Headstones in Philadelphia: Historic Cemeteries and the Suburban Counties

Philadelphia has some of America's oldest and most beautiful cemeteries — Laurel Hill Cemetery, an early garden cemetery and National Historic Landmark, among them — plus hundreds of Catholic, Jewish, African American, Orthodox and community cemeteries across the city and its suburbs in Montgomery, Delaware, Bucks and Chester counties. Veterans may be buried at Philadelphia National Cemetery or Washington Crossing National Cemetery.

Historic sections

Older cemeteries often have heritage rules for new monuments in historic sections — sizes, shapes, materials or colours that fit the surroundings. Ask before you design. See matching a new headstone.

Many traditions

Philadelphia's Italian, Irish, Jewish, Ukrainian, Vietnamese, Puerto Rican and African American communities bring diverse customs — photo portraits, Hebrew text, crosses and bilingual inscriptions. See Italian traditions, the Jewish unveiling guide and Spanish phrases.

Weather

Philadelphia winters are milder than upstate, but freeze-thaw still happens every year. Dense, polished granite with deep lettering lasts best.

Cemetery rules

In the United States, cemeteries are regulated state by state, and every cemetery — municipal, religious, nonprofit or private — sets its own rules on memorial sizes, materials, foundations and installation. Before you order:

• Ask the cemetery for its rules and fee schedule in writing (foundation, setting and any permit fees).
• Confirm who installs — cemetery staff or an approved monument company.
• Submit the design for approval before production.

Our cemetery headstone rules guide has a full checklist, and headstone setting fees explained covers the extra costs.

Veterans

Eligible veterans can receive a government headstone or marker, and families can also choose a private granite monument that includes service details. See veteran headstones and VA rules and military inscriptions.

Factory-direct to Philadelphia

Marwaa Memorials manufactures in our own factory and delivers door-to-door across the USA under DAP terms, with freight, customs and duties included in the quote. Plan the design in our Design Studio, request a quote, or call our US team via the contact page. Read how DAP delivery works.

Local pages: Philadelphia County, Montgomery County, Delaware County, our Pennsylvania headstone guide. See also our Lehigh Valley and Northern New Jersey guides.