Upright double headstones: A complete guide for families
|
By the Abby Rose Inc. Team
When a family chooses to honor two lives with a single memorial, upright double headstones are one of the most meaningful and enduring options available. Larger in presence than a single marker, balanced in design, and fully customizable for two individuals, a double upright headstone tells a shared story in stone — and stands for generations.
This guide covers everything families need to know before choosing a double upright headstone: what they are, how they differ from other memorial types, what customization options are available, what to expect in terms of cost and timeline, and how the process works when working with a local monument company in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
What is an upright double headstone?
An upright double headstone — also called a companion headstone or double upright monument — is a larger vertical memorial designed to honor two individuals within a single shared structure. It is most commonly chosen by couples, but can also be used for siblings or other family members who share a burial plot or are interred side by side.
The defining characteristic of a double upright is its vertical orientation and shared design. Unlike two separate markers placed next to each other, a double upright is one unified piece of stone — typically wider than a single upright — with space for two full sets of personal information, dates, and design elements, along with shared elements in the center or across the full face of the stone.
Starting from $4,000, double uprights are among the most substantial and visually impactful headstones and monuments available for family memorials.
Double upright vs. Single upright: What's the difference?
Understanding how a double upright compares to a single upright helps families make the right choice for their memorial.
Feature | Single Upright | Double Upright |
|---|---|---|
Individuals honored | One | Two |
Width | Narrow (typically 24"–36") | Wider (typically 42"–60"+) |
Starting price | From $1,500 | From $4,000 |
Design layout | Single panel | Balanced dual layout |
Cemetery plot | Single plot | Companion or double plot |
Engraving | Individual | Individual + shared elements |
The key advantage of a double upright over two separate markers is unity. A shared stone conveys connection — it is one memorial that honors two lives together, which many families find more meaningful and visually cohesive than two separate markers placed side by side.
For families still exploring options, it is worth comparing double uprights with flat markers and slant markers, which also come in companion sizes but offer a different profile and aesthetic.
Design options for upright double headstones
One of the most important aspects of choosing a double upright is the design. Because the stone needs to honor two individuals while functioning as a single unified memorial, the layout and design choices carry particular weight.
Layout and structure
The most common layout for a double upright divides the stone into two mirrored panels — one for each individual — with a shared central section that may feature a family name, a shared quote, an emblem, or decorative artwork. Some families prefer a fully symmetrical design, while others choose a more custom layout where the two panels reflect each person's individual style.
Granite color and finish
Premium granite is the standard material for double upright headstones, chosen for its durability, visual richness, and ability to hold fine detail in engraving. The most common granite choices include:
Classic Grey — a timeless, neutral tone that suits any cemetery setting
Jet Black (Absolute Black) — high contrast, ideal for detailed engravings and portraits
Balmoral Red — a warm reddish-brown tone with natural movement in the stone
Blue Pearl — a distinctive dark grey with a subtle iridescent quality
Indian Green — a deep forest green that stands out while remaining dignified
Granite is available in polished, honed, or rock-pitched finishes, which affect both the appearance and the way the stone interacts with light. The team at Abby Rose Inc. can walk you through all available colors and materials during the design consultation.
Engraving options
Engraving is where a double upright truly becomes personal. Each panel can carry the individual's full name, birth and death dates, and a personal inscription or epitaph. The shared central section often features the family surname, a meaningful quote, or a significant symbol.
Beyond text, families can choose from a range of engraving techniques and design elements:
Sandblasting — the most common method for upright headstones, producing precise, deep lettering and designs with excellent longevity. Learn more about sandblasting →
Etching — used for detailed portrait work or fine artistic designs, producing a photographic level of detail within the stone. Learn more about etching →
Cemetery inscriptions — precise text-based engraving for names, dates, and meaningful words. Learn more →
Families can also incorporate religious emblems, military insignia, floral designs, scenic artwork, and a wide range of symbolic motifs into the design. Abby Rose Inc. offers an extensive selection of colors and emblems to personalize every detail.
How much do upright double headstones cost?
Double upright headstones start from $4,000 at Abby Rose Inc. The final price depends on several factors:
Size — larger stones require more material and more complex installation
Granite type — some colors and grades of granite carry a premium
Engraving complexity — detailed portraits, custom artwork, or multiple engraved panels add to the cost
Finish type — fully polished stones or multi-finish designs may cost more than standard options
Cemetery fees — foundation, installation, and permit fees are set by the cemetery and vary by location
As a general guide:
Double Upright Type | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
Standard companion upright | $4,000 – $6,500 |
Custom design with artwork | $6,500 – $10,000 |
Large monument with portrait etching | $10,000 – $15,000+ |
These are estimates. Every double upright from Abby Rose Inc. is fully custom, so pricing is confirmed during the design consultation based on the specific choices made.
