Headstones With Statues: A Buyer's Guide
A guide to headstones with statues — angels, saints, the Virgin Mary and custom figures — materials, cemetery rules, installation and care.
A statue turns a headstone into a monument. Angels, saints, the Virgin Mary, children and even pets have been carved for graves for centuries. Today families can choose classic carved granite figures, bronze castings or modern resin pieces — each with different costs, weights and cemetery rules.
Popular statue designs
- Angels — guardian, weeping or praying angels; see angel headstones.
- The Virgin Mary — often with open arms or hands in prayer; see Virgin Mary meaning.
- Saints — St. Joseph, St. Anthony, St. Francis with animals.
- Jesus — the Sacred Heart or the Good Shepherd.
- Children or cherubs — on children's memorials; see cherub meaning.
- Custom figures — a pet, a bird or an object from the person's life.
Materials compared
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Carved granite | Matches the headstone, very durable | Heavy, less fine detail |
| Bronze | Fine detail, long-lasting patina | Higher cost, theft risk in some areas |
| Marble | Classic white look | Weathers and stains outdoors |
| Resin or composite | Light and inexpensive | Fades, may not be allowed |
See granite vs marble vs bronze.
Cemetery rules
Statues raise height and safety questions, so many cemeteries:
- Limit total height, including the statue — see headstone height limits.
- Require pinning with stainless steel dowels and approved adhesive.
- Allow statues only in monument sections, not lawn sections.
- Ban loose figures that could fall or be stolen.
Ask for written rules before you choose a design.
Installation and care
A statue must be pinned securely to the headstone or base and the foundation sized for the extra weight. Clean granite and bronze gently once or twice a year — see how to clean a bronze marker. Inspect the joint each spring for cracks or movement.
Check your price
For a live estimate, design your memorial in the Design Studio and use Check Price, or request a quote for an itemised price.
Key Takeaways
- Angels, Mary, saints and custom figures are the most popular statues.
- Granite and bronze last best outdoors.
- Cemeteries often limit height and require pinning.
- Inspect the joint every spring.
Next Step
See family mausoleums and custom headstone design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put a statue on a headstone?
Usually yes in monument sections, if it's securely pinned and within the cemetery's height limit.
What is the best material for a grave statue?
Granite or bronze last best outdoors; marble and resin weather faster.
How is a statue attached to a headstone?
With stainless steel pins and approved monument adhesive.
Are statues allowed in lawn cemeteries?
Rarely — lawn sections usually allow only flat markers.
Ready to get pricing for your granite monument?
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