Private Mausoleums Explained: Types, Capacity & Materials

What is a private mausoleum?

A private mausoleum contains designated spaces for above-ground entombment. It is reserved for specified individuals or a family, rather than providing spaces for unrelated families within a larger community building.

The structure may be compact or substantial. Some designs have no interior space for visitors, while others include an entrance and a room for private reflection.

“Private” describes who the mausoleum serves. It does not, by itself, describe its size, capacity or whether anyone can enter it.

Private and community mausoleums

A private mausoleum is planned around the people it will commemorate and the capacity required by that family.

A community mausoleum contains separately allocated crypts or niches for multiple families. Its architecture, access arrangements and permitted inscriptions are generally established by the cemetery or operator.

When comparing these options, distinguish between commissioning a private structure and purchasing an interment space within an existing building.

What is a crypt?

A crypt is a compartment intended to accommodate a casket.

The number of crypts helps describe the mausoleum’s planned capacity. A visitor room, entrance or decorative feature does not establish how many interments the structure can accommodate.

Ask to review a clearly labelled plan showing each crypt and how it will be accessed for future entombments.

For more detail, read our guides to single-crypt mausoleums and family crypts.

Single and companion mausoleums

A single-crypt design is intended for one casket. A companion design provides for two, with the arrangement depending on the proposed structure.

These descriptions concern burial capacity. Neither term automatically means the mausoleum has a visitor entrance or an interior room.

Before comparing examples, confirm both the intended capacity and the physical layout. Two designs serving the same number of people may have different footprints and appearances.

Family mausoleums

A family mausoleum provides multiple interment spaces within one private structure.

Planning involves more than choosing the current number of crypts. The family should also consider who the spaces are intended for, how future inscriptions will be arranged and whether cremated remains need to be accommodated.

A larger exterior does not always mean greater usable capacity. The proposed layout should explain how the structure will serve the family over time.

Walk-in and non-walk-in designs

A walk-in mausoleum includes an interior space that visitors can enter. The design may provide room for reflection and architectural details such as interior stonework or glazing, depending on the project.

A non-walk-in mausoleum has no interior room for visitors. Its crypts are accessed externally for entombment, and remembrance takes place outside the structure.

This distinction affects the building’s footprint, layout and use. It should be established before comparing decorative styles.

Our walk-in mausoleum guide explains this format in more detail.

Crypts and cremation niches

A crypt and a niche are different types of interment space.

A crypt is intended for a casket. A niche is intended for an urn containing cremated remains.

Some private projects may incorporate both, where the design and cemetery requirements allow. Confirm the intended use and dimensions of each space rather than assuming a crypt or niche can accommodate any container.

For a broader comparison, see our guide to mausoleums and columbaria.

Materials and architectural details

Granite is a material option for private mausoleum construction and exterior appearance. The selected stone, finish and architectural detailing influence the overall design.

Depending on the project, additional elements may include bronze doors or plaques, glazing and interior finishes.

These details need to be considered within the complete structure. An attractive exterior photograph does not show every specification required for the foundation, crypt arrangement or site.

Ask which features belong to the illustrated example and which are included in the actual proposal.

Exterior style and burial capacity are separate decisions

Roof shape, proportions, columns and carved details describe the architectural appearance. They do not establish how the mausoleum functions internally.

When reviewing styles, compare the following separately:

• Number and type of interment spaces.

• Walk-in or non-walk-in access.

• Overall footprint and height.

• Exterior stone and finish.

• Inscription areas.

• Any interior visitor space.

Keeping these decisions separate makes it easier to compare proposals accurately.

Frequently asked questions

Does every private mausoleum have a room inside?

No. Some private mausoleums are non-walk-in structures without an interior visitor room.

Is a family crypt the same as a walk-in mausoleum?

Not necessarily. Capacity and visitor access are different characteristics. Review the specific plan rather than relying on the product name alone.

Can a private mausoleum hold both caskets and urns?

A project may be designed to include crypts and niches, subject to the proposed layout and cemetery approval. This must be specified during planning.

Can more spaces be added later?

Do not assume expansion will be possible. Future capacity should be considered at the beginning because the structure, site and cemetery permissions may limit later changes.

Which type should your family consider?

Start by identifying the required capacity, the preferred visiting experience and whether the cemetery permits the proposed structure.

If you are still deciding whether this form of memorial is appropriate, read our guide to whether a private mausoleum is right for your family.