| arlington_cemetery_policies___regulations.pdf |
Cemetery Policies & Regulations
Updated as of 10/28/2025
State of New Jersey Compliance
In accordance with New Jersey cemetery regulations:
Payment Policy
Interment Scheduling & Overtime
Interments must be scheduled online by a licensed funeral director via:
calendly.com/arlingtoncemeterynj
Schedule:
Service Time Limit:
Each service within the cemetery is limited to 30 minutes from the scheduled time of arrival.
At the 30-minute mark, the service must conclude, and all attendees should begin returning to their vehicles so staff can prepare for the next interment.
Visitors who wish to spend additional time may return after 2:00 PM the same day, once all scheduled services have concluded.
Late Arrivals:
General Interment Rules
Live Performances, Music, and Gatherings
Arlington Cemetery is a place of peace, reflection, and respect. Live performances, bands, amplified music, or loud or disruptive activities are strictly prohibited on cemetery grounds.
This includes the use of portable speakers, sound systems, or vehicles playing music at excessive volume.
Quiet, brief musical tributes (e.g., a single instrument or vocalist) may be permitted only with prior written approvalfrom cemetery management.
Exception: Military honors that include ceremonial music are permitted.
Pyrotechnics, Fireworks, and Hazardous Displays:
For safety and respect, pyrotechnics, fireworks, open flames, and similar displays are strictly prohibited.
All gatherings must maintain the dignity and tranquility of the cemetery at all times.
Additional Interments and Monument Policy
When a lot owner requests to add an additional interment to an existing grave:
Existing Monuments
Inscription Space
Non-Permitted Additions
Approval Requirement
Cemetery Responsibility
Monuments, Foundations & MemorializationApproved Materials & Requirements
Foundation Requirements & Timeline
Installation Policy
Monument Inscription Policy: Nicknames
To ensure the accuracy and integrity of our cemetery records, all monument inscriptions must include the legal name of the individual as it appears on the official documents filed from the Funeral Home with the State of New Jersey (including the burial/transit permit and death certificate), and as listed on official cemetery paperwork signed by the authorizing party or lot owner.
Why This Policy Is Important
Our cemetery records, maps, and official documentation are maintained using the legal name of each individual. Requiring consistency between these records and the monument inscription helps to:
In some cases, individuals are widely known by nicknames (for example, “Jack” instead of “John”). If only a nickname appears on a monument, it may not match our official records. This can lead to confusion, particularly for those who are unfamiliar with the nickname, and may result in concerns that the incorrect individual is interred in that location.
Permitted Options for Nicknames
We understand the importance of honoring a loved one in a personal and meaningful way. For this reason, nicknames are permitted on monuments, provided the legal name is also included.
Families may choose from the following options:
In all cases, the legal name must be clearly present on the monument and reasonably associated with the nickname.
Our Goal
This policy is designed to balance personalization and remembrance with the need for accurate, permanent identification. By including both the legal name and any preferred nickname, families can honor their loved one while ensuring clarity for generations to come.
Disinterment Policy
Disinterments must follow strict legal, safety, and operational standards:
Economy Section (fka Immediate Need Graves)
Decorations & Prohibited Items Policy
At Arlington Cemetery, our priorities are:
Annual Cleanup
Holiday Decorations
Acceptable Decorations
Disclaimer on Hazardous Items
The cemetery reserves the right to remove, without notice, any item that poses a safety hazard to staff, visitors, or property.
Hazardous items include (but are not limited to): glass, metal, oversized, sharp, unstable, or flammable objects.
Prohibited Decoration Items
For safety and maintenance reasons, the following are not permitted:
Temporary Grave Markers
Privacy & Conduct
Refund Policy
All sales are final — no refunds will be issued.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact our office:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 201-991-1611
Mail: PO Box 910 Lyndhurst, NJ 07071
In accordance with New Jersey cemetery regulations:
- 15% of each grave sale is contributed to the Maintenance & Preservation Fund (M&P Fund)
- 3% of each interment fee — or $20, whichever is greater — is allocated to the M&P Fund
- 10% of each monument foundation fee — or $20, whichever is greater — is deposited into the M&P Fund
- A mandatory $4.00 per interment is remitted to the New Jersey Cemetery Board
Payment Policy
- All payments must be made online at arlingtoncemeterynj.com/pay
- Cash, checks, and in-person payments are not accepted
- Opening fees may only be paid after an interment is scheduled; advance payment is not permitted
- All sales are final — no refunds will be issued
- Medicaid supplements are not accepted for interments that exceed the Medicaid price limit
Interment Scheduling & Overtime
Interments must be scheduled online by a licensed funeral director via:
calendly.com/arlingtoncemeterynj
Schedule:
- Monday–Friday: 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM (most days)
- Saturday (by request only): 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM (additional fees apply)
- No interments on Sundays or holidays (see website for full holiday list)
Service Time Limit:
Each service within the cemetery is limited to 30 minutes from the scheduled time of arrival.
