Choosing the Right Cemetery and Memorial Options for Philadelphia Families
Selecting the right cemetery and memorial can be an overwhelming process. Whether you’re planning ahead or making arrangements for a loved one, it’s important to understand your options in the Philadelphia area. From traditional burial spaces to custom memorials, families have a variety of choices to honor their loved ones.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Cemetery
When purchasing a cemetery plot in the Philadelphia area, there are several important factors to keep in mind to ensure that you choose the right resting place for you or your loved ones. Here are a few key considerations to think about:
Location and Accessibility: Ensure the cemetery is conveniently located for family members who may wish to visit regularly. Consider proximity to home, ease of access, and the overall atmosphere of the cemetery. In Philadelphia, cemeteries like Laurel Hill and Holy Sepulchre offer both historical significance and serene landscapes.
Cemetery Rules and Regulations: Each cemetery has its own rules regarding the types of headstones, markers, and even flowers that are permitted. Before purchasing a plot, make sure you're aware of these restrictions to ensure they align with your memorialization plans.
Perpetual Care and Maintenance Fees: Many cemeteries charge additional fees for perpetual care to ensure the grounds and gravesites remain well-maintained. Be sure to ask about any ongoing costs, including landscaping or other upkeep services, so you’re aware of all financial commitments.
Grave Plot Size and Options: Different cemeteries offer various plot sizes, including single, double, and family plots. If you're purchasing for multiple family members, consider whether the cemetery provides companion or family estate options that meet your long-term needs.
Religious or Cultural Preferences: Some cemeteries cater to specific religious or cultural groups, offering sections for Catholic, Jewish, or other religious burials. Make sure the cemetery is appropriate for any spiritual traditions you wish to follow.
Future Availability: If you're planning a family plot, check if the cemetery guarantees the availability of adjacent plots for future use. This is particularly important for families wishing to be buried together.
Understanding Cemetery Rules and Regulations
When purchasing a cemetery plot, it's crucial to be aware of the specific rules and regulations that govern the cemetery. These guidelines can vary significantly between locations, and they dictate everything from the types of headstones allowed to the maintenance expectations. For example, many cemeteries have strict requirements about the size, material, and design of headstones and grave markers. Some cemeteries also restrict the type of decorations—such as flowers, vases, or statues—that can be placed at gravesites.
In addition to appearance, maintenance and upkeep regulations play an essential role. Some cemeteries include perpetual care fees in the cost of a plot, ensuring that the grounds and individual graves are well-maintained over time. Others may place the responsibility for maintenance on the family of the deceased. It’s also important to note that many cemeteries have rules around interment processes (such as vault or grave liner requirements) and specific seasonal regulations, like limits on decorations during winter months for easier maintenance.
Before purchasing a plot, ask the cemetery for a copy of their specific regulations to ensure they align with your memorialization plans. Following these guidelines ensures your loved one’s resting place remains in harmony with the cemetery's overall appearance and standards.
Philadelphia Burial Plot Prices
When purchasing a cemetery plot in the Philadelphia area, prices can vary significantly depending on the cemetery and the type of burial you choose. Generally, burial plots in Philadelphia's public cemeteries range from $2,000 to $4,000 for a single plot, while private cemeteries can charge anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 or more. In-ground cremation plots are typically more affordable, ranging from $650 to $1,800, depending on the cemetery and location within the grounds.
Additionally, there are interment fees (for opening and closing the grave), which can range between $600 to $3,000, depending on the cemetery and type of plot. Some cemeteries also charge perpetual care fees, ensuring the long-term maintenance of the burial site. These fees may be one-time or recurring, so it's essential to ask the cemetery for details when making your purchase.
If you're looking for more budget-friendly options, Catholic cemeteries in the Philadelphia Archdiocese offer more affordable plots, with single graves ranging from $830 to $1,250. They also provide green burial options and companion plots for families.
To ensure you're getting the best value, it's important to ask about all potential fees and maintenance costs associated with the plot. Additionally, pre-purchasing a plot allows you to lock in current prices, helping you avoid future cost increases
How to Purchase Cemetery Plots in Philadelphia
Philadelphia cemeteries offer various burial options, including single plots, companion plots, and estate plots. Families should consider:
Pre-need Planning: Buying a cemetery plot in advance allows families to lock in current prices and ensure their preferred location is available.
Gravesite Selection: Some cemeteries offer online tools to help families select plots. You can also visit the cemetery in person to choose a location that feels right for your loved one.
Finding a burial site or grave in Philadelphia requires a few key steps and resources. Many cemeteries in the area maintain online databases or have staff available to assist with locating specific gravesites. Start by contacting the cemetery directly, as most have detailed records, especially for more recent burials. Some cemeteries, like Laurel Hill Cemetery or Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, offer online grave search tools that allow you to locate graves by name or date of death.
If the cemetery doesn’t have an online database, visiting the cemetery office can provide you with the grave’s location. For older graves, using platforms like Find A Grave or BillionGraves can also be helpful, as they often include user-uploaded information and photos of headstones. Be sure to have as much information as possible—full name, date of death, and any known burial details—to make the search easier.
