel disorienting and painful. · Loss of routines: Grief often disrupts the everyday patterns of life. The morning coffee you always shared, the Sunday phone calls, the daily check-ins—small but meaningful aspect of our lives. · Loss of relationships: Some friendships and family connections change after a loss. People may not know how to support you, or they may distance themselves. Others may expect you to grieve on their timeline, making it harder to maintain those relationships. · Loss of security: This could be financial, especially if the person who died contributed to household income. It could also be emotional—the feeling that you had a safe and predictable life before this loss. · Loss of future plans: Every loss changes the future. Dreams you shared, trips you planned, milestones you expected to celebrate together—these losses can hit unexpectedly, sometimes long after the initial grief has subsided. The Emotional Impact of Secondary Losses Secondary losses can feel like waves that keep coming, even when you think you’ve found solid ground. Because they are not always acknowledged by others, they can feel isolating. But just like the primary loss, they deserve space and recognition. Navigating Secondary Losses: Practical Advice · Name and validate the losses. It may help to make a list of the secondary losses you’re experiencing. Acknowledging them can bring clarity and help you acknowledge the many losses you have. · Create new routines and roles. While the old ones may never be replaced, finding small ways to establish new patterns can bring a sense of stability. This could be as simple as a new morning ritual or a different way of honoring your loved one’s memory. · Seek out supportive relationships. Some connections may change, but new ones can also emerge. Finding people who understand grief—whether through support groups, therapy, or trusted friends—can help ease the loneliness. · Give yourself permission to grieve these losses. Just because they aren’t always talked about doesn’t mean they aren’t real. Allow yourself to mourn what has changed, just as you mourn the person you lost. · Consider professional support. If secondary losses feel overwhelming or make it difficult to function, a grief counselor can help you process them and find ways to cope. Grief Is Layered, But Healing Is Possible Grief is never just about one loss. It’s about all the pieces of life that shift and change in the wake of that loss. If you find yourself grieving things beyond the person who died, know that you are not alone. Be patient with yourself as you navigate these changes, and remember that support is available when you need it.

Creating a Grief Support Network

July 17, 2024
Written by Memorial Mortuary & Cemeteries in-house Grief Counselor, Amanda Nelsen As a grief therapist, I have found that people who have, or are able to create, a support network for themselves after a death of a loved one seem to have better outcomes in their grief overall. It can be key to helping yourself through the dark days. Below are some ideas to help you start or grow your own network. 1. Grief is isolating and connection is healing. Often we isolate ourselves when we are experiencing a lot of pain from grief. Many people will find a natural support network among their friends and family. Allow yourself to open up to those closest to you, even if it feels uncomfortable and not natural at first. 2. Groups and professionals. In addition to connecting with those you know and love, it can also be helpful to connect with a support group of others who are also navigating their grief. Support groups can provide a sense of community and understanding that you may not have with those already in your life. In addition, a professional, like a therapist or social worker, may also provide a safe space for you to explore your emotions and navigate the challenges of grief. 3. Acknowledge and express your emotions. There are a LOT of emotions that come with grief. Anger, sadness, shame, guilt, joy, relief, irritation, numbness, and so much more. Allow yourself to express and process all those emotions – and when you are ready, share them with those around you. It’s hard for others to support you if they don’t know what you are going through. 4. Express your needs clearly. Communication is key when you are building your support network. Your loved ones can’t help you if they don’t know what you want from them. Of course, this can be complicated when we aren’t even sure what we need or want, but even letting others know that YOU don’t know can be helpful. 5. Have flexibility and patience - with yourself and others. As you’ve probably discovered, grieving is very individual and everyone grieves at their own pace. People in your network will all be grieving differently. Holding space for compassion and understanding for them (and yourself) will be essential. 6. Share memories and create new traditions together. You might want to ask your support system to help you create a scrapbook, or organize a memorial event, or find other rituals that hold meaning to you. Having shared experiences strengthens your connection with others who also might be grieving. 7. Find ways to GIVE support. Many times when we are grieving we find it hard to think about others, because we are so full of pain ourselves or are just focused on surviving the next day. But when we find some space to help others, we usually find some healing. It might not seem like much, but dropping off a meal or a sending a text can really uplift someone else. 8. Setting boundaries within your support system. While support and connection are vital to grief, setting healthy boundaries is also important. You might want to keep certain memorial rituals to yourself, or carve out alone time. You may need specific types of support (and not want others). And this all might change over time. Check in with yourself regularly to figure out what boundaries are healthy for you, and then communicate them clearly to those around you. 9. Acknowledge and celebrate resilience and growth. Grief is about loss, but it can also be about resilience and growth. Find ways to celebrate the small moments with your support network. Share stories of strength and survival. Make healing a collaborative process – we can find solace in the journey of remembering our loved ones. If you feel like you could use extra support with your grief, please reach out to Amanda Nelsen Amanda.Nelsen@MemorialUtah.com.

Are You Prepared?

June 12, 2024
Life takes us on many adventures. None more mysterious than when we leave this world. There is sadness, for sure. And there is probably a feeling of not having accomplished enough. Some cultures believe we fly away on gossamer wings. Others that we never really leave but remain to protect or pester our loved ones. Some believe we simply become part of the earth. Many of us believe there is something waiting for us, along with a few duties and the ability to watch over those we left behind. These beliefs can sometimes intensify feelings of responsibility to our families before we go. There are the logistics that nag us: how is the funeral paid for? Who will speak? Who can I politely ask not to speak? Where will I be laid to rest? And do we really need to have bagpipes? Once these are taken care of, we can focus on the relationships we value the most. Time is the one commodity we can never seem to get enough of. Being prepared frees up our minds and hearts to make use of the time we have. There is only so much time. And whether we fly away on wings when we die or get to sit unnoticed at a grandchild’s recital, knowing your loved ones don’t have to stress out over your funeral or find a way to pay for it is the best gift you can give them, and yourself. If you’ve already pre-planned your funeral and cemetery needs, then you know exactly this feeling of peace of mind. If you haven’t pre-planned yet, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at. We are here to help guide you and ensure that all of your needs are taken care.