A companion headstone — a single monument bearing two names — is most commonly associated with married couples who choose to be buried side by side. But the bond a single stone can represent is far broader than marriage. Siblings who remained close their entire lives, a parent and a child who predeceased them, two lifelong friends, or a grandparent and grandchild can all be honored on a shared monument. The shared stone is a statement: these two people mattered to each other.
How Companion Headstones Work
A companion or "double" headstone is wider than a single headstone — typically 42" to 54" wide — and is designed to span two adjacent burial plots. Each side of the monument is dedicated to one person, with their name, birth date, and date of passing. The center of the stone typically features shared design elements: a family name, a shared symbol, a verse, or artwork.
Before ordering, it is important to confirm with your cemetery that two adjacent lots are owned by the family and that the cemetery permits a monument spanning both lots. Most cemeteries do, but dimensions and specific requirements vary.
Design Layouts for Two-Name Monuments
The most common companion headstone layouts include:
- Mirrored panel layout: Each person's inscription fills their half of the stone, with a shared central design element (a cross, a family surname, or floral carving).
- Portrait side by side: Laser-etched portraits of each person on their respective half, with names and dates below each portrait.
- Open design with space to be filled: One side is fully inscribed (for the person who has already passed); the other side is inscribed only with the birth date, leaving space for the future date of passing to be added later. This is called a "pre-need" or "open" companion monument.
Bonds That a Single Stone Can Honor
Beyond married couples, companion headstones are chosen for:
- Siblings: Two brothers or two sisters who outlived the rest of their family and wished to remain together.
- Parent and child: A parent choosing to one day rest beside a child who passed before them — a monument prepared in advance to honor both lives.
- Lifelong friends: Close friends, often with no surviving family, who chose to be buried together and planned their monument accordingly.
- Grandparent and grandchild: Where cemetery lots are adjacent and the family wishes to honor the bond between generations.
Adding to an Existing Headstone
If a headstone was originally designed for one person and the family wishes to add a second name later — because an adjacent lot has been purchased or a companion stone has been planned — this is possible in two ways. A new stone can be ordered to replace the original, or an extension panel can sometimes be added alongside the original monument, depending on the original stone's size and the cemetery's regulations. Our team can advise on the best approach for your specific situation.
Sources: NFDA, American Cemetery Association, FTC Funeral Rule