We’ve opened a new branch of The Natural Funeral in Loveland! Our address is 1440 N Boise St, Loveland CO 80538 and our phone number there is (970) 837-7224
The Natural Funeral is a holistic funeral home and cremation service provider in Colorado. We have a long and proud history of providing our client families with caring, compassionate service during their most difficult times. We serve families at their time of need with unique and personal celebrations of their loved ones. We also help people plan ahead, so their wishes are honored after they die. We offer ecological and conventional cremation and burial services in Colorado Springs, Lafayette, Boulder, Denver, Loveland, Ft Collins and Longmont, CO.
Need Questions or Need Immediate Assistance? Call Us Today: (720) 515-2344
We specialize in water cremation, (see the short video above) and green burial. We also offer conventional flame cremation.
We are Colorado's first independent, holistic funeral home. Watch this short video for a virtual tour of The Natural Funeral's Boulder county center in Lafayette.
Serving the Boulder Denver metro area and beyond, our friendly, holistic funeral staff co-creates funeral plans with you, in accordance with The Natural Funeral's code of ethics and values.
Reverent Body Care® is how we care for and honor your loved one at death. We gently wash and anoint the body with essential oils. We invite family to participate to the degree that they want. This ceremony can be profound and healing.
NEWS
The Natural Funeral now has two new ecological forms of body disposition after death, in addition to green burial. We offer Body Composting (technically known as Natural Reduction) as well as Water Cremation (also known as alkaline hydrolysis). These new ecological services are available to all our clients in the Boulder-Denver metro area, Colorado Springs and beyond.
Body Composting or Natural Reduction
Body Composting or Natural Reduction became legal in Colorado in 2021. The Natural Funeral was the first funeral home in Colorado to offer this service with its own Colorado-built Chrysalis composting vessel. The Body Composting process takes months rather than years. It transforms your last remains into beneficial soil.See our Body Composting page for more information.
Water Cremation
Water cremation uses water and alkaline compounds to create a sterile, nutrient-rich liquid that serves as a super fertilizer. You can receive a small, token amount of this bio-nutrient back or donate it. Water Cremation really does allow you to “become a tree” because this most precious of fertilizers supports plant growth. See our Water Cremation page for more information.
The Natural Funeral’s first water cremation client in Boulder county told us, “I just want to be compost.” That was before she knew anything about alkaline hydrolysis. Clearly green burial is an efficient and simple way to return our remains to the earth (and we offer that too). But some of us are no longer wedded to the idea of having a burial plot that future generations will visit. We also may not want to take up space.
Make an appointment to find out about green burial, water cremation, flame cremation or Reverent Body Care™. We are here for you whether you want to plan and pre-pay or need our services now.
What to do after a death depends on the circumstances. Was it an expected or a sudden, unexpected death? We'll always explore all natural death care options with you and honor your family's needs, wishes and beliefs.
Best New Business of Boulder County & East Boulder County
Accreditations & Honors
Drop by for Tea
Thanks to all who voted for us. We appreciate the validation of our work.
The Natural Funeral won as the Best New Business in the Boulder Weekly Survey 2019.
Check out our calendar for all events at our Lafayette, Boulder County center. Call us to schedule an appointment for a tour and chat.
The Natural Funeral won as the Best New Business and Best Independent Business in the Boulder Weekly East County Survey 2019.
We are an independent, Colorado funeral home serving the Boulder-Denver metro area, Colorado Springs and beyond. The Natural Funeral is dedicated to providing exquisite, holistic, personalized care. Watch this short video for a virtual tour of The Natural Funeral, Lafayette. We offer green burial, water cremation and flame cremation Body Composting (Natural Reduction) and Reverent Body Care®.
My wife had told me that she wanted to be buried in a simple casket in the earth, without embalming. The Natural Funeral gave us a choice of pine or wicker caskets, and when my daughters and I saw the wicker casket we knew it was exactly what their mother would have chosen. After they washed and dressed my wife's body in clothes we provided, we were able to spend 45 minutes covering her in flower petals and placing special objects in her hands and on her body in our own ritual before they transported her body to the cemetery. At the cemetery we carried out our own brief ceremony with assistance from The Natural Funeral staff. They helped make this a loving, tender, and beautiful experience that we greatly appreciated.
Alan Davis May 6, 2020
My and my family's experience at The Natural Funeral could not have been better. The staff were all extremely compassionate and the variety of services that they offer made an unspeakably difficult occasion manageable. My son's body will be allowed to decompose in a natural and environmentally friendly manner and will be returned to the earth in a way that feels right to me and his surviving family.
