Navigating the cost of a headstone can feel overwhelming, especially during such an emotional time. At The Farewell Guide, we believe that understanding the typical expenses involved helps you make better-informed decisions and honour your loved one in a way that feels right and affordable.

1. The Cost of the Headstone Itself

The price of the memorial stone is the biggest part of the cost, and it depends on several factors: material, size, shape, and level of customisation.

• A standard upright headstone typically ranges from £800 to £2,500, according to market guides.

• More elaborate memorials, such as kerb sets or full-length ledger stones, can start at £3,000 or more, depending on the stone and design. 

• Materials matter: granite is common and durable, but costs vary; marble or traditional stone types may cost more. 

• Engraving and lettering are extra: many masons include a base number of letters, but additional letters, custom designs, photos or symbols can add several hundred pounds. 

2. Installation Costs

Putting the stone in place requires more than just the headstone, it needs secure fixing, a foundation, and often specialist installers.

• A typical installation cost can be from around £100 up to £500, depending on the cemetery’s rules, ground conditions, and whether you need a reinforced foundation. 

• For example, one stonemason quotes a concrete foundation from about £195, plus a professional install from £395. 

• According to another provider, simple application is £88, rising significantly for full monuments: e.g. installation of an upright headstone at £540. 

3. Cemetery or Council Fees

You’ll usually need permission from the cemetery or church to erect a memorial, and that comes with an application or permit cost.

• These fees vary widely: for instance, Woodgrange Park Cemetery charges £250 for a headstone up to 3 ft high. In Conwy Council’s cemetery, the right to erect a headstone (including a vase) is £216. 

• Some councils require an additional charge for unapproved installations or inscribing extra text later on.

4. Extras to Consider

Beyond the stone and its installation, there are several “nice-to-have” additions or technical necessities that can add up.

• If you want a photo plaque, carving, or more ornate design, you might pay £50 - £500 more, depending on complexity.

• Vases, ledgers, or kerbs (surrounds) add to the price, for example, vases from some memorial masons cost from around £100 - £500. 

• Concrete or granite sub-foundations (which are more durable) can cost more. 

5. What’s a Realistic Budget?

Putting all of the above together, here’s a rough idea of what you might expect to pay in total:

* These are estimates. Prices vary significantly by region, cemetery, stonemason, and material.

6. Helpful Tips for Budgeting

• Get multiple quotes. Different stonemasons may charge very different prices for design, installation, and engraving.

• Ask for breakdowns. Make sure your quote lists material cost, lettering, foundation, permit, and installation separately.

• Check cemetery regulations early. Before you order a headstone, check what your cemetery allows - size limits, required permits, and design restrictions all matter.

• Plan for the long term. Costs don’t just stop at the installation: maintenance, cleaning, or future inscriptions can add more later.

Installing a headstone is not just a financial decision, it’s a deeply personal one. While costs in the UK can range from a modest few hundred to several thousand pounds, your choice ultimately comes down to what feels meaningful, respectful, and sustainable for your family. At The Farewell Guide, we’re here to help you understand each piece of the puzzle, so you can make the right decision in this difficult time.