How to Choose a Cemetery Plot in 2025
Choosing a cemetery plot can feel a bit strange, especially when emotions are running high. Whether you’re honoring a loved one’s wishes or making decisions for yourself, the goal is to find a burial site that feels right. Let’s walk through your options together and explore what’s possible.
Too Long; Didn’t Read: How to Choose a Cemetery Plot
Family Traditions: Does your family have ties to a specific cemetery?
Convenience: Staying local makes visiting easier.
Eco-Friendly Options: Think about green or natural burial choices.
Burial Plot Options: Look beyond standard options to find the best fit.
Cemetery Plot Costs: Understand fees and long-term maintenance.
Ask Questions: Visit cemeteries and review their policies.
Cremation vs. Burial: Finding What Fits Best
For some, the decision between cremation and burial is personal. Caitlin Doughty, an advocate for alternative end-of-life options, shares, “I want a natural burial. Just straight into the ground in a shroud.” This back-to-basics approach resonates with many who seek simplicity and sustainability.
If cremation feels right for you, there are still plenty of burial options for cremated remains. Columbariums, scattering gardens, or even incorporating ashes into a family plot can be meaningful ways to keep loved ones close.
Plot Options: What Are Your Choices?
Choosing the right cemetery plot is personal, balancing your preferences, family traditions, and budget. Here are some burial plot options to consider.
The Classic Choice: Single Space Plots
Perfect for those seeking simplicity, a single space accommodates one individual. It’s often the most budget-friendly option and provides a peaceful resting place without additional frills.
Family Plots: Keeping Loved Ones Together
Family plots create a sense of legacy by keeping multiple family members in one location. They can be tailored for traditional burials or cremation, offering flexibility to honor everyone’s wishes.
Double-Depth or Companion Plots: Close Forever
For couples, double-depth or companion plots are a thoughtful choice. These spaces stack two burials in the same plot, offering a cost-effective way to stay connected even after life.
Where to Start: Researching Cemeteries
Finding the right cemetery starts with a little research. Many local government websites list nearby cemeteries, complete with contact details and pricing. Online reviews and photos can also provide valuable insights.
Visiting the cemetery site in person gives you a better sense of the space—its maintenance, atmosphere, and features. Some cemeteries even offer virtual tours, making it easy to explore from home.
Pro Tip: Skip relying solely on funeral homes. Taking control of your search ensures you find a cemetery that aligns with your values and budget.
Honoring Family Traditions
If your family has a history with a specific cemetery, the decision may already be clear. Being buried near parents, siblings, or grandparents can create a meaningful legacy. However, availability may be limited, especially in older cemeteries.
Some families opt for creative alternatives, like burying ashes within an existing family plot or scattering them nearby (with cemetery approval). These options honor tradition while accommodating modern preferences.
Staying Close to Home
Proximity matters when choosing a cemetery. A nearby location makes it easier for family and friends to visit, leave flowers, or simply spend time reflecting.
When comparing local options, consider:
Maintenance: Does the cemetery look well cared for?
Atmosphere: Does it feel peaceful and welcoming?
Features: Are there gardens, historical landmarks, or other unique touches?
Going Green: Eco-Friendly Burial Options
Green burials focus on sustainability, using biodegradable materials and forgoing embalming chemicals or vaults. If reducing your environmental footprint is important, these options offer meaningful ways to give back to the earth.
Types of Green Cemeteries:
Hybrid Cemeteries: Conventional cemeteries with sections for natural burials.
Natural Cemeteries: Entirely dedicated to eco-friendly practices.
Conservation Cemeteries: Land protected by conservation trusts, ensuring long-term preservation.
For example, The Herland Forest Natural Burial Cemetery uses burial fees to purchase more land, ensuring it remains undeveloped. These spaces often allow you to plant trees in place of headstones, adding a personal and environmental legacy.
Burying at Home: A Unique Alternative
Under specific conditions, home burials can offer a deeply personal option. This is most common in rural areas but requires careful planning:
You must own the property.
Local permits are usually required.
Burial details must be documented on the property title.
Example: The Mitchell family buried loved ones beneath an old oak tree on their farm, connecting generations to their roots.
New Frontiers: Human Composting
Human composting, or recomposing, transforms remains into nutrient-rich soil over 45 days. It’s a modern, sustainable alternative that’s gaining popularity. Providers like Recompose in Seattle offer these services, starting at $3,950, giving families the choice to use the resulting soil for planting or conservation.
Factors Affecting Cemetery Plot Costs
Understanding cemetery plot costs can help you make an informed decision. Here are key factors to consider:
Location and Cemetery Type
Cemeteries in urban areas or with limited space are typically more expensive than those in rural areas. Private and national cemeteries often come with higher costs, while green cemeteries may have unique pricing structures.
Ongoing Costs and Maintenance
Cemeteries operate under different maintenance structures. Laws often require funds for long-term care, but the level of upkeep can vary. Ask about maintenance policies and fees before purchasing a plot.
Burial Vaults, Grave Liners, and Outer Burial Containers
Vaults, grave liners, and outer burial containers prevent ground collapse but can significantly add to costs. Green burial cemeteries often waive these requirements.
Prepaid Burial Plots
Prepaid burial plots allow individuals to lock in a burial site ahead of time. This ensures peace of mind and avoids potential price increases in the future.
Final Thoughts: Making It Personal
Choosing a cemetery plot isn’t just a logistical decision; it’s a chance to create a space that feels meaningful. Whether you’re honoring family traditions, exploring green options, or planning for yourself, take time to reflect and trust your instincts. This is your opportunity to make a decision that aligns with your values and brings comfort to those you leave behind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Cemetary Plot
Can I reserve a plot next to a loved one? Yes, many cemeteries allow you to purchase adjacent plots.
What happens if a cemetery closes? Most states require cemeteries to honor existing agreements, even if ownership changes.
Are green burials more expensive? Not necessarily. Avoiding embalming, vaults, and elaborate caskets often makes them more affordable.
Can I transfer my burial plot? This depends on the cemetery’s policies. Some allow transfers but may charge fees.
How do I know if a cemetery is well-maintained? Visit in person and look for clean pathways, cared-for landscaping, and visible staff presence.
