How Cemeteries Work: Ownership, Perpetual Care, and Rules
Reviewed by Everendium Editorial Team · Last reviewed August 18, 2026
Quick answer
Cemeteries can be privately owned, run by a religious organization, or operated by a municipality, and most charge a 'perpetual care' fee meant to fund long-term maintenance. Each cemetery sets its own rules on markers, visiting hours, and decorations, so it's worth reviewing them before purchasing a plot.
Understanding how a cemetery actually operates can make decisions about buying property or choosing a resting place feel less like a leap of faith.
Who owns and operates cemeteries
Cemeteries generally fall into a few categories:
- Privately owned businesses, sometimes part of larger cemetery/funeral corporations
- Religious cemeteries, owned and operated by a specific congregation, diocese, or faith organization
- Municipal cemeteries, owned and run by a city or county government
Ownership can affect pricing, available options, and specific religious or cultural requirements for burial there.
What “perpetual care” means
Most cemeteries charge a perpetual care fee as part of purchasing a plot, meant to fund ongoing maintenance — mowing, landscaping, and general upkeep — often for as long as the cemetery exists. This is frequently held in a dedicated trust fund, separate from the cemetery’s regular operating budget, specifically to ensure long-term funding even if ownership changes.
Why every cemetery has its own rules
Individual cemeteries set their own rules on things like:
- Permitted marker size, material, and design
- Visiting hours
- Decorations (some restrict artificial flowers, balloons, or certain seasonal decor)
- Whether double-depth burial or specific interment types are available
These vary significantly, so it’s worth reviewing a specific cemetery’s rules before purchasing property there — see our guide on choosing a cemetery for what else to consider.
Ownership structures, fees, and rules vary significantly by cemetery and state — confirm specifics directly with the cemetery you’re considering.
Frequently asked questions
Who actually owns a cemetery?+
It varies — cemeteries can be privately owned businesses, operated by a specific religious organization or congregation, or run by a city or county government.
What does 'perpetual care' actually cover?+
Typically ongoing maintenance like mowing, landscaping, and general upkeep of the grounds — funded by a portion of what you pay when purchasing a plot, often held in a dedicated trust fund.
Why do cemeteries have so many specific rules?+
Rules on marker size, materials, decorations, and visiting hours help the cemetery maintain a consistent appearance and manage long-term upkeep across the entire property — they vary significantly between cemeteries.
What happens if a cemetery closes?+
This is rare, but when it happens, state laws generally require some provision for continued maintenance or transfer of responsibility — see our guide on cemetery opening, closing, and fees for more detail.
Sources
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