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Companion Grave Markers: Sizes, Materials, and How to Pre-Plan One
Companion grave markers , sizes, materials (granite vs bronze), engraving layouts, and how to pre-arrange a double marker that fits both spouses. marker that fits both spouses.
What a companion grave marker is
A companion grave marker is a single marker designed to commemorate two people, typically a married couple or two family members, in adjacent burial plots. Companion markers are larger than single markers and accommodate two sets of information, name, dates, and any inscription, for each person. The marker is installed once, often after the second burial, with both sets of information engraved.
The advantage of a companion marker is that the two graves are linked visually and the inscriptions are presented together. The alternative, two separate single markers, is less expensive but presents the inscriptions as two unrelated graves. Many families choose companion markers specifically because they want the two graves to be marked together.
Sizes and Configurations
Companion grave markers come in three configurations:
Single marker spanning two plots: a single physical marker placed across the head of both plots. The marker is typically 36” to 54” wide. This is the most common configuration.
Two markers with a shared design: two separate markers of the same design, side by side, with a shared element (a connecting vase, a shared engraving across both markers). Less common but allows for separate installation if the burials occur years apart.
Two markers with a center divider: two separate markers separated by a small vase or divider. The two markers are engraved individually but designed to look like a single unit.
Materials
Companion grave markers are made from one of three primary materials:
Granite is the most common. Granite companion markers range from flat (24” to 30” deep) to bevel (24” to 30” deep) to slant (28” to 32” deep) to upright (24” to 36” tall). Granite is durable (100+ years), available in many colors, and accepts engraving well.
Bronze on granite is the second most common. A cast bronze plaque is mounted on a granite base. The bronze can include porcelain-enameled photographs of each person. Bronze on granite is the standard for government-issued veterans companion markers.
Marble is the traditional choice for older cemeteries. Marble is less durable than granite (50 to 100 years) but is still used for traditional or restoration projects.
Engraving layouts
The engraving on a companion marker can be laid out in several ways:
Side by side: the two sets of information are engraved side by side, with the first spouse on the left (from the viewer’s perspective) and the second spouse on the right. The most common layout.
Top and bottom: the first spouse is engraved at the top of the marker and the second spouse at the bottom. Less common but works for upright markers with limited width.
Shared inscription: a shared inscription (a verse, a quote, or a family name) is engraved at the top or in the middle, with the two sets of names and dates below or to the sides.
Single inscription: the marker has a single set of information (a couple’s name, shared dates) with no individual inscriptions. Common for simple companion markers.
Costs
Companion grave markers range from $1,200 to $10,000+ depending on size, material, and engraving:
- Granite companion flat (36” x 13”, gray): $1,200 to $2,200 installed
- Granite companion flat (44” x 14”, black or premium): $2,000 to $3,500 installed
- Granite companion bevel (44” x 14”, gray): $1,800 to $3,000 installed
- Granite companion slant (44” x 16”, gray): $2,500 to $4,500 installed
- Bronze on granite companion (44” x 14”, no portraits): $2,500 to $4,000 installed
- Bronze on granite companion (44” x 14”, two portraits): $3,200 to $5,000 installed
- Upright companion (42” x 8” x 30”, gray): $3,500 to $6,000 installed
- Upright companion (54” x 10” x 36”, premium): $6,000 to $10,000 installed
Pre-Planning a companion marker
Many families pre-plan a companion marker before either spouse has died. The process:
- Confirm both plots. Verify that the family owns (or pre-purchases) two adjacent plots in the same cemetery section. Some cemeteries allow companion markers across plots owned by different family members, but this is less common.
- Choose the marker style. Work with a monument dealer or online dealer to choose the size, shape, material, and engraving layout.
- Engrave the first spouse. When the first spouse dies, the marker is engraved with their information. The second spouse’s information is left blank (or engraved with a partial inscription like “spouse of [name]”).
- Complete the engraving. When the second spouse dies, the marker is sent back to the foundry or dealer and the second set of information is engraved.
Pre-planning has several advantages: the family chooses the marker together, the decisions are made without time pressure, and the second-spouse engraving can be done at the family’s pace rather than rushed during grief.
How much does a companion grave marker cost?A granite companion flat marker runs $1,200 to $3,500 installed. A bronze on granite companion marker with portraits runs $3,200 to $5,000 installed. An upright companion marker runs $3,500 to $10,000 installed. The cost depends on size, material, granite color, and engraving complexity.
Can a companion marker be installed before both spouses have died?Yes. Many families pre-plan a companion marker with the first spouse's information engraved and the second spouse's information left blank or partially inscribed. The second set of information is engraved after the second death. This approach allows the family to choose the marker together.
What is the standard size for a companion grave marker?The most common companion marker size is 44" x 14" for flat, bevel, or bronze-on-granite markers. Larger companion markers (48" to 54" wide) are used for prominent graves or larger family plots. The cemetery's rules specify the maximum size for each section.
What is the best material for a companion grave marker?Granite is the most common and the most durable. Bronze on granite is the second most common and allows for portraits. Marble is the traditional choice for older cemeteries but is less durable. The best material depends on the cemetery's rules, the family's preferences, and the budget.
How long does a companion granite marker last?A companion granite marker is rated for 100+ years of outdoor exposure. The engraving (especially if sandblasted and filled with paint or gold leaf) remains crisp and legible for the life of the marker. Annual cleaning is the only maintenance required.
Do companion markers need a foundation?Yes. Most cemeteries require a concrete foundation under the base of a companion marker. The foundation is typically 6" to 12" deep and slightly larger than the base. Foundation costs are usually $200 to $500, depending on the size of the marker.
References
The following sources informed the guidance on this page:
Questions, answered
How much does a companion grave marker cost?
Can a companion marker be installed before both spouses have died?
What is the standard size for a companion grave marker?
What is the best material for a companion grave marker?
How long does a companion granite marker last?
Do companion markers need a foundation?
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