Mausoleumpedia

Above Ground Cremation Vaults: An Alternative to Traditional Burial

As preferences around end-of-life arrangements evolve, many families are seeking meaningful alternatives to traditional burial. Among the most dignified and increasingly popular choices is the above-ground cremation vault—a structure that combines the permanence of a traditional monument with the flexibility of cremation. This type of above-ground interment provides a respectful and lasting way to memorialize the deceased, while offering comfort and convenience to those left behind.

Final Resting Place Options for Cremated Remains

• Secure and Dignified Option: Above-ground cremation vaults provide a respectful and lasting way to hold urns and honor the deceased.
• Meeting Modern Preferences: This type of interment reflects the growing demand for flexible above-ground burial alternatives.
• Personalization and Connection: Many vaults allow for custom features and the option to house multiple urns, creating meaningful final resting places for families.
• Long-Term Value: While potentially more costly than traditional interment, above-ground burials offer durability, convenience, and lasting emotional comfort.

What Are Above Ground Cremation Vaults?

An above-ground cremation vault is a specially designed structure that holds urns containing cremated remains. Often housed in mausoleum crypts, cremation monuments, or columbaria, these secure chambers are built above the earth’s surface. The urn rests in a sealed compartment, protected from the elements and thoughtfully displayed instead of being buried in the ground.

These mausoleums are often constructed of granite or marble and can be personalized to reflect the life and legacy of the deceased. Some are constructed in cemetery complexes, while others are standalone monuments in peaceful garden settings — perhaps on private land.

Why Choose an Above-Ground Cremation Vault?

In-ground burial has been the norm for centuries. However, many people seek a new approach to final resting places. Here are some reasons why above-ground cremation vaults and mausoleums are popular.

1. Aesthetic and emotional value

Above-ground cremation monuments provide families with a beautifully designed and easily accessible final resting place. These structures carry special meaning, often incorporating engraved plaques, photos, or decorative elements that celebrate a life well lived. The ability to visit and reflect in a serene space can offer great emotional comfort after death.

2. Convenient visitation

Unlike traditional burials, above-ground interment allows for more accessible visitation. Many of these cremation vaults are located in indoor mausoleum crypts or sheltered outdoor settings, making it easier for friends and family—especially those with mobility issues—to spend time remembering their loved one.

3. Durability and protection

By being housed in above-ground structures, cremation urns are better protected from the effects of time and nature. This level of care ensures that the memory of the deceased is preserved in a secure and respectful environment for generations.

4. Family companionship

Some above-ground interment options are designed to hold urns for multiple family members. This allows spouses or relatives to share a final resting place, providing a beautiful symbol of enduring love and connection.

Cost and Planning Considerations

Although above-ground burials may involve additional costs compared to simple in-ground interment, the investment often reflects the lasting quality, aesthetics, and peace of mind they offer. Costs may vary based on the funeral home, location, materials, and the type of monument selected. Families are encouraged to consult with a trusted funeral home or cemetery professional to explore options that align with their values and budget.

Of course, private mausoleum options are available for those families requiring privacy.

Is an Above Ground Cremation Vault Right for Your Family?

Choosing how to honor a loved one after death is deeply personal. An above-ground cremation vault offers a thoughtful alternative for those seeking a balance of tradition, beauty, and lasting tribute. Whether placed within mausoleum crypts, elegant garden niches, or custom cremation monuments, this type of interment reflects the growing demand for dignified, meaningful remembrance.

Are you beginning the pre-planning process and would like to learn more about above-ground interment for the discerning family? Request a private consultation with Eternal Mausoleums by Forever Legacy. We are the premier provider of funerary architecture in North America.

Selecting Mausoleum Crypt Plates: Materials, Designs & Inscription Options

Every detail matters when honoring a loved one’s legacy. For example, selecting the right mausoleum crypt plate is one of those meaningful decisions. It’s more than a nameplate—it’s a permanent tribute reflecting a well-lived life. Whether planning ahead or making arrangements after a loss, this guide will walk you through the most important considerations when choosing a crypt plate, including materials, design elements, and inscription options.

