What Is a Single Crypt? Understanding Private Mausoleum Entombment
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By the Abby Rose Inc. Team
A single crypt is an individual interment space within a mausoleum, designed to hold the casket of one person in a private, above-ground burial chamber rather than a traditional in-ground grave. For families and individuals who prefer entombment over burial, a single crypt offers a dignified, permanent alternative that keeps the deceased above ground, sheltered within a granite or marble structure.
How a single crypt differs from traditional burial
Traditional burial places a casket in the ground, beneath a headstone or grave marker. A single crypt, by contrast, entombs the casket above ground within the walls of a mausoleum. Some families are drawn to this option for personal, religious, or practical reasons — including a preference to avoid direct earth burial, a desire for a sheltered and weather-protected resting place, or simply the aesthetic and architectural appeal of mausoleum entombment.
Single crypt vs. family crypt
A single crypt is built to hold one person, while a family crypt is designed from the start to hold multiple family members. Individuals or couples planning for themselves, without the broader multi-generational planning a family crypt involves, often choose a single crypt as a simpler, more contained option. Some mausoleums offer single crypts as part of a larger community structure, meaning a family doesn't need to build or purchase an entire private mausoleum to choose entombment.
Single crypt vs. columbarium niche
Families are sometimes comparing a single crypt to a columbarium niche, and the right choice depends largely on whether the deceased will be buried whole or cremated:
A single crypt holds a full-body casket and is the appropriate choice for families who have not chosen cremation.
A columbarium niche holds an urn containing cremated remains, and is typically a smaller, more compact, and more affordable option.
Many mausoleums include both crypt spaces and columbarium niches within the same building, so families aren't necessarily choosing between two separate buildings — only between two types of interment within the same structure. Our guide to mausoleums vs. columbarium covers this comparison in more detail.
Where single crypts are located
Single crypts can be found in a few different settings:
Community mausoleums, where a cemetery maintains a shared mausoleum structure with individual crypt spaces available for purchase, similar to purchasing a plot in a traditional cemetery section.
Private family mausoleums, where a single crypt space may be included as part of a larger family structure designed to hold both individual and companion crypts.
Companion or side-by-side crypts, designed to hold two people, often spouses, in adjoining spaces within the same mausoleum wall.
Design considerations for a single crypt
Even though a single crypt is an individual interment space, families still have meaningful design decisions to make:
Exterior style. Depending on whether the crypt is part of a private structure or a community mausoleum, families may be able to choose between styles such as the traditional Great American style or a more contemporary walk-in style mausoleum.
Crypt front, or plaque. The exterior-facing panel of the crypt, usually granite or bronze, is engraved with the person's name, dates, and any additional inscription or artwork.
Material and finish. Granite and marble remain the most popular material choices for durability and appearance. Explore available finishes on our Granite Colors & Materials page.
Personalization. Portraits, religious symbols, and personal inscriptions can all be incorporated into the crypt front, similar to a traditional headstone.
Planning considerations for a single crypt
Families considering a single crypt should think through:
Whether the cemetery offers community mausoleum crypts, since not every cemetery has this option available.
Cost compared to traditional burial, since single crypts are generally priced differently than a standard in-ground plot and headstone.
Availability, since community mausoleum crypts are often limited and can sell out in popular sections.
Whether pre-planning makes sense, since many families choose to reserve a single crypt in advance rather than during an active time of need.
Why work with an experienced monument company
Whether you're purchasing an individual crypt space in a community mausoleum or incorporating a single crypt into a larger family memorial, working with a monument company experienced in mausoleum design and cemetery coordination helps ensure the process goes smoothly. Abby Rose Inc. has more than 25 years of experience designing custom mausoleum memorials for families throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a crypt and a grave? A crypt is an above-ground interment space within a mausoleum, while a grave is an in-ground burial plot beneath a headstone.
Can a single crypt be purchased without building a private mausoleum? Yes — many cemeteries offer single crypt spaces within a shared community mausoleum, similar to purchasing an individual plot.
Is a single crypt the same as a columbarium niche? No. A single crypt holds a full-body casket, while a columbarium niche holds an urn with cremated remains.
Can two people share adjoining crypts? Yes — companion or side-by-side crypts are a common option for spouses who want to be entombed near one another.
How is a single crypt personalized? The crypt front, or plaque, can be engraved with the person's name, dates, inscriptions, religious symbols, and portraits, similar to a traditional headstone.
Start planning a single crypt
If you're considering above-ground entombment for yourself or a loved one, explore our mausoleum options or contact Abby Rose Inc. to begin the design process.
Abby Rose Inc. — 602 U.S. Highway RT. 130, Yardville, NJ 08691 | (609) 585-2242 | info@abbyroseinc.com
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