Headstone Quotes About the Night

Saying goodnight is one of the gentlest ways to say goodbye. Night lines suit people who loved the evening sky, night owls — and families who want a soft, peaceful farewell.

Short epitaphs

• Goodnight, sweetheart.
• Goodnight, God bless.
• Sleep well, until morning.
• Night night — love you.
• Rest now; the night is calm.
• Goodnight, not goodbye.

Scripture

• I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:8)
• The darkness and the light are both alike to thee. (Psalm 139:12)
• And there shall be no night there. (Revelation 22:5)

Public-domain poetry and prose

• Good night, sweet prince, / And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest! (Shakespeare, Hamlet)
• She walks in beauty, like the night / Of cloudless climes and starry skies. (Lord Byron, 1815)

"Goodnight, not goodbye"

This simple line is one of the most comforting choices for families of faith — suggesting sleep and a morning reunion rather than an ending. It suits parents, grandparents and children alike.

For a night owl

For someone who worked nights or loved the late hours — nurses, bakers, musicians, stargazers — a night sky across black granite with "Goodnight, sweet prince" or "Rest now; the night is calm" feels just right.

Designs to pair

• Moon and stars — see moon and stars meaning.
• A starry night sky across black granite.
• A lantern or candle — see candle meaning.
• An owl — see owl meaning.

A note on sources

Quotations here are scripture (King James Version) or works in the public domain, alongside original lines you're free to use. If you choose another quotation, check who wrote it and whether it is still under copyright before it is engraved.

Key Takeaways

• Goodnight lines offer a gentle farewell.
• Psalm 4:8 speaks of peaceful sleep.
• Hamlet's "Good night, sweet prince" is public domain.
• Night skies glow on black granite.

Next Step

See headstone quotes about the moon and about stars and sky.