Cemetery requirements for double upright headstones
Before ordering a double upright headstone, it is important to understand that cemeteries in New Jersey and Pennsylvania have specific rules governing monument size, foundation type, and installation. These vary considerably from one cemetery to the next.
Common requirements include:
Monument size limits — maximum height and width are often regulated by cemetery section
Foundation specifications — some cemeteries require a concrete foundation of a specific depth and width
Placement and setback rules — how far the monument must sit from the edge of the plot
Approval process — most cemeteries require submitted drawings and written approval before any monument is installed
This process can feel complex for families navigating it for the first time. Abby Rose Inc. handles all cemetery coordination on behalf of families — submitting designs, managing approvals, and ensuring full compliance with the requirements of every cemetery across New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Families do not need to manage this process themselves.
The process: From first conversation to installation
Working with Abby Rose Inc. on a double upright headstone follows a clear and personal process from start to finish.
Step 1: Design consultation
Everything begins in person. The design team sits with you to understand both individuals being honored, explore layout options, review granite colors and finishes, and shape every element of the design together. Nothing is finalized without your approval.
Step 2: Design approval
Once the initial design is created, you review and approve every detail before anything is ordered or fabricated. This step ensures the final memorial is exactly what you envisioned.
Step 3: Fabrication
With approval confirmed, fabrication begins. Premium granite is cut to specification, polished, and engraved with precision craftsmanship. Double upright headstones are typically completed within 4 to 6 weeks after design approval, depending on the complexity of the engraving and design.
Step 4: Cemetery coordination and installation
The completed memorial is delivered to the cemetery and installed by the Abby Rose team, in full coordination with cemetery management. Foundation work, placement, and installation are all handled — the family simply arrives to find the memorial in place.
When is a double upright the right choice?
A double upright headstone is the right choice when:
You are planning for two — many couples choose a double upright while both are still living, with one panel left blank until needed. This is a common and practical approach that ensures the memorial is designed as a unified whole.
You want one unified memorial — a double upright conveys connection and togetherness in a way that two separate markers cannot.
The cemetery plot accommodates it — companion or double plots allow for the wider footprint a double upright requires.
You want a significant presence — double uprights are among the most visually substantial memorials in any cemetery, making them a meaningful tribute for lives that deserve lasting recognition.
If you are not sure which memorial type is right for your situation, the team at Abby Rose Inc. can walk you through all options during a no-obligation memorial consultation.
Frequently asked questions about upright double headstones
Can both sides of a double upright be fully customized? Yes. Each panel can carry its own name, dates, inscription, and design elements. Shared elements — family name, central artwork, a quote — can be added to the center or across the full face of the stone. Every detail on both sides is chosen by you.
Can I order a double upright before both individuals have passed? Yes, and many families do. Ordering in advance allows the design to be planned as a unified whole, with one panel completed and the other left blank until needed. Adding an inscription to an existing stone later is a straightforward process.
What is the standard size for a double upright headstone? Double uprights are typically wider than single uprights — commonly ranging from 42 to 60 inches in width, though this varies by cemetery rules and design preference. Height typically ranges from 18 to 36 inches for the die (the main upright panel), often set on a base.
Do cemeteries in NJ and PA allow double upright headstones? Most do, though each cemetery has specific size and installation requirements. Abby Rose Inc. coordinates all approvals and compliance with cemetery management on your behalf.
How long does it take to receive a double upright headstone? Typically 4 to 6 weeks after design approval, depending on the complexity of the engraving and design. Cemetery coordination and installation are managed by the Abby Rose team after the memorial is complete.
What is the difference between a double upright and a companion flat marker? Both honor two individuals, but the orientation and presence differ significantly. A double upright is a vertical stone that rises above ground level, offering greater visual presence and more surface for engraving. A companion flat marker lies flush with the ground. The right choice depends on cemetery rules, personal preference, and the kind of tribute you want to create.
Getting started with Abby Rose Inc.
Abby Rose Inc. has been designing and crafting custom headstones and monuments across New Jersey and Pennsylvania for over 25 years. Every double upright headstone is built from premium granite, designed in person with the family, and installed with full cemetery coordination handled by our team.
If you are ready to begin, or simply want to explore options, the first step is a conversation.
Request a memorial consultation →
Or reach us directly:
📞 (609) 585-2242
📍 602 U.S. Highway RT. 130, Yardville, NJ 08691
Similar Blogs
More Helpful Guides & Articles
Discover more articles about cemetery rules, bronze memorials, and headstone design to support your decision-making process.