Paul Poisson November 15, 2021
I could not asked for better care for my beloved David and all of us, his family, in our tender and heartbreaking time of loss.Seth and Vicky were unsurpassed in their professionalism with a very human and compassionate support of him and all of us.
It is unimaginable that any other place could have provided the high quality of after death care than that of The Natural Funeral-such an excellent and competent team of good people,forever in my grateful heart.
I cannot recommend them highly enough.We are so fortunate to have them in our community.
Louise Tenenbaum June 29, 2021
I came to know about the Natural Funeral in my connection with Willow Farms Contemplative Center in Hygiene when my husband, Bill died on October first, last year. He did not want a funeral but I needed closure and I was put in touch with Seth Vidal who guided me through the process of creating a private ritual in which my sister and I were accompanied by the staff at The Natural Funeral. Bill's body was in their beautiful wood and light filled room. There were candles, water, flowers from my garden and Bill's photo on an altar. We spoke our love to Bill, remembered special times, then washed his body and I read the first poem I wrote for Bill thirty two years before. My sister and I were joined and supported by everyone there. We sang, prayed and as I released Bill's spirit I felt the heaviness lift from my heart. It was such a gift to have exactly the kind of closure that I needed. A goodby must be personal and
they made it so for me.
Sally Fulton February 25, 2020
Karen and Dan at The Natural Funeral Home were so supportive to me after my mother passed. They were able to come over the same day and we did an essential oils water cleansing ritual which brought so much peace.
They were everything you would want or need at a time when your fragile.; Calm, peaceful, understanding, compassionate and articulatein discussing sensitive matters.
They made this process easier. I highly recommend them.
ashleigh sinclaire December 30, 2019
First, I would like to thank THE NATURAL FUNERAL for giving us the opportunity to celebrate and honored my daughter's life and BELIEFS.
WHICH WAS "GIVE EARTH WHAT EARTH GIVES US - GOING BACK WHERE WE COME FROM AND LIVE FOR EVER BECAUSE WE ARE ENERGY AND ENERGY CAN NOT BE DESTROYED".
I want to thank Dan the director of THE NATURAL FUNERAL for guiding me throughout the whole proces; Being disoriented, confused and not know what to do he help me throughout the whole painful process as my daughter's demise was unexpected. With so much empathy and compassion he explained and suggested options of dates and times of the service and even gave me his personal number in case if I had questions I could reach out to him personally ( I felt like if he was sent by my daughter to guided me throughout this whole painful process) When my son's and I came to the NATURAL FUNERAL they welcomed us , sat with us, gave us tea and let us shared the the life of my daughter and afterwards we had a moment of silence then they explained to us the process of the service.
Jane and Seth were extremely , Empathetic, Caring and Compassionate - explained the process and options of the vigil. My family is small, only me and my two sons but we never felt alone they made us feel like family. On the day on the service they helped us to set up everything the way we wanted ( I have never met such Beautiful, Caring, Compassionate and understanding people)
I would like share what was done for daughter's funeral.
During this intimate service we were able to wash SANDY my daughter'S body and anointed her with a blend of oils such as lavender and frankincense. Additionally, we were able to set up the chapel in a way that honored her BELIEFS, burning incense and holding a vigil with a plethora of candles, dressing her body in beautiful colorful silks, and spreading flower petals across her body and placing them tenderly in her hair. We got to truly thank her physical body for housing the light and love that My daughter was as a person.
I CAN NOT Thank enough the whole staff from THE NATURAL FUNERAL for all their Compassion and Empathy . FOR EVER GRATEFUL.
Natasha, Anthony and Danny
Natasha Cuellar January 6, 2022
Even though it was a very difficult time in our lives, we are so grateful for the team at the Natural Funeral. They made sure we were comfortable with every step which started few years prior to my father's passing. Every step was explained to the simplest, every wish was granted, we were treated with respect, they were sensitive to our culture and questioned what was needed to follow with the traditions of the family.
The chapel is beautiful and quaint. Nicole did an opening which felt like a family member who had known my dad and our family for years. Reception was beautiful, perfect and warm! The staff genuinely cares and enjoy their rule which shines through their service.
Thank you for all you do to care for the families at their most vulnerable time of loss.
Haleh Nekoorad Long April 15, 2022
When my mom died, we hadn't been able to meet with any funeral homes yet, and she had just moved to the area so I wasn't sure where to start. I knew she wanted to be cremated as naturally as possible, so I found The Natural Funeral Home. Even though we hadn't spoken with them yet, I called them when she died and they came immediately, at night, to help me perform a beautiful service for my mom. They were very caring and helpful and I wouldn't have made it through that night without them. Everyone I worked with from the night of her death, through planning the cremation and picking the urn, to making a very personalized free obituary for her on their site, was compassionate, patient and understanding with me. I highly recommend them to anyone going through a death of a loved one.