At the 30-minute mark, the service must conclude, and all attendees should begin returning to their vehicles so staff can prepare for the next interment.
Visitors who wish to spend additional time may return after 2:00 PM the same day, once all scheduled services have concluded.
Late Arrivals:
- Funerals arriving after their scheduled time will incur overtime fees billed in 30-minute increments
- Overtime charges are not prorated
- The funeral home is responsible for all overtime fees, which must be paid before any future interments can be scheduled
General Interment Rules
- Caskets must not exceed 30 inches in width or 400 pounds (including contents)
- Fiberboard caskets are not permitted as the first interment in an extra depth grave
- All interment times must be approved in advance by cemetery staff
- The cemetery assigns all grave locations for Economy Section (fka Immediate Need) interments — selection is not permitted
- Only licensed funeral directors may remain at the grave during the lowering; all other attendees must return to vehicles during active burial procedures
- Photography, video recording, filming, or live streaming of any service or staff activity is strictly prohibited
- Cemetery staff may request valid ID and licensure from any funeral director entering the grounds
Live Performances, Music, and Gatherings
Arlington Cemetery is a place of peace, reflection, and respect. Live performances, bands, amplified music, or loud or disruptive activities are strictly prohibited on cemetery grounds.
This includes the use of portable speakers, sound systems, or vehicles playing music at excessive volume.
Quiet, brief musical tributes (e.g., a single instrument or vocalist) may be permitted only with prior written approvalfrom cemetery management.
Exception: Military honors that include ceremonial music are permitted.
Pyrotechnics, Fireworks, and Hazardous Displays:
For safety and respect, pyrotechnics, fireworks, open flames, and similar displays are strictly prohibited.
All gatherings must maintain the dignity and tranquility of the cemetery at all times.
Additional Interments and Monument Policy
When a lot owner requests to add an additional interment to an existing grave:
Existing Monuments
- If a monument already exists, no additional monument, marker, bronze scroll, or tag may be added.
- Monuments are intended as permanent memorials designed to accommodate all interments within the lot.
Inscription Space
- If there is insufficient space for an additional inscription, the lot owner must replace the existing monument with a new one that complies with current regulations.
- All replacement monuments require cemetery approval prior to installation.
Non-Permitted Additions
- Bronze scrolls, tags, attached plates, or any supplemental memorial pieces not part of the original monument design are not permitted.
Approval Requirement
- All additional interments and related monument work must be approved by the cemetery before scheduling or installation.
Cemetery Responsibility
- Arlington Cemetery Association is not responsible for any costs or modifications required to bring a monument into compliance. All related expenses are the lot owner’s responsibility.
Monuments, Foundations & MemorializationApproved Materials & Requirements
- Only granite and bronze monuments are permitted
- Marble, limestone, vases, statues, and attachments on monuments are not allowed
- Monument dealers must verify section-specific requirements before ordering
- The cemetery is not responsible for errors by monument dealers, funeral directors, or family members
- Temporary markers may remain for up to 1 year after the date of death but must not resemble permanent monuments
Foundation Requirements & Timeline
- All memorials require a concrete foundation
- Foundation fees are due prior to installation
- Pricing is based on size or flat rates for standard sizes
- Pre-poured foundations/inscription panels: typically completed within 2 weeks
- Standard foundations: require 8 weeks minimum after grave settling
- No foundations are poured December–March, or longer depending on weather
Installation Policy
- All monuments must be installed by a licensed and insured monument dealer
- The cemetery does not accept monument deliveries or perform installations
- Online-only monument dealers that ship monuments are not permitted
Monument Inscription Policy: Nicknames
To ensure the accuracy and integrity of our cemetery records, all monument inscriptions must include the legal name of the individual as it appears on the official documents filed from the Funeral Home with the State of New Jersey (including the burial/transit permit and death certificate), and as listed on official cemetery paperwork signed by the authorizing party or lot owner.
