Mausoleum Burial: What It Is and What It Costs

What Is a Mausoleum

A mausoleum is a building or freestanding structure that houses the remains of the dead above ground in sealed compartments called crypts. The word comes from the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, the ancient tomb built for King Mausolus that was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Modern mausoleums serve the same fundamental purpose: providing a permanent, dignified resting place that protects the remains from the elements.

Mausoleums are found in cemeteries, memorial parks, and church grounds across the country. They range from grand marble buildings with stained glass windows and cathedral ceilings to simple outdoor walls with rows of individual crypts. Many families choose mausoleum burial because it offers a clean, sheltered environment for visitation that is not affected by weather or ground conditions.

Types of Mausoleums

There are three main types of mausoleums, each offering a different experience and price point:

• Community mausoleums: These are large buildings maintained by a cemetery or memorial park that contain hundreds or even thousands of individual crypts. They may be indoor structures with climate control, hallways, and seating areas, or they may be outdoor wall structures open to the air. Community mausoleums are the most common and most affordable type of mausoleum entombment.
• Private family mausoleums: These are custom built structures designed for a single family, typically holding two to twelve or more crypts. They are freestanding buildings on a cemetery lot purchased by the family. Private mausoleums can be designed in any architectural style and may include features like benches, landscaping, and personalized inscriptions. They are the most expensive option by a significant margin.
• Garden mausoleums: Sometimes called outdoor crypts or lawn crypts, these are above ground burial structures set into a landscaped garden environment. They are typically outdoor walls with one to three tiers of crypts, surrounded by flowers, trees, and walking paths. Garden mausoleums offer a middle ground between the shelter of an indoor building and the natural beauty of an outdoor setting.

What Mausoleum Burial Costs

The cost of mausoleum burial varies widely depending on the type of mausoleum, the geographic location, and the specific position of the crypt within the structure. A single crypt in a community mausoleum typically costs between $4,000 and $12,000. Crypts at eye level, known as heart level crypts, command the highest prices because they are the most accessible and visible. Upper and lower tier crypts cost less.

Companion crypts, which hold two caskets either side by side or in a tandem arrangement (one in front of the other), generally range from $7,000 to $18,000. The entombment fee, which covers the labor of placing the casket into the crypt and sealing it, usually costs an additional $500 to $1,500. Engraving the front plate with the name, dates, and inscription adds another $500 to $2,000.

Private family mausoleums are in a different cost category entirely. A modest private mausoleum with space for two to four crypts might cost $30,000 to $100,000 including the cemetery lot, construction, and finishing. Larger or more elaborate structures can cost $200,000 to $500,000 or more. These are significant investments, but they create a permanent family monument that can serve multiple generations.

Mausoleum vs. Ground Burial

Both mausoleum entombment and ground burial provide a permanent resting place, but the experience differs in several important ways. Ground burial places the casket underground, where it is covered with soil and marked by a headstone. Visiting a ground burial means standing at the gravesite, which can be affected by weather, seasonal conditions, and the general appearance of the cemetery grounds.

Mausoleum burial keeps the casket in a sealed, above ground chamber. Indoor mausoleums offer climate controlled visiting environments with seating, lighting, and protection from rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. For families who visit frequently or who have elderly members with mobility challenges, the indoor environment of a mausoleum can be a significant advantage.

In terms of cost, mausoleum burial is generally more expensive than traditional ground burial. A cemetery plot typically costs $1,000 to $4,000, while a mausoleum crypt starts at around $4,000 and goes up from there. However, ground burial also requires a vault or grave liner ($1,000 to $3,000) and a headstone ($1,000 to $3,000), which narrows the cost gap somewhat when all expenses are considered.

How to Purchase a Mausoleum Crypt

Purchasing a mausoleum crypt is similar to buying a cemetery plot. You can buy at the time of need or in advance as part of preplanning. Many families preplanning their funeral arrangements purchase mausoleum crypts years or decades in advance to secure their preferred location and lock in current pricing. Crypt prices typically increase over time as available spaces become scarce.

Visit the mausoleums in your area to see them in person before making a decision. Pay attention to the condition of the building, the quality of the materials, the atmosphere, and the overall maintenance. Ask about what is included in the purchase price, what additional fees apply for entombment and engraving, and whether there are ongoing maintenance assessments.

When you select a crypt, you will sign a purchase agreement that outlines your rights and obligations. Review it carefully, especially the sections covering maintenance responsibilities, rules about decorating the crypt front, and policies about future access. Some agreements also include perpetual care provisions that fund the ongoing maintenance of the mausoleum for decades to come.

What to Expect at a Mausoleum Entombment

A mausoleum entombment ceremony is similar in many ways to a graveside service. The casket is typically transported from the funeral home or place of worship to the mausoleum, where the family and guests gather for a brief ceremony. The officiant may offer prayers, readings, or a final blessing, depending on the family's wishes and faith tradition.

After the ceremony, the cemetery staff places the casket into the crypt. Depending on the facility, the family may witness this process or may be invited to step away while it takes place. The crypt opening is then sealed with a granite, marble, or bronze front plate. Engraving is typically completed within a few weeks after the entombment.

Some families hold a separate service at the church or funeral home followed by a private entombment with only immediate family present. Others combine the funeral service and entombment into a single ceremony at the mausoleum. The format is flexible and can be adapted to the family's preferences and the logistics of the facility.

Related Reading

• Average Burial Cost
• How to Plan a Funeral