Peter Schwartz March 1, 2020
At a terribly sad and difficult time, finding Natural Funeral truly was an answer to our prayers. Our son had spent the better part of his adult life working on behalf of organic approaches to agriculture. As he was coming to the end of his battle with brain cancer it was his wish to be able to return his body to the earth in a way that would be ecological. The option for water cremation was the answer to his wish.
Seth, Karen, and Gretchen were supportive in so many ways. They respected our beliefs, our wishes, and our feelings through the planning and in helping us carry out that plan when our son died. We feel blessed to have found them as we have traversed this tragic time in our lives.
Donna Garnett November 14, 2021
The services provided by The Water Crematory were exceptional. Every aspect from initial consultations to body collection were professional, caring and respectful. I would highly recommend their services for the loss of a loved one.
Robert Kerr May 4, 2021
I really love having Natural Funeral in my hometown of Lafayette! This wonderful place is opening up the communities perspectives about death, dying and grief. My experience here has been one of open hearted community. Everyone is very welcoming and supportive.
Rebecca Abraxas July 17, 2019
Many people recommended the Natural Funeral to me and I’m so glad they did. It was the right choice for our family. The people, the services, the entire experience was beautiful and meaningful. I highly recommend the Natural Funeral to anyone.
Leslie Padilla December 8, 2021
The Natural Funeral provided support and a framework with a delicate balance which allowed family and friends to shape the funeral service around our family's vision. This allowed family to create a healing and loving funeral which perfectly fit their father and themselves.
Marcie Cole December 5, 2018
This company was amazing to work with. Made us feel very comfortable and really compassionate. They just really go the extra mile to honor what you want and just sending little things meant so much.
Debbie S December 4, 2018
No one ever looks forward to this process of having to deal with your loved one’s passing. My father was elderly and was living with us. I was worried he might pass when we were on vacation and signed paperwork with The Natural Funeral. Fortunately, his condition improved, and he lived several more months. However, when the time came, the Natural Funeral took care of everything. And because I signed the work ahead of time, the process was incredibly easy, which was really nice because I was pretty overwhelmed with my dad’s death.
Everyone there is incredibly sensitive and caring, and I was not “upsold” anything (we had a very different experience at a different funeral home where my mother ended up being in a very expensive coffin for cremation). In addition, the Natural Funeral even brought my dad’s remains and certificates to my house. I feel they went way above and beyond what I would have expected. Lastly, they even helped me with my mother’s cremated remains even though she hadn’t been cremated there (they transferred her to a different urn on my request- partially because the original urn was about 20 pounds). Again, wonderful, caring, kind people to deal with… I would absolutely recommend the Natural Funeral.
Margaret Buttery November 10, 2022
Ben Martin was the perfect person to lead the celebration of the life of my mother and my father's wife of 50+ years. Ben's warmth and caring shone through in every aspect of my mother's celebration of her life here on earth. Ben spent time with both my father and I, on multiple occasions, to learn about my mom and understand the woman, mother, and wife that she was and how best to speak to those traits. Neither my father and I are, nor could be, as eloquent as Ben was on the day of the celebration. We both had multiple people tell us how they felt Ben knew my Dad's wife, my mom, and her as a person which is a testament to how well Ben listened to our stories and thoughts and told the story of her life, and through us, speaking from his heart. Ben also was able to use his extensive experience as a Celebrant to offer his thoughts on different wording or ideas on how best to tell her story and present an image that captured my mother far better than we would have been able to do.
We highly recommend Ben Martin. He was the perfect person to prepare us for and to see our family through that day.
cdfrank397 June 11, 2022
A compassionate, meaningful experience that fit my loved one's values perfectly. The team at the Natural Funeral provided a warm, gentle space for us to discuss and decide about what what would be appropriate to honor our loved one's life, and help us find some measure of peace with his sudden passing. Because it was unexpected, none of us had been able to say good-bye. It was so important for us to be able to be with him in a way that felt special and natural, without artifice altogether. They cared for us and for his body all the way through the burial and have checked in on us since. I would recommend the Natural Funeral to anyone without hesitation.
