A Guide to Headstone Regulations

If you’d like to commemorate your loved one with a headstone, there are a number of rules that must be followed; otherwise, you run the risk of the headstone being removed. Naturally, at this already distressing time, paperwork is probably the last thing on your mind. That’s why the team at Artisan Memorials has created this helpful guide to headstone regulations, so you’re aware of just what to expect.

Who has the legal right to place a headstone?

So, can anyone put a headstone on a grave? To put it simply, no. The only person with the right to place a headstone is whoever is named on the Deed of Grant. This is a legal document that confirms ownership of a burial plot and grants exclusive rights over what can be done with the grave, including headstone installation.

Should a person not named on the Deed of Grant unlawfully erect a headstone, the registered owner of the plot has the right to have it removed. That’s why it’s so important to understand who has the right to install a headstone, to prevent any nasty legal disputes further down the line.

Do you need permission to install a headstone?

Typically, you will always need permission granted in writing from the cemetery or churchyard in order to install a headstone; there is usually a fee attached to this, too. This process normally takes up to four weeks and all relevant documentation must be signed by the registered owner of the grave. When you choose a trusted stonemason like Artisan Memorials, we can arrange the paperwork on your behalf so that you’ve got one less thing to worry about at this already difficult time.

Are there rules about what type of headstone you can have?

There is no universal policy about what a headstone should look like; it entirely depends on the burial ground in question. Most cemeteries will have clear rules over the size, style, materials and inscriptions that are allowed, to ensure every headstone is in keeping with the setting. However, regulations are typically a little stricter in religious burial grounds; for example, most churchyards encourage inscriptions that are in keeping with Christianity and use ‘simple and reverent’ language. Therefore, it’s always best to check any specific restrictions at your chosen cemetery before finalising your headstone design.

It’s also crucial to ensure the headstone is of a robust nature, so most cemeteries will stipulate that a headstone must be made of stone to be permitted. There are several reasons for this; plastics and acrylic resin lack weather resistance, longevity and also aren’t in keeping with more traditional aesthetics. Furthermore, these materials can become brittle over time, causing them to break and leave behind a sharp surface that is a safety risk.