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BCA's Cremation Burial Services
If you would like to learn more about cremation options and other services offered at Bellefontaine Cemetery, please complete the form above to receive our free brochure.
Hotchkiss Chapel Columbarium
Designed by Eames and Young and completed in 1909, Hotchkiss Chapel was named in honor of the designer and first superintendent of Bellefontaine Cemetery, Almerin Hotchkiss. A complete renovation of the historic Chapel was completed in 2009. A columbarium for cremated remains was added and includes 600 wooden and glass-front niches. The Chapel is available for memorial services before or after an inurnment.
Lakeside Columbarium in Wildwood Valley
Responding to the public’s increasing preference for cremation, Bellefontaine established its second cremation offering: Lakeside Columbarium. The Columbarium, set between Cascade and Cypress Lakes in Wildwood Valley, has a fountain, flowing pools, and an arbor with benches for contemplation. Niches are on the outside walls, overlooking the lakes, stream, and surrounding landscape. Prices for niches at Lakeside vary for a single right of inurnment or for two individuals.
Garden Cremation in Wildwood Valley
Our garden wall will provide a unique memorialization option for those opting for cremation burial among the gardens in Wildwood Valley. Cremation burial spaces in Wildwood Valley Gardens are based on a single right of inurnment or for two together in one niche.
Flameless Cremation Burial Options
Flameless Cremation offers many of the environmental benefits of green burial. The process uses water instead of flame, expending 85% less energy than traditional cremation. Using a combination of gentle water flow, temperature, and alkalinity, flameless cremation accelerates the natural breakdown of the body creating ashes for inurnment or burial. This process mirrors what naturally happens during a green burial, but in a period of 10-12 hours instead of several years. There are eco-friendly placements within the Cemetery that specifically accommodate flameless cremation burials.
Other Cremation Options
While above-ground scattering is not permitted in most areas throughout the Cemetery, you may choose to in-ground scatter ashes in place of an urn burial in most locations throughout the Cemetery.
About Historic Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum
Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum is one of St. Louis’ most beautiful and meaningful treasures—a place where history, nature, art, and remembrance come together with quiet dignity. Established in 1849, its peaceful rolling grounds, majestic trees, remarkable monuments, and carefully preserved landscapes tell the story of generations who helped shape St. Louis and the nation. From notable leaders and visionaries to families whose legacies live on through love and memory, Bellefontaine offers far more than a final resting place; it offers a timeless setting of honor, reflection, and beauty. Choosing Bellefontaine Cemetery is an amazing decision because it means becoming part of a historic and deeply respected place—one that treats every life story with grace, permanence, and reverence.
