Cemetery Etiquette: Do's and Don'ts

Whether you are visiting a loved one's grave, doing genealogy research, or simply exploring a historic cemetery, following proper etiquette shows respect for the deceased, their families, and the sacred space itself.

Do's

• Visit during posted hours -- Most cemeteries are open dawn to dusk.
• Stay on paths and walkways -- Avoid walking directly on graves.
• Keep your voice low -- Speak quietly, especially if other visitors are present.
• Dress modestly -- Dark, modest clothing is appropriate.
• Clean up after yourself -- Take all trash with you.
• Leash your pets -- Keep them on a leash and clean up after them.
• Follow cemetery rules -- Most cemeteries post rules near the entrance.

Don'ts

• Don't sit, lean, or climb on headstones -- This can damage fragile markers.
• Don't touch items left on graves -- They are meaningful to the families who placed them.
• Don't photograph other visitors -- Never take photos of mourners without consent.
• Don't let children run or play -- A cemetery is not a playground.
• Don't drive on the grass -- Follow roadways and park in designated areas.
• Don't do grave rubbings without permission -- This can damage markers.
• Don't visit private cemeteries without permission -- Family cemeteries require consent.

Special Situations

During a funeral: Give mourners a wide berth. Lower your voice and pause any photography.

Leaving tributes: Flowers are always appropriate. At Jewish graves, it is traditional to leave a small stone. Coins left on military graves carry specific meanings: a penny means you visited, a nickel means you trained together, a dime means you served together, and a quarter means you were there when they died.