Kai Rivers
Mausoleums are above-ground burial chambers for one or more people. They are usually free-standing buildings constructed as monuments to the deceased. They are often large and imposing, but smaller mausoleums are also available. They can be private or public, with the latter being more affordable and often larger, holding many caskets. The cost of a mausoleum varies depending on location, preferences, and whether it is in a private or public cemetery. In the UK, a lease on a niche in a columbarium (a type of mausoleum for cremated remains) gives you the right to keep ashes there for 10 to 25 years, costing around £400 to £700. Under UK law, the maximum lease for a companion or family crypt is 100 years.
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What You'll Learn
Public vs. private mausoleum spaces
A mausoleum is a building that houses multiple caskets or urns containing cremated ashes. They are a popular choice for above-ground burial, particularly in flood-prone areas, and can be a more convenient option as loved ones can be buried year-round without the need to dig a grave.
Public Mausoleums
Public or community mausoleums are open to anyone who wants to purchase an entombment space. They are typically larger and can hold many caskets, with some indoor public mausoleums holding hundreds of crypts and niches. They may be specific to a particular religion and can be found either indoors or outdoors in a garden. They often feature metal plaques listing the names of the individuals entombed there, or the names may be carved into the granite on the front of a crypt. Flowers and mementos can usually be placed in small holders attached to the front of each space.
The cost of a space in a public mausoleum ranges from $2,000 to $8,000, with heart-level spaces being more expensive than those at the highest or lowest levels.
Private Mausoleums
Private or family mausoleums are structures owned and occupied by a single family and are only accessible to members of that family. They can be built to accommodate at least two to four family members, and up to nine or more people, depending on the design. They can be customised to include roomy interiors for visiting loved ones, worship, meditation, or even museum space. Private mausoleums can be indoor or outdoor structures, featuring simple or extravagant designs.
Private mausoleums are more expensive than public mausoleums, with prices starting at $25,000 for a family mausoleum. The cost of a private mausoleum will depend on factors such as the size of the structure, its location within the cemetery, and the geography of the area.
Rental Options
It is not clear whether mausoleum spaces are typically rented for a fixed term of years. However, it is common for families to purchase mausoleum spaces in advance, and construction can begin before the mausoleum is needed. This suggests that mausoleum spaces are generally purchased rather than rented.
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Costs and pricing plans
Mausoleums are above-ground burial spaces that can contain one or many crypts or burial spaces for both whole-body burial and cremated ashes. They are typically purchased in advance and can be privately or community-owned.
The cost of a mausoleum varies widely depending on location, preferences, and whether it is a private or public cemetery. A space in a community mausoleum can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $8,000, while a traditional cemetery burial plot can cost $1,000 to $10,000.
In the UK, a lease on a niche in a columbarium (a type of mausoleum for cremated remains) grants the right to keep ashes there for a certain period, typically 10 to 25 years, with prices ranging from £400 to £700.
Some cemeteries, such as Hollywood Forever, offer monthly payment plans for mausoleum spaces, allowing clients to purchase these spaces before they are needed and make payments that fit their budget.
The type of mausoleum chosen depends on the number of people to be entombed and whether it will be completely or partially above ground. Private family mausoleums can contain both crypts for casket interment and niches for cremation urns. The simplest mausoleums may have one or two crypts above ground, while more elaborate ones can accommodate multiple generations of a family.
Additional costs may include extras like inscriptions or plaques, as well as costs for each reopening and resealing of the mausoleum.
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Location and availability
Mausoleums are available in a variety of locations, including cemeteries, churchyards, and private land. In the United States, the term mausoleum may also refer to a burial vault beneath a larger structure, such as a church. For example, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, California, has mausoleum spaces in its lower level.
The type of mausoleum you choose may depend on the location and available space. For instance, in the UK, some cemeteries allow the construction of private mausoleums, while others offer the option to purchase a chamber in a community mausoleum.
Community mausoleums, also known as public mausoleums, are typically larger structures that can accommodate many caskets. They are open to anyone wishing to purchase an entombment space and may be specific to a particular religion. These mausoleums often feature metal plaques or granite carvings listing the names of the individuals entombed. They can be found both indoors and outdoors, with indoor community mausoleums sometimes rising several floors high and offering amenities like climate control and chapels for services.
Private mausoleums, on the other hand, are often chosen by families who want a more exclusive and private space. They can be customised to accommodate a specific number of family members and can include both crypts for caskets and niches for cremation urns. Private mausoleums may be constructed within cemeteries, in churchyards, or on private estates, although the latter option is less common due to the associated rules and regulations.
