What if the cemetery name is not known?

If you've tried to find the cemetery name and can't find it, name the cemetery with the surname majority for those buried in the cemetery, i.e. McDougall Cemetery as the McDougall family members are buried there.

How do I list a cemetery with both an official name and commonly used name?

List the cemetery by its official name in its official language. If a cemetery was known by another name or has another name select 'Add alternate name or translation.' Translations for the cemetery name are not required, but if the cemetery is commonly known by a name in a different language, you can add that name and indicate the language.

What if they are buried but not buried in a cemetery?

One burial - ‘Add a cemetery’ and name it ‘Individual’s name Burial Site’ i.e. Jens Jensen Burial Site. Add the memorial for Jens Jensen to that burial site.
Two or more burials - ‘Add a cemetery’ named ‘Surname Cemetery’ i.e. Lopez Cemetery. Add the memorials to Lopez Cemetery.

Can I add a cemetery that no longer exists?

If a cemetery no longer exists, but there is record of the cemetery and you have its previous location, you can add it to Find a Grave. When adding the new cemetery, select 'Add more details' and 'No longer exists or has been removed.'

How do I add a mausoleum, columbarium, or tomb?

If the mausoleum, columbarium, or tomb contain one or more burials and they are not located in a cemetery, then they can be added using 'Add a cemetery.' Add the name in the cemetery name field and include as many details as possible. Naming examples: All Souls Church Columbarium, Abbey Mausoleum, or Brichetto Tomb

If the mausoleum, columbarium, or tomb are within a cemetery then the individual memorials should be added to that cemetery. Add plot information and grave details to provide more information.

Where are the GPS coordinates for a cemetery placed?

The coordinates for a cemetery should be placed in the center of the cemetery.

How do I update cemetery information?

You can send a suggested edit from the cemetery page. Select 'Suggest Edits' from the specific cemetery page for which you have information. From the Cemetery suggest edits page edit the relevant fields. If more explanation is needed to process the suggested edit, add a note for our team to review. Scroll to the bottom and select Submit Edits.

Refer to Cemetery Information Standards for more information about the fields. Cemetery pages are managed by Find a Grave. The suggested edits will be processed as soon as possible (usually within a few days).

For more information see, Editing Cemeteries.

How do I have duplicate cemeteries corrected?

If you are sure that a cemetery is duplicated, select Suggest Edits from one of the cemetery pages. Then select the Report Duplicate button to report a duplicate cemetery. Add the other cemetery ID for the duplicate cemetery, confirm the cemeteries you are reporting and submit the report. We will review the report and you will receive notification if it was approved or declined. If approved the cemetery records will be merged into one cemetery. Learn more at Reporting a Duplicate Cemetery.

How do I download my contributions to a cemetery?

First add the cemetery to your favorites. Then you can download the data you have added to that cemetery by going to Account Settings, selecting ‘Data and Privacy’ and choosing a cemetery from the dropdown menu. The data will download as a tab-delimited txt file.

How can I ask a question of the cemetery office?

Find a Grave is a volunteer project. People add information to the site by walking a cemetery and taking pictures, or from obituaries, other records or from information they have about family members. If you have a question for the cemetery such as buying a plot, cemetery maintenance, or need assistance from them you should contact the cemetery directly.

If there isn't contact information shown on the cemetery page you may be able to get this information from a funeral home local to the cemetery or by searching online.

Cultural Sensitivity

Please be sensitive to the diverse cultural meanings of burial grounds, cemeteries, and the deceased. We acknowledge that some indigenous communities seek to honor and mark their graves, while others do not wish their graves to be found, photographed, or posted publicly. Read more in Community Guidelines.

Learn more:

Cemetery Photos
Cemetery Search
Adding Cemetery Boundaries and Sections
Adding Cemeteries and Burial Types
Non-Cemetery Burials
Cenotaphs and Monuments