Share this article

Copied!

10 Ideas for Husband and Wife Headstones

Buying headstones can be a question-filled step of the process when it comes to burials. What kind of headstone should you get? What design should you get? Does one type of headstone cost more than another? You may have a lot of questions, which can get even more complex when considering the unique needs presented by husband and wife (or couple) headstones. Luckily, most of this is simply up to personal preference! This article will cover the basics of headstone purchasing and provide you with knowledge on what some of your options are when it comes to purchasing modern or traditional husband and wife headstones.

Do you have to be a married couple or husband and wife to have companion headstones?

No! It is not a requirement to be married in order to have a couples’ headstone. While couple’s headstones are commonly associated with married couples, they can also be used to honor the lasting bond and relationship between any two individuals who were connected in life, such as partners, companions, or close friends.

The decision to have a couple's headstone is based on the desire to commemorate the shared connection and unity between two people, regardless of their marital status. It is a way to honor the special relationship and provide a joint memorial for them.

Types of headstones for married and unmarried couples

When selecting headstones for couples, there are various types and designs available to commemorate the bond shared between the decedents. Here are some options to consider:

• Individual headstones: In this approach, two separate headstones are placed side by side, each bearing the name, inscriptions, and dates of the respective spouse. This allows for personalization and individual recognition while still indicating the connection between the couple.
• Flat headstones: For married couples, flat headstones are an excellent choice in that they offer a lot of space, high quality, and low prices. Flat headstone designs for couples typically may include space for both names, important dates, portraits, and a quote or saying you’d like inscribed on to the grave marker. Flat headstones are typically less expensive than most kinds of headstones.
• Companion headstones: Also known as side-by-side or companion monuments, these headstones consist of a single large marker that is shared by both spouses. The names, inscriptions, and relevant details of both husband and wife are engraved on the shared monument, symbolizing their unity and togetherness.
• Double upright headstones: Double upright headstone designs for couples feature two vertically oriented markers placed next to each other. Each headstone represents an individual spouse, with their respective name and inscription. These headstones can be customized with various design elements and materials to suit the couple's preferences.
• Bench memorials: A bench memorial is a unique and practical option, though it may be a bit more expensive. It consists of a stone bench engraved with the names and inscriptions of the husband and wife. This type of memorial allows visitors to sit and reflect while paying tribute to the couple's memory.
• Heart-shaped headstones: Heart-shaped headstones are a popular choice for husband and wife burials, symbolizing love and affection. These headstones can be crafted in different sizes and materials, allowing for personalization through inscriptions and etchings that reflect the couple's unique love story.
• Custom sculptures: For a truly distinctive tribute, custom sculptures can be created to represent the couple's shared interests, hobbies, or their love story. These sculptures can be integrated into the headstone design, adding a personal touch and making it truly one-of-a-kind.

You can narrow down your design choice by determining your budget at the outset. Knowing how much you want to spend on the headstone will easily knock out a few contenders (for example, if you have $150 to spend, it’s unlikely you’ll want to search for custom sculptures and should instead opt for something like a couples grave marker).

Reasons to get a husband and wife headstone

There are several reasons why people might choose to get couples headstones:

• Symbolizing unity and connection: Couples headstones serve as a visual representation of the deep bond and unity shared between husband and wife. Placing their names and inscriptions together on a shared memorial emphasizes their lifelong connection and the love they shared.
• Commemorating a shared journey: A couples headstone allows for a comprehensive tribute to the journey and experiences of the couple. It provides a space to acknowledge their lives, accomplishments, and milestones as a unit, honoring their shared memories and accomplishments.
• Convenience and cost-effectiveness: Opting for a couples headstone can be more convenient and cost-effective than having two separate individual headstones. It simplifies the headstone making process and offers a cohesive memorial for both spouses in one place.
• Preserving family legacy: Couples headstones can serve as a lasting testament to the couple's family legacy. They provide a space to include additional information, such as the names of children or other significant family members, ensuring that the family's history and connections are preserved for future generations.
• Aesthetic appeal: Many couples find the idea of a shared memorial aesthetically pleasing. Couples headstones can be designed in various shapes, materials, and styles, offering an opportunity to create a visually appealing and unique tribute that represents the couple's personality and preferences.

Ultimately, headstones are a personal choice that allows for a meaningful and lasting tribute to the love and companionship shared between a couple.

Where to buy couples headstones

Couples headstones can be purchased from a variety of sources. Here are some common options to consider:

• Online retailers: Many online retailers offer customizable headstones for a fraction of the cost you may pay at a brick and mortar funeral home. You can easily purchase couples grave markers on Ever Loved for a very affordable price. If you’d like something more complex, sites like Etsy offer additional options.
• Local monument companies: Research monument companies or stone suppliers in your local area. These companies specialize in creating and selling headstones and memorials. They often have a range of options for couples headstones and can provide guidance on customization and design choices.
• Funeral homes and cemeteries: Funeral homes and cemeteries often have relationships with monument companies and can assist you in selecting and ordering couples headstones. They may have catalogs or samples available for you to review, making the process more convenient.
• Local stonemasons: Stonemasons or artisans who work with stone can create custom couples headstones. They can help bring your design ideas to life and offer a personalized touch to the memorial.

When purchasing couples headstones, it's important to consider factors such as quality, customization options, price, delivery, and installation services. Take your time to research different options, compare prices and designs, and choose a reputable provider that meets your specific needs and budget.

Purchase a headstone

Epitaph ideas for those who are married, a couple, or husband and wife

Headstones not only designate who was buried and when they lived (and died) – they also often include epitaphs. Epitaphs are sayings, quotes, or other words written on a headstone in memory of the person who passed away. Headstone inscriptions for a husband and wife will typically revolve around their partnership or their love, but this absolutely is not a requirement.

Whether you’re searching for double headstones for married couples, unique headstones for life long friends, or simple and traditional headstones for couples, epitaphs are likely going to be a part of it. If you aren’t sure what exactly to say in an epitaph, there’s no need to panic. Many families choose a family saying, a motto, a prayer, scripture, or quote. You can also choose to write a simple phrase that summed up the decedent’s partnership, for example:

• "Together forever"
• "Eternal love united"
• "In loving memory of a devoted husband and wife"
• "Joined in life, together in eternity"
• "Side by side, hand in hand"
• "Two hearts, one soul"
• "Forever in each other's arms"
• "Love's eternal embrace"
• "Their love was their legacy"
• "Inseparable in life and beyond"

If none of these couple or husband and wife headstone inscriptions fit your ideal, you can always experiment and consult with the headstone maker to see if they have any input. Friends, family, and loved ones are also excellent choices to float suggestions by.

Now that you have an idea of what’s available, you can make a more informed choice when purchasing a husband and wife headstone. If you’ve recently lost someone or are pre-planning arrangements, consider using Ever Loved for your funeral-related needs. Ever Loved offers free memorial websites, a free pre-planning checklist and post-death checklist, a marketplace, and much more.

Browse headstones