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Purchasing a monument is often one of the final ways families choose to honor a loved one. While many monument dealers provide excellent service and quality craftsmanship, not all companies operate in the same manner. Taking a little time to research your options can help you avoid delays, unexpected costs, and disappointment.
Arlington Cemetery does not endorse, recommend, or have any affiliation with any monument dealer. Families are free to choose any approved monument company that meets cemetery requirements. Step 1: Obtain Cemetery Requirements First Before contacting a monument dealer, obtain the monument sizing requirements for your grave location from the cemetery. Different sections of the cemetery may have different rules regarding:
Step 2: Obtain Multiple Quotes Monument prices can vary significantly between dealers, even for monuments that appear similar. When comparing quotes, make sure each proposal includes:
Step 3: Understand Granite Quality and Origin Not all granite is the same. Price differences may result from:
Step 4: Research the Company's Reputation Before placing an order, research the monument company thoroughly. Consider:
Step 5: Ask About Production and Installation Timelines Monuments are custom-made products and production times can vary. Ask the dealer:
Step 6: Review the Design Carefully Before approving a monument design:
Step 7: Work With an Established Local Monument Dealer Arlington Cemetery requires monument companies to be properly insured and responsible for delivering and installing their own monuments. We do not permit online-only monument retailers or third-party monument brokers that do not directly perform installation services. Many families choose monument companies that are either:
Step 8: Keep Copies of All Documents Before making payment, retain copies of:
A Final Thought Choosing a monument company is an important decision that deserves careful consideration. Taking the time to verify cemetery requirements, compare detailed quotes, research company reputations, and work with an established local dealer can help ensure a lasting memorial that honors your loved one for generations. If you have questions regarding monument size requirements, cemetery regulations, or installation procedures, please contact Arlington Cemetery before placing an order.
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Disclaimers
- Casket Type Size, and Weight Limits:
To ensure a smooth interment process, we accommodate caskets up to 30 inches in width and a total weight of 400 pounds (including the casket). If your casket exceeds these dimensions, please contact us for further details. In such cases, you may need to arrange for a vault company to assist with wheeling and lowering the casket into the grave. We recommend Suburban Vault Company for this service. We do not permit fiberboard caskets to be used for the first interment of an extra depth grave. - Funeral Director Identification:
For security and compliance purposes, the cemetery reserves the right to request valid identification and licensure from any funeral director entering the cemetery with a funeral procession. - Payment Policy:
All payments must be made online only. We no longer accept in-person payments, physical checks, or money orders. - Overtime Fees:
Funeral homes are responsible for any overtime fees resulting from late arrivals. These charges will be billed directly to the funeral home after the funeral service. Please note that unpaid overtime charges must be settled before scheduling any future interments. - Foundation Fee Policy
Monument foundations are required for all monuments installed within the cemetery. In certain sections of the cemetery, foundations may be pre-installed or pre-poured by the cemetery in advance to help families avoid extended settling periods before monument installation.
The presence of a pre-poured foundation at a grave site does not indicate that the foundation fee has been prepaid, included with the grave purchase, or included with opening and closing charges. All foundations remain the property of the cemetery.
The foundation fee is a separate charge assessed at the time the foundation is utilized for monument installation. This fee is for the required use, maintenance, and accommodation of the cemetery foundation system and applies regardless of whether the foundation was pre-existing at the grave site. - Photography and Video Recording:
To protect the privacy and dignity of families, video recording or photography is not permitted during processions, casket transport, graveside services, or any other burial activities, including setup, lowering, or closing of the grave.Video recording of cemetery staff is not permitted. - Live Music and Performances:
Out of respect for all visitors, live music and performances are not permitted within the cemetery grounds, except for military funerals. - Privacy Policy:
For more details, please refer to our full Privacy Policy. - Refund Policy: All sales are final. No refunds will be issued.
- IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE:
No admittance by vehicle or on foot when gates are closed. Unauthorized entry is prohibited.
When the grounds are covered with snow, ice, or other hazardous conditions, visitors must remain inside their vehicles. Walking on graves or lawn areas is not permitted.
Weather conditions may create dangerous surfaces. By entering the cemetery, visitors assume all risks. The cemetery disclaims liability for injuries, including slip-and-fall incidents.
Copyright © Arlington Cemetery Association 2025