Adjacent to San Francisco Bay Area's Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Fernwood Cemetery and Funeral Home is a unique place, where families, friends and their loved ones connect through cycles of nature, memory, and conservation. A National Wildlife Federation Habitat, the rolling hills of our grounds are a place where every tree, rock and bird become a living memorial.
Our main building, which houses a landmark chapel and gathering room for remembrance and memorial services, is a state of the art architectural masterpiece. We offer natural burial, green burial, traditional burial, cremation services, and America's first green Jewish Cemetery, Gan Yarok. Our compassionate and experienced cemetery and funeral home staff can assist you in planning a memorial service or intimate remembrance for your loved one.
Our main building, which houses a landmark chapel and gathering room for remembrance and memorial services, is a state of the art architectural masterpiece. We offer natural burial, green burial, traditional burial, cremation services, and America's first green Jewish Cemetery, Gan Yarok. Our compassionate and experienced cemetery and funeral home staff can assist you in planning a memorial service or intimate remembrance for your loved one.
Services
Fernwood is a truly unique 32-acre memorial landscape, where natural burial and cremation rituals are interwoven with land restoration and preservation. Located in Mill Valley, CA and adjoining the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the grounds of Fernwood are a breathtaking representation of Mother Nature and a very special place to remember a loved one.
To learn more about our natural burial options, cremation, and funeral and memorial services, please contact us. Our compassionate and caring staff is available to help you discuss your needs. If you would like to learn more about our green burial and cremation services or for any other matter, please contact Fernwood Cemetery and Funeral Home at 415-383-7100 or through the form on our contact page.
Fernwood is one of the country's first environmentally conscious green cemeteries, where land stewardship and restoration is integrated with natural burial ritual. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, Fernwood is one of the only natural burial and green burial cemeteries in the state of California.
Fernwood Cemetery and Funeral Home's historic cemetery is surrounded by mature woodlands of oak and bay. A cemetery is a sacred place. The grounds in which our loved ones are buried are a collection of legacies and memories that families can visit for generations to come. When we part with someone that we care about, it's important to have a place to visit for a moment of peace or a celebration of their life.
Reviews (20)
Akhil K.
Nov 26, 2021
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The place felt balanced, serene. The earthy interiors, the flowing water just outside the hall, the wide windows with natural light all together made for a pleasant and gentle atmosphere. Speaking of logistical things: they had a valet parking service that made things easy, and they have the service set up to be streamed over Zoom or other video conferencing apps. Glad they are doing their best.
Stephen S.
Oct 20, 2021
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The upside is they offer natural burials, there are limited options for this. Also the facilities look nice. The downside is how they handle things financially. Everything from basic math error overcharging to precharging well in advance of actually delivering things like stone setting. The pricing is opaque, and the final invoice bears no resemblance to the quote. Nobody needs all the unnecessary added stress in an already stressful situation. I've been through this with another provider without any of these issues, so it is not typical.
Chris O.
Apr 19, 2021
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I've waited a while to post this, both because the memories are so traumatic, and because I wanted to wait long enough to make sure I was being fair in my feelings towards Fernwood. One year ago this month, they were able to provide cremation services for my wife, despite covid lockdown, and for that I am appreciative. However, in addition to a number of communication issues and covid-related limitations which in hindsight I find understandable, there remains one item which is frankly unforgivable. The room into which my daughter and our priest were led to pay our final farewells had numerous
Darlene C.
Apr 17, 2021
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Fernwood Cemetery recently handled my sisters funeral.
I cannot say enough good about the location and the staff. It is a gorgeous site, which is beautifully maintained. Everything about the organization is professional and caring. Skip Dailey, Funeral Director, is a master at his job.
Fernwood offered us the option to livestream and to video the service, which we shared with friends and family who could not attend due to COVID. This was a powerful way to support the grieving process.
I definitely recommend Fernwood.
I cannot say enough good about the location and the staff. It is a gorgeous site, which is beautifully maintained. Everything about the organization is professional and caring. Skip Dailey, Funeral Director, is a master at his job.
Fernwood offered us the option to livestream and to video the service, which we shared with friends and family who could not attend due to COVID. This was a powerful way to support the grieving process.
I definitely recommend Fernwood.
Bennet L.
Apr 14, 2021
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BEYOND GLAD to have discovered Fernwood. On the day of my father's passing I called Fernwood and had the pleasure of speaking with SKIP DAILY.
Skip was KIND, COMPASSIONATE, CONCERNED AND RESPECTFUL. Skip has every trait that is needed in someone assisting you in your most vulnerable time of grief. Skip gently lead me through the process of making appropriate arrangements for my father's burial and memorial service. I felt he was more than fair and honest through a most difficult, heart wrenching process. Skip connected me with the right person to create a most meaningful memorial
Skip was KIND, COMPASSIONATE, CONCERNED AND RESPECTFUL. Skip has every trait that is needed in someone assisting you in your most vulnerable time of grief. Skip gently lead me through the process of making appropriate arrangements for my father's burial and memorial service. I felt he was more than fair and honest through a most difficult, heart wrenching process. Skip connected me with the right person to create a most meaningful memorial
Romelia G.