The availability of mausoleum spaces can vary depending on location and specific cemetery regulations. It is recommended to consult with cemeteries in your desired area to discuss options and pricing within your budget. Some sources suggest that mausoleum spaces can be purchased in advance, allowing for more flexible payment options.
While mausoleums are typically associated with long-term entombment, there may be instances where the lease for a mausoleum space or niche is granted for a specific number of years. For example, in the UK, the right to lay a body to rest in a mausoleum is limited to a maximum of 100 years. Similarly, a lease on a niche in a columbarium (a structure for cremated remains) typically grants usage for 10 to 25 years.
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Religious affiliation
A mausoleum is an external free-standing structure that serves as a tomb for one or more deceased people. It is an above-ground alternative to burial, where caskets are housed in a burial chamber. Mausoleums are not the same as columbariums, which house cremation urns instead of coffins.
Mausoleums are chosen for various reasons, including family tradition, religious beliefs, and the desire for a permanent above-ground resting place that can be easily visited. People of all faiths use mausoleums as eternal resting places, and they can be customised to reflect the religious beliefs of the family.
Community mausoleums may be specific to a religion and can be indoor or outdoor in a garden. For example, members of the Islamic faith commonly build elaborate monuments to honour their deceased loved ones, and members of the Jewish faith follow the ancient tradition of above-ground burial in mausoleums. While mausoleums are less popular among Christians, they have become a more common choice in recent years.
Mausoleums are also chosen for practical reasons, such as in cities where population density makes above-ground entombment a more natural choice due to space constraints and the high cost of property. In areas with high water tables or where the ground freezes in winter, mausoleums are a popular solution to frequent cemetery floods or the inability to perform ground burials during certain times of the year.
The cost of a mausoleum space depends on various factors, including location, preferences, and whether it is a private or public cemetery. A space in a community mausoleum can cost around $2,000 to $8,000, while a traditional cemetery burial plot can range from $1,000 to $10,000. Custom mausoleums, on the other hand, generally start at a few hundred thousand dollars and can run into the millions.
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Design and construction
Mausoleums are external free-standing buildings constructed as monuments enclosing the burial chamber of a deceased person or people. They are above-ground burial spaces that can contain one or many crypts, or burial spaces, for both whole-body burial and cremated ashes. They are not the same as columbariums, which house cremation urns instead of coffins in spaces called "niches". Mausoleums can be public or community mausoleums, or private mausoleums for a single family.
The design and construction of a mausoleum can vary depending on the wishes of the family, the location, and the available space. They can be large and imposing structures, or smaller and more modest. Some mausoleums are designed to be permanent, while others may be leased for a specific number of years. For example, under UK law, the maximum lease for a mausoleum is 100 years.
The location of the mausoleum will determine the type of mausoleum that can be constructed. For example, a mausoleum in a cemetery may be subject to restrictions on size and style. Modern building techniques allow for a variety of materials to be used, such as granite. The cost of a mausoleum can vary depending on the extras included, such as inscriptions or plaques.
The type of mausoleum chosen will depend on the number of people to be entombed and whether the tomb will be completely or partially above ground. Community mausoleums are typically larger and can hold many caskets, while private mausoleums can be customized for a specific number of family members. The simplest private mausoleums may have one or two crypts above ground, while more elaborate structures can accommodate many succeeding generations of a family.
The construction of a mausoleum can begin well before it is needed, allowing families to enjoy their new legacy for years to come. This also gives families time to make affordable monthly payments on terms that are comfortable for them. It is important to consult with cemetery authorities, architects, and builders to ensure that the mausoleum complies with any regulations and is constructed properly.
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Frequently asked questions
A mausoleum is a building or structure for the above-ground burial of caskets and cremation urns. It may be the final resting place for one individual, a family, or a community.
Mausoleums vary widely in size and price. Costs for mausoleums and gravesites can vary depending on location, preferences, and whether it is a private or public cemetery. A space in a community mausoleum can cost around $2,000 to $8,000. A traditional cemetery burial plot can cost $1,000 to $10,000.
Public or community mausoleums are typically larger and can hold many caskets. Families can purchase a private section of the entire space, called a niche. Private mausoleums are resting places for one person or several members of a family.
In the UK, the maximum period for which human remains can be kept in a mausoleum is 100 years. A lease on a niche in a columbarium gives you the right to keep your loved one’s ashes there for a number of years – usually 10 to 25 years.
