Scattering Ceremonies at Waterside
A beautiful new option for those who have chosen cremation
Whether you are planning ahead for cremation, making arrangements for a recent death, or already have a loved one’s ashes, a ceremony to scatter ashes in nature is a beautiful way to return to the elements. Lakewood now offers this experience, featuring a terrace for ceremonies and a pier for scattering. This welcoming, serene spot provides a place where loved ones can return, ensuring each life will be permanently remembered and recorded.
Scattering Ceremonies at the Waterside Pier
The new Waterside Pier, located on the south shore of our private lake, offers a beautiful setting for a scattering ceremony. Gather with loved ones for a personalized experience that can include family participation, quiet reflection and scattering ashes in the water.
Waterside will be reserved for your private ceremony. Our scattering package includes the use of the terrace, pier and the space beside our Waterside Memorial Monument. Our service coordinator is on hand for the entire ceremony. Twelve chairs will be set up under a protective tent along with a display table. The terrace can comfortably accommodate groups of up to 25 people, while the pier holds 10-12 people. The Waterside Scattering Ceremony package is priced at $1,495 on weekdays and $1,995 on Saturdays.
Curious about a scattering ceremony?
Start a conversation with a Family Service Advisor by filling out the form below or calling 612-822-2171
Recording a life at the Waterside Memorial Monument
If you choose, you or your loved one can be permanently memorialized on the nearby Waterside Memorial Monument—a striking sculpture made of Superior Snow granite. This elegant outdoor option beautifully complements Lakewood’s Waterside Scattering Ceremony. Each granite plaque is engraved with a single name and the dates of life, creating a permanent record and presence. The cost for a plaque starts at $3,495.
Waterside: A place where future generations will want to return
Waterside overlooks our private lake, one of the most popular and beloved areas at Lakewood. The area surrounding the lake has some of the most beautiful nature characteristics in the cemetery. It is also the site of our annual Lantern Lighting celebration. Visitors to Waterside can enjoy peaceful views and wildlife as they rest on a bench, wander the trails or linger on the pier—enjoying both scenery and precious memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can families personalize their Waterside Ceremony experience?
Families can personalize a ceremony with music, flowers and other special touches. A Service Coordinator can offer suggestions to help you plan a meaningful experience. For families who want a greater level of support in creating and leading the ceremony, we offer the services of a certified funeral celebrant (for an additional cost). A funeral celebrant works with families to create and officiate a ceremony that feels deeply personal.
Do you hold community remembrance events near the pier?
Yes, each year we hold our annual Lantern Lighting Celebration by the lake. This treasured tradition is an evening for all to gather with family, friends and the community to honor and remember those we love and miss. Everyone is invited to decorate a floating lantern in memory of a loved one. At dusk we float the lanterns out on the lake and read aloud the names of those we honor and remember.
Is the pier open to the public, or is it only for ceremonies?
While ceremonies take precedence at the Waterside Pier, anyone is welcome to enjoy the pier and the beauty of the lake when no ceremonies are in progress. A Lakewood staff member must be present at all scattering ceremonies.
What is included in the cost of the Waterside Ceremony?
The cost for a Waterside Ceremony is $1,495 on weekdays and $1,995 on Saturdays. This includes the use (rental) of the Terrace and Pier, the presence and guidance of a Family Services team member, and ceremony set up (tent, chairs, tables, floral stands, wireless speaker, etc.). Your loved one’s name will also be formally recorded in our records and on our website for future generations.
Can the site accommodate visitors with mobility needs?
Yes, we designed the area to maximize accessibility within the limitations of the space. The Waterside Terrace, which overlooks the Pier and lake, is level with the road and easy to access. Chairs can be set on the terrace for guests. The pier is not accessible for wheelchairs but is visible from the terrace.