Companion Tombstones: Meaning, Styles, and Custom Design Options
Companion tombstones—also known as double headstones or companion monuments—are memorials designed to honor two people together. They are most commonly chosen for spouses, partners, or family members who shared a deep bond in life and wish to be remembered side by side.
In this guide, we explain the meaning behind companion monuments, the different styles available, what materials work best, and how families can personalize their design to create a lasting and meaningful tribute.
What Are Companion Tombstones?
Companion tombstones are memorials that include the names, dates, and inscriptions of two individuals on a shared stone.
They can be designed as:
A single headstone with both names
A double stone connected by a base
Two smaller stones paired under a unified design
A heart-shaped or joined monument symbolizing unity
These memorials reflect love, partnership, and the choice to rest together eternally.
The Meaning Behind Companion Monuments
Families choose companion tombstones for many reasons, including:
1. Lifelong Partnership
A companion headstone symbolizes the bond between two people who built a life together.
2. Unity and Togetherness
The design represents the idea of “together in life, together in memory.”
3. Family Legacy
Some families choose companion monuments for parents or siblings to preserve a shared legacy.
4. Emotional Comfort
Seeing two names together offers comfort and reflects a meaningful connection that continues beyond life.
Types of Companion Tombstones
Companion monuments come in many shapes and styles. These are the most popular options for modern cemeteries:
1. Upright Double Headstones
Classic and elegant, upright double monuments allow space for:
Two names
Shared or individual epitaphs
Religious or symbolic artwork
Portraits or ceramic photos
Vases, flowers, or bronze accents
2. Flat Companion Grave Markers
These markers rest flush with the ground and are often required in lawn cemeteries.
Features include:
Bronze plaques on granite bases
Double-name layouts
Decorative borders
Optional photo frames
3. Companion Slant or Bevel Markers
Slanted markers sit at an angle, making inscriptions easier to read.
Ideal for families who want a substantial monument without the height of an upright stone.
4. Heart-Shaped Companion Tombstones
One of the most symbolic and meaningful options.
Joined hearts represent unity, love, and lifelong devotion.
These designs may include:
Two interlocking hearts
Floral engravings
Angel artwork
A shared vase at the center
5. Side-by-Side Monuments With a Shared Base
Each person has their own stone, but both are connected by a single base—symbolic and visually balanced.
Best Materials for Companion Monuments
Different materials offer different benefits:
Granite Companion Headstones
Extremely durable
Available in many colors (black, gray, red, blue, pink, and more)
Ideal for carved shapes like hearts or double uprights
Bronze Companion Markers
Timeless look with raised lettering
Required in many lawn cemeteries
Long-lasting and low maintenance
Granite + Bronze (Combination)
Popular for flat companion markers
Offers the beauty of bronze with the strength of granite
Personalization Options for Companion Tombstones
Express Monument Company offers many ways to customize a companion headstone:
Portraits or ceramic photos
Religious symbols (crosses, stars, angels)
Joined hearts or floral borders
Custom inscriptions or personal quotes
Bronze vases
Background textures and polished finishes
Every design can be crafted to reflect the relationship, story, and legacy of the two individuals being honored.
Cemetery Requirements for Companion Monuments
Before ordering a companion tombstone, families should be aware of:
Size restrictions
Material requirements (bronze or granite)
Placement rules for double plots
Section-specific limitations
At Express Monument Company, we confirm all regulations with the cemetery to ensure the memorial is fully approved before production.
FAQs About Companion Tombstones
What is the difference between a companion marker and a double headstone?
They are the same; both terms refer to a memorial designed for two people.
Are companion monuments more expensive?
They can be, depending on size and material, but they often cost less than purchasing two separate headstones.
Can a companion headstone be used for family members other than spouses?
Absolutely—parents, siblings, and children often share companion monuments.
Can a companion headstone include two different designs?
Yes. Families can personalize each side individually while keeping a shared theme.
Honor Two Lives With a Companion Monument
A companion tombstone is a beautiful way to celebrate shared love, partnership, and connection. Whether families choose a classic double upright, a flat bronze marker, or an artistic heart-shaped design, these memorials create a meaningful tribute that lasts for generations.
Explore our custom granite and bronze companion headstones, available in upright, flat, and heart-shaped styles.
Check the cemeteries we serve across California and confirm which companion monuments are allowed in your location
Our team will help you design a meaningful and fully customized companion tombstone. Request pricing today.