Headstones in Philadelphia, PA: What families need to know

Cemeteries we serve in Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia is home to some of the most historic and diverse cemeteries in the entire country — from the landmark Laurel Hill Cemetery, a National Historic Landmark, to neighborhood cemeteries that have served Philadelphia families for generations.

Abby Rose Inc. serves all of the following Philadelphia cemeteries:

• Cathedral Cemetery

• Cedar Hill Cemetery

• Chelten Hills Cemetery

• Fernwood Cemetery

• Forrest Hills Cemetery

• Greenmount Cemetery

• Greenwood Cemetery

• Holy Redeemer Cemetery

• Holy Sepulchre Cemetery

• Ivy Hill Cemetery

• Laurel Hill Cemetery

• Magnolia Cemetery

• Mount Vernon Cemetery

• New Cathedral Cemetery

• Oakland Cemetery

• River's Edge Memorial Park

• William Penn Cemetery

• Woodlands Cemetery

Each cemetery has its own specific rules regarding monument size, materials, foundation requirements, and approval processes. Abby Rose Inc. knows these requirements inside and out — and handles all coordination with the cemetery on your behalf, so you never have to navigate the administrative process alone.

If your cemetery is not on this list, call us directly at (609) 585-2242. We almost certainly serve your area.

Types of headstones available for Philadelphia families

Every family is different, and so is every memorial. Abby Rose Inc. offers a full range of headstones and monuments for Philadelphia cemeteries, all custom-designed and crafted from premium granite.

Upright headstones

The most traditional and widely recognized memorial style. An upright headstone stands vertically above ground, offering a strong presence and ample space for names, dates, inscriptions, and artwork. Available as single or companion uprights for two individuals.

Flat markers

Flat markers lie flush with the ground and are required by some Philadelphia cemetery sections, particularly in older or more formal areas. They are a clean, understated option that still allows for full personalization. View flat markers →

Slant markers

A slant marker sits at an angle between a flat marker and a full upright, offering visibility and design presence without the full height of an upright stone. Popular in many Philadelphia cemeteries for their balance of simplicity and character. View slant markers →

Double upright headstones

Designed for couples or family members, a double upright is a wider vertical memorial that honors two individuals within one unified stone. It is one of the most meaningful choices for families who want a shared tribute with lasting presence. View double uprights →

Bronze memorials

Bronze memorials offer a distinctive warmth and permanence that granite alone cannot replicate. Often used as flat bronze plaques mounted on granite bases, they are accepted at many Philadelphia cemeteries and offer an alternative aesthetic for families seeking something different. View bronze memorials →

Mausoleums

For families seeking an above-ground private memorial structure, Abby Rose Inc. also designs and builds custom mausoleums — including Great American, Walk-In, Family Crypt, and Single Crypt styles. Philadelphia cemeteries that allow private mausoleums each have specific structural and approval requirements, all of which Abby Rose manages on your behalf.

Granite options for Philadelphia headstones

Premium granite is the standard for headstones in Philadelphia — chosen for its durability in the Northeast climate, its visual richness, and its ability to hold fine engraving detail for decades without fading or degrading.

Abby Rose Inc. sources granite directly, which means better quality, better value, and faster delivery than working through a middleman. Popular granite choices for Philadelphia families include:

• Classic Grey — timeless, versatile, works in any cemetery setting

• Jet Black (Absolute Black) — high contrast, ideal for detailed engraving and portrait work

• Balmoral Red — warm reddish-brown with natural movement in the stone

• Blue Pearl — distinctive dark grey with a subtle shimmer

• Indian Green — deep forest green, elegant and dignified

A full overview of available colors and materials is covered during the design consultation. No two Philadelphia families choose the same stone — the right color depends on the person being honored, the cemetery setting, and the family's vision for the memorial.

Engraving services for Philadelphia headstones

A headstone is only as meaningful as what is written and carved on it. Abby Rose Inc. offers a full range of engraving services for Philadelphia memorials, performed with precision craftsmanship by a team with over 25 years of experience.

Sandblasting

The most common engraving method for granite headstones, sandblasting produces precise, deeply carved lettering and designs that remain crisp and legible for generations. It is the standard technique for names, dates, inscriptions, and decorative designs. Learn more →

Etching

For families who want a portrait, a detailed scenic image, or fine artistic work incorporated into the memorial, etching produces photographic-level detail directly into the stone surface. It is the most personal form of memorial engraving available. Learn more →

Cemetery inscriptions

Adding an inscription to an existing headstone — whether for a death date, a new family member, or an additional line of text — is a service Abby Rose provides directly at Philadelphia cemeteries with on-site engraving. Learn more →

Emblems and symbols

Religious symbols, military insignia, floral designs, and personal motifs can all be incorporated into a Philadelphia headstone. Abby Rose offers an extensive selection of emblems and design elements to make every memorial uniquely meaningful.

