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Today’s post is sponsored by StreamYard.
Funerals aren’t cheap. In Ohio, the average traditional service costs around $8,000 in 2025, while cremations run about $2,000. With costs climbing, some families may wonder: could you just bury a loved one on your own property?
In Ohio, the answer is yes — at least at the state level. According to the Nolo Legal Encyclopedia and the Ohio Attorney General, there’s no law banning private property burials. Township trustees or local boards can’t prohibit them outright.
That doesn’t mean you can just start digging. Local zoning rules may apply, especially if you’re establishing a family cemetery. Before making plans, check with your county or town clerk.
There are also practical considerations. Experts recommend burying at least 150 feet from water sources and 25 feet from power lines. Mapping the burial site for future reference is also a good idea.
Ohio law doesn’t require embalming, a casket, or even a licensed funeral director for a home burial. But you will need a signed death certificate from a medical certifier within two days.
So yes — backyard burials can be legal in Ohio, but they take planning, paperwork, and respect for local regulations.
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