Guest Protocols for Cremated Remains Burials
Arrival at the Cemetery
Our staff will be at the Entrance Gate 15 minutes before the burial to assist guests as they arrive. We ask that guests plan to arrive no more than 15 minutes before the service.
If you are working with a Funeral Home, please contact them directly to inquire about a procession being led to the Cemetery.
Mount Auburn staff will instruct guests on where to park and wait until all attendees arrive. Public Restrooms are available next to Story Chapel near the Entrance Gate.
When all guests have arrived, a Mount Auburn Cemetery staff member will escort the group to the gravesite in procession.
At the Grave: Cremated Remains Burials
A small table is set up at the grave to display the urn during the graveside service. The party in possession of the cremated remains will place them on the urn table.
A small green decorative board covers the grave until the actual interment of the remains.
The Cemetery Interment Representative will initiate and carry out the burial according to the Cremation Burial Service Details questionnaire submitted in advance of the service.
Additional Guidelines for Cremated Remains Burials
To ensure proper chain of custody, Mount Auburn follows strict protocols with cremated remains burials:
- If the family (or funeral director) has the cremated remains, the family (or funeral director) will transport the remains to the grave.
- If Mount Auburn has the cremated remains, the staff will carry the remains to the grave.
- If Mount Auburn has the cremated remains and the family wants to transport the remains to the grave, please contact the office in advance. The Cemetery can accommodate these requests following additional set protocols.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we scatter cremated remains at Mount Auburn Cemetery?
No, we do not permit the scattering of cremated remains on Cemetery grounds. If you are interested in burying cremated remains, please review our available burial spaces options.
Do you allow pets to be buried at Mount Auburn Cemetery?
No, we do not permit the burial of any pet on Cemetery grounds.
Who signs the interment order?
The interment order requires 2 signatures.
- The first signature required is the Legal Custodian of the decedent which most commonly is a spouse. If there is no living spouse, then a parent or adult child will perform the role as legal custodian.
- The second signature required is the Authorizing Owner for the grave or lot where the interment is taking place. The Authorizing Owner is the original owner of the grave or a direct heir of the original owner if the original owner is no longer living.
Can the same person sign as legal custodian and authorizing owner?
Yes, in some cases the legal custodian is the authorizing owner. Please contact our office if you have any questions.
Do I need to involve a Funeral Home?
For casket and natural burials, a Funeral Director is required. For cremated remains burials, the presence of a Funeral Director is voluntary.
When can I schedule a burial?
Burials can be scheduled Monday-Saturday except on Cemetery-observed holidays when we do not schedule services.
Can I schedule a burial for cremated remains in advance of the cremation?
No, we recommend waiting until the cremation has taken place to schedule the burial.
Do you offer livestreaming for guests who cannot attend?
We offer livestreaming for chapel services; however, livestreaming is not available on cemetery grounds due to unreliable internet connectivity. As an alternative, we can video record your service and provide a polished recording within 48 hours of its completion. Please contact our Family Services office for additional information.
Do you schedule an officiant?
No, the Cemetery does not have any onsite officiant or clergy to perform a graveside ceremony. You are welcome to bring an officiant in of your choosing.
Can we play music during the graveside ceremony?
Yes, live or recorded music is permitted to be played at the graveside. Any audio equipment set up at the grave must be approved in advance by cemetery staff. We do offer a microphone and speaker option with Bluetooth capabilities for an additional fee.
Who do I contact with additional questions?
Please contact our office by emailing familyservices@mountauburn.org if you have additional questions regarding burial services at Mount Auburn Cemetery.
Quick Links:
Burial Space
Learn more about our current offerings for casket, cremation, and natural burial space.
Host An Event
Our Family Services Event Coordinators can help you plan a memorial gathering.
Cremation Services
Mount Auburn’s on-site Crematory offers additional end-of-life services for those choosing cremation.