Cremation Headstones

What Are Cremation Headstones?

Cremation headstones are upright cemetery monuments designed with an internal compartment — sometimes called a niche — that securely holds a container of cremation ashes. Unlike traditional headstones that simply mark a burial plot, a headstone with urn inside serves a dual purpose: it identifies the resting place of your loved one while also protecting their cremated remains within the stone itself. These cremation memorial stones are crafted from natural granite, which provides exceptional durability and a wide selection of colors. The ashes are placed in a durable receptacle inside the headstone, and a fitted cover or bronze plaque seals the compartment. This makes them an ideal choice for families who want a traditional cemetery memorial that also keeps their loved one's ashes in a single, permanent location.

Above-Ground Cremation Monuments and Styles

Our above ground cremation monuments come in a range of designs to suit different preferences and cemetery requirements. Traditional upright cremation headstones feature a polished granite face with space for engraved names, dates, and personal inscriptions, with the urn compartment concealed within the base or body of the stone. Rustic and natural-shaped monuments offer an organic look with rough-hewn edges and a bronze plaque mounted to the surface, creating a memorial that feels connected to the natural landscape. Family cremation headstones are larger monuments designed to hold multiple sets of cremated remains, making them a meaningful option for couples or families who want to be memorialized together.

If you are looking for a flat, lawn-level option rather than an upright monument, we also carry cremation grave markers that sit flush with the ground. For a truly unique above-ground tribute, our memorial cremation pillars provide a striking pillar-shaped memorial that holds ashes within a granite column.

Choosing the Right Cremation Headstone

Size and Capacity: Cremation headstones are available in individual sizes that hold one set of ashes and companion sizes that hold two or more. Individual monuments typically feature a single urn compartment, while companion cremation headstones are larger and include two separate reservoirs. Consider how many sets of remains the memorial will need to accommodate — some families plan ahead and select a companion headstone even if only one loved one has passed.

Granite Color and Finish: Choose from a range of standard granite colors including black, gray, mahogany, and rose. Premium colors are available at an additional cost. The surface of the headstone is polished for the inscription area, while the sides may be rock-pitched for a natural look or polished smooth for a more refined appearance.

Personalization: Every tombstone for cremation includes engraving for the name, date of birth, date of death, and a short inscription of up to 15 characters at no extra charge. Additional lettering, emblems, portraits, and custom designs are available — learn more about engraving options in our guide to headstone engraving costs.

Cemetery Compliance: Cemetery regulations vary widely, and not all cemeteries permit upright monuments or cremation-specific markers. Before we produce any cremation headstone, we contact your cemetery directly to verify that the memorial you selected meets their size, material, and placement requirements. You will also see and approve a layout proof before production begins. For a deeper look at what cemeteries typically require, see our article on cemetery regulations for urns and markers.

Cremation Headstones vs. Other Cremation Markers

The term "cremation markers" covers a range of memorial types, and understanding the differences can help you choose the right one. Upright cremation headstones stand vertically and are the most visible option in a cemetery — they closely resemble traditional headstones and are ideal for families who want a prominent, recognizable tribute. Flat markers for cremated remains sit flush with the ground and are often required in lawn-level sections of a cemetery; these ground-level memorials are a popular choice when cemetery regulations do not permit upright monuments. Cremation pillars are freestanding granite columns that hold ashes inside, offering a distinctive alternative to both flat and upright styles. For a detailed comparison of flat and upright styles, read our guide on headstone vs. grave marker differences.

What Is Included with Your Cremation Headstone

Every cremation headstone from Memorials.com includes your choice of standard granite colors, engraving for the name and dates, a short memorial inscription, and the internal urn compartment with a sealed receptacle for the ashes. We also include a full cemetery verification to ensure the monument meets your cemetery's specifications, plus a layout proof for your approval before we begin production. If you need additional lettering beyond 15 characters, extra emblems, a vase attachment, or a premium granite color, our customer service team can provide a quote.

Free Shipping on All Cremation Headstones

Every cremation headstone ships free to all 48 continental United States. We also ship to Alaska, Hawaii, and international destinations — contact our customer service office for a shipping quote. If you need help choosing the right memorial from our headstones that hold ashes, our team is available by phone to walk you through sizes, styles, and cemetery requirements.