Columbariums and Cremation Memorials: A 2026 Family Guide

What is a columbarium?

A columbarium is a structure built to hold cremated remains. It contains niches — small sealed compartments sized for one or two urns. Each niche is closed with a front plate, usually granite, marble or bronze, engraved with names and dates. Columbaria stand in cemeteries, church grounds, memorial gardens and private estates.

Cremation is now the most common choice in the United States: the National Funeral Directors Association projects a 2025 cremation rate of 63.4%, more than double the burial rate (NFDA 2025 Cremation & Burial Report). Many of those families still want a permanent place to visit, which is what a columbarium or another cremation memorial provides.

What types of columbarium and cremation memorials are there?

Option	How it works	Best for
Niche wall	Rows of niches in a freestanding or building wall; one plate per niche.	Cemeteries, churches and memorial gardens serving many families.
Columbarium pedestal or pillar	A smaller freestanding unit with a few niches.	A family, a garden or a church courtyard.
Columbarium bench	A bench with an internal compartment for urns and an engraved surface.	A family plot where visitors can sit; see our bench headstone guide.
Urn burial with a marker	The urn is buried in a plot and marked with a flat, bevel or upright headstone.	Families who want a traditional grave; see flat headstones.

Which columbarium designs do we offer?

Our 2026 catalog includes the Luxury Marble Angel Columbarium Bench, from $27,919.43 in 9 color options — a sculpted angel on a bench with space for cremated remains. For larger custom columbariums, niche walls and architectural memorials for cemeteries, churches and public spaces, our sister brand Memoria Columbaria designs and builds the project. Cremation urns are supplied by quote so the size matches the niche or plot; ask about urns.

Columbarium niche or urn burial?

• Space and visits: a niche needs no plot and is often above ground at eye level; urn burial gives a grave the family can decorate within cemetery rules.
• Memorial design: a niche plate follows the columbarium's set size and style; a headstone on an urn plot allows more freedom in shape, color and artwork.
• Two people: companion niches hold two urns; on a plot, a companion headstone can carry both names.
• Cost structure: niche or plot rights, opening and closing, engraving and plates are priced by the cemetery or columbarium owner; the memorial itself is quoted separately.

What should I confirm with the cemetery or church?

• Inside niche dimensions and how many urns it holds, so the urn fits.
• Front plate material, size, color and lettering rules, and whether the cemetery engraves plates itself.
• Who opens and seals the niche, and the fee for a later placement.
• Whether flowers, photos or vases may be attached.
• For a columbarium bench or private columbarium, whether the section allows it and what foundation is required.

Cemetery and niche sales are generally governed by state law and the cemetery's own rules; the FTC explains which funeral purchases its Funeral Rule covers, including your right to supply your own urn to a funeral home (FTC Funeral Rule). Use our cemetery rules checklist before ordering.

How do I plan a columbarium or cremation memorial with Remembrance Headstones?

Request a quote or call +1 888 248 6813 with the cemetery or site name, the number of niches or urns, and the style you want. You receive a design proof to check every name, date and detail, and production begins only after your final written approval and cemetery approval where required. Taxes, permits, cemetery fees, foundation and installation are quoted separately — installation is arranged through Monument Service Group or another qualified provider. Complimentary delivery may apply to eligible orders within the 48 contiguous states; Alaska and Hawaii are quoted separately. Planning a full family site? Read our family monuments and memorial complexes guide.