A memorial headstone in the UK typically costs between £800 and £2,500, depending on the material, size and design chosen. This usually covers the stone, lettering and standard installation. Cemetery or churchyard permit fees are often charged separately by the burial authority, and larger kerb sets or bespoke designs can run to £3,000 or more. Because every cemetery and churchyard sets its own rules and charges, the only way to get a figure that applies to your grave is a written quote.
Families often ask us this question before anything else, and it’s a fair one to lead with. Losing someone is hard enough without wondering what a headstone is going to cost.
The honest answer is that there isn’t one fixed price. A memorial is made up of several separate costs, and each one depends on choices you’ll make along the way. Here’s how it breaks down.
What does the headstone price actually cover?
When a memorial mason gives you a quote, it usually includes the stone itself, the engraving of the inscription, and the standard fixing of the memorial in place. A straightforward upright granite headstone with a name, dates and a short message typically falls between £800 and £2,500.
That range is wide because so much depends on what you choose. A simple flat lawn marker sits at the lower end. A larger upright stone with a more detailed design sits nearer the top, or above it.
How much does the material change the price?
Granite is the most common choice for memorials in the UK, and for good reason. It holds up well against Lincolnshire’s weather, keeps its polish for decades, and comes in a good range of colours.
Marble looks striking but weathers faster, particularly in damp or shaded plots, so it tends to cost more over the memorial’s lifetime once you factor in cleaning and care. Sandstone and limestone sit somewhere in between on price, and each has its own character.
As a rough guide, expect granite to sit toward the lower and middle of the price range, with marble and more unusual stones pushing costs higher.
Are there extra fees from the cemetery or churchyard?
Yes, and this is the part families are often surprised by. The cost of the memorial itself is separate from any permission fee charged by the cemetery or the church.
Council cemeteries operate under the Local Authorities’ Cemeteries Order 1977 and set their own memorial permit fees, usually somewhere between £100 and £300. Church of England churchyards work differently again. They fall under the faculty system, which means permission has to be granted by the Diocese before any memorial can go up, and there may be a separate fee for that too.
We’re happy to check what applies to your particular grave, since the rules and charges vary depending on which cemetery or churchyard you’re using.
Does size and design affect the final cost?
It does, and by quite a margin. A small lawn-level marker will always cost less than a full-size upright memorial, simply because there’s less stone and more work involved in a larger piece.
Kerb sets, which enclose the whole grave rather than sitting at the head of it, use significantly more material and labour, so they often start from around £1,500 and can run well beyond £3,000. Extras such as photo plaques, carved motifs, vases or gilded lettering will each add to the total, usually in increments of a few hundred pounds rather than thousands.
“Super friendly staff, very helpful with advice for choices of headstones, the finishes they come in, chippings, colourings so that you can feel assured everything will look perfect. Quality products at a reasonable price.”
Carla Bemrose, on her father’s headstone and kerb set.
What about restoration or changes later on?
Memorials aren’t always a one-off cost. Adding a second name years later, re-cutting lettering that’s faded, or straightening a stone that’s settled unevenly in Lincolnshire’s clay soils are all separate pieces of work with their own charges.
As BRAMM-accredited masons, we carry out this kind of restoration work carefully and in line with recognised industry standards, so the memorial keeps its integrity for years to come.
How can we get an accurate figure for our situation?
This is really the only question that matters once you understand the general ranges. Every grave, every cemetery, and every family’s wishes are slightly different, so a genuine cost depends on seeing the plot, discussing the design, and checking what the burial authority requires.
We’re happy to talk through your options and give you a clear, written quote with nothing hidden in it. There’s no pressure and no obligation. If you’d like to start that conversation, call us on 01472 453700 or email info@lincolnshirememorials.com.
Common questions about memorial costs
Do we need to pay a deposit for a headstone?
Most memorial masons ask for a deposit before work begins, with the remaining balance due once the design is approved or the memorial is installed. We’ll always explain our payment structure clearly before you commit to anything.
Are cemetery or churchyard fees included in the headstone price?
No, these are usually separate. Council cemeteries and Church of England churchyards each charge their own permit or faculty fee, on top of the cost of the memorial itself. We can help you find out what applies to your grave.
Does the price include the inscription and installation?
A standard quote typically covers the stone, a basic inscription, and fitting the memorial in place. Extra lettering, motifs or later additions are usually priced separately.
How long after a burial can we order a headstone?
Most cemeteries and churchyards ask families to wait around six to twelve months, so the ground has time to settle. This varies by site, so it’s worth checking with us or the burial authority directly.
