Montevista | Mausoleum Entombment: Costs, Process, and Benefits
Mausoleum Entombment: Costs, Process, and Benefits
Mausoleum entombment places caskets in above-ground crypts within permanent structures, offering alternatives to traditional ground burial. Mausoleums range from grand buildings housing hundreds to small family structures for a few individuals, with costs typically $4,000-$15,000+ depending on location, type, and features. Above-ground entombment appeals to families who prefer visiting a clean, protected setting, avoiding ground burial, or seeking prestigious final resting places.
Understanding mausoleum types, entombment process, costs, benefits and drawbacks helps families determine if above-ground burial suits their preferences, values, and budget. Whether choosing community mausoleums, private family structures, or lawn crypts, mausoleum entombment provides dignified alternatives to traditional earth burial.
This comprehensive guide explains mausoleum entombment including types, costs, process, and how it compares to ground burial.
In This Article: – What Is Mausoleum Entombment? – Types of Mausoleums – The Entombment Process – Costs and Pricing – Benefits of Mausoleum Burial – Drawbacks to Consider – Key Takeaways
What Is Mausoleum Entombment?
Mausoleum burial places remains in above-ground structures.
Definition
Above-ground burial: – Casket placed in crypt (burial chamber) – Crypt located in permanent structure – Sealed with concrete or granite front – Protected from elements – Alternative to earth burial
Historical Background
Ancient practice: – Named after King Mausolus of ancient Greece (353 BC) – Used throughout history by wealthy families – Famous examples: Taj Mahal, Grant’s Tomb, Lenin’s Mausoleum – Traditionally associated with prominent families – Now available to general public in most cemeteries
Modern Mausoleums
Contemporary options: – Community mausoleums in many cemeteries – Private family mausoleums – Lawn crypts (individual or small groups) – Garden mausoleums – Indoor and outdoor options
Types of Mausoleums
Various mausoleum styles serve different needs and budgets.
Community Mausoleums
Public mausoleums:
Description: – Large buildings housing hundreds or thousands – Individual crypts available for purchase – Shared facility maintained by cemetery – Most affordable mausoleum option
Features: – Climate-controlled indoor spaces – Beautiful architecture – Benches and visiting areas – Stained glass, artwork, landscaping – Chapel spaces often included
Costs: – $4,000-$12,000 per crypt typically – Location within building affects price – Eye-level crypts cost more than high or low – Prime locations (near windows, chapel) premium priced
Who chooses: – Families wanting above-ground burial affordably – Those valuing climate-controlled visitation – People who prefer not to visit gravesites outdoors – Individuals without family for private mausoleum
Private Family Mausoleums
Custom structures:
Description: – Stand-alone buildings for single families – Custom designed architecture – Typically 2-12 crypts – Family name prominently displayed – Prestigious option
Features: – Complete family control over design – Can include benches, stained glass, special features – Family maintains ownership for generations – Located in prominent cemetery sections
Costs: – $25,000-$500,000+ – Depends on size, materials, design complexity – Ongoing maintenance fees – Most expensive burial option
Who chooses: – Wealthy families creating legacies – Families wanting private gathering space – Multi-generational planning – Those valuing prestige and permanence
Lawn Crypts
Ground-level above-ground burial:
Description: – Pre-installed concrete crypts buried at or just below ground level – Casket placed in crypt, sealed with concrete lid – Flush with ground like traditional grave – Technically above-ground (casket not in earth)
Features: – Appearance similar to traditional graves – Above-ground protection benefits – Lower cost than building mausoleums – Simpler construction
Costs: – $2,000-$6,000 – Less expensive than building mausoleums – More expensive than simple earth burial – Maintains some above-ground benefits
Who chooses: – Wanting above-ground protection without building costs – Preferring traditional grave appearance – Valuing concrete vault protection – Budget-conscious families
Garden Mausoleums
Outdoor structures:
Description: – Small outdoor mausoleum buildings – Scattered through cemetery grounds – Landscaped garden settings – 20-50 crypts typically
Features: – Outdoor visitation – Garden surroundings – Architectural interest – More intimate than large community buildings
Costs: – $5,000-$10,000 per crypt – Mid-range pricing – Location affects cost
The Entombment Process
Understanding the entombment procedure.
Preparation
Before entombment:
Casket selection: – Must use casket (required for mausoleums) – Hardwood or metal recommended – Sealed caskets preferred – No container burial (unlike ground burial)
Embalming: – Often required for mausoleum entombment – Check specific mausoleum requirements – Preserves body, controls odor – Some states/cemeteries mandate for above-ground burial
Timing: – Can occur shortly after death – Or scheduled days later if mausoleum available – Coordinate with cemetery
Placement
Entombment day:
Transport: – Casket transported to mausoleum after service – Cemetery staff handles placement – Family may attend placement
Installation: – Casket slid into crypt opening – Secured with brackets or supports – Opening sealed with concrete or granite panel – Name plate installed (or engraved directly on front)
Sealing: – Permanent seal prevents air, moisture entry – Airtight closure essential – Takes 1-2 hours typically
After Entombment
Completion: – Memorial plaque or engraving added – May include photos, dates, epitaph – Flowers can be placed in holders – Benches nearby for visiting
Costs and Pricing
Mausoleum expenses vary significantly.