Additionally, historical societies or church archives may have records for older or less documented graves, particularly if the person was buried in a family plot or in a religious cemetery. These steps will help you efficiently locate a burial site in Philadelphia.
Here is a list of prominent Philadelphia area cemeteries with great reviews and a strong reputation.
Laurel Hill Cemetery
3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19132
Phone: (215) 228-8200
Website: thelaurelhillcemetery.org
Known for its beautiful landscapes and historic significance, Laurel Hill offers scenic views and a peaceful atmosphere, making it one of the most popular cemeteries in the city.Arlington Cemetery
2900 State Road, Drexel Hill, PA 19026
Phone: (610) 259-5800
Website: arlingtoncemetery.us
Voted as one of the best cemeteries in the Philadelphia area, Arlington Cemetery is known for its serene surroundings and American historical significance.Christ Church Burial Ground
5th and Arch Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 922-1695
Website: christchurchphila.org
This historic burial ground, dating back to 1719, is home to notable figures like Benjamin Franklin and other Revolutionary War figures.Eden Cemetery
1434 Springfield Road, Darby, PA 19023
Phone: (610) 583-8737
Website: edencemetery.org
As the oldest Black-owned cemetery in the United States, Eden Cemetery is a significant resting place for notable Black historical figures, including civil rights leaders and abolitionists.Mount Moriah Cemetery
6201 Kingsessing Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19142
Phone: (215) 637-1413
Website: friendsofmountmoriahcemetery.org
A historic cemetery that spans over 380 acres, Mount Moriah is known for its diverse religious backgrounds and ongoing restoration efforts by the Friends of Mount Moriah.George Washington Memorial Park
80 Stenton Ave, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
Phone: (610) 355-4277
Website: georgewashingtonpark.com
Located in Plymouth Meeting, this cemetery offers a peaceful and serene setting for families. Known for its well-maintained grounds, George Washington Memorial Park provides traditional burial plots and a variety of memorial options.Holy Sepulchre Cemetery
3301 W Cheltenham Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19150
Phone: (215) 302-9445
Website: holysepuichre.org
A historic and well-regarded cemetery in Philadelphia, Holy Sepulchre offers both in-ground burial and mausoleum options. It’s known for its beautiful landscape and compassionate services.Resurrection Cemetery
5201 Hulmeville Rd, Bensalem, PA 19020
Phone: (215) 298-9870
Website: resurrectioncemetery.org
Located in Bensalem, Resurrection Cemetery is highly regarded for its serene environment and comprehensive memorial services. It offers a wide range of burial and cremation options.Riverside Cemetery
200 S Montgomery Ave, West Norriton, PA 19403
Phone: (610) 355-4068
Website: riversidecemetery.org
Situated in West Norriton, Riverside Cemetery is known for its tranquil surroundings. It offers a variety of burial options, including traditional in-ground burials and cremation services.Rolling Green Memorial Park
1008 W Chester Pike, West Chester, PA 19382
Phone: (610) 692-2292
Website: rollinggreenmemorialpark.com
Located in West Chester, Rolling Green Memorial Park provides a peaceful atmosphere with a range of burial options, including traditional plots, mausoleums, and cremation services.SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery
1600 S. Sproul Rd, Springfield, PA 19064
Phone: (610) 421-4511
Website: sspeterandpaulcemetery.com
A well-maintained cemetery in Springfield, SS. Peter and Paul offers traditional burial plots as well as mausoleums. The cemetery is known for its compassionate staff and serene environment.Sunset Memorial Park
333 W County Line Rd, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006
Phone: (215) 352-4045
Website: sunsetmemorialpark.com
Sunset Memorial Park in Huntingdon Valley is known for its beautiful landscaping and wide range of burial options, including in-ground plots, mausoleums, and cremation gardens.Hillside Cemetery
2556 Susquehanna Rd, Roslyn, PA 19001
Phone: (215) 302-9441
Website: hillsidecemetery.com
Located in Roslyn, Hillside Cemetery offers a serene, park-like atmosphere. It provides a variety of memorial services, including traditional burial, cremation, and mausoleum spaces.Holy Cross Cemetery
626 Baily Rd, Yeadon, PA 19050
Phone: (610) 624-3989
Website: holycrosscemetery.org
This Yeadon cemetery is known for its well-maintained grounds and caring staff. Holy Cross offers traditional burial plots, cremation niches, and mausoleums.Calvary Cemetery
235 Matsonford Rd, West Conshohocken, PA 19428
Phone: (610) 355-4188
Website: calvarycemeterypa.com
Calvary Cemetery, located in West Conshohocken, offers a peaceful setting for families. It provides a range of burial options, including in-ground burial, mausoleums, and cremation services.
These cemeteries are all highly regarded for their historical value, serene environments, and excellent services. Each offers unique memorial options to honor your loved ones.
Working with a Local Memorial Expert
Choosing a cemetery and memorial is a significant decision. Working with a trusted memorial expert ensures that your family’s needs are met and that the process is smooth and stress-free. If you’re planning a burial in the Philadelphia area, we can help guide you through every step—from selecting a cemetery to designing a custom memorial.
If you're considering cemetery and memorial options in Philadelphia, contact us today for a free consultation. Our team can help you choose the perfect memorial and ensure a seamless installation process in any cemetery across the region.
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