Above Ground Burial Guide: What You Need to Know
If you’ve ever visited a cemetery and noticed large stone structures or wall-like buildings holding crypts or niches, you’ve seen an example of above-ground burial.
Above-ground burial lets you or your loved ones rest in mausoleums, crypts, or columbaria rather than being buried beneath the earth.
This option offers a dry, well-protected environment that stands apart from traditional in-ground burial.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
I’ve always found above-ground burial to be a meaningful and dignified option—one that blends tradition with thoughtful practicality.
You might choose this style for cultural, religious, or logical reasons, such as dealing with high water tables or simply preferring an alternative to underground burials.
There are several types of above-ground burial spaces, including private family vaults, elegant community mausoleums, or simple burial vaults designed for single or multiple individuals. Each offers a unique way to honor memory and tradition while sometimes providing extra benefits like easier visitation or protection from the elements.
Understanding Above Ground Burial
Above ground burials offer an alternative to traditional in-ground burials. They provide unique structures and various options to meet cultural, family, or environmental preferences.
Definition and Fundamentals
Above-ground burial is a type of burial where the deceased is placed in a structure—such as a mausoleum or crypt—rather than being buried directly in the earth. The remains are typically housed in a sealed chamber, offering a dry and clean environment.
I’ve come to appreciate above-ground burial for the sense of permanence and protection it offers, especially in regions where the ground conditions can be unpredictable.
This approach can be chosen for practical reasons, such as in areas prone to flooding. It is also favored for its reputational cleanliness and maintenance factors. Instead of soil covering the casket, these burials use concrete, granite, or marble.
Above-ground options can support both caskets and urns. The preparation and final disposition process is similar to other burial options, but the location and structure are distinct. You might also hear terms like columbarium (for urns) and mausoleum (for caskets) associated with this form of burial.
Types of Above Ground Burial Structures
There are several kinds of above-ground structures available. Common types include:
Community Mausoleums
Large buildings with multiple crypts, shared by many families.
Private Mausoleums
Smaller buildings, often intended for a single family and customized for privacy.
Columbariums
Explicitly designed for cremated remains, with niches for urns.
Above-ground Tombs
Standalone or grouped structures, sometimes sealed with soil or stone.
Each type offers different levels of privacy and personalization. Private mausoleums typically cost more, but they give you more options for design and remembrance. Community options are affordable and still respectful.
Your choice depends on your priorities for space, accessibility, tradition, and budget. These burial chamber options make above-ground interment flexible and appropriate for various needs.
Tradition vs. Modern Options
Above-ground burials have historical and cultural significance. They are found in many places, such as New Orleans, parts of Europe, and Latin America. Traditionally, they were reserved for influential families or religious figures, often in elaborate tombs.
I find it fascinating how these burial traditions have evolved—blending centuries-old customs with modern innovation and accessibility.
Today, modern mausoleums and columbariums cater to wider public needs. They now incorporate advanced materials for durability, improved ventilation systems, and enhanced security. You can find both traditional, ornate styles and sleek, contemporary designs.
These structures offer better protection from ground moisture and flooding than traditional in-ground burials. They also often allow frequent visitation and easier upkeep, adapting ancient practices to fit present-day requirements and preferences.
Mausoleums and Memorial Properties
Mausoleums offer a dignified and practical alternative to in-ground burial, providing various options to suit privacy, tradition, and community preferences. These structures can reflect personal, cultural, or historical significance, ranging from intimate family estates to world-renowned monuments.
Private Family Mausoleums and Estates
Private family mausoleums are designed as exclusive, family-owned structures in cemeteries or private estates. You may see them built as small walk-in buildings, outdoor crypts, or larger custom designs, all serving as a shared final resting place.
I’ve always admired how private mausoleums offer a deeply personal and lasting tribute—a way to keep generations of family together in one meaningful space.
These mausoleums allow you to preserve your family legacy in a location dedicated solely to relatives and loved ones. Standard designs include single crypts for each individual or a cluster of niches for multiple family members. Materials often include granite or marble for durability and elegance.
Many choose a private estate to ensure privacy and a place for future generations. Advantages include climate protection, a secure environment, and options to personalize the structure with inscriptions or family emblems.
When selecting this option, it’s important to consider maintenance and long-term upkeep.
Community and Public Mausoleums
Community and public mausoleums are shared above-ground structures in larger cemeteries or memorial parks. These are designed to accommodate many individuals or families within one building or a series of garden walls.
