Types of Mausoleums

Mausoleums are above-ground structures designed to hold the remains of one or more deceased individuals. Depending on their design, they can accommodate a few or many people. The chamber where caskets are placed is called the crypt, and the process is known as entombment. Some mausoleums include indoor spaces for visitors to pay their respects, determined by the cemetery’s layout.

At Mount Pleasant Crematory, we offer mausoleums across Long Island, New York. Contact us for information on our crematory services and to discuss the options available, including the pros and cons of choosing a mausoleum. Explore different types of mausoleums to make an informed decision.

Indoor or chapel mausoleums invariably feature a central indoor area, often encompassing one or more rooms that are centrally located within the mausoleum and surrounded by crypts. In the case of a chapel mausoleum, this interior space is designed to accommodate funeral services when needed.

It also serves as a serene setting for private moments of reflection and paying respects to loved ones. Importantly, while chapel mausoleums can facilitate religious or faith-based services, they are equally suited to providing a tranquil environment with seating arrangements for visitors seeking solace and contemplation.

An outdoor garden mausoleum is designed without indoor visitor areas, focusing solely on crypts for the interment of loved ones. This architectural choice ensures that visitors are always outdoors, creating a serene environment akin to visiting a traditional gravesite.

This setup is strategically implemented by cemeteries to optimize space utilization while providing a durable structure that withstands various weather conditions over time. The design considerations also emphasize accessibility and ease of navigation within the cemetery grounds, offering a peaceful setting for families to reflect and remember their loved ones amidst natural surroundings.

A public mausoleum welcomes individuals from all backgrounds who wish to secure a space for their loved ones. It serves as a communal structure where many families can choose to inter their loved ones’ remains. These mausoleums are often larger in size, capable of housing multiple bodies, though the specific dimensions can vary depending on the cemetery’s layout and design.

At Mount Pleasant Crematory, we offer public mausoleum spaces that provide a dignified and permanent resting place. Families can acquire a spot within these mausoleums, ensuring a peaceful and respectful memorial setting for their loved ones.

A family mausoleum is a privately owned structure that provides exclusive access to a single family. Unlike public mausoleums accessible to all, these private mausoleums are restricted to the ownership of one family, ensuring privacy and a dedicated space for honoring their deceased members. Due to their private nature, family mausoleums are usually smaller in scale compared to public ones.

However, for families with substantial financial means, the size can be expansive, limited only by their budget and space available. It’s important to note that constructing such mausoleums entails significant costs, as they require careful planning, durable materials, and often intricate design elements. While size can vary based on financial resources, unlimited wealth is rare, underscoring the practical considerations even for those with substantial means.

Single & Companion Crypt

In a public mausoleum, you’ll find single and companion crypts. A single crypt holds one person’s casket, while a companion crypt accommodates two caskets, often placed side by side or stacked. Couples typically choose companion crypts.

Lawn Crypt

A lawn crypt, synonymous with an underground mausoleum, can accommodate either two or one individual. It combines the advantages of both underground burials and mausoleum entombment, providing a space-efficient option where two individuals can be interred in the same location.

Sarcophagus

The use of a sarcophagus is also for just one or two people. But instead of being underground like a lawn crypt, it is above ground. When it comes down to it, a sarcophagus is simply a small version of a garden mausoleum.