Montevista | Companion Burial Plots: Planning for Couples Buried Together
Companion Burial Plots: Planning for Couples Buried Together
Companion burial plots accommodate couples who want to be buried together, with two primary arrangements: side-by-side plots (two adjacent single plots) or double-depth plots (one plot with caskets stacked vertically). Costs range from $4,000-$15,000 for companion spaces in Bay Area cemeteries depending on cemetery, location, and configuration. Planning companion burial in advance ensures couples rest together while often saving money through pre-need purchasing and avoiding difficult decisions during grief.
Understanding companion plot options, costs, and considerations helps couples make informed decisions about final resting places together.
In This Article: – What Are Companion Plots? – Side-by-Side vs. Double-Depth – Costs and Pricing – Planning Considerations – Key Takeaways
What Are Companion Plots?
Burial spaces designed for two people.
Definition
Companion burial spaces: – Accommodate two people – Usually couples (married, partners) – Symbolic unity in death – Permanent rest together
Purpose
Why couples choose companion plots: – Want to be buried together – Reflect lifetime partnership – Provide comfort to surviving spouse – Single memorial for both – Simplified family visits
Options
Two main types: – Side-by-side plots (two adjacent graves) – Double-depth plots (one grave, stacked vertically)
When to Purchase
Timing: – Pre-need (both living)—best option, lowest cost – At-need (one deceased, one living)—common – Future planning when cemetery shopping
Side-by-Side vs. Double-Depth
Two distinct companion plot configurations.
Side-by-Side Plots
Two adjacent graves:
Configuration: – Two separate burial plots next to each other – Each person in own grave – Caskets at same depth – Side by side horizontally
Headstones: – Can use two individual headstones – Or one large shared headstone – Flexible memorial options
Process: – First person buried in one plot – Second person eventually buried in adjacent plot – Each burial independent
Cost: – Typically more expensive than double-depth – Purchasing two separate plots – Two opening/closing fees – Two vaults/liners
Benefits: – Traditional appearance – Each person has full-depth grave – Easier to arrange – Available at more cemeteries
Drawbacks: – Requires more cemetery space – Higher total cost – Need to ensure plots remain together (reserved)
Double-Depth Plots
Vertically stacked:
Configuration: – Single plot site – One casket buried deep (8-10 feet) – Second casket buried above (4-5 feet) – Stacked vertically in one space
Process: – First person buried at double-depth – Extra-deep excavation (8-10 feet) – Second person later buried at standard depth (4-5 feet) – Both in same plot location
Headstone: – Single shared headstone – Both names on one marker – Unified memorial
Cost: – Generally less expensive than side-by-side – One plot purchase – One headstone – But first burial deeper (may cost more in opening/closing)
Benefits: – Saves cemetery space – Lower overall cost – True “togetherness” (same space) – Single headstone creates unity
Drawbacks: – Not all cemeteries offer double-depth – First burial more complicated (deeper) – May have soil/water table issues in some locations – Less common/traditional
Costs and Pricing
Companion plot expenses.
Side-by-Side Costs
Components: – Two plots: $4,000-$12,000 (Bay Area) – Two opening/closing fees: $2,000-$4,000 – Two vaults/liners: $1,400-$8,000 – One or two headstones: $1,500-$6,000 – Total: $8,900-$30,000+
Double-Depth Costs
Components: – One double-depth plot: $2,500-$8,000 – Two opening/closing fees: $2,000-$4,500 (first deeper, costs more) – Two vaults/liners: $1,400-$8,000 – One shared headstone: $1,500-$4,000 – Total: $7,400-$24,500
Price Variables
What affects cost: – Cemetery location and prestige – Plot location within cemetery (premium sections cost more) – Timing (pre-need vs. at-need pricing) – Vault quality selected – Headstone size and material – Additional features (benches, flowers vases)
Savings Strategies
Reduce costs: – Purchase pre-need (often 20-30% savings) – Choose less expensive cemetery sections – Opt for double-depth if available – Select mid-range vaults instead of premium – Purchase both plots simultaneously
Planning Considerations
Important factors when selecting companion plots.
Timing of Purchase
Pre-need (ideal): – Both people living – Make decisions together – Lock in current prices – No time pressure – Often receive discounts – Peace of mind
At-need: – One person deceased – Surviving spouse purchases both – Emotional decision time – Current pricing (no discount) – Still achieves goal of burial together
Order of Use
Who goes first: – With side-by-side: Either plot – With double-depth: First death goes to bottom – Cannot predict which partner dies first – Both configurations accommodate either order
Cemetery Availability
Not all options everywhere: – Check if cemetery offers both types – Some cemeteries only do side-by-side – Double-depth may have location restrictions – Verify before deciding
Documentation
Ensure clarity: – Purchase agreement specifies both spaces – Rights deed shows companion ownership – Mark plots clearly to prevent errors – Surviving spouse keeps documentation safe
Single vs. Shared Headstone
Memorial options: – Side-by-side: Can use two stones or one large shared – Double-depth: Usually single shared stone – Shared stones list both names – Can add second name/dates when time comes – Cost difference considerations
Companion Plots at Monte Vista
Monte Vista Memorial Gardens has burial plots available and can work with families to arrange companion burial options. Our team can help couples plan resting together with flexible payment plans, pre-need pricing, and compassionate guidance whether planning ahead or making at-need arrangements.
Our staff explains costs, configurations, and considerations clearly, helping couples choose companion plots matching preferences, values, and budgets. We ensure proper documentation so couples rest together as planned.
Call 510-299-1174 to discuss companion burial plot options and pricing.
Key Takeaways
Companion burial plots ensure couples rest together:
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Two configurations available: side-by-side (adjacent graves) or double-depth (stacked vertically in one plot)—each offers togetherness with different costs and layouts.
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Side-by-side costs $8,900-$30,000+, double-depth costs $7,400-$24,500 in Bay Area—double-depth generally less expensive, requires less cemetery space.
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Pre-need purchase provides best pricing and peace of mind—buying while both living locks current prices, receives discounts, removes future burden.
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Both configurations work regardless of who dies first—side-by-side uses either plot first, double-depth places first death at bottom.
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Not all cemeteries offer both options—verify availability and restrictions before deciding.
Planning companion plots demonstrates enduring partnership and provides comfort knowing couples will rest together eternally.
Questions About Companion Burial Plots?
Discuss side-by-side and double-depth options, costs, and planning for burial together.
Call 510-299-1174 to explore companion burial plot options at Monte Vista.