Aerial Ash Scattering

At Aerial Ash Scattering, we believe the final act of honoring a loved one should reflect the spirit of their life—not be confined to a traditional urn or cemetery. Releasing ashes into the sky is a powerful, uplifting way to set their memory free—to return them to the air, the earth, and the beauty of nature.

We’ve created a simple, respectful process that guides you from the first conversation to the moment of release, and beyond. Whether you're planning a standard ceremony over Michigan or a custom destination tribute, our team handles every step with professionalism and care.

Step 1: Choose the Right Scattering Ceremony

We currently offer two distinct aerial ash scattering services, each designed to meet different needs and levels of personalization.

Standard Aerial Ash Scattering (Michigan)

Our most popular option, this service takes place over a scenic, remote area in southern Michigan. The location was carefully selected for its natural beauty and privacy. Rolling hills, peaceful lakes, and dense forests create the perfect setting for a symbolic release. It’s quiet, unspoiled, and deeply tranquil—ideal for those seeking a natural and serene farewell.

This option includes:

A professionally conducted aerial ash scattering via skydiver or aircraft
Full coordination and weather monitoring
A Certificate of Scattering with date, GPS location, and name
Optional photos or video of the release

Destination Ash Scattering Ceremony

If your loved one had a special place they always cherished—whether it’s a coastline, desert, family land, or vacation retreat—we may be able to scatter their ashes there. Destination scatterings allow for deeper personalization, but they require more planning, coordination, and regulatory approval.

We accommodate many custom requests within our extended flight range, but each request is subject to:

FAA airspace regulations
Local permitting requirements
Safety and weather considerations

Important: A $500 nonrefundable deposit is required to begin planning a destination ash scattering. This covers initial logistics, permitting, flight planning, and administrative coordination. The deposit is applied toward the final ceremony cost.

Step 2: Pet Ash Scattering Services

The loss of a beloved pet can be just as painful as losing a human family member. At Aerial Ash Scattering, we offer dedicated pet ceremonies that provide the same level of dignity and respect.

Whether you’re saying farewell to a dog, cat, horse, or another animal companion, our process ensures their ashes are set free in a peaceful, beautiful way.

We offer:

Individual pet ceremonies
Joint ceremonies (scattering a pet alongside their owner or other pets)
Optional photos and video
A custom Certificate of Scattering

Many families include a personal note or letter with their pet’s ashes, and we treat these tributes with care and respect.

Step 3: Shipping or Local Drop-Off

Once your ceremony is booked, we’ll guide you through getting the ashes to us safely.

Shipping

We comply with all FAA and USPS regulations. We’ll send you:

Step-by-step instructions on packaging
Approved shipping carriers
Labeling requirements
Scattering container recommendations

We recommend including a brief letter about your loved one or pet. These personal notes are meaningful, and we read every one.

Local Drop-Off

If you live near our Michigan base, you can arrange a drop-off appointment. This allows you to personally deliver the ashes and meet a member of our team in person.

Step 4: Flight Scheduling and Weather Monitoring

Once we receive the ashes, we begin preparing for the scattering flight. This process is thorough and intentional:

We review your location preferences and any custom requests
We monitor weather conditions, wind speeds, and air traffic
Our pilots look for optimal conditions to ensure a visible and respectful release

If weather prevents a safe or meaningful flight, we’ll reschedule it at no extra charge. Our priority is creating a dignified and clear ceremony.

Every ceremony is timed for maximum visibility and symbolic impact—often when the light is soft, the skies are calm, and the horizon is wide open.

Step 5: The Aerial Scattering Ceremony

The day of the release is both emotional and unforgettable.

Your loved one’s ashes are dispersed from an aircraft or during a skydiving freefall, using custom-designed equipment that ensures a gentle and controlled release. The ashes form a delicate plume, drifting slowly through the sky—above treetops, lakes, and open landscapes.

We currently do not allow passengers on board for liability and safety reasons, but families are welcome to observe from the ground. We’ll suggest nearby public viewing areas where you can witness the plane overhead and watch the moment the ashes are released.

For many, this moment is transformative. It brings closure, peace, and a sense of spiritual release—a final tribute that reflects the adventure, freedom, or love of the person or pet being honored.

Step 6: After the Ceremony – Certificate and Keepsakes

Following the ceremony, you’ll receive a Certificate of Scattering, which includes:

The full name of the loved one or pet
The exact date and time of release
GPS coordinates of the scattering location

You may also request:

High-quality photo documentation
Professional video of the release
Custom packages for sharing with friends and family

These keepsakes are optional but often cherished—especially by those who couldn’t be present in person.

Why Families Choose Aerial Ash Scattering

Choosing how to handle ashes is deeply personal. For many, sky-based scattering offers something traditional services can't: a sense of movement, meaning, and release.

People come to us because they want:

A ceremony that feels symbolic, not static
A natural and serene environment, not a sterile one
A chance to let go in a way that honors freedom, beauty, and individuality

Whether your loved one was a thrill-seeker, a quiet nature lover, or someone who simply didn’t fit into a traditional box—this ceremony honors them in a way that matches their spirit.

Planning Ahead? We Offer Pre-Arranged Ceremonies

If you’re pre-planning your own final wishes or helping someone organize theirs, we offer pre-arranged scattering options. This ensures everything is handled according to your vision and makes things easier for family members when the time comes.

Pre-planning includes:

Locked-in pricing
Flexible scheduling
Peace of mind knowing your final tribute will reflect your true self

Contact Us to Begin the Process

We’re here to answer any questions you have, guide you through booking, and help you select the ceremony that’s right for your needs.

Phone: [Your Phone Number]
Email: [Your Email]
Location: Southern Michigan (Travel options available)

A Final Tribute That Sets Them Free

At Aerial Ash Scattering, we don’t offer generic farewells—we offer freedom. We create moments where memory meets the sky, and ashes return to the world in the most symbolic way possible.