Buying Headstones in Camden, NJ, and Surrounding Areas (Mount Laurel, Voorhees, Glassboro)
Choosing a headstone is a deeply personal and significant decision, especially when navigating the specific requirements of South Jersey cemeteries. This guide will walk you through the essentials of selecting a headstone in Camden, NJ, and nearby townships like Mount Laurel, Voorhees, and Glassboro. We’ll cover the key cemeteries in these areas, highlight their unique rules regarding headstone types, and show how Timestone Monument’s resources, including their comprehensive Cemetery Directory, can simplify this process.
Overview of Key South Jersey Cemeteries and Their Headstone Guidelines
When purchasing a headstone, it’s essential to understand each cemetery's requirements, as many cemeteries have strict regulations on the types of headstones allowed. Below is an overview of some prominent cemeteries in Camden, Mount Laurel, Voorhees, Glassboro, and surrounding areas, along with insights into their specific headstone regulations.
1. New St. Mary’s Cemetery - Bellmawr, NJ
Overview: New St. Mary’s Cemetery in Bellmawr serves a large community and provides a peaceful resting place with well-kept grounds and a variety of burial options.
Monument Guidelines: This cemetery permits both flat markers and upright monuments, but all designs must be pre-approved to ensure compliance with their aesthetics. They typically require granite or bronze headstones due to durability.
Additional Information: Families looking for customized monuments should check with Timestone Monument for compliance guidance.
2. Harleigh Cemetery - Camden, NJ
Overview: Harleigh Cemetery is one of Camden’s oldest and most historic cemeteries, known for its scenic setting and historic significance as the resting place of Walt Whitman.
Monument Guidelines: This cemetery allows a range of headstone types, including upright monuments and flat markers. However, restrictions exist on size and materials to maintain the cemetery’s historic ambiance.
Additional Information: Timestone Monument’s familiarity with Harleigh’s regulations ensures that families can select compliant designs while honoring the legacy of this historic site.
3. Locustwood Memorial Park - Cherry Hill, NJ
Overview: Located near Camden in Cherry Hill, Locustwood Memorial Park offers both traditional and contemporary memorial options, making it a popular choice for South Jersey families.
Monument Guidelines: Locustwood allows upright headstones, slant markers, and flat markers. They also offer private mausoleum options for those seeking family estates. Each monument must meet size and design standards to align with the park’s landscaped setting.
Additional Information: The team at Timestone Monument can assist with designing monuments that adhere to Locustwood’s specific guidelines.
4. Lakeview Memorial Park - Cinnaminson, NJ
Overview: Lakeview Memorial Park is a non-sectarian cemetery with beautiful landscaped grounds and a lake, making it one of the more picturesque cemeteries in the area.
Monument Guidelines: This cemetery is known for being relatively flexible, allowing a variety of monument styles, including custom shapes and sizes. However, they do require durable materials like granite or bronze to preserve the cemetery’s aesthetics.
Additional Information: Timestone can help families explore creative monument options that Lakeview Memorial Park permits, such as unique shapes or custom designs.
5. Colestown Cemetery - Cherry Hill, NJ
Overview: Colestown Cemetery is another historical cemetery in Cherry Hill, catering to a diverse community with a wide range of burial and monument options.
Monument Guidelines: This cemetery allows both upright headstones and flat markers, but has a preference for granite or marble materials. Larger, elaborate monuments may require additional approval.
Additional Information: Timestone Monument’s experience with Colestown’s guidelines helps ensure that families get approval for more personalized monuments.
Navigating Cemetery Regulations in South Jersey
Each cemetery in the South Jersey area has specific regulations that help maintain a cohesive, respectful, and serene environment. The rules often vary based on the cemetery’s traditions, historical background, and maintenance considerations. Here’s a deeper look into the types of regulations you might encounter when selecting a headstone for a loved one in Camden and surrounding areas.
1. Material Restrictions: Granite and Bronze as Standards
Granite is the most widely accepted material for headstones in South Jersey cemeteries, including those in Camden, Voorhees, and Mount Laurel. Granite is durable, weather-resistant, and comes in various colors, making it an ideal material for both aesthetic and longevity purposes.
Bronze plaques or markers are commonly allowed and are typically required for flush markers, especially in lawn cemeteries that prioritize uniformity and ease of maintenance. Bronze markers are often mounted on a granite base to ensure durability and stability.
Marble is allowed in some cemeteries, particularly in historic or private family plots, but it’s less common due to its susceptibility to weathering. Marble is often restricted in newer sections or cemeteries with strict maintenance policies to avoid rapid erosion.
2. Size and Height Limitations for Monuments
Standard Dimensions: Many cemeteries in the Camden area have specific height and width limits for different types of markers. For instance:
Flat Markers are usually limited to dimensions around 24 inches by 12 inches for single plots and 36 inches by 14 inches for double plots.
Upright Headstones typically have height restrictions (such as a maximum of 42 inches) and base width requirements to maintain visual consistency across rows.
Section-Based Size Restrictions: Larger or historic cemeteries, like Harleigh Cemetery in Camden, often designate specific sections for different headstone styles. This can mean that some areas are reserved exclusively for flat markers, while others allow taller upright monuments.
Children’s and Veterans’ Sections: In designated sections for children or veterans, stricter regulations may apply. For instance, veterans’ markers are often standardized in size and style to honor military service, while children’s sections may have size limits to ensure harmony with the surrounding plots.