How cemetery permits and approvals work in Philadelphia

One of the most common concerns for families ordering a headstone in Philadelphia is the permit and approval process. Each cemetery has its own requirements — and navigating them without experience can be stressful and time-consuming.

Abby Rose Inc. handles the entire process on behalf of every Philadelphia family we work with. This includes:

• Reviewing the specific requirements of your cemetery

• Preparing and submitting design drawings for approval

• Managing all documentation and correspondence with cemetery management

• Coordinating the foundation and installation to meet cemetery specifications

Families are kept informed throughout the process but never have to manage the administrative side themselves. From the first conversation to the completed installation, everything is handled.

Serving Philadelphia and the surrounding counties

Philadelphia does not exist in isolation — many families live or have loved ones buried in the counties that surround the city. Abby Rose Inc. serves the full Greater Philadelphia region, including:

• Chester County

• Delaware County

• Montgomery County

• Bucks County

And across the Delaware River, all counties in New Jersey are also served — including Burlington, Camden, Mercer, Gloucester, and Middlesex counties, among others.

If your cemetery is anywhere in the Philadelphia area or surrounding region, Abby Rose Inc. delivers, installs, and provides on-site engraving directly at your cemetery.

The process: From design to installation in Philadelphia

Working with Abby Rose Inc. for a Philadelphia headstone follows a straightforward, personal process.

Step 1: Consultation and design

Everything begins with a personal conversation. The design team works with you directly — in person — to understand who is being honored, explore memorial options, review granite colors and engraving styles, and shape every detail of the design together. No decisions are finalized without your full approval.

Step 2: Cemetery coordination

Once the design is approved, Abby Rose submits it to the Philadelphia cemetery for approval, manages any required documentation, and coordinates the foundation and installation requirements. This step is handled entirely by the team.

Step 3: Fabrication

Premium granite is sourced directly and crafted to specification. Most headstones are completed within a few weeks after design approval, depending on complexity.

Step 4: Delivery and installation

The completed memorial is delivered to the Philadelphia cemetery and installed by the Abby Rose team. All installation is coordinated directly with cemetery management, and on-site engraving — if needed — is performed at the cemetery location.

Frequently asked euestions: Headstones in Philadelphia, PA

1. Do you serve all cemeteries in Philadelphia? Yes. Abby Rose Inc. serves all 18 Philadelphia cemeteries listed above, as well as cemeteries throughout the Greater Philadelphia region. If your cemetery is not on the list, call us — we almost certainly serve it.

2. Do you travel to Philadelphia for installations? Yes. Abby Rose Inc. travels directly to Philadelphia cemeteries for delivery, installation, and on-site engraving. You do not need to arrange transportation or coordinate logistics.

3. Do you handle cemetery permits and approvals in Philadelphia? Yes. We manage the entire permit and approval process on your behalf — from submitting designs to coordinating with cemetery management and completing all required documentation.

4. Can you match an existing headstone at a Philadelphia cemetery? Yes. If you need to add a name, date, or inscription to an existing headstone, or want a new memorial to match an existing stone, Abby Rose Inc. can match the granite, finish, and engraving style of existing monuments.

5. Do you offer on-site engraving at Philadelphia cemeteries? Yes. On-site engraving — for adding inscriptions to existing headstones — is available at Philadelphia cemeteries. Contact us to arrange a visit.

6. How long does it take to get a headstone installed at a Philadelphia cemetery? Most memorials are completed within a few weeks after design approval. The full timeline depends on the complexity of the design and the cemetery's approval process, which Abby Rose manages on your behalf.

Get started with Abby Rose Inc.

Abby Rose Inc. has been serving Philadelphia families with custom headstones in Philadelphia, PA for over 25 years. Every memorial is designed in person, crafted from premium granite sourced directly, and installed with full cemetery coordination handled by our team.

If you are ready to begin, or simply want to discuss options, reach out today.

Request a memorial consultation →

Or contact us directly:
📞 (609) 585-2242
📞 (609) 581-8986
📍 602 U.S. Highway RT. 130, Yardville, NJ 08691