Individual crypts or companion spaces can be purchased, often at a lower cost than private mausoleums. Features frequently include indoor visitation areas, climate control, and maintained landscaped grounds, making them accessible throughout the year.
Community mausoleums are more affordable while offering a respectful, clean, and dry environment. Some facilities provide memorial services and chapel spaces, allowing families to gather for commemorations and anniversaries.
Garden and Outdoor Mausoleum Types
Garden mausoleums are a popular option for those wanting an outdoor structure with access to fresh air and nature. These mausoleums may be free-standing buildings, single crypts on an external wall, or part of a landscaped memorial garden.
Many outdoor mausoleums feature walkways, benches, and flowering plants. I find that the combination of architecture and natural surroundings creates a peaceful atmosphere.
Some properties integrate garden walls of crypts and private seating areas for quiet reflection.
Garden mausoleums can include both private and community options. You can design a garden mausoleum to reflect religious, cultural, or design preferences. This flexibility allows you to create a lasting tribute that blends seamlessly with your chosen landscape.
Notable Mausoleums Around the World
Several mausoleums have become significant historical and cultural landmarks. The Taj Mahal, built in the 17th century by Shah Jahan in India, is a prime example of love and architectural achievement. Its white marble exterior and detailed gardens are admired by visitors worldwide.
In Rome, the Mausoleum of Hadrian—also known as Castel Sant’Angelo—serves as a tomb and a fortress, showcasing ancient city life and Roman engineering.
These examples highlight how mausoleums can transcend their original memorial purpose.
Other well-known mausoleums include family tombs in Europe, elaborate crypt family mausoleums in New Orleans, and iconic structures in Asia and the Middle East. Each reflects the values and practices of the cultures and individuals who built them.
Benefits and Considerations
Above-ground burial offers unique advantages for families seeking flexibility, security, and practicality. Local geography, environmental factors, and financial considerations can all shape whether this option feels right for you.
Peace of Mind and Personal Choice
Choosing above-ground burial can provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Mausoleums and crypts keep remains in a pristine condition, which is often comforting for families. These structures are designed to resist water, pests, and natural decay.
You can easily visit and remember the departed, as above-ground tombs often offer accessible locations and clear, marked spaces. Some cemeteries allow families to have shared crypts, allowing future generations to rest together.
There is also room for personalization. I’ve always felt that having the right size and design offers a meaningful sense of control during such an important decision.
Environmental and Regional Factors
Environmental aspects matter, especially in areas like New Orleans or other parts of the United States with high water tables or low-lying land. Above-ground burial solves the problem of flooding or unstable ground, making in-ground burial difficult or impossible.
As in southern Louisiana, above-ground options offer protection from water damage if you live near sea level. Mausoleums and crypts are usually built from stone, concrete, or similarly durable materials, giving added security against regional risks.
Climate and soil conditions also play a role. In regions prone to heavy rain or hurricanes, these structures ensure that remains are not disturbed. The choice can reflect practical considerations unique to your area.
Cost Comparison and Pricing
The average price for above-ground burial is often similar to traditional in-ground burials, but some additional costs may apply. For instance, mausoleums and crypts are constructed from sturdy materials, and maintenance fees may be higher than for a standard burial plot.
| Burial Type | Average Cost Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Standard Plot | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| Above-Ground Crypt | $3,000 – $8,000+ |
Larger mausoleums or family crypts can increase the price. However, space for future generations in one location may offset individual plot costs.
You may face similar costs up front, but it’s important to weigh whether features like weather protection or shared family space meet your long-term needs. Compare options carefully to ensure you are making the best decision for your circumstances.
Planning and Services for Above Ground Burial
When arranging an above ground burial, your choices shape how a loved one is remembered and their legacy is cared for. Options range from selecting mausoleums to working with experienced professionals and choosing ways to personalize or maintain memorial properties.
Making an Informed Decision
My advice is that you should start by exploring the types of above ground burial available. Common choices include community, private mausoleums, lawn crypts, and columbarium niches for cremation services.
Consider factors like cost, desired level of privacy, family preferences, and location.
Many memorial properties are part of large cemetery networks, or are offered by memorial planning providers. Think about how easy it will be for loved ones to visit and what long-term care is provided.
You must also decide how to honor the deceased’s name, display death dates, and choose inscription styles. Some families value the ability to gather at a private crypt, while others prefer the affordability and sense of community offered by shared spaces like mausoleums.
