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Headstones For Cremation Urns: Memorial Options for Cremated Remains
Headstones for cremation urns , types of cremation memorials, sizes, costs, and cemetery rules for marking cremated remains. remains.
How cremation burials work
Cremation burials involve interring the cremated remains (the “ashes”) of a person in a cemetery, in a mausoleum, in a columbarium niche, or in a designated cremation garden. The ashes are placed in an urn (typically made of metal, wood, ceramic, or biodegradable material) and the urn is then buried, entombed, or placed in a niche.
Cremation burials have several advantages over traditional burials: they are less expensive, they require less cemetery space, and they offer more flexibility in placement. The trade-offs: the ashes are not visible (they are inside the urn), the marker may be smaller than a traditional headstone, and some cemeteries have specific sections for cremation burials that have different rules than traditional sections.
Types of Headstones For Cremation Urns
Cremation headstones come in several forms:
Flat cremation marker: a stone slab set flush with the ground, similar to a traditional flat marker but typically smaller. Standard size: 18” x 12” to 24” x 12”. Used for single cremation graves. Cost: $400 to $1,200 installed.
Bevel cremation marker: a stone slab set on edge at a slight angle, with the top rising 4” to 6” above the ground. Standard size: 18” x 12” to 24” x 12”. Cost: $600 to $1,500 installed.
Cremation bench: a stone bench that serves as both a memorial marker and a place to sit. The urn is typically placed under the bench or in a niche built into the bench. Cost: $1,500 to $4,000 installed.
Cremation monument: an upright marker designed specifically for cremation burials. Smaller than a traditional upright, typically 18” to 30” tall. Cost: $1,500 to $3,500 installed.
Niche plaque: a bronze or granite plaque placed on the front of a columbarium niche. Niche plaques are typically 8” x 10” to 12” x 12”. Cost: $200 to $800.
Companion cremation marker: a double-sized marker for two cremation burials. Standard size: 36” x 12” to 44” x 14”. Cost: $1,200 to $3,000 installed.
Cremation burial options
The cremated remains can be buried in several ways:
In-ground cremation grave: a small grave (typically 2’ x 2’ or 2’ x 3’) is dug in a designated cremation section of the cemetery. The urn is placed in the grave, and a cremation marker is installed at the head.
Mausoleum crypt: the urn is placed in a crypt in a mausoleum. The crypt front is sealed with a marble or granite face. Cost: $1,500 to $5,000+ for the crypt, plus the cost of opening and sealing for the burial.
Columbarium niche: the urn is placed in a niche in a columbarium (a wall or structure with multiple small compartments for urns). The niche front is sealed with a niche plaque. Cost: $500 to $3,000 for the niche, plus the cost of the plaque and the opening/closing fee.
Cremation garden: a designated area of the cemetery for cremation burials, often with a central monument or a scattering area. The garden may include benches, planters, and other shared features.
Private estate burial: the urn is buried on private property (subject to local zoning laws and regulations). This is rare but legal in some jurisdictions.
Cemetery rules for cremation burials
Most cemeteries have specific rules for cremation burials:
Cremation sections: many cemeteries have designated sections for cremation burials. These sections may allow only flat markers, may have smaller plot sizes, and may have different foundation requirements than traditional sections.
Urn material requirements: some cemeteries require the urn to be made of a specific material (typically metal or heavy-duty plastic) to prevent deterioration. Biodegradable urns may not be accepted.
Marker requirements: cremation sections may have specific size limits, material restrictions, or installation requirements that differ from traditional sections. Confirm with the cemetery before ordering a marker.
Multiple urns per plot: some cemeteries allow two or more urns to be buried in a single cremation plot. This is common for couples or for families who want to be buried together.
Opening and closing fees: the cemetery charges a fee to open and close the cremation grave or niche. Typical fees are $200 to $500 for a cremation grave and $100 to $300 for a niche.
Costs and What Drives Them
The total cost of a cremation burial with a headstone includes the cemetery plot (or niche), the urn, the opening and closing fee, the headstone, and the installation:
- Cemetery plot or niche: $500 to $5,000 depending on location and type
- Urn: $50 to $500 for standard urns; $200 to $2,000 for premium urns
- Opening and closing fee: $200 to $500
- Cremation headstone: $400 to $4,000 installed depending on type
- Total: $1,500 to $12,000
The cost of the headstone itself varies by type:
- Flat marker: $400 to $1,200 installed
- Bevel marker: $600 to $1,500 installed
- Cremation monument: $1,500 to $3,500 installed
- Cremation bench: $1,500 to $4,000 installed
- Niche plaque: $200 to $800
How much does a cremation headstone cost?A flat cremation marker runs $400 to $1,200 installed. A bevel cremation marker runs $600 to $1,500 installed. A cremation monument runs $1,500 to $3,500 installed. A cremation bench runs $1,500 to $4,000 installed. A niche plaque runs $200 to $800.
What is the difference between a cremation headstone and a traditional headstone?Cremation headstones are typically smaller than traditional headstones because the cremation grave is smaller than a traditional grave. Flat cremation markers are often 18" x 12" (vs. 24" x 12" for traditional flat markers). Cremation monuments are typically 18" to 30" tall (vs. 24" to 48" for traditional uprights).
Can two urns be buried in the same plot?Yes, in many cemeteries. Most cemeteries that allow cremation burials also allow two urns per plot. This is common for couples who want to be buried together. Some cemeteries allow three or more urns per plot for family members.
What is a columbarium niche?A columbarium niche is a small compartment in a columbarium (a wall or structure with multiple compartments) designed to hold one or two urns. Niches are typically 12" x 12" x 12" for a single urn or 12" x 24" x 12" for a double. The niche front is sealed with a niche plaque engraved with the deceased's information.
Do cremation sections of cemeteries have different rules?Yes. Most cemeteries have designated cremation sections with specific rules that may differ from traditional sections. Cremation sections often allow only flat markers, may have smaller plot sizes, and may have different foundation requirements. Confirm with the cemetery before ordering a marker.
How long does a cremation headstone last?Granite cremation headstones last 100+ years. Bronze cremation markers last 75 to 100+ years. Marble cremation markers last 50 to 100 years. Annual cleaning with water and a soft brush is the only maintenance required.
References
The following sources informed the guidance on this page:
Questions, answered
How much does a cremation headstone cost?
What is the difference between a cremation headstone and a traditional headstone?
Can two urns be buried in the same plot?
What is a columbarium niche?
Do cremation sections of cemeteries have different rules?
How long does a cremation headstone last?
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