Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Natural burial is legal in Illinois. State law permits burial without embalming, without a traditional casket, and without a concrete vault. Illinois Natural Burials operates in full compliance with all applicable state regulations.

No. Embalming is not required by law in Illinois. It is a practice — not a mandate. With natural burial, the body is kept refrigerated until the time of burial, which is a dignified and effective alternative. If a family requests embalming for personal reasons, we can discuss options compatible with green burial certification standards.

Yes. A viewing can be held before natural burial. Refrigeration keeps the body in good condition for a reasonable period, and many families choose to have a visitation — either at a funeral home or another appropriate location — before the burial. The experience looks and feels much like a conventional visitation.

Yes — and there are no restrictions on what that looks like. Families can hold a visitation, a church service, a Catholic Mass, a graveside gathering, or any other ceremony that reflects their beliefs and traditions. Natural burial doesn't change what happens before or after the burial. It only changes what happens at the grave. We can help you coordinate whatever services your family wants.

There is no fixed deadline; natural burial typically takes place within a few days to a week of death. Refrigeration is effective for this window. If more time is needed, we'll work with you to accommodate your family's circumstances.

It depends on the distance and the circumstances. For deaths that occur within a reasonable driving distance, transportation is generally straightforward and we handle it routinely. For greater distances, there are additional considerations — and in some cases, limitations — that we'd want to discuss with you directly. If you're in this situation, reach out and we'll give you an honest assessment of what's possible.

Yes, though the type of marker depends on the cemetery. Most natural burial cemeteries permit natural stone, a planted tree or shrub, or GPS coordinates recorded permanently in the cemetery's records. We'll help you understand what's allowed at your chosen cemetery.

Yes. All of our cemetery partners welcome family visits. Natural burial sections tend to feel different from conventional cemetery grounds — less manicured, more like a natural landscape — but every site is different, and we're happy to describe what a visit to your chosen cemetery looks like before you make any decisions. 

We encourage families to visit our partner cemeteries in person before making a selection. Seeing a site firsthand makes a difference, and most families find it helpful.

In most cases, yes — particularly for families who are preplanning. Available plots vary by cemetery and section and families are encouraged to make an appointment with the cemetery to discuss their options and make their selection.

Natural burial is compatible with religious and cultural traditions. Many faith traditions align closely with natural burial principles. We'll work with your clergy, community, or family to make sure the burial reflects your beliefs and traditions. In fact, one of our partner cemeteries is St Michael the Archangel Catholic Cemetery in Palatine.

Many people preplan years or even decades ahead. There is no minimum — you can begin the conversation today regardless of age or health. Preplanning gives you time to make decisions thoughtfully, choose a cemetery you've visited in person, and spare your family from uncertainty later.

Generally, yes. Without embalming, an elaborate casket, or a burial vault, the core costs are lower. The total will vary depending on the cemetery, services, and merchandise you choose — but for many families, natural burial is meaningfully more affordable than a conventional funeral. We're transparent about pricing and happy to walk you through what to expect.

Yes. Prepayment locks in today's prices and ensures your wishes are documented and funded. Funds are held in state-regulated trusts or insurance policies until the time of need, fully protected. Prepayment is optional — you can also preplan without prepaying.

The Green Burial Council is the leading independent organization that sets standards for natural burial in North America. Certification requires meeting specific criteria for environmental practice, transparency, and family education — and certified providers are reviewed on an ongoing basis. For families choosing natural burial, GBC certification is one of the clearest ways to know a provider is doing this work with integrity. Illinois Natural Burial is a certified GBC provider.

Our primary service area is northern Illinois, Chicagoland, and southeast Wisconsin. If you're unsure whether we can serve your location, just ask.

Illinois Natural Burials is a dedicated natural burial service operating through Hamsher Funerals and Cremations, a fully licensed funeral service provider. When you work with INB, you have the full support of Mat Olejniczak and Andrew Ringa, licensed funeral professionals with decades of experience.