Discuss your wishes with family so everyone feels respected. Use checklists or comparison tables to keep your preferences clear:
| Option Type | Privacy | Commonly Includes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community Mausoleum | Shared | Indoor/Outdoor Compartments | Lower Cost, Community Feel |
| Private Mausoleum | Exclusive | Family-Only Structure | Privacy, Customization |
| Lawn Crypt | Above/Below | Grave Site with Vault Structure | Simpler Design |
| Columbarium Niche | Shared/Private | Cremated Remains, Plaques | Cremation Preferences |
Funeral Directors and Cemetery Providers
A funeral director can help you navigate your options and complete necessary paperwork. Funeral homes and cemetery providers, including brands specializing in memorial planning, are experienced in arranging above ground burial services.
Your funeral director will coordinate with cemetery providers to ensure the selected mausoleum, crypt, or columbarium niche is ready and conforms to your wishes.
These professionals handle arrangements for memorial ceremonies or viewings as desired, working with cremation services when needed.
Ask about pre-planning services, payment plans, or bundled packages to ease financial pressure. Memorial Planning providers—sometimes affiliated with large cemetery networks—offer guidance, help schedule visits, and prepare grave sites.
Request clear itemized lists of services so you know what you’re paying for.
If you work with well-known cemeteries or mobile memorial gardens, you’ll also have access to support staff for recurring needs like site access, floral tributes, or inscription updates.
Customization, Maintenance, and Legacy
You can personalize mausoleums and crypts with engraved markers, photos, or decorative elements that reflect your loved one’s life. Options include custom epitaphs, religious symbols, artwork, or etched pictures of the deceased’s name and death dates.
Maintenance plays a crucial role in preserving both the beauty and security of these sacred spaces. Cemetery providers are responsible for keeping mausoleums, columbarium niches, and other memorial properties clean, structurally sound, and landscaped.
Confirm what services are included—like regular cleaning, inspections, or flower placement—and which require extra fees.
Long-term legacy planning allows you to pre-select and reserve spaces for additional family members. This helps keep future generations together in one location. Check if your chosen provider offers ongoing maintenance contracts, ensuring your legacy endures according to your wishes.
Conclusion
As you navigate the decision for an above-ground burial, it’s essential to consider all the different options available, from private family mausoleums to public community mausoleums, or even simple columbarium niches.
Whether you’re drawn to the privacy of a family-owned mausoleum, the durability of granite mausoleums, or the open-air tranquility of garden mausoleums, each structure offers its unique benefits.
I’ve found that understanding the full scope of options—from indoor structures to outdoor free-standing buildings—helps provide clarity in selecting the perfect option for your family’s needs.
Above-ground interment options offer flexibility, ensuring your loved one’s memory is preserved with dignity, in a secure, lasting space.
With careful memorial planning and considering location, cost, and maintenance, you can create a meaningful legacy that stands the test of time.
Whatever your choice, ensure it reflects your family’s values and provides a serene resting place for future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are above-ground graves typically called?
Most above-ground graves are known as mausoleums or crypts. A mausoleum is a structure designed to house the remains of the deceased in chambers or crypts above ground. Some facilities are public, while others are private and serve families or individuals.
How much does an above-ground burial vault typically cost?
The cost of an above-ground burial vault can range from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. Factors include the type of facility, location, and whether the vault is in a private or public mausoleum. Prices often include the crypt, opening and closing, and ongoing maintenance.
Can ashes be interred in an above-ground burial, and how does it work?
Yes, ashes from cremation can be placed in a designated niche within a mausoleum, often called a columbarium. These niches hold urns and are usually sealed with a plaque. You can personalize the plaque with names, dates, and sometimes a small image or message.
How can I find above-ground burial options near my location?
You can contact local funeral homes, cemeteries, and religious institutions. Many provide information about nearby mausoleums, columbariums, or other above-ground options. Online directories and cemetery websites also help identify available facilities.
What are the characteristics and benefits of a mausoleum burial?
Mausoleum burials remain above ground, typically inside secure crypts protected from soil and moisture. These structures often offer climate protection, minimize ground disturbance, and allow for visitation in shelter from weather. Some families find them to be more personal or aesthetically appealing.
What occurs to the remains in an above-ground crypt over time?
It remains in an above-ground crypt and naturally decomposes, occurring within a sealed, ventilated space. Mausoleums are designed to manage decomposition and contain any odors or residue safely. The process is slower than some in-ground burials due to reduced exposure to outdoor elements.