Feb 14, 2021
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Saru B.
Sep 09, 2020
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This review is for Skip :)
Sadly, my family & I found out about a friends recent passing few days back & wanted to visit & pay our love & respect. Although we were given clear instructions by the amazing staff my family and I were still having a hard time finding our friend (tomb stone hadn't been placed yet) we eventually went back to the office & Skip was so kind & humble to offer to drive/guide us to our friends burial spot. Thank you so much Skip, we are very grateful, you're truly an Angel!
Sadly, my family & I found out about a friends recent passing few days back & wanted to visit & pay our love & respect. Although we were given clear instructions by the amazing staff my family and I were still having a hard time finding our friend (tomb stone hadn't been placed yet) we eventually went back to the office & Skip was so kind & humble to offer to drive/guide us to our friends burial spot. Thank you so much Skip, we are very grateful, you're truly an Angel!
Ana M.
Nov 29, 2018
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I am very grateful for the entire Fernwood team's practical help, compassion and professionalism during our family's hardest hours, especially from our point of contact Alicia. Fernwood is a an incredibly beautiful and peaceful place and people who work there make everything as easy as possible in the saddest of circumstances. Thank you for everything!
Eliza R.
Mar 07, 2018
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My fiancé Carter wanted a Green Burial and I was aware of Fernwood through one of the owners, Tyler, with whom I had gone to college. Before Carter died we toured the cemetery and it surpassed his wildest dreams. Both the serenity of the place and the tranquil design of the grounds as well as a the offices/funeral home space appealed to him enormously. With Tyler, Alicia and the rest of the team's help, we were able to give Carter a special space in a special place for eternity.
We are very grateful to Tyler Cassity and the rest of his team at Fernwood for their help and kindness through
We are very grateful to Tyler Cassity and the rest of his team at Fernwood for their help and kindness through
Philippe S.
Nov 01, 2017
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This is the most beautiful Cemetary in the Bay Area! My mom chose the Green Burial (body to earth) burial, where Fernwood has an entire section amid beautiful trees and rolling hills. This area is particularly beautiful and natural as they use engraved rocks versus headstone.
The entire staff was wonderful, kind, compassionate down to every detail. A big thanks to Eamon who guided us through the process simply. I returned a week later to buy the space next to my mom.... it's that beautiful and incredibly affordable.
10 stars if it was possible.
The entire staff was wonderful, kind, compassionate down to every detail. A big thanks to Eamon who guided us through the process simply. I returned a week later to buy the space next to my mom.... it's that beautiful and incredibly affordable.
10 stars if it was possible.
Bob B.
Sep 19, 2017
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The 1-star rating is not a reflection on the service we had for my father (1979) or mother (1999) but my most recent interactions. On 02/11/2017 I ventured up the windy road to where my father and mother are buried. On the drive, across from a maintenance shed, I was very surprised to see my fathers military-provided bronze headstone leaning against some concrete berms on the side of the road. When I stopped at the office to ask why I was told it had been replaced with the headstone for my mother and father who are buried side by side. That made sense but whats happened since does not. I was
M. H.
Aug 21, 2016
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There are two parts to my review.
FOUR STARS
Part A -- I cremated a loved one about four years ago. I was assisted by Marcus, who, if I'm not mistaken, was relatively new at the time. Both he and the rest of the staff were kind, patient, and helpful. I also felt soothed by the office's clean, modern atmosphere. Based on that experience -- and some woefully awful experiences that I have had at other mortuaries -- I give Fernwood a full thumbs up.
The reason I don't feel that I can give a five-star rating is that parking near the office is tricky, and a challenge for people
FOUR STARS
Part A -- I cremated a loved one about four years ago. I was assisted by Marcus, who, if I'm not mistaken, was relatively new at the time. Both he and the rest of the staff were kind, patient, and helpful. I also felt soothed by the office's clean, modern atmosphere. Based on that experience -- and some woefully awful experiences that I have had at other mortuaries -- I give Fernwood a full thumbs up.
The reason I don't feel that I can give a five-star rating is that parking near the office is tricky, and a challenge for people
Alacrity I.
Aug 08, 2015
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Markus and his team provide exemplary service at a price reflective of the service they provide.
For folks of the Jewish faith, Fernwood is America's first Jewish green cemetery and incorporates three sections: Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform/Renewal. This was comforting for several of my friends and community members to know about once I shared this information with them.
I highly recommend Fernwood Cemetery for anyone interested in finding a beautiful, peaceful last resting place for yourself and loved ones.
