Double Monument Gallery
What Is a Double Monument?
A double monument, also called a companion monument or double headstone, is a memorial designed to honor two people with one shared monument. They are commonly selected for spouses or partners who are buried together, but they can also be used to memorialize siblings, parents, or other family members.
Unlike two separate headstones, a double monument creates one unified memorial with space for both individuals’ names, dates, inscriptions, and personalized design elements. The larger format also provides additional room for shared artwork, religious symbols, epitaphs, or other details that represent the relationship between the two people.
Double Monument Designs
Double monuments can be customized in many different ways to create a memorial that reflects the lives and relationship of the people being honored. Common design considerations include:
- Two-name layouts that give each individual dedicated space
- Shared inscriptions or epitaphs that reflect a couple’s life together
- Personalized artwork such as flowers, crosses, hearts, landscapes, or other meaningful imagery
- Religious symbols and other meaningful design elements
- Different monument shapes and finishes to create a traditional or more personalized appearance
- Additional engraving space for meaningful verses, dates, or family information
A double monument can be designed as a cohesive memorial while still giving each person their own space and identity within the overall design.
Double Headstones for Couples
One of the most common uses for a double monument is to memorialize a husband and wife or other couple who share a burial space. A companion headstone allows both individuals to be remembered together rather than placing two separate monuments side by side.
Families may also choose to plan a double monument in advance, allowing space for a surviving spouse’s name and dates to be completed later. Cemetery requirements should be confirmed before selecting the monument’s dimensions and design.
Choosing a Double Monument
Before ordering a double monument, it is important to consider the cemetery’s requirements for monument size, placement, materials, and installation. Cemetery regulations can vary, so confirming the permitted dimensions and design requirements before finalizing a monument can help prevent problems later.
Families should also consider how much inscription and artwork they want, the type of granite and finish they prefer, and whether space should be reserved for information that will be added in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are double monuments only for married couples?
No. Although they are frequently chosen for spouses and partners, double monuments can also memorialize siblings, parents, or other family members who are buried together.
Can a double monument be personalized?
Yes. Families can personalize a double monument with inscriptions, epitaphs, religious symbols, artwork, and other meaningful design elements, depending on the monument and cemetery requirements.
Can you leave space on a double monument for someone who is still living?
In many cases, a monument can be designed with space for a surviving spouse or family member, with the remaining information added later. However, the cemetery’s rules should be confirmed before planning the monument this way.
How do I choose the right size for a double monument?
The appropriate size depends on the cemetery’s regulations, the available plot space, and how much engraving or artwork the family wants to include. The cemetery should be consulted about permitted dimensions before the monument is designed or ordered.