Cemetery Types

Monumental cemetery: A monumental cemetery is the traditional style of cemetery consisting of monuments/markers made of marble or granite, rising vertically above the ground.  There are countless different types of designs for monuments/markers, ranging from very simple to large and complex.

Lawn cemetery: A lawn cemetery is where each grave is marked with a small commemorative plaque that is placed horizontally at the head of the grave at ground-level.  Families can still be involved in the design and the information contained on the plaque, however in most cases the plaques are a standard design. 

Mausoleum: A mausoleum is an external free-standing building constructed as a monument enclosing the interment space or burial chamber of a deceased person or people.  A mausoleum may be considered a type of tomb or the tomb may be considered to be within the mausoleum. 

Columbarium: Columbarium walls are generally reserved for cremated remains.  While cremated remains can be kept at home by families or scattered somewhere significant to the deceased, a columbarium provides friends and family a place to come to mourn and visit.  Columbarium walls do not take up a lot of space and it is a less expensive alternative to a burial plot

Natural cemeteries: Natural cemeteries, also known as eco-cemeteries or green cemeteries are a new style of cemetery set aside for natural burials.  Natural burials are motivated by the desire to be environmentally conscious, although natural burials can be performed at any type of cemetery; they are usually done in a natural woodland area.  Conventional markings such as monuments or markers are generally replaced with a tree or a bush or a placement of a natural rock.