Policies & Regulations

Cemetery Policies

We ask families, visitors, funeral directors, monument dealers, contractors, and other cemetery guests to review and follow Arlington Cemetery's policies while on cemetery grounds.

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Complete Policies & Regulations

View the complete Arlington Cemetery Policies & Regulations document for detailed cemetery rules, procedures, and requirements.

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Policy Overview

Key areas covered by Arlington Cemetery's policies and regulations.

Visiting the Cemetery

Visiting hours, conduct, access, vehicles, children, pets, and general visitor expectations.

Decorations & Plantings

Permitted decorations, placement requirements, seasonal cleanup, and prohibited items.

Interments & Services

Scheduling, arrivals, graveside services, safety requirements, and burial procedures.

Photography & Recording

Rules concerning photography, video recording, cemetery operations, staff, and services.

Monuments & Memorials

Monument requirements, foundations, installation, dealer responsibilities, and cemetery approval.

Grave & Grounds Safety

Safety restrictions surrounding open graves, equipment, work areas, and cemetery operations.

Religious & Cultural Services

Requirements intended to respectfully accommodate services while maintaining cemetery safety.

Cemetery Operations

Maintenance, weather conditions, closures, grave settling, wildlife, and operational procedures.

Please Review the Complete Policies

This webpage is intended to make commonly referenced cemetery policies easier to find and understand. Families, visitors, funeral homes, monument dealers, and contractors should review the complete Policies & Regulations document when detailed requirements apply to their visit, service, or work at the cemetery.

Complete Policies & Regulations

Keep a copy available for reference or review the complete document before arranging services or performing work at Arlington Cemetery.

View Policies & Regulations PDF

Questions About a Cemetery Policy?

Please contact our virtual office Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–2:00 PM.
201-991-1611 • [email protected]

Important Information & Disclaimers

Casket Limits: Maximum 30 inches wide and 400 pounds including the casket. Oversized or overweight caskets may require outside vault company assistance. Fiberboard caskets are not permitted for the first interment of an extra-depth grave.

Funeral Director Identification: The cemetery reserves the right to request valid identification and licensure from funeral directors entering with a funeral procession.

Payment: Payments are online only. In-person payments, physical checks, and money orders are not accepted.

Overtime: Funeral homes are responsible for overtime charges caused by late arrivals. Unpaid overtime must be settled before future interments may be scheduled.

Photography & Video: Photography or recording is not permitted during processions, casket transport, graveside services, setup, lowering, closing of graves, or of cemetery staff.

Live Music & Performances: Not permitted on cemetery grounds except for military funerals.

Refunds: All sales are final. No refunds will be issued.

Privacy: View our Privacy Policy for additional information.

Foundation Fee Policy: Monument foundations are required for cemetery monuments. A pre-poured or pre-existing foundation does not mean the foundation fee was prepaid or included with the grave or interment. Foundation fees are assessed when the foundation is used for monument installation, and all foundations remain cemetery property.

Safety Notice: During snow, ice, severe weather, or hazardous grounds conditions, visitors should not enter the cemetery by vehicle or on foot. An open gate does not indicate that cemetery grounds are safe. Walking on graves or lawn areas during hazardous conditions is not permitted. Weather may create dangerous surfaces. By entering the cemetery, visitors assume all risks. The cemetery disclaims liability for injuries, including slip-and-fall incidents.