If a couple has two graves side by side, you can mark them with one double monument spanning both graves or with two separate single monuments. A double monument gives one shared design and stone that is easier to match. Two singles give each person their own memorial. The cemetery's rules, inscription space and future reopening shape the choice.
This guide is for families who hold, or are buying, two graves side by side and are deciding how to mark them. It isn't about one grave dug deep enough for two burials — if that's your situation, see our guide to double monument vs double-depth grave instead.
How does one double monument compare with two separate single monuments for a couple?
A double monument covers both graves with one design, one set of kerbing and usually a shared headstone with a panel for each person. Two single monuments are separate memorials, often built years apart. The double gives a unified look and closer stone matching; two singles give more individual design and keep each grave independent for later changes.
| What to compare | One double monument | Two single monuments |
|---|---|---|
| Look | One unified memorial across both graves | Two memorials that can match or differ |
| Cemetery permission | Must be allowed to span both graves; consent needed for both plots | A separate permit for each grave |
| Inscription space | A panel or half-face for each person, planned together | A full headstone for each person |
| Stone colour and grain | Panels usually cut together, helping colour and grain match | May come from different batches if ordered years apart |
| Foundation | Double footing built to cemetery and AS 4204:2019 specifications | A separate footing for each grave, to cemetery specifications |
| Timing | Usually built after the first burial, leaving space for the second inscription | Each monument can be built when needed |
| Later changes | Alterations affect the shared monument | Each grave can be altered independently |
There's no single right answer for every family. Families who want a shared resting place to look and feel like one memorial often prefer a double monument. Families who want each person's memorial to reflect them individually, or who expect different branches of the family to look after the graves later, often choose two single monuments.
Will the cemetery allow one monument across two graves?
Often, though not everywhere. A double monument crosses the boundary between two graves, so the cemetery must approve that design for that section, and the burial right holders for both graves need to consent. Ask the cemetery to confirm in writing that a monument spanning both plots is allowed before any design work begins.
Who needs to consent depends on the state:
Victoria: A cemetery permit is needed to put up or change any monument, with written consent from the recorded right of interment holders for each grave, usually lodged through a cemetery-registered monumental mason.
New South Wales: At cemeteries run by Metropolitan Memorial Parks, such as Rookwood General Cemetery, only the registered interment right holder can apply, through an approved stonemason (note that Rookwood Catholic Cemetery runs a separate permit office). The right usually has to be held by a living person before a full monument can go ahead.
Queensland: Brisbane City Council requires Council permission and an authorised monumental stonemason, who applies for the permit.
Western Australia: At Karrakatta Cemetery, a current 25-year Grant of Right of Burial is needed for every grave under the monument, so a double monument requires current grants for both plots.
If the two graves are held by different people — say one in a parent's name and one in a child's — sort this out with the cemetery early. It can decide whether a double monument is possible at all.
Shared design or two individual memorials?
A double monument is designed once, so both people share one shape, stone and style, with a panel or section each. Two single monuments can follow the same design or be completely different. Think about whether the couple would have wanted one shared memorial, and how much wording, how many photos and which symbols each side needs.
People often underestimate how much inscription space they'll need. On a double monument, each person usually has half the headstone face, plus shared space for a family name or joint verse. Two singles give each person a full headstone. If you plan long inscriptions, two languages, photo plaques or religious symbols for each person, check our single monument inscription checklist and ask the mason to show both layouts on a proof before you decide.
Leaving space for a later inscription
Many couples order a double monument after the first passing and leave the second panel blank (or engraved with name and birth details only). If you do this, agree in writing how and when the second inscription will be completed, and how that later work will be priced. At John Stonemart Memorials, adding a later inscription is separate from reopening the grave — the lettering is added to the headstone (usually on site, with no need to open the ledger slab), and we give a free quotation for that inscription work when the time comes.
Will the stone colour and grain match?
100% natural granite varies from block to block, even within the same quarry. On a double monument, both panels are usually prepared together from the same batch, which helps match colour and grain closely. Two single monuments ordered years apart may come from different quarry batches and look slightly different side by side. No supplier can guarantee stone from the exact same block years later.
