Memorial Regulations
To download or print a copy of these guidelines:
No memorials (monument or marker) will be permitted on any grave space until space is paid in full. Upright monuments require a minimum of two grave spaces. Markers may be installed on one or more spaces. If the back of an above ground monument is used, only the area of the monument that corresponds to the ownership of the spaces can be used. Please contact the cemetery for further clarification.
All memorials must be made of granite. Bronze VA markers may only be mounted on the backside of a granite upright monument. Bronze medallions may be installed on the front of a monument or marker. Marble statuary may be used with prior approval.
Prior to the installation of the memorial, the foundation payment and a detailed plan of the memorial must be submitted to the cemetery for acceptance and approval. The plan will include final artwork, sizes of all components of the memorial (LxWxH), and signatures of the space owner(s) or other authorized parties.
The cemetery will review the information and contact the submitting party in the event of an error or concern. The cemetery will also notify the submitting party (email or text) when the monument foundation is ready for installation. Lawn level markers are installed, with foundation, and in order received, once the marker is delivered to the cemetery.
- Note: Monument foundation orders are performed usually in the order received. Cemetery personnel may use scheduling discretion based on the anticipated delivery of the monument. Please do NOT call to check on the status of a foundation order as it takes time cemetery personnel often do not have.
Uprights – Permitted only on spaces numbered 1 to 8. Installed only by bonded monument companies.
Bases: The smallest base size base on a two-space grave is 32 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 8 Inches in height. The maximum base size on a two-space grave is 66 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 8 inches in height. All bases must have a finished top and flat bottom. When more than two spaces are used, bases must not exceed 60% of the combined width of the spaces (45” per space) and must be 14 inches wide and 8 inches in height.
- Upright Tablets: (That which sits upon the base) All tablets must be 8 inches thick, with at least the front and back surfaces polished. The minimum size on a two-space grave is 24 inches in length. The maximum size is 48 inches in length. When more than two spaces are used, the length of the tablet must be proportionate to the base length. In all instances the tablet height must be proportionate to the tablet length. If uncertain, contact Shepherd Hills. Tablets over 36” in height, must be pinned. The maximum height size must not exceed 9’ without prior cemetery approval.
- Note: Exceptions may be made to the 8” tablet thickness requirement if the style/design of the tablet includes a portion of the width less than 8”. Please provide the cemetery with a drawing or detailed description of the tablet should you request an exception.
Lawn Level Markers – Permitted on any space. Installed ONLY by Shepherd Hills employees.
All lawn level markers must be made of granite, have a smooth finished top, and must be at least 4 inches thick. Pictures inset in lawn level markers are allowed. The lot owner must acknowledge the limitations on responsibility for picture damage or deterioration stated in the Memorial Care and Damage Responsibility section below. The face of the inset picture cannot protrude above the face of the marker. Lawn level markers with core-drilled invertible vases are allowed.
Single Markers: Minimum Size – 20 inches long, 10 inches wide
Maximum Size – 30 inches long, 16 inches wide
Companion Markers: Minimum Size – 24 inches long, 12 inches wide
Maximum Size – 48 inches long, 16 inches wide
In-Ground Vases
In-ground (invertible) vases are allowed with markers only. They may be installed in the marker in a drilled core hole, or they may be installed separately, to the side of the marker, using either a concrete encasement or a polished granite base/support. If there is insufficient space to install to the side, an exception will be made to center one vase in front of the marker.
In-ground vases may be purchased from the cemetery or any authorized memorial dealer. The installation of vases will be performed, with a fee, by cemetery personnel only.
Foundations for Memorials
The foundation fee is $2.25 per square inch effective September 15, 2026. It is agreed that the foundation for a memorial will be constructed by cemetery personnel, and the fee is to be paid by the memorial dealer or by the customer prior to the installation of the memorial. Payment must accompany a detailed plan sent to the cemetery. Third party foundation installs are still subject to foundation charges, engineering design, layout, supervision, sod, etc. Contact the cemetery for the cost of this service.
Memorial Orders and Delivery
Monuments and markers from dealers, while not recommended, are allowed at the cemetery. Markers may be accepted if delivery is made from a standard-sized delivery van or truck and is scheduled with cemetery personnel. Tractor-trailer delivery is NEVER allowed. Monuments (with bases) must be accepted by a local monument company who may then perform the installation once all fees are paid. Please contact the cemetery with questions.
Installation Notification
Monument companies must schedule with cemetery personnel the delivery or installation of a memorial. Installations will often not be allowed during funeral services. Cemetery personnel have the right to refuse delivery if the memorial dealer does not notify them ahead of time.
Memorial Care and Damage Responsibility
Shepherd Hills Cemetery is not an insurer of monuments, markers, vases, photographs, medallions, statuary, or other memorial components. Subject to the exceptions below, the cemetery is not responsible for loss, damage, or deterioration caused by normal weathering or aging; natural ground settlement or frost heave; storms, lightning, flooding, or other natural events; theft or vandalism; or the acts of visitors or independent parties not acting on the cemetery’s behalf.
Subject to the same exceptions, the cemetery is not responsible for defects in materials, workmanship, or installation supplied by independent memorial dealers or installers not acting on its behalf, or for damage caused by unauthorized alterations or items placed in violation of these regulations. Approval of a memorial or installation plan does not itself create a cemetery warranty of products or work supplied by others.
When the cemetery is not responsible under this section, the memorial owner is responsible for arranging and paying for any repair, restoration, or replacement, subject to applicable warranties or claims against responsible third parties. Please report damage to the cemetery office promptly and obtain cemetery approval before repair, resetting, or removal.
These limitations do not exclude liability to the extent caused by the negligence or other wrongful conduct of the cemetery, its employees, or persons acting on its behalf. They do not reduce any obligation imposed by law or assumed under a contract, warranty, or endowed care arrangement.