Natural Burial & Green Funeral Services in Southern California
A natural burial returns the body to the earth as simply as possible: no embalming, a biodegradable casket or shroud, and no concrete vault. Farrington Mortuary & Cremation arranges natural burials for families across Los Angeles, Orange County and Ventura County, with packages starting at $2,640.
What Is a Natural Burial?
A natural burial, also called a green burial or green funeral, removes the parts of a conventional burial that harm the environment. The body is not embalmed, it is placed in a container that breaks down naturally, and it goes directly into the earth without a concrete or metal vault. Some natural burial grounds also skip a standard headstone and protect the surrounding landscape as native habitat.
Families choose a natural burial for many reasons: a wish to stay close to nature, religious tradition, simplicity, or cost. Whatever the reason, the goal is the same: a respectful farewell that leaves the land as it was found.
Natural Burial Options We Offer
Shroud Burial
The body is wrapped in a simple cloth shroud and laid directly in the grave. A shroud is the most traditional form of natural burial and is accepted at green burial sections that allow it.
Pine or Biodegradable Casket
For families who prefer a casket, we offer untreated wood, wicker or cardboard options that break down naturally. The photo on this page shows a natural burial with a 100% pine casket at Woodlawn Cemetery in Santa Monica.
Family-Led Vigil and Home Wake
Many families want to spend time with their loved one before the burial. We can help you plan a home wake or a family-led vigil, and a natural burial does not prevent a gathering beforehand.
Other Green Options
If ground burial is not the right fit, we also offer human composting, terramation, water cremation (alkaline hydrolysis) and full body burial at sea.
Natural Burial Cemeteries in Southern California
A growing number of Southern California cemeteries have dedicated natural or green burial sections. Farrington Mortuary can coordinate arrangements with any of the locations below, or others in the region.
Woodlawn Cemetery, Santa Monica (Eternal Meadow): a naturalistic wildflower meadow protecting native California wildflowers and grasses. (310) 458-8717
Hillside Memorial Park, Los Angeles (Gan Eden): set aside for traditional Jewish burial, a tradition closely aligned with green burial
Fallbrook Masonic Cemetery, San Diego County: a Green Burial Council Hybrid certified section. (760) 980-0013
Joshua Tree Memorial Park, Joshua Tree: a Green Burial Council certified section near Joshua Tree National Park
Other California Natural Burial Cemeteries
Fernwood Cemetery & Funeral Home, San Francisco Bay Area: GBC certified natural burial and a 32-acre wildlife habitat, (415) 843-4220
Tulocay Cemetery, Napa: Cayetano Natural Burial Ground, a 2-acre GBC certified green burial site, (707) 252-4727
Purissima Cemetery, San Mateo County: newly established green section
Morgan Oaks Eternal Preserve, Lincoln near Sacramento: GBC certified 160-acre wildlife preserve, (916) 625-3800
Sunset Lawn Cemetery, Sacramento: a conventional cemetery that can accommodate a green burial
San Luis Cemetery, San Luis Obispo: hybrid cemetery with a designated green burial area, (805) 543-7053
Natural Burial with 100% Pine Casket at Woodlawn Cemetery in Santa Monica, CA
Natural Burial Cost: Packages from $2,640
Farrington Mortuary's natural burial package starts at $2,640. Cemetery charges are set by each cemetery and billed separately.
Included in the $2,640 package:
Basic services of the funeral director and staff
Transportation of your loved one to the place of burial
A biodegradable casket or burial shroud
Coordination with the natural burial cemetery you choose
Billed separately by the cemetery:
Burial plot
Opening and closing of the grave
Marker or plaque, if the cemetery allows one
Any optional cemetery services
Call (800) 674-3659 for a full, itemized quote based on the cemetery you choose, or see our funeral packages and pricing.
Natural Burial vs Traditional Burial
Embalming: natural burial uses no embalming, only refrigeration. In a traditional burial embalming is often chosen, but California law does not require it.
Container: a shroud, untreated wood, wicker or cardboard, instead of a metal or hardwood casket.
Burial vault: none; the body goes directly into the earth, instead of a concrete or metal vault or liner.
Grave marker: a flat stone, plaque or GPS marker, instead of an upright headstone.
Cost: packages from $2,640 plus cemetery fees. A traditional burial usually costs more because of the casket, vault and embalming.
How a Natural Burial Works, Step by Step
Call us, day or night. Our funeral directors are available 24/7 at (800) 674-3659.
Choose the cemetery. We explain the natural burial options in your area and what each cemetery allows.
Care without embalming. Your loved one is cared for under refrigeration until the burial.
Paperwork. Our licensed funeral director files the death certificate and the burial permit.
Choose the shroud or casket, and plan any vigil, home wake or graveside gathering.
The burial. We transport your loved one to the cemetery and coordinate the burial with the cemetery staff.
Families who want to plan ahead can also pre-arrange a natural burial.
California Natural Burial Laws
Natural burial is fully legal throughout California. California Health and Safety Code Section 7000 and following establish the state's rules for disposition of human remains, and none of these provisions require embalming, a casket or a burial vault. Embalming is only mandated in specific situations, such as when remains will be transported across state lines by common carrier or held for an extended period before final disposition. For a standard natural burial completed within a reasonable time, families can legally choose a simple shroud or a biodegradable container without embalming, provided the chosen cemetery allows it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is natural burial legal in California?
Yes. California law does not require embalming, a casket or a burial vault for most burials. As long as the chosen cemetery permits it, families can choose a shroud or biodegradable container without embalming.
How much does a natural burial cost in Southern California?
Farrington Mortuary's natural burial package starts at $2,640, which covers basic services, transportation and a biodegradable casket or shroud. Cemetery plot and opening and closing fees are billed separately by the cemetery.
Is embalming required for a natural burial?
No. A natural burial does not use embalming. Your loved one is cared for under refrigeration until the burial.
Can we hold a viewing or gathering before a natural burial?
Yes. Many families hold a vigil, home wake or short gathering before the burial. Call us and we will explain what is possible for your family's timeline.
Which Southern California cemeteries offer natural burial?
Options include Woodlawn Cemetery in Santa Monica, Hillside Memorial Park in Los Angeles, Fallbrook Masonic Cemetery in San Diego County and Joshua Tree Memorial Park near Joshua Tree National Park.
What is the difference between natural burial and green burial?
The terms are often used interchangeably. Both avoid embalming, non-biodegradable caskets and burial vaults. Some use "green burial" specifically for burials in a Green Burial Council certified cemetery, while "natural burial" can describe the same practice more broadly, including on private land where permitted.
Can I pre-arrange a natural burial?
Yes. You can record your wishes and plan a natural burial in advance through our pre-arrangement service.
Farrington Mortuary & Cremation is a licensed funeral establishment, FD License 2365. To arrange a natural burial anywhere in Los Angeles, Orange County or Ventura County, call (800) 674-3659. We are available 24/7.