Burial Options Beyond Traditional: Exploring Modern Alternatives
From green burial to mausoleum entombment, explore all the modern burial options available to families today.
Planning in the United States2 min read
Burial Options Beyond Traditional: Exploring Modern Alternatives
While traditional ground burial remains common, families today have more choices than ever. This guide explores the full range of burial and memorialization options.
Traditional Ground Burial
The most familiar option: a casket placed in a grave, usually with a vault or liner, in a maintained cemetery.
Cost: $7,000 – $15,000 (funeral home + cemetery)
Pros: Familiar, provides a permanent visiting place
Cons: Most expensive option, uses land and materials
Green/Natural Burial
An eco-friendly approach: no embalming, biodegradable container, no vault.
Cost: $1,000 – $4,000
Pros: Lowest environmental impact, often less expensive
Cons: Fewer cemetery options, no traditional headstone
Mausoleum Entombment
The casket is placed in an above-ground building (mausoleum) instead of underground.
Cost: $3,000 – $30,000 (crypt only)
Pros: Protected from elements, visiting in comfort
Cons: Expensive, limited availability
Cremation Burial
Cremated remains are buried in a smaller plot or placed in a columbarium niche.
Cost: $1,000 – $5,000
Pros: Smaller footprint, lower cost, flexible location
Cons: Some traditions don't approve of cremation
Alkaline Hydrolysis (Water Cremation)
Uses water and alkaline solution instead of fire. Legal in 28+ states and growing.
Cost: $2,000 – $4,000
Pros: 90% less energy than flame cremation, no emissions
Cons: Not yet available everywhere
Human Composting (Natural Organic Reduction)
The body is placed in a vessel and naturally composted into soil over 30–60 days. Now legal in several states.
Cost: $5,000 – $7,000
Pros: Creates usable soil, zero waste
Cons: Only legal in WA, CO, OR, VT, CA, NY, and a few others
Comparison Table
Option
Cost Range
Eco-Friendly?
Visiting Place?
Traditional Burial
$7,000 – $15,000
No
Yes (grave)
Green Burial
$1,000 – $4,000
Yes
Yes (natural marker)
Mausoleum
$3,000 – $30,000
No
Yes (crypt)
Cremation Burial
$1,000 – $5,000
Moderate
Yes (niche/plot)
Water Cremation
$2,000 – $4,000
Yes
Ashes returned
Human Composting
$5,000 – $7,000
Yes
Soil returned
How to Decide
Consider these factors:
Budget — What can you afford?
Religious/cultural traditions — What does your faith allow?
Environmental concerns — How important is eco-friendliness?
Visiting — Do you want a permanent place to visit?
Family preferences — Have you discussed wishes with loved ones?
Local availability — Not all options are available everywhere
Next Steps
Use our directory to find funeral homes and cemeteries that offer the burial type you're considering. Many providers offer multiple options and can help you make the right choice.
After making arrangements, EverSettled can help with the next chapter — estate settlement, probate, and after-loss tasks.