Burial Options at Carolina Memorial Sanctuary
We offer many options for those who have chosen our beautiful Sanctuary as their final resting place. Click any of the links below to quickly get to that section:
- Interment Options – burial and habitat options including options for pets
- Biodegradable Burial Containers – approved burial container options for the Sanctuary
- Grave Markers – natural markers suitable for Carolina Memorial Sanctuary
Interment Options
At Carolina Memorial Sanctuary, we offer the following interment options in either the Southeastern Meadow, the Woodlands, or Creekside:
- Natural Burial
- Burial of Cremated Remains
- Scattering of Ashes
See Cost of Green Burial for prices and more details.
See Sanctuary Habitats to learn more about different habitats for burial.
Learn more about Cremated Remains: Options for Green Burial & Scattering
Pet Options
If you purchase a spot for yourself, you may also purchase a spot for pets to be buried beside you. We also allow pet’s cremated remains to be buried with humans. If you only want to purchase a spot for your pet, we welcome them in the Pet Memorial Garden. Burial options for pets include:
- Natural Burial
- Burial of Cremated Remains
- Scattering of Ashes
Our Pet Burial blog provides more information about services for pets.
Biodegradable Burial Containers
Certification as a Conservation Burial Ground by the Green Burial Council means that we must adhere to strict burial guidelines. Choosing a biodegradable burial container is a very personal choice and even for natural burial, there are a number of options. We have an entire blog series dedicated to biodegradable burial containers, which includes additional options, a full description of products, and price comparisons. Part 1 – What, Why, & Shrouds, Part 2 – Coffins & Caskets, Part 3 – Strange & Unusual.
The following are containers approved for Carolina Memorial Sanctuary:
Coffins & Caskets
Coffins and caskets must be biodegradable, free of toxic materials (ex: varnish), free of metal (with the exclusion of nails and screws) and made from renewable and sustainable resources. Local options for coffins and caskets:
*Note: You are not limited to local options. Please visit our blog on Coffins and Caskets for a full list of suppliers.
Cardboard Coffin
Perfect for decorating, the cardboard coffin made from Mourning Dove Studio is the only cardboard coffin we allow in our cemetery.
Retail cost: $300
Where to Purchase: Guests of Carolina Memorial Sanctuary can purchase these directly from us.
Wood & Woven Coffins/Caskets
Caskets and coffins can be purchased in advance or from a funeral home at the time of death. If purchasing through a funeral home, please ensure that the container is green burial approved (you can have the funeral home contact us). Options for casket and coffins:
- Woven Casket from Moss & Thistle Natural Casket Company
- Pine Casket from Green Man Casket Co. or Aldergrove Woodworks
- Self-made pine coffin/casket – Must follow CMS Coffin and Casket Guidelines (below):
Retail cost / Where to Purchase: Click on links above for more info
* The above suppliers can make custom coffins for children or pets.
Burial Shroud
A burial shroud is a piece of fabric that is custom designed to wrap the body. Options for shrouds:
Local Options
- Linen Shroud from Shrouded House (made in Asheville – learn more about their story here)
- 100% Cotton Muslin Shroud from Kinkaraco (made in LA but we carry them at the Sanctuary)
Retail cost: $300 for Shrouded House and Kinkaraco shrouds
Where to Purchase: Guests of Carolina Memorial Sanctuary can purchase these directly from us.
Other Options
- Handsewn shroud you make yourself
- A quilt, blanket, or sheet (perhaps having sentimental value)
We require that shrouds used in Carolina Memorial Sanctuary be made of fabric that is biodegradable; certain synthetic materials can take up to 200 years to breakdown.
For additional options and to learn more, read the blog Biodegradable Burial Containers for Green Burial: The What & Why.
No Container/Au Natural
Is it possible to be buried without a container or au natural? The answer is ‘yes.’ You might want to consider the comfort level of your loved ones and how they may feel placing earth directly on your body during burial. Think through the type of service you want and who will likely attend and talk through your wishes with those who will be involved. That being said, if this option feels important to you, we can find a way to honor your wishes.
Planning, Purchasing & Storage
Figuring out ‘what to do’ at the time of death is very stressful – help your loved ones by being prepared. Be sure to document your choice for the disposition of your body and convey this information to all parties responsible for carrying out your wishes. We encourage purchasing, or at least choosing your burial container in advance; this leaves one less thing for your loved ones to be responsible for when fulfilling your burial wishes.
You may purchase products from the supplier directly or you may contact us for help in coordinating the purchase of a container. If you decide to purchase in advance, you will be responsible for storage.
Grave Markers
We use native stone as grave markers, which is included with a purchase of burial at Carolina Memorial Sanctuary. We keep a collection of native stones on site for our guests, which are the only stones that we allow. A stone marker is not required as we track all of our grave sites using GPS. If you would like a grave marker, here are the steps for choosing and engraving a stone:
Step 1: Make An Appointment – Contact us to to schedule a time to come select a stone.
Step 2: Select Your Stone Marker – We will show you the options available to you based on the type of burial you have selected. Once you have selected the stone you like, you will take it to get engraved.
Step 3: Get Your Stone Marker Engraved – You can take your stone to any engraver you wish. You are responsible for dropping off and picking up your marker.
Step 4: Place the Stone Marker – Once your stone has been engraved, you will need to make an appointment to place the marker. Placement may be done with one of our staff, either privately or as a ceremony.
Local Option: Local engraver options change frequently. Please call us for current info (828-782-7283).
If you have purchased a spot for yourself, we recommend picking out your headstone and having it engraved in advance. Of course, without the date of death! If you would prefer to postpone engraving for your marker, you may choose a stone in advance and place it at your purchased gravesite.
