How To Honour Two Loved Ones With A Single Monument

October 2, 2025

 How To Honour Two Loved Ones With A Single Monument

Honouring the life and legacy of a loved one is always a deeply personal experience. When two people share a lifelong bond, such as spouses, siblings, or a parent and child, families often choose to commemorate their connection with a single, unified memorial. Known as companion headstones or double grave markers, these monuments offer a meaningful way to reflect shared memories, values, and love in one elegant tribute.

As a trusted headstone monument company, we can help design a lasting piece that captures the essence of two lives in one. With professional custom headstone design services and thoughtful family memorial design, you can create a monument that tells a shared story and preserves it for future generations.

What Are Companion Headstones?

A companion headstone is a single monument designed to honour two individuals who are buried next to each other. These are most commonly used for married couples but are also chosen for siblings, parents and children, or close relatives who shared a strong connection in life.

There are two main types of companion monuments:

  • Side-by-side markers, used when both individuals are interred in adjacent graves.
  • Single-plot monuments, designed for burial within the same plot, often used in cremation burials.

This type of memorial allows families to reflect on the unity of their loved ones in a dignified and lasting way.

Why Families Choose a Single Monument for Two

Choosing a double grave marker offers both emotional and practical benefits. Here are a few reasons many families prefer this approach:

  • Symbolic unity: A shared monument reinforces the lifelong bond between two people and creates a peaceful, unified tribute.
  • Cohesive design: Instead of two separate stones, a single design maintains visual balance in the cemetery plot and allows for more detailed personalization.
  • Cost-efficiency: In many cases, creating one monument is more affordable than designing and installing two separate headstones.
  • Legacy preservation: Families often find comfort in knowing future generations will see both names and stories remembered together in one place.

Creating a Meaningful Family Memorial Design

Every shared monument tells a unique story. With the help of professional custom headstone design services, families can personalize the design to reflect the individuality of each person while honouring their relationship.

Choosing the Shape and Structure

Companion monuments come in various shapes and styles. Popular options include:

  • Heart-shaped memorials, which symbolize eternal love

An experienced headstone monument company can recommend a shape that meets both your vision and cemetery guidelines.

Personal Inscriptions and Artwork

The engraving is one of the most meaningful aspects of a shared monument. You can include:

  • Individual names with birth and passing dates
  • Shared phrases or quotes that reflect their bond
  • Religious symbols, emblems, or artistic designs
  • Images of flowers, birds, or other icons that held meaning for the individuals

Including unique inscriptions ensures the memorial truly reflects their lives, values, and connection.

Material and Finish Selection

Granite is one of the most durable and elegant materials available for headstone memorials. Companion monuments can be created in a range of granite colours and finishes, such as:

  • Blue Pearl
  • Regal Red
  • Supreme Black
  • Britz Blue
  • Amazon Green
  • Mahogany
  • Mountain Rose
  • Stanstead Grey
  • Gem Mist
  • Catseye
  • Paradiso
  • Bahama Blue

Polished, matte, or steeled finishes are also available, depending on your preference and cemetery standards

Your memorial partner can guide you in selecting a material that offers long-lasting strength and aesthetic value.

When to Begin Planning a Shared Monument

Families can plan a companion headstone in advance or after a loved one has passed. Some couples choose to pre-arrange the design together to ensure their wishes are respected. For others, family members create a monument after both individuals have passed, taking the time to thoughtfully design a tribute that reflects their shared legacy.

In either case, starting with a knowledgeable headstone monument company ensures the process is respectful, timely, and in full compliance with cemetery regulations.

Placement Considerations for Double Grave Markers

Before placing a shared monument, families should be aware of:

  • Plot size and layout

    Ensure the space can accommodate a larger marker or monument design.

  • Cemetery rules

    Each cemetery may have different height, width, or style limitations for companion memorials.

  • Future maintenance

    A single monument can simplify upkeep for families visiting the site over time.

Working with local experts ensures that a memorial design not only meets your expectations but also fits seamlessly into the space where it will rest.

Work with a Trusted Headstone Monument Company

The process of designing a shared monument is both emotional and technical. That is why choosing a reputable company that specializes in custom headstone design services is essential. From concept to final installation, professionals can help you navigate design decisions, materials, engraving options, and cemetery requirements with clarity and compassion.

Summit Memorials offers local expertise with personalized support for families across Canada. With access to high-quality imported granite, in-house design services, and years of experience in creating companion headstones, Summit Memorials is committed to helping you honour your loved ones with dignity and care.

To learn more about how we can help you design a custom headstone or family memorial, contact us today.

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