Angelique Espinoza September 23, 2021
I feel deeply grateful for the reverence, sensitivity, and warmth that Karen van Vuuren, Vicki Viddal, and Seth Viddal of The Natural Funeral brought to the passing of my beloved friend, Mary. Mary had the foresight to reach out to The Natural Funeral before her death, and Karen and Seth thoughtfully assisted her in planning the three-day in-home vigil and natural burial that she desired. Knowing that her requests would be honored brought Mary great peace of mind. When the time came, Karen and Vicki prepared Mary for her vigil with beautiful care. Their availability throughout those three days was both comforting and professional, and the same is true on the day of Mary’s burial, when they transported her to the cemetery and laid her to rest. They anticipated any questions or concerns I might have had, gently consulting with and guiding me when the need arose. Madi Larson eased the tasks following Mary’s death, taking care of death certificates and the placement of Mary’s obituary with kindness and efficiency. Too often in our culture this most significant transition is treated impersonally and without close regard for the dying and their loved ones. Those at The Natural Funeral honor the earth, the individual, and all friends and family members with the grace they bring to their work. Their presence was a gift to Mary and to me.
Ginny Threefoot October 13, 2020
I would give this organization 6 stars if I could! During the most difficult time in my life, The Natural Funeral Home stepped into my home/life and created a space for love, connection & honor- not only for my husband, who had passed, but for my family. They gently guided us through a remarkable process- reverent body care & anointment- this ceremony allowed up to honor our loved one in such a deep and meaningful way. Their support did not stop there. They continued to provide ongoing support in so many areas..... They are a truly wonderful group of human beings making what was one of our most darkest moments a little lighter. Thank you Karen, Iris, Madi and the rest of The Natural Funeral Home team! We will forever be connected.
Gina Finney February 10, 2021
My father recently passed away and had requested that we use The Natural Funeral for his cremation. We were extremely grateful for the kindness and the efficiency of Jane and Gretchen in taking care of some of the many details that have to be handled after a loved one passes. Highly recommended.
Karl Birkeland February 19, 2022
Karen and Seth were incredibly compassionate and understanding of our needs during a very difficult time for our family. This experience was completely different from others at more traditional funeral homes, in the very best of ways. We felt our loved one was well cared for and treated with great respect. We felt so fortunate to have found The Natural Funeral, and I would (and have) recommend it highly. Thank you for making a very difficult situation a lovely experience.
Madeline Wilson December 7, 2019
The Natural Funeral provided me and my family a wonderful experience after my husband passed away last fall. From the first time I walked in their doors and met their staff, I felt welcome. Seth was amazing to work with through the services we chose for my late husband.
My husband was diagnosed with cancer for the second time last year and his wishes were to be composted in the event of his death. He passed away in November, just a short 2 months after human natural reduction (AKA composting) was legalized in the state of Colorado. The Natural Funeral was fabulous at explaining the natural reduction process to me and my family and made us feel extremely comfortable with the process. We chose to start the process with a laying-in ceremony that was beautiful and took place at a beautiful location.
The caretaker who looked after my late husband for several months was amazingly wonderful and took great pride in his job. The facility where my late husband spent several months was located near me and my family, so we were offered to come sit on a bench in front of the facility whenever we wanted to spend time with my late husband. We took the caretaker up on his offer and I spent many of my lunch breaks at the facility. I know that my late husband was in good hands at the Natural Funeral. The soil that we received at the end of my late husband's natural reduction was rich soil that has been shared with many friends and family and has been used to plant trees, flowers, etc. all over the country now!
Lastly, the Natural Funeral officiant, Ben Martin, that provided services at my late husband's Celebration of Life did an absolutely amazing job. He took the time to get to know my late husband through interviews with me and members of the family and that came across in his memorial service. His service was beautiful and I cannot thank Ben enough for the wonderful words he had to say.
Everything about my experience with the Natural Funeral was very natural/organic. I highly recommend the Natural Funeral for all of your natural funeral needs!
Carrie Zais Davis August 15, 2022
We had a wonderful experience with Madi and The Natural Funeral. Very knowledgeable on all options and some I’d never heard of.
Highly skilled, helpful, relieved all anxieties and ensured a beautiful event.
We endorse and encourage you to work with this company without hesitation!!❤️
Holly K October 23, 2020
Karen and Dan helped our family with arrangements when Kathleen my husband's sister passed away. Karen and Dan came to house the day before Kathleen died and helped our family craft a plan for Kathleen's service which we reviewed with Kathleen and she approved. This gave us peace knowing she was in favor of our approach. I think it also gave. her peace of mind knowing we were all unified. Kathleen passed that night. Karen and Dan's guidance that day helped us handle it calmly. Instead of whisking her away, we held a vigil at her bedside until all family members were able to arrive. This was a sacred and bonding time for all of us. Had we not had the support and guidance of the Natural Funeral we would not have known that we could wait that long, dress her ourselves and just be with her that day. i am so grateful for this compassionate support that empowered us in a time when we were all so tender.
