Louisiana Residents Weigh Cremation Options and Ash Scattering Laws

As families reflect on cremation choices after Easter services, the costs and heartfelt decisions around handling ashes come into focus.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:41pm

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An abstract, impressionistic scene of a cemetery at sunrise, with soft, blurred pools of warm light and color, conveying a sense of contemplation and reverence.As families in Louisiana reflect on cremation choices after Easter services, the personal and practical considerations around handling ashes come into focus.Haughton Today

Following the Easter Sunrise Service at Hill Crest Cemetery in Haughton, Louisiana, families are considering the financial and emotional aspects of cremation, including the costs and options for scattering ashes. While the average funeral in Louisiana can cost over $20,000, cremation is a more affordable alternative at under $6,000 on average. However, this raises questions about what can legally be done with the ashes, as Louisiana has no state laws restricting where families can keep or scatter a loved one's remains.

Why it matters

Cremation is becoming an increasingly popular choice in Louisiana, as it can significantly reduce the financial burden on families during a difficult time. However, the lack of specific state laws around ash scattering means families must carefully consider the personal, logistical, and legal implications of how they choose to memorialize their loved ones.

The details

The article discusses how the author and his wife have already made arrangements to be cremated after organ donation, in order to ease the burden on their family. It also notes that the average funeral in Louisiana costs over $7,000, while cremation is less than $6,000 on average. While this can help alleviate financial stress, it leaves families wondering what to do with the ashes, as Louisiana has no state laws restricting where they can be kept or scattered. The article cites guidance from TheLivingUrn.com, which suggests options like scattering on personal property, in scattering gardens, on public land, in national parks, at sea, or even by air.

  • The Easter Sunrise Service at Hill Crest Cemetery in Haughton, Louisiana took place this past Sunday.

The players

Gary Mccoy

The author of the article, who discussed cremation options with his wife.

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What they’re saying

“Actually, the conversation began with my wife revealing to our family that the two of us had elected to be cremated after any usable organs could be procured from our bodies through the Organ Donor program.”

— Gary Mccoy, Author

What’s next

Families in Louisiana who are considering cremation will need to research the specific options and laws around scattering ashes, as there are no state-level restrictions.

The takeaway

Cremation is becoming a more affordable and practical option for many Louisiana families, but the lack of clear state laws around ash scattering means they must carefully consider the personal, logistical, and legal implications of how they choose to memorialize their loved ones.