For folks of the Jewish faith, Fernwood is America's first Jewish green cemetery and incorporates three sections: Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform/Renewal. This was comforting for several of my friends and community members to know about once I shared this information with them.
I highly recommend Fernwood Cemetery for anyone interested in finding a beautiful, peaceful last resting place for yourself and loved ones.
Chloe N.
Jan 20, 2015
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This is a place I wouldn't come often, but Fernwood Funeral Home is the best funeral service I highly recommend. Cindy was so nice and thoughtful, I couldn't stop thanking her for planning the viewing date so perfect. Not only Cindy but all the staffs there were so nice and thoughtful. I am as a granddaughter who would want my grandpa to have the best service and I found it. This place is awesome, everything is awesome. The price is affordable. The guests couldn't stop saying nice things about this place. Thanks to be so thoughtful. I am so happy and I think my grandpa would be too
Katherine R.
Nov 14, 2014
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I am a memorial service officiant, and I do a lot of "Celebration of Life" services. Fernwood is my favorite place in the Bay Area. The staff are caring and respectful, the burial sites are breathtaking, and the indoor space for having services is the most beautiful space for a service that I have ever been in... it's an architectural masterpiece.
I hope that when it's my time to pass out of this earthly body, I will have my memorial service at Fernwood.
I hope that when it's my time to pass out of this earthly body, I will have my memorial service at Fernwood.
Lynn D.
Jun 09, 2014
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Hello all:
We did a hillside burial for my aunt in 1994 and the staff couldn't have been more kindly, pleasant, helpful and sensitive. Examples are that they brought out chairs for the elderly relatives who needed them (as it was on a hillside), showed us where to drive them close, and were so good about working with me as to when to approach to do the burying. I just called them to check on another family member's prospective plot, and they were as kindly and helpful now as then. I saw the review below from 2009 and asked the manager whether they are in receivership etc. They are NOT
We did a hillside burial for my aunt in 1994 and the staff couldn't have been more kindly, pleasant, helpful and sensitive. Examples are that they brought out chairs for the elderly relatives who needed them (as it was on a hillside), showed us where to drive them close, and were so good about working with me as to when to approach to do the burying. I just called them to check on another family member's prospective plot, and they were as kindly and helpful now as then. I saw the review below from 2009 and asked the manager whether they are in receivership etc. They are NOT
Alexx R.
Nov 05, 2013
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We just had a service here and got a spot on the historical section for my son. We picked it based on the location to our home and the phenomenal view it is so peaceful.i want to visit him daily. Price wise it was huge. For this area. For premium price .I would figure that the would be perks like consideration with sprinkling times. I arrived on the first day after his burial to find the sprinklers on at noon on a gorgeous day. Going for well over an hour I couldn't go and sit peacefully with him yesterday . I had to call 2x asking for it to be turned off. There is no automatic
Han F.
Apr 10, 2012
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What a nice resting spot. My grandparents have been resting here since 1985. I love how this location is surrounded by hiking trails and wildlife. I haven't had interaction with the employees since 1990, but won't remember since I was still a child. So my review is based on the view. I like how the buried are of all backgrounds and rest peacefully.
Mary M.
Sep 12, 2008
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This place is beautiful - the building, the grounds - everything. Breathtaking, actually.
The prices are completely reasonable.
But I'm afraid that I can't give them anything more than one star. When we brought my grandma here to be cremated, they asked if we would like to be notified when the cremation was about to begin. This is important to my family for personal and spiritual reasons. The person who helped us make arrangements said she understood (she was the one that asked in the first place) and took down all of our phone numbers and assured us we would be called before
The prices are completely reasonable.
But I'm afraid that I can't give them anything more than one star. When we brought my grandma here to be cremated, they asked if we would like to be notified when the cremation was about to begin. This is important to my family for personal and spiritual reasons. The person who helped us make arrangements said she understood (she was the one that asked in the first place) and took down all of our phone numbers and assured us we would be called before
Mit M.
Apr 12, 2008
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I want to be buried in a pine box and silently rot away in Marin. My friends can find me via GPS tracker on their cell phone and hike around me and have a picnic.
"A modern natural burial is an environmentally sustainable alternative to existing funeral practices where the body is returned to the earth to decompose naturally and be recycled into new life....Planting native trees, shrubs and flowers on or near the grave establishes a living memorial and helps form a protected wildlife preserve.....These sacred and natural places leave a legacy of care and respect for our planet.....Natural
"A modern natural burial is an environmentally sustainable alternative to existing funeral practices where the body is returned to the earth to decompose naturally and be recycled into new life....Planting native trees, shrubs and flowers on or near the grave establishes a living memorial and helps form a protected wildlife preserve.....These sacred and natural places leave a legacy of care and respect for our planet.....Natural
