The short answer is yes — you have the legal right to purchase a monument from any company you choose, and neither the cemetery nor the funeral home can prevent you from doing so. This right is protected by federal law, specifically the Federal Trade Commission's Funeral Rule.
The Funeral Rule, established in 1984 and updated periodically since, requires funeral providers to give you accurate information about their goods and services, allow you to choose only the items you want, and accept caskets, monuments, and other goods purchased from third parties without penalizing you or charging handling fees. If a funeral home or cemetery tries to pressure you into purchasing a monument exclusively through them, they may be violating federal law.
Cemeteries do have the right to establish regulations about monument size, material, design, and installation standards. They can require that your monument meets their specifications and that installation is performed by qualified professionals. However, they cannot refuse a monument simply because it was purchased from an outside company, as long as it meets their published requirements. Some cemeteries charge a setting fee or foundation fee for monuments purchased externally — this is generally permissible as long as the fee is reasonable and the same service is required for all monuments.
When choosing a monument company, look for established businesses with verifiable track records. Read online reviews and ask for references. Verify that the company offers a written warranty on materials and craftsmanship. Ensure they provide professional installation and handle cemetery coordination. A company that is transparent about pricing, responsive to questions, and willing to share their process is one you can feel confident working with.
The Monument Store was founded specifically to give families a better option for purchasing monuments. We handle every aspect of the process — from design and fabrication to cemetery approval and professional installation — so you receive the same quality and service you would expect from a local provider, with the added benefits of advanced technology and nationwide coverage.