3. Design and Symbol Regulations: Balancing Tradition and Personalization
Religious Symbols: Many South Jersey cemeteries, particularly Catholic and Christian cemeteries like New St. Mary’s in Bellmawr, allow religious symbols such as crosses or angels but may restrict certain iconography to maintain a sacred atmosphere. Non-sectarian cemeteries tend to be more flexible, allowing a wider variety of religious symbols.
Inscriptions and Epitaphs: Cemeteries often have policies on epitaph length and content. Some require inscriptions to be in English, while others allow dual-language inscriptions to honor cultural heritage. Offensive language or controversial phrases are typically prohibited.
Portraits and Etchings: While many cemeteries in the area allow portraits or photo etchings on headstones, some limit these to specific sizes or sections within the cemetery. Photo plaques are often required to be in durable, weather-resistant materials (like porcelain or ceramic) and may need to be approved by cemetery management.
4. Installation Requirements and Procedures
Licensed Monument Installers Only: Many cemeteries, including those in Camden and Mount Laurel, require that only licensed or pre-approved monument installers perform headstone placements. This ensures the headstone is installed securely and follows all cemetery guidelines.
Foundation and Base Requirements: For larger monuments, upright headstones, or custom designs, some cemeteries mandate a concrete or granite foundation to ensure stability. This can add to the cost but is essential for preventing settling or tilting over time.
Seasonal Restrictions: In some South Jersey cemeteries, monument installations may be restricted to certain months due to weather conditions. For example, winter installations are often discouraged or prohibited in outdoor sections to prevent damage to the ground and ensure proper setting of the headstone.
5. Additional Permits and Pre-Approvals
Design Approval: Many cemeteries in South Jersey, especially those with historical significance (like Harleigh Cemetery), require that headstone designs be submitted for approval before installation. This process may involve submitting sketches or photographs of the proposed monument to ensure it aligns with the cemetery’s aesthetic and maintenance policies.
Permit Fees: Some cemeteries charge additional permit fees to approve the installation of a headstone. These fees can vary and may cover the costs associated with maintaining pathways, preserving landscaping, and ensuring the headstone meets all cemetery guidelines.
Insurance Requirements: A few cemeteries in the area, especially those in private sections, may ask for insurance on larger or custom monuments. This is usually required to cover potential damages during installation and future maintenance.
Navigating these complex rules can be challenging, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the local cemetery landscape. Timestone Monument’s experienced team make it easier to select a headstone that complies with all applicable regulations. Their familiarity with each cemetery’s requirements in Camden, Voorhees, Glassboro, and nearby townships means they can handle the permitting, design approvals, and installation details for you, ensuring a smooth process from start to finish.
How Timestone Stands Out Among Local Monument Providers in Camden and Surrounding Areas
When selecting a monument provider, it’s beneficial to compare Timestone Monument with other providers in Camden and the surrounding areas. Here’s how Timestone differentiates itself from competitors, based on online reviews and services offered by the top-rated headstone providers in the region.
1. Customer-Centric Service and Compassionate Support
Timestone Monument: Timestone is known for providing personalized, compassionate support to families. Their team takes the time to listen, answer questions, and offer guidance, which helps families feel supported throughout the process.
Competitors: Other providers in the area receive favorable reviews, but Timestone’s focus on empathy and patience is often highlighted by customers as an area where they excel.
2. Wide Range of Customization Options
Timestone Monument: Timestone offers an extensive selection of customization options, from unique shapes and sizes to intricate carvings and engravings. They also specialize in specific religious and cultural headstones, such as those for the Jewish or Muslim communities.
Competitors: Some competitors offer basic customization but may have limited options for unique, personalized designs. Timestone’s ability to handle intricate requests and cultural considerations makes them a top choice for South Jersey families seeking meaningful tributes.
3. Transparent Pricing with No Hidden Fees
Timestone Monument: Timestone is upfront about pricing, offering clear estimates without unexpected charges. This transparency helps families plan their budgets with confidence.
Competitors: Some competitors may not provide clear pricing or may add fees for certain services. Timestone’s commitment to transparent pricing gives families peace of mind during an emotionally challenging time.
4. Local Knowledge and Compliance Expertise
Timestone Monument: Timestone’s familiarity with South Jersey cemetery regulations helps families select compliant headstones that honor their loved ones.
Competitors: While other providers may understand general cemetery rules, Timestone’s extensive local knowledge and proactive approach to compliance set them apart.
Choosing Timestone Monument ensures families receive not only a high-quality product but also exceptional support and guidance tailored to the specific requirements of South Jersey cemeteries.
Additional Resources from Timestone Monument: Headstone Buying Guide and More
To further assist families in making informed decisions, Timestone Monument offers a range of online resources, including a Headstone Buying Guide, FAQs, and a blog with practical tips for Camden-area residents.
1. Headstone Buying Guide
Timestone’s Headstone Buying Guide provides a comprehensive overview of the process, covering everything from material selection to installation tips. This guide is invaluable for families new to purchasing headstones.
2. FAQs
The FAQ section addresses common questions about headstone types, costs, cemetery regulations, and maintenance. It’s a quick, helpful resource for families who want straightforward answers.
3. Blog Articles
Timestone’s Blog features articles on topics like headstone care, the importance of personalization, and seasonal maintenance tips. These articles are written to help families make thoughtful, informed decisions about memorializing their loved ones.
4. Cemetery Directory
Timestone’s Cemetery Directory is an extensive resource detailing the guidelines and requirements for cemeteries across Camden, Voorhees, and other South Jersey townships. This directory ensures families select headstones that comply with their chosen cemetery’s rules.
Learn More:
