Headstones in New York City: Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens & Staten Island

New York City's five boroughs are also five counties — Bronx, Kings (Brooklyn), New York (Manhattan), Queens and Richmond (Staten Island). The city is home to some of the most historic cemeteries in the country, including Green-Wood in Brooklyn, Woodlawn in the Bronx, Calvary in Queens and Moravian Cemetery on Staten Island. It's also one of the most space-constrained places in America to be buried, and that shapes how headstones are chosen and approved.

Borough by borough

• Manhattan (New York County) has very few active burial grounds. Most Manhattan families are buried in other boroughs, Westchester, Long Island or nearby New Jersey.
• The Bronx — large historic cemeteries with ornate monuments and mausoleums alongside newer sections.
• Brooklyn (Kings) — historic garden cemeteries and many faith cemeteries.
• Queens — part of the "cemetery belt" along the Brooklyn–Queens border, with very large Catholic, Jewish and non-sectarian cemeteries.
• Staten Island (Richmond) — a mix of historic, religious and newer cemeteries.

What makes NYC cemeteries different

• Detailed regulations. Large cemeteries have formal monument rules — sizes, materials, foundations, approvals and installation scheduling.
• Section-by-section variation. Historic sections may have different rules from newer ones.
• Formal approval. Expect to submit a dimensioned drawing, the full inscription and lot-owner authorization.
• Scheduled installation. Setting is often booked in advance through the cemetery.
• Fees. Foundation, setting and sometimes inscription or permit fees. Ask for the schedule in writing.

Our cemetery rules guide explains these documents.

Faith traditions

Jewish memorials

Jewish cemeteries in Queens, Brooklyn and beyond often follow traditions around the timing of the stone and the unveiling ceremony, typically held within the first year. Inscriptions commonly include Hebrew names, the Hebrew date, and abbreviations such as פ״נ (here lies) and תנצב״ה. Accuracy in Hebrew lettering is essential — always proof carefully. Our unveiling guide explains the custom.

Catholic memorials

Catholic cemeteries publish their own regulations and often review imagery and inscriptions. Crosses, saints and rosaries are common.

Many languages

NYC headstones are inscribed in dozens of languages — Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Italian, Polish, Greek, Arabic, Bengali and more. Send the exact text in its proper script, and approve a proof before production.

Choosing granite for the city

• Black granite is popular for its contrast and suitability for etched portraits — see our laser etching guide.
• Grey granite matches traditional and historic sections.
• Dense, polished stone handles NYC's humid summers, freezing winters and urban air.

Delivery in the city

Delivering a heavy granite monument in New York City takes coordination — access to the cemetery, delivery windows and whoever receives and sets the stone. Marwaa Memorials delivers door-to-door under DAP terms, with freight, customs and duties included, and coordinates with your cemetery's schedule. Our DAP delivery explainer covers how it works.

Getting started

Draft your design in our Design Studio, gather your cemetery's regulations and request a quote. Our US team is listed on the USA tab of the contact page.

Related: Long Island guide, Hudson Valley guide, statewide county guide and all New York service areas.