Headstone Pictures for Couples: One Shared Photo or Two Portraits?

For a couple's headstone, you can use one photo of both people together or two separate portraits, one for each person. A single shared photo works well when you have a clear picture of the couple and want a single focal point; a rectangle or heart shape usually keeps both faces without trimming either person at the edge. Two matching portraits work well when each person has a strong individual photo, or when one portrait will be added later. Whichever you choose, get the cemetery's written approval, measure the clear space for every picture, and plan the layout before you order.

One shared photo or two separate portraits?

Question	One shared photo	Two separate portraits
Best when	You have a clear photo of both people together, such as a wedding or anniversary picture.	Each person has a good individual photo, or the photos come from different times of life.
Space needed	One mounting area.	Two mounting areas plus a gap between them.
Shapes that suit it	Rectangle or heart, which keep more width than an oval.	A matching pair of ovals or rectangles is common.
If one spouse is still living	The finished picture already includes both people.	One portrait can be placed now and space reserved for the second.

Choosing a shape for two faces

An oval trims more of the photo at the sides, which can cut close to a shoulder or face when two people stand side by side. A rectangle keeps more of the original image and is usually the simplest choice for a shared photo. A heart is a popular choice for couples; because the heart narrows toward the bottom, it suits photos where the two faces sit close together near the top of the frame. If you want two portraits instead, a matching pair of ovals is a common, balanced look.

Choosing a photo of the two of you

• Both faces clear. Each face should be in focus and not turned away or shaded by the other person.
• Faces close together. Photos where the couple stands shoulder to shoulder crop more easily than photos with space between them.
• Similar size in the frame. If one person is much farther from the camera, one face may end up noticeably smaller.
• Combining two photos. If no good photo of the couple exists, ask whether two separate photos could be combined into one image. Whether that works depends on the photos, so judge the result carefully in the proof.

More advice is in choosing the best photo for a headstone picture. If a photo is old or faded, see restoring an old photo.

Laying out two portraits

Two portraits usually sit side by side above or beside the names they belong to. Before ordering:

1. Ask the cemetery whether two pictures are allowed on the memorial and where they may go.
2. Measure the clear width and height available for each portrait, stopping at lettering, carving, and the stone's edge.
3. Check that both pictures, a margin around each, and the gap between them fit in the total width.
4. Cut two paper templates and tape them lightly in place to check the balance from where visitors stand.

The measuring worksheet walks through each step, and the size guide lists the current sizes for each shape.

Adding the second portrait later

When one spouse is still living, families often place one portrait now and add the second later. A few steps make that easier:

• Reserve the second space now, and measure it while you are measuring the first.
• Keep a record of the shape, size, color or black-and-white choice, and any frame from the first order.
• When you order the second portrait, include those details in your notes and mention that it should match an existing picture. Ask about matching before you order rather than assuming an exact match.
• Check the cemetery's rules again before the second installation, since regulations can change.

Installing on a companion headstone

The MemorialPics installation instructions are written for clean, dry, non-porous polished stone or smooth bronze, installed when outside and surface temperatures are at least 60°F. For two portraits, mark both positions before applying any tape, and measure from the same reference line, such as the top of the names, so the pictures sit level with each other. If the cemetery requires a monument company, ask it to set both pictures, or to leave space for the second.

Frequently asked questions

Can we use one picture of both of us on a headstone?

Yes, if the cemetery allows pictures. A rectangle or heart usually keeps both faces better than an oval. Choose a photo where both faces are clear and close together.

Should two portraits on a companion headstone be the same size?

Most families choose a matching size and shape so the memorial looks balanced, but it is a personal choice. Check that both fit in the measured space with a margin.

Can the second picture be added years later?

Often, yes, with cemetery approval at the time. Reserve the space, keep the details of the first order, and ask about matching when you order the second.

Can two separate photos be combined into one picture?

Sometimes. It depends on the photos, including lighting, angle, and resolution. Explain what you want in your order notes and review the proof closely for anything that looks unnatural.

Related guides

See pictures for upright headstones, pictures for flat grave markers, and cemetery rules for headstone pictures. To talk through a layout, contact MemorialPics.

Sources and review

Sources checked on 2026-10-05. Store details come from MemorialPics pages and product listings as they appeared on that date and may change. Always confirm the rules with your cemetery.

• Installation and installation instructions, MemorialPics. Accessed 2026-10-05.
• MemorialPics product listings for heart, rectangle, and oval pictures. Accessed 2026-10-05.
• Can an Old Photo Be Restored for a Headstone Portrait?, MemorialPics. Accessed 2026-10-05.