Crypt Purchase Prices
Community mausoleum: – Bottom row (ground level): $4,000-$6,000 – Middle rows (eye level): $7,000-$12,000 – Top rows (above eye level): $4,000-$7,000 – Companion crypts (side-by-side): $8,000-$20,000 – Prime locations: +20-50% premium
Private family mausoleum: – Small (2-4 crypts): $25,000-$100,000 – Medium (6-8 crypts): $100,000-$250,000 – Large (10+ crypts): $250,000-$500,000+ – Custom designs: sky’s the limit
Lawn crypts: – Single: $2,000-$4,000 – Double/companion: $4,000-$6,000
Additional Costs
Beyond crypt purchase: – Entombment fee: $500-$1,500 – Plaque or engraving: $200-$1,000 – Funeral/memorial service: $5,000-$15,000 – Casket: $1,000-$10,000+ – Embalming: $500-$1,000 – Transportation: $300-$500
Ongoing Fees
Maintenance: – Perpetual care: Often included in crypt price – Private mausoleums: $500-$2,000 annual maintenance – Flower placement fees: Sometimes charged – Cleaning/upkeep: Cemetery responsibility (community mausoleums)
Total Investment
Complete costs: – Community mausoleum: $10,000-$25,000 total – Private mausoleum: $40,000-$500,000+ – Lawn crypt: $8,000-$18,000 total
Benefits of Mausoleum Burial
Advantages to above-ground entombment.
Protection from Elements
Sealed environment: – Casket protected from rain, snow, ground water – No soil contact – Climate-controlled (indoor mausoleums) – Longer-term preservation
Cleaner Visitation
Comfortable visiting: – No walking on wet grass – No muddy conditions – Indoor seating available – Weather protection during visits – Accessible for elderly or mobility-limited
Avoids Ground Burial
For those uncomfortable with earth burial: – Not buried underground – Some find above-ground more comforting – Psychological preference – Cultural or religious reasons
Prestigious
Status symbol: – Private mausoleums show wealth and legacy – Prominent family names displayed – Architectural beauty – Historically associated with important families
Space Efficiency
Cemetery perspective: – Vertical burial saves ground space – Allows more interments per acre – Important in urban areas with limited cemetery space
Visiting Atmosphere
Enhanced experience: – Beautiful architecture – Artistic features (stained glass, sculptures) – Peaceful indoor spaces – Benches and reflection areas – Chapel spaces for prayer
Drawbacks to Consider
Disadvantages to mausoleum entombment.
Higher Costs
Expensive: – Significantly more than ground burial – Private mausoleums extremely expensive – Ongoing maintenance fees – Additional entombment fees
Limited Availability
Access issues: – Not all cemeteries have mausoleums – Desirable locations may be sold out – Prime positions fill quickly – May require specific cemeteries
Embalming Often Required
Preparation mandate: – Many mausoleums require embalming – Contrary to some religious/environmental preferences – Additional cost – Not necessary for ground burial
Maintenance Concerns
Potential problems: – Structural issues over decades – Water leakage possible – Odor problems if not properly maintained – Relies on cemetery’s ongoing maintenance
Less Natural
Environmental considerations: – Concrete construction not eco-friendly – Embalming chemicals used – No natural decomposition – Not compatible with green burial values
Building Access
Visitation limitations: – Limited hours (buildings locked at night) – Cannot visit 24/7 like outdoor graves – Building closures for maintenance – Less intimate than private gravesites
Mausoleum Options at Monte Vista
Monte Vista Memorial Gardens currently focuses on ground burial plots, and does not have mausoleum structures on site. However, our team can help families explore mausoleum options available at partner cemeteries serving the Bay Area and provide information about above-ground burial alternatives.
We help families understand crypt location options based on preferences and budgets, explain the entombment process, and can work with families to coordinate above-ground burial arrangements through appropriate facilities. Whether you’re pre-planning or making immediate arrangements, our staff can answer questions about costs and procedures.
Call 510-299-1174 to discuss burial options and learn about mausoleum resources available in the Bay Area.
Key Takeaways
Mausoleum entombment provides above-ground burial alternative:
-
Mausoleums house caskets in above-ground crypts—sealed chambers within permanent structures protecting remains from elements.
-
Types include community mausoleums, private family structures, and lawn crypts—ranging from shared public buildings to custom family estates.
-
Costs range $4,000-$15,000 for community crypts, $25,000-$500,000+ for private mausoleums—eye-level positions cost more, premium locations carry surcharges.
-
Benefits include protection from elements, cleaner visitation, climate control, and prestigious legacy—particularly appealing to those uncomfortable with ground burial.
-
Drawbacks include higher costs, embalming requirements, and limited availability—not compatible with green burial values.
-
Entombment process involves casket placement and permanent sealing—with memorial plaques and engraving completing installation.
Mausoleum burial suits families prioritizing above-ground rest, protected visitation environments, and prestigious memorial settings despite higher costs.
Questions About Mausoleum Entombment?
Learn about above-ground burial options, costs, and availability in the Bay Area.
Call 510-299-1174 to discuss mausoleum entombment options and find the right fit for your family.