Patty Beach June 30, 2020
It still feels like divine intervention that we ended up here in Colorado all the way from St. Louis, MO. There was no plan when my wife and mother to our little girls passed away at the age of 39. I knew she wanted to be cremated. Once I sat with that, I knew immediately that there was no way I was letting some stranger take her away and put her in a furnace all by herself as a part of some modern day assembly line cremation process. So much about that felt incredibly wrong.
Lindsay had a very special relationship with everything on this planet. Particularly with all things natural here on Earth, and the moon and stars above. I told some of my closest family and friends shortly after she passed that we needed to figure out how to do this outside. That was the only way to properly honor this beautiful being. We realized very quickly that unfortunately this country doesn't support outdoor cremation for the most part. The only state that does allow for it is Colorado.
Within 48 hours of her passing I had connected with the wonderful team at The Natural Funeral. Not only did I want to do an outdoor pyre ceremony, but I also wanted it done on her 40th birthday which gave us barely a week to coordinate everything logistically. They were available around the clock 24 hours a day as we began putting all the pieces together. I don't know if I've ever felt more cared for and supported around such a tender process and experience. In my opinion The Natural Funeral should be the only funeral service provider on this planet. They understand this importance of this rite of passage like no other and truly are only interested in supporting you and your loved one with what ever it is that you need. There is no mold they need you to conform too.
We did a full day ceremony from sunrise to sunset with an intimate gathering of family and friends as Lindsay transitioned back to all the sacred elements and returned to the stars. This experience along with watching the birth of our daughters is the most beautiful thing I have witnessed during this lifetime. So much beautiful healing was able to occur over the course of the day during this ceremony. I'm now a full advocate for this process and working towards making this more accessible to other families throughout the country. Our deepest thanks to The Natural Funeral for supporting such a sacred day. Much love and respect to all of your beautiful souls.
Jesse K April 16, 2022
I can't say enough about the wonderful experience and care we had during our time of loss with the Natural Funeral Home. Within hours after our loved one had passed they came to our home. With the guidance of the care takers we assisted in the reverent body anointing ceremony. It was a beautiful hands on honoring of the sacred body/vessel/temple left behind with warm essential oils, prayers and song.
We also choose to have a 2 day 3 hour vigil in the funeral sanctuary that was small, intimate and lovely. There was more singing, prayers, rituals and lots of flowers. It was a beautiful area that they helped us set up as creatively and uniquely as we wished. Visitors could come at their convivence and stay as long as they wanted.
The staff or the Care Team : Karen, Madi, Seth and Dan were so compassionate, professional and valuable in all aspects. They had all the information that is necessary after a loved one passes. It made my responsibilities so very less complicated and easier.
We choose cremation and they assisted us with our traveling by calling airlines and packaging the cremains in special container for flights. They also had the traveling certification papers and death certificates readied.
I would recommend their services for any family during their time of loss. They're excellence is in creating an intimate unhurried closing experience for remaining loved ones. We will forever be grateful for their love and compassion. TI
Terri Irving December 11, 2020
Karen and her colleagues were compassionate, caring and extremely helpful and responsive with our needs around our dear friend's passing, cremation and Celebration of Life. I heartily recommend The Natural Funeral to anyone who is needing help with funeral, cremation and end of life services for their loved ones.
DH9 Colorado December 4, 2018
Seth and Karen's care of our friend upon her passing, and their care of us - those of us who were present at the time of her passing - was exquisite. We experienced the whole team as thoughtful, kind, skillful, and supportive. The Natural Funeral is a local gem and a national leader, suitable for anyone who wanted to, wished to, or did live from their heart during their life.
Katannya Walkker December 12, 2020
Kind, caring, compassionate, accommodating, generous and as knowledgeable as you could want -- the whole team got our family through mighty tough times. We did a natural burial and reverent body care for mom. So much healing and comfort taking care of your family in what felt like your very own home (I wish everyone had the opportunity to experience this in today's world). Everyone at the Natural Funeral went above and beyond -- staying very late, helping us find a green burial cemetery, anticipating many needs. IN all, they provided much needed stability when we needed it most. I simply could not be more grateful.
Stuart Pixley February 1, 2020
Resoundingly the best choice for our family, very professional caring staff in a welcoming environment unlike any company we've met. Iris was very kind, made multiple helpful suggestions and went out of her way to make the process smoother as we navigated a sudden passing.
Everyone we met was straightforward and very informative, no surprises. Uplifting experience at a very difficult time, highly reommended.