Funeral Poems About the Sea & L.A. Beach Service Venues

Here are the best funeral poems about the sea to help you honor the life of someone who loved the ocean.

If you’re looking for funeral poems about the sea, you’ve come to the right place.

But finding the right words and the perfect setting can be challenging during such an emotional time
. To help, we’ve compiled a selection of burial at sea poems and poems about the beach that beautifully capture the essence of the ocean and the cycle of life.

Along with these poems, we’ve also highlighted some of the most serene beach venues in Los Angeles, offering peaceful and picturesque locations for a memorial service.

Whether through poetry or the natural beauty of the ocean, these choices can help create a thoughtful and heartfelt tribute that reflects the person’s love for the sea.

Why People Choose Poems About the Sea for Memorial Services

The ocean has always been a powerful symbol in life and death, especially for those who had a special connection to it.

Choosing sea-themed poems for a memorial service is a meaningful way to honor that bond, whether it’s a reflection of the person's love for the water or the calming presence it brings in times of grief.

Here's why so many people turn to the sea when remembering their loved ones:

  • A personal connection to the ocean: For those who spent their lives by the water — whether sailing, swimming, or simply appreciating the sea — poems about the ocean feel deeply personal. These poems are a tribute to the person’s passions and create a lasting connection to the environment they loved.

  • The sea as a metaphor for life’s journey: The ocean’s tides mirror the highs and lows of life, representing the ongoing nature of existence. Beach poems about the sea remind us of the person’s journey through life, with its moments of calm and turbulence, just like the waves that never stop moving.

  • A universal symbol in cultures and religions: Across different cultures and faiths, the sea often symbolizes the transition between life and death. Using these poems in a memorial taps into a sense of unity, offering peace and comfort through shared understandings of the ocean as a place of rest and eternity.

  • A calming, natural presence: There’s something inherently peaceful about the ocean, which can offer solace during a difficult time. Beach poems bring that sense of calm to a memorial, helping those gathered to reflect, remember, and find comfort in nature’s rhythms.

Famous Funeral Poems About the Sea

When it comes to honoring someone who loved the ocean, these famous funeral poems about the sea beautifully capture the spirit of life, loss, and the enduring connection to the water.

Whether you’re commemorating a life through burial at sea poems, or a sunset memorial by the beach – each poem offers a unique way to celebrate a life intertwined with the ocean’s vast beauty.

1. "Crossing the Bar" by Alfred Lord Tennyson

“Sunset and evening star,

And one clear call for me!

And may there be no moaning of the bar,

When I put out to sea,

But such a tide as moving seems asleep,

Too full for sound and foam,

When that which drew from out the boundless deep

Turns again home.

Twilight and evening bell,

And after that the dark!

And may there be no sadness of farewell,

When I embark;

For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place

The flood may bear me far,

I hope to see my Pilot face to face

When I have crost the bar.”

2. "Sea Fever" by John Masefield

“I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,

And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by;

And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sail’s shaking,

And a grey mist on the sea’s face, and a grey dawn breaking.

 

I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide

Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;

And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,

And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.

 

I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,

To the gull’s way and the whale’s way where the wind’s like a whetted knife;

And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,

And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick’s over.”

3. "Full Fathom Five" by William Shakespeare

“Full fathom five thy father lies;

Of his bones are coral made;

Those are pearls that were his eyes:

Nothing of him that doth fade,

But doth suffer a sea-change

Into something rich and strange.

Sea-nymphs hourly ring his knell:

Ding-dong.

Hark! now I hear them,—ding-dong, bell.”

4. "The Ocean" by Nathaniel Hawthorne

“The Ocean has its silent caves,

Deep, quiet, and alone;

Though there be fury on the waves,

Beneath them there is none.

The awful spirits of the deep

Hold their communion there;

And there are those for whom we weep,

The young, the bright, the fair.

Calmly the wearied seamen rest

Beneath their own blue sea.

The ocean solitudes are blest,

For there is purity.

The earth has guilt, the earth has care,

Unquiet are its graves;

But peaceful sleep is ever there,

Beneath the dark blue waves.”

5. "A Dirge" by Percy Bysshe Shelley

“Rough wind, that moanest loud

Grief too sad for song;

Wild wind, when sullen cloud

Knells all the night long;

Sad storm whose tears are vain, 

Bare woods, whose branches strain,

Deep caves and dreary main,--

Wail, for the world’s wrong!”

6. "Out of the Rolling Ocean, the Crowd" by Walt Whitman

“Out of the rolling ocean the crowd came a drop gently to me,

Whispering, I love you, before long I die,

I have travell’d a long way merely to look on you to touch you,

For I could not die till I once look’d on you,

For I fear’d I might afterward lose you. 

Now we have met, we have look’d, we are safe,

Return in peace to the ocean my love,

I too am part of that ocean, my love, we are not so much separated,

Behold the great rondure, the cohesion of all, how perfect!