Why This Policy Is Important
Our cemetery records, maps, and official documentation are maintained using the legal name of each individual. Requiring consistency between these records and the monument inscription helps to:
- Prevent misidentification of individuals interred within the cemetery
- Avoid confusion for family members, visitors, and future generations
- Ensure that grave locations correspond accurately with cemetery maps and records
- Protect families and the cemetery from misunderstandings or disputes regarding who is interred in a specific grave
In some cases, individuals are widely known by nicknames (for example, “Jack” instead of “John”). If only a nickname appears on a monument, it may not match our official records. This can lead to confusion, particularly for those who are unfamiliar with the nickname, and may result in concerns that the incorrect individual is interred in that location.
Permitted Options for Nicknames
We understand the importance of honoring a loved one in a personal and meaningful way. For this reason, nicknames are permitted on monuments, provided the legal name is also included.
Families may choose from the following options:
- Both names displayed together
Example: John “Jack” Smith - Nickname as the primary name, with legal name included nearby
The legal name may appear in a smaller font or secondary placement - Nickname in quotation marks with legal name included
Example: John Smith (“Jack”)
In all cases, the legal name must be clearly present on the monument and reasonably associated with the nickname.
Our Goal
This policy is designed to balance personalization and remembrance with the need for accurate, permanent identification. By including both the legal name and any preferred nickname, families can honor their loved one while ensuring clarity for generations to come.
Disinterment Policy
Disinterments must follow strict legal, safety, and operational standards:
- A licensed funeral director must be present
- All legal permits must be submitted in advance
- Scheduling depends on cemetery availability, weather, and safety conditions
- A licensed vault company must provide lifting and transport equipment (cemetery excavation only)
- Family attendance during disinterment is not permitted
- The condition of remains or casket cannot be guaranteed
- Disinterment may be declined or delayed due to safety, condition, or permit issues
- Fees vary by burial type; see current Price List
Economy Section (fka Immediate Need Graves)
- Price includes one grave and the first interment opening fee
- Future openings and foundation fees are not included
- Full payment required in advance
- Medicaid supplements not accepted if total cost exceeds Medicaid limits
- Grave locations are assigned; selection is not permitted
- Visitors may not carry the casket, fill the grave, or remain during active burial procedures
- After the service, all visitors must exit the cemetery
- Ground disturbance near other graves is normal and temporary
Decorations & Prohibited Items Policy
At Arlington Cemetery, our priorities are:
- Safety for visitors and staff
- Cleanliness and dignity of the cemetery grounds
- Clarity that decorations are placed at your own risk. The cemetery is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged decorations.
Leaving items on a grave is similar to leaving belongings in a public park; we cannot control visitors who may remove them or damage caused by weather or wildlife.
Annual Cleanup
- A cemetery-wide cleanup takes place around January 15 each year (weather permitting)
- Please remove any decorations you wish to keep before this date
- All items left after this date will be removed by cemetery staff
- New decorations may be placed beginning approximately February 13
Holiday Decorations
- Holiday decorations should be removed before the next holiday
- Old or weathered items may be removed without notice to maintain a clean, respectful environment
Acceptable Decorations
- Fresh or artificial flowers are permitted only in cemetery-approved cones
- Flowers may not be pushed directly into the ground
- Decorations must be placed within 12 inches of the monument
- Wildlife may disturb or remove flowers; this is beyond cemetery control
Disclaimer on Hazardous Items
The cemetery reserves the right to remove, without notice, any item that poses a safety hazard to staff, visitors, or property.
Hazardous items include (but are not limited to): glass, metal, oversized, sharp, unstable, or flammable objects.
Prohibited Decoration Items
For safety and maintenance reasons, the following are not permitted:
- Fencing, borders, rocks, or gravel
- Statues, figurines, or stuffed animals
- Glass, ceramic, or metal containers
- Shepherd’s hooks, solar lights, candles, or lanterns
- Permanent plantings (trees, shrubs, flowers, vegetation)
- Permanent structures other than approved monuments
- Oversized decorations or items interfering with maintenance or neighboring graves
- Any object creating a safety hazard for visitors, staff, or equipment
Temporary Grave Markers
- May remain up to one year after the date of death or until a permanent monument is installed, whichever comes first
- Only standard funeral home markers are permitted
- The cemetery does not sell temporary markers and is not responsible for lost or damaged markers
Privacy & Conduct
- We respect your privacy; personal information is never sold or shared
- Photography, filming, or live streaming of services or staff activities is prohibited
- BBQs, tents, or unauthorized gatherings are not permitted
- Visitors must respect all families and may not encroach on neighboring graves or obstruct cemetery operations
- All conduct must maintain peace, dignity, and respect for all visitors
Refund Policy
All sales are final — no refunds will be issued.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact our office:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 201-991-1611
Mail: PO Box 910 Lyndhurst, NJ 07071
