Pictures for Upright Headstones: Where to Place a Portrait

Published

Illustration of an oval photo plaque placed in the upper portion of a gray granite upright headstone
Illustration of a possible placement; confirm the exact position with your cemetery.

On an upright headstone, a ceramic picture usually goes on the polished front face, often centered above the name or beside it, where visitors see it at a comfortable viewing height. The best spot is a clean, smooth, polished area that does not cover lettering, carving, or the stone's edges. Before ordering, get the cemetery's written approval, measure the clear space, and test the size with a paper template. If the stone is still being designed, ask the monument company to leave a polished area for the portrait.

Common placements on an upright stone

  • Centered above the name. A single portrait at the top of the inscription is a common, balanced layout.
  • Beside the name. On a wider stone, the portrait can sit to one side of the inscription.
  • Two portraits side by side. On a companion stone, each portrait usually sits above or beside the matching name. See headstone pictures for couples.
  • On the back of the stone. Some families use the back for a portrait or family photo. Ask the cemetery whether that is allowed.

Avoid rough, rock-pitched edges, sandblasted panels, carved areas, and curved tops. The MemorialPics adhesive instructions are written for polished stone or smooth bronze.

Get approval in writing

Each cemetery sets its own rules about additions, size, and installers, and some do not allow attachments. In VA national cemeteries, Directive 3425 prohibits objects attached to markers. Ask your cemetery directly and keep its answer with your records. See cemetery rules for headstone pictures.

Measuring the front face

  1. Measure the clear width and height of the polished area where the portrait will go, stopping at lettering, carving, and edges.
  2. Subtract a margin on every side so the portrait does not crowd the inscription.
  3. Compare what is left with the outside size of the picture, including any frame.
  4. Tape a paper template lightly in place and step back to where visitors stand.

The measuring worksheet includes a worked example, and the size guide lists current sizes. Upright stones often have room for a larger portrait than a flat marker, but the right size depends on your stone, not on a standard.

Choosing a shape and style

  • Ovals are the shape most often seen on headstones and come in a wide range of sizes, up to 9.4 x 11.8 inches.
  • Rectangles keep more of the photo and suit a shared portrait or a meaningful background.
  • Round, heart, and square pictures are also offered.
  • Bronze frames and a bronze cover add a metal border or cover to an oval.

Sizes and prices change; check each product page for current options.

New headstone or existing one?

New headstone. Tell the monument company you plan to add a portrait so the design includes a smooth, polished area of the right size. Some monument companies set the picture into a recess cut into the stone.

Existing headstone. If the stone is already in place, check that the spot you want is polished, flat, and clear. See adding a picture to an existing headstone.

Installing on polished granite

If the cemetery allows family installation, follow the full installation guide, which includes a video. Clean the area with a 50/50 mix of rubbing alcohol and water, let it dry, mark the position, apply the included tape to the back of the picture, press firmly for about two minutes, and seal the edge with silicone caulk. Install when outside and surface temperatures are at least 60°F. On a vertical face, mark a level line first so the portrait sits straight, and keep steady pressure while the tape bonds. No adhesive can be promised to hold in every condition, so check the seal on visits.

Weather and the fading guarantee

An upright face sheds rain more easily than a flat surface, but it still faces sun, wind, and temperature changes. MemorialPics advertises a lifetime guarantee against fading and discoloration for its pictures; read the current terms on the store before relying on it. For care and exposure, see are headstone pictures weatherproof?

Frequently asked questions

Where does the picture go on an upright headstone?

Usually on the polished front face, centered above the name or beside it. Choose a smooth area that does not cover lettering or carving, and confirm the spot with the cemetery.

What size picture is best for an upright headstone?

There is no single best size. Measure the clear polished area, leave a margin, and choose the largest size that fits comfortably. A paper template helps you decide.

Can a picture go on the rough edge or top of a headstone?

The adhesive instructions are written for polished stone or smooth bronze, not rough, rock-pitched, or curved areas. Ask a monument company about other surfaces.

Can I put a picture on the back of a headstone?

Sometimes, if the back is polished and the cemetery allows it. Ask before ordering.

Related guides

See pictures for flat grave markers, pictures for bronze grave markers, and choosing the best photo.

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.

Example placements

  • Upright headstone : illustrative shape, not to scale
    Upright headstoneIllustrative, not to scale
  • Flat marker : illustrative shape, not to scale
    Flat markerIllustrative, not to scale
  • Niche front : illustrative shape, not to scale
    Niche frontIllustrative, not to scale

Illustrative layouts, not to scale. Confirm the size and position with your cemetery and monument provider before ordering.