But as for me, for you, the irresistible sea is to separate us,

As for an hour carrying us diverse, yet cannot carry us diverse forever;

Be not impatient – a little space – know you I salute the air, the ocean and the land,

Every day at sundown for your dear sake, my love.”

L.A. Beach Service Venues

Los Angeles is home to some of the most stunning beachside venues, each offering a unique atmosphere for memorial services.

Whether you're looking for a serene, private setting or a more vibrant celebration of life, these venues all share the beauty of the ocean as their backdrop, providing a peaceful and meaningful space to honor your loved one.

1. Gladstones

Gladstones combines stunning ocean views with a classic California vibe, making it a peaceful spot for a memorial gathering.

Here’s why we love Gladstones: 

  • Expansive outdoor seating directly overlooking the Pacific Ocean
  • Iconic coastal location that brings in the calming sounds of waves
  • Flexible spaces suitable for both intimate and large memorial events
  • Coastal-inspired menu, offering a true taste of California

2. Bliss Beach

Bliss Beach specializes in bespoke beach memorials, ensuring every detail aligns with your vision.

Here’s what we love about Bliss Beach:

  • Fully customizable beach setup, including seating and decor
  • Private, serene beach locations away from crowded areas
  • Tailored service to honor unique memorial traditions or requests
  • Picture-perfect views ideal for both daytime and sunset services

3. Redondo Beach Chart House

Chart House in Redondo Beach offers a sophisticated venue right on the waterfront, ideal for a serene memorial.

This is what makes Redondo Beach Chart House stand out:

  • Panoramic views of the ocean from indoor and outdoor seating
  • Stylish, upscale interior perfect for formal memorials
  • Dedicated event planning team to accommodate personal touches
  • Wide range of seafood and surf-and-turf catering options

4. Malibu West Beach Club

This private beach club offers an intimate, oceanfront venue, ideal for a quiet and personal celebration.

Here’s what Malibu West Beach Club offers:

  • Exclusive access to a pristine beach with few onlookers
  • Versatile indoor and outdoor spaces for flexibility in planning
  • Private, gated location ensuring peace and privacy
  • Spectacular views of Malibu’s coastline, perfect for sunset memorials

5. Shutters on the Beach

Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica provides a luxurious yet welcoming setting, combining comfort and elegance by the shore.

  • Classic beachfront architecture with cozy, intimate event spaces.
  • Exquisite catering options with customizable menus.
  • Ideal for small, personal gatherings with a touch of elegance.
  • Easy beach access, perfect for scattering ceremonies.

6. Hotel Casa del Mar

Casa del Mar in Santa Monica offers a grand and sophisticated beachfront location for a formal memorial service.

Here’s what we love about it:

  • Mediterranean-inspired architecture with a glamorous beachfront vibe
  • Indoor ballrooms and outdoor terraces with ocean views
  • Expert event coordinators to manage all aspects of the gathering
  • High-end catering and impeccable service for a polished event

7. Los Angeles Yacht Charter

For those who want a maritime feel, the L.A. Yacht Charter company provides a nautical backdrop for a memorial.

Here’s what we love about Los Angeles Yacht Charters:

  • Secluded marina location with peaceful views of the harbor
  • Flexible indoor and outdoor spaces for small or large gatherings
  • Nautical-themed interiors 
  • Ability to plan a burial at sea

Meadow Can Help You Create a Personalized Sea-Themed Memorial

We hope this guide helps you choose the best funeral poems about the sea to celebrate the life and legacy of your loved one.

If you’re planning a funeral event in Los Angeles, we’re here to help you through every step, offering compassionate support and expert guidance. 

Here's why families trust Meadow to handle their memorial service needs:

  • Local expertise: With Meadow, you’re tapping into a wealth of knowledge about the best venues in L.A. County. Our strong connections with top beach venues allow us to recommend locations that fit your needs.
  • Hassle-free planning: Meadow takes care of all the details, so you don’t have to. From venue booking to coordinating logistics, we ensure everything runs smoothly, allowing you to focus on spending time with loved ones.
  • Personalized service: We understand that every family is different. Meadow works closely with you to tailor the beach venue and service to reflect your loved one’s life and personality, creating a truly unique and meaningful tribute.
  • Transparent pricing: With Meadow, there are no hidden fees. Our pricing is clear and upfront, so you’ll know exactly what to expect without any surprises along the way.
  • Comprehensive packages: Meadow offers all-inclusive packages that cover everything you need for a well-planned memorial service, from AV equipment to floral arrangements. We make sure no detail is overlooked.

Explore our personalized memorial services.

Choose the best plan for your loved one

All plans include:

Private, dignified cremation
24/7 transportation and care
Secure refrigeration
All necessary legal paperwork
Death certificate filing
Social security notification
Easy-to-use online portal
Around the clock support
Affordable monthly payment plans

Flexible add-on services available:

1-hour ID viewing: $600
Scattering at sea (unwitnessed): $350

Basic

Cannot be Prepaid

  • Pick up ashes at local crematory

  • Free, temporary plastic urn (upgrade options available)

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