The Basics: Mausoleum Crypt Plates

• Crypt plates serve as lasting memorials, often made from bronze, granite, or stainless steel, and are used to honor those buried or placed in a columbarium or niche.
• Families can personalize plates with relief artwork, portraits, and emblems—suitable for both cremated remains and traditional interments.
• Inscriptions typically include the full name, dates, and a short epitaph, with various font and finish options available for bronze markers and plaques.
• It’s important to ensure the plate complements the overall mausoleum site.

What Is a Crypt Plate?

A crypt plate—also called a crypt marker or nameplate—is the panel affixed to the front of a mausoleum niche or crypt. It identifies the individual entombed or buried within and typically features their name, birth and death dates, and a short epitaph or symbolic design. These plaques may be made from bronze, metal, or stone and are often attached to the exterior of the crypt or columbarium.

Crypt plates serve a dual purpose: they preserve identity and provide a beautiful and respectful tribute to the remains of a loved one.

Selecting Mausoleum Crypt Plates: Materials, Designs & Inscription Options

Choosing the right crypt plate is integral to planning or personalizing a mausoleum. Families often seek clarity in the process, and this guide will answer the most common questions surrounding materials, designs, and inscription choices.

1. Crypt plate materials

Durability, appearance, and compatibility with the mausoleum structure are key when choosing the material for a crypt plate. Common options include the following:

• Bronze: Known for its elegance and longevity, bronze crypt plaques offer timeless beauty. They are corrosion-resistant and ideal for private mausoleums or columbarium fronts.
• Stainless Steel: Sleek and modern, stainless steel works well in minimalist or contemporary mausoleum designs.
• Granite: Often used for shutter-style crypts or full-front designs, granite pairs well with matching headstones or mausoleum facades.

2. Design options for personalization

A well-designed crypt plate should reflect the individual’s legacy, beliefs, and personality. Popular design elements include the following:

• Relief Artwork: Raised details like borders, angels, doves, or flowers add depth to bronze markers or niche plaques.
• Portraits: Laser-etched or bronze-framed images can create a more personal, visual connection to your loved one.
• Emblems: Military medallions, fraternal insignias, or religious symbols can be included to honor service or values.

Design elements can be included in plaques accompanying cremated remains in a niche or traditional full-body interments.

3. Inscription styles and options

Inscriptions turn a nameplate into a heartfelt tribute. Key elements include:

• Basic Information: Full name, birth and death dates, and sometimes a maiden name or middle initial.
• Epitaphs: Short messages such as “Forever Loved” or spiritual quotes reflect emotional sentiment and meaning.
• Fonts and Finishes: Choose serif, script, or modern fonts with finishes ranging from polished to antique, particularly for bronze plaques or niche markers.

Helpful Tips for Choosing a Crypt Plate

• Confirm Requirements: Always obtain approval from the cemetery or columbarium before ordering. Some sites have specific size or material requirements for plaques and markers. Of course, this is not necessary if you’re constructing a private family mausoleum.
• Plan Ahead: Preplanning gives families peace of mind and allows for thoughtful customization.
• Coordinate with the Mausoleum: Make sure your bronze crypt plaque, niche plaque, or stone engraving aligns with the overall aesthetic of the mausoleum or burial site.

A Tribute That Stands the Test of Time

A mausoleum crypt plate is more than a marker—it’s a legacy in bronze, steel, or stone. Whether you’re commemorating cremated remains in a niche or honoring a loved one buried in a private crypt, your design should offer a sense of permanence, elegance, and emotional connection.

At Eternal Mausoleums by Forever Legacy, we specialize in designing and building custom mausoleums where every detail—down to the plaque—is a lasting expression of love. Contact us to begin creating a mausoleum that honors your family’s story for generations to come.

Mausoleum Terms: A Glossary of Mausolea Terminology and Definitions

This helpful glossary will teach mausoleums, tombs, interment, and other related terms.