If a close match matters to you, that's a strong reason to choose a double monument, or to order both single monuments at the same time. When a second single monument is added years later, ask to see a sample of the current stone next to a photo of the first monument before you approve it.
How do I compare double-monument quotes when the granite, dimensions and installation inclusions differ?
Put the quotes side by side and compare like with like: the same granite colour, the same overall dimensions and the same installation scope. Check whether each quote includes AS 4204:2019 foundations, the cemetery permit fee, kerbing and ledger, the number of letters, GST, and terms for adding the second inscription later. For typical price bands and full quote questions, see our headstone and monument cost guide.
| Quote Item | What to check on each quote |
|---|---|
| Granite or marble | Exact stone name and colour, and the finish (polished, honed or rock-pitched) |
| Dimensions | Headstone height and width, base, kerbing length and ledger size across one or two plots |
| Foundation | Footing design built to the cemetery's monument specifications and AS 4204:2019 |
| Cemetery permit | One double permit or two single permits, and whether permit fees are included |
| Lettering | Method (23-carat gold leaf, cut or painted), number of letters/lines, and languages |
| Second inscription | How the later name and dates will be added, and how that future work is quoted |
| Extras | Ceramic photo plaques, vases, carved symbols, statues and stone chips or ledger |
| Installation & GST | Whether delivery, on-site installation, site cleanup and GST are included |
| Timing | Expected timeframe from the signed proof, and what the contract allows |
What happens if a grave needs to be reopened later?
If a grave needs to be reopened for a later burial, the ledger slab — and sometimes kerbing or panels — may have to be lifted and put back. Cemeteries and masons charge separately for this work. With a double monument, reopening can involve stonework spanning both graves, so ask how reopening works before choosing a design:
Springvale (Victoria): At Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust sites, ledger removal and replacement can incur separate charges. An external stonemason may be required; ask SMCT to confirm the work, permits and current fees for your grave.
Rookwood General Cemetery (New South Wales): Ask Metropolitan Memorial Parks to confirm access requirements and any excavation or stone-handling charges if the monument restricts access for a later burial.
Brisbane City Council (Queensland): Council may require a test dig when considering reuse of a full family grave. Ask Council whether the stone or concrete top needs removal, who may carry out that work and what charges apply.
Making changes later
Any alteration — such as adding a photo plaque, changing wording or replacing a panel — is treated as altering a monument. It needs the right holder's consent and, in most cemeteries, a new permit. With two single monuments, each can be changed on its own. With a double monument, a change on one side is work on the shared structure, so the holders of both graves may need to agree.
Frequently asked questions
How does one double monument compare with two separate single monuments for a couple?
A double monument covers both graves with one shared design and stone panels usually prepared together, helping colour and grain match. Two single monuments give each person an independent memorial, though stone ordered years apart may vary slightly.
How do I compare double-monument quotes when the granite, dimensions and installation inclusions differ?
Ask every supplier to quote the same granite, overall dimensions and installation scope, then check foundations, cemetery permit fees, lettering, extras, GST and second-inscription terms before comparing totals.
Can a double monument be placed across two graves at any cemetery?
No. The cemetery must allow a monument spanning both graves in that section, and the burial right holders for both graves must consent in writing before design work starts.
Will the second panel match the first if the inscription is added later?
On a double monument, both panels are usually prepared together, so the stone is already in place and only the lettering is added later (usually on site, without opening the ledger). Agree in writing how the later inscription will be carried out and quoted.
Is a double monument harder to reopen for a later burial?
It can be, because stonework across both graves may need to be lifted and reinstated. Cemeteries and stonemasons charge separately for ledger removal and replacement, so check reopening requirements at the design stage.
Talk it through with us
If you're deciding between a double monument and two single monuments, send us the cemetery, section and both plot numbers, and we'll explain what the section allows and prepare a free, itemised quotation for both options in the same granite. John Stonemart Memorials installs directly across Melbourne and Sydney cemeteries, and handles installations outside Melbourne and Sydney through a closely monitored third-party partner. Call 0417 670 613, email [email protected], or reach us via our contact page. Browse our double monument and single monument designs.
This guide is general information. Cemetery rules change and vary by section, so always confirm the requirements for your exact plots with the cemetery in writing.