Upright Headstones

Upright headstones remain the most recognized form of remembrance. A vertical tablet, usually set on a granite base, offers generous room for names, dates, portraits, religious symbols and custom artwork — a memorial with lasting presence, made to carry a life's story clearly across generations.

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A timeless form with room for the whole story

An upright memorial gives a family the most space to work with: room for larger lettering, meaningful epitaphs, floral or landscape artwork, portraits and shaped tops from serpentine curves to hearts and crosses. Uprights serve individuals, couples and families alike, and many cemetery sections are planned around them. Where height limits apply, a compact upright can carry the same character at a smaller scale.

ProfileVertical tablet on a granite base — the classic memorial form.

VisibilityA clear, lasting presence, visible across the cemetery lawn.

PersonalizationCustom shapes, artwork, portraits, symbols and epitaphs.

Common applicationsIndividual, companion and family memorials.

Popular Variations

Ways families shape this style

Single Upright Classic single upright on a granite base

Companion Upright Shared upright with carved roses and vase

Serpentine Top Upright Gently curved serpentine top line

Straight Top Upright Clean, contemporary straight top

Heart-Shaped Upright Single or double heart silhouette

Wing Monument Center tablet with flanking wing panels

Open Book Upright Open book form with facing inscription pages

Contemporary Upright with Cross Architectural block frame with engraved cross

Upright with Portrait Porcelain portrait with custom lettering

Veteran Upright Service emblem and dates honoring a life of service

Bilingual Upright Inscription carried in two languages

Flag-Inspired Upright Flag-inspired artwork honoring a life of service

Small Heart Upright Compact heart form with star and butterfly details

Family Crest Upright Family crest with culturally meaningful symbols

Design Gallery

Designs in this style

Each design is a starting point and may be adapted where cemetery rules allow.

Designs shown are for inspiration. Reference a design code when you write to us and we’ll start from there.

Make It Personal

Details that tell the story

Lettering & datesHand-set typography, from classic serif to contemporary forms.

EpitaphsA verse, a phrase, a line the family lives by.

PortraitsPorcelain and laser-etched portraits.

Religious symbolsCrosses, praying hands, doves, stars and more.

Floral artworkRoses, lilies, branches and garlands.

Borders & panelsCarved frames that give the inscription a setting.

VasesGranite or bronze, matched to the memorial.

Bilingual inscriptionsTwo languages carried together, proofed with the family.

Handwriting & signaturesA signature or handwritten line, reproduced faithfully.

Custom artworkLandscapes, emblems and motifs drawn for one story.

Personalization options vary by memorial form and cemetery. We can help review published requirements and identify the details that should be confirmed before the design is finalized.

Available styles, dimensions, materials and finishes may vary by cemetery section. Cemetery rules vary by location and section. Final dimensions, materials, finishes, foundations and installation requirements must be confirmed with the cemetery before production. Stone House can help your family review available information and coordinate questions with the cemetery before production.

Learn how cemetery approval works

See something you like?

We'll help you explore design options that fit your cemetery's requirements and your family's vision. And if the design you're imagining isn't shown here, share a photo, a sketch, or simply describe your idea.