How Much Is a Plot at St Charles Cemetery?
Understanding how much is a plot at st charles cemetery requires analyzing grave space configurations, perpetual care endowments, opening and closing interment fees, and monument foundation requirements. Located in Farmingdale, Long Island, Saint Charles / Resurrection Cemeteries—operated under the Catholic Cemeteries of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre—represents one of the largest and most historic Catholic burial grounds in New York. Purchasing a traditional in-ground burial grave plot at Saint Charles Cemetery typically costs between $2,500 and $6,500, with opening and closing grave fees, burial vaults, and stone monument foundations adding another $3,000 to $6,000 to your total cemetery expenditure.
Grave Classifications, Capacity Tiers, and Plot Pricing
At Saint Charles / Resurrection Cemeteries, in-ground burial spaces are primarily categorized by capacity and monument privileges. A standard two-grave plot or single double-depth grave accommodates two full-casket burials stacked vertically beneath the surface. For a standard double-depth in-ground plot in established sections, plot fees typically range from $2,800 to $4,800. Premium grave spaces—such as those located adjacent to paved cemetery roadways, historic shrines, or developed landscaping—range between $5,000 and $7,500.
In addition to traditional full-casket burial plots, Saint Charles offers modern options for cremated remains. An in-ground cremation plot, which accommodates one or two cremation urns, costs between $1,500 and $2,800. For families seeking above-ground interment, community garden crypts and climate-controlled indoor mausoleums within the Resurrection section offer single crypts starting around $8,000 to $16,000 and companion tandem crypts ranging from $14,000 to $28,000. Cremation columbarium glass-front or granite niches standardly range between $2,000 and $4,500.
Compare average plot and space purchase fees across various interment options at Saint Charles Cemetery:
| Burial Space Classification | Interment Capacity | Monument Type Allowed | Perpetual Care Included | Typical Purchase Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single In-Ground Grave (Double Depth) | 2 Full Caskets (Stacked) | Flush Bronze or Granite Marker | Yes (State-regulated) | $2,800 to $4,800 |
| Two-Grave Family Plot (Side-by-Side) | 4 Caskets Total (2x Double) | Upright Granite Headstone | Yes | $5,500 to $9,500 |
| In-Ground Cremation Grave | 1 to 2 Cremated Urns | Flush Granite Marker | Yes | $1,500 to $2,800 |
| Outdoor Garden Mausoleum Crypt | Single Casket (Above Ground) | Inscribed Granite Shutter | Yes | $8,000 to $14,000 |
| Indoor Climate-Controlled Crypt | Single Casket (Indoor Chapel) | Inscribed Marble Shutter | Yes | $11,000 to $18,000 |
| Columbarium Cremation Niche | 1 to 2 Cremation Urns | Engraved Granite or Glass Face | Yes | $2,000 to $4,500 |
Interment Fees: Opening and Closing, Vaults, and Foundations
A universal aspect of cemetery economics that often surprises grieving families is that purchasing the real estate grave plot does not cover the physical burial service. Whenever an interment takes place, Saint Charles Cemetery assesses a mandatory 'Opening and Closing' fee. This fee covers backhoe excavation, safety shoring, lowering device machinery, artificial grass placement, refilling, tamping, and reseeding the grass turf. For a weekday standard casket interment, the opening and closing fee ranges from $1,900 to $2,600, with Saturday or late-arrival funeral surcharges adding $400 to $800.
Furthermore, cemetery regulations mandate that all in-ground casket burials utilize an outer burial container or concrete burial vault to prevent grave subsidence as the casket deteriorates over time. Concrete vaults purchased through the funeral director cost between $1,200 and $3,500. Finally, before any granite monument or bronze foot marker can be installed, Saint Charles Cemetery excavates and pours a subterranean concrete foundation to ensure the monument remains plumb. The cemetery bills this foundation fee directly at approximately $1.10 to $1.60 per square inch, typically totaling $600 to $1,400.
Review mandatory ancillary cemetery fees associated with in-ground burial at Saint Charles Cemetery:
| Ancillary Cemetery Service | Billing Entity | Mandatory vs. Optional | Timing of Payment | Average Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weekday Opening & Closing (Casket) | Saint Charles Cemetery Office | Mandatory at every burial | Time of funeral service | $1,900 to $2,600 |
| Saturday Interment Surcharge | Saint Charles Cemetery Office | Conditional (Weekend funeral) | Time of funeral service | $450 to $800 |
| Opening & Closing (Cremation Urn) | Saint Charles Cemetery Office | Mandatory at urn burial | Time of committal service | $850 to $1,350 |
| Subterranean Concrete Foundation | Saint Charles Cemetery Office | Mandatory prior to monument | Paid prior to stone setting | $650 to $1,400 |
| Concrete Outer Burial Vault | Funeral Home / Vault Company | Mandatory by cemetery rule | Included on funeral contract | $1,200 to $3,200 |
| Temporary Grave Marker Plaque | Cemetery / Monument Maker | Optional while stone carves | Paid after burial | $75 to $150 |
Diocesan Rules, Pre-Need Planning, and Religious Requirements
Because Saint Charles Cemetery is a consecrated Roman Catholic burial ground operated under the Diocese of Rockville Centre, specific religious and administrative guidelines apply. The cemetery is dedicated to serving baptized Catholic parishioners and their immediate family members. Non-Catholic spouses or children may be interred in the same family plot alongside Catholic family members with diocesan approval, reflecting pastoral care for Christian families.
Purchasing grave plots on a 'Pre-Need' basis (well before death occurs) provides immense financial and emotional advantages. Plot prices and opening fees on Long Island rise predictably every few years to keep pace with union groundskeeping labor and land scarcity. Buying your family plot ahead of time locks in the real estate price, allows interest-free monthly installment financing through the Catholic Cemeteries office, and relieves your grieving family of stressful financial decisions during acute bereavement.
How to Purchase and Plan a Burial Plot at Saint Charles Cemetery
Follow these five organized steps to consult the cemetery office, select grave spaces, and finalize arrangements.
Contact the Catholic Cemeteries Office
Reach out to the Saint Charles / Resurrection administrative office in Farmingdale to schedule an on-site plot selection appointment.
Choose In-Ground Plot vs. Mausoleum Crypt
Evaluate whether your family prefers traditional double-depth in-ground burial, an above-ground crypt, or a cremation niche.
Review Monument Regulations by Section
Verify whether the specific grave section permits upright granite monuments or restricts markers to flush lawn-level bronze.
Take Advantage of Pre-Need Financing
Secure plots prior to need using the cemetery's interest-free 12 to 24-month installment payment options.
Obtain Written Perpetual Care Documentation
Ensure your purchase deed explicitly confirms that perpetual grounds maintenance is included in the purchase price.
Frequently Asked Questions (8 Questions Answered)
Q1: How much does an in-ground plot cost at St Charles Cemetery?
A typical double-depth grave plot at Saint Charles Cemetery ranges between $2,800 and $4,800 depending on the section.
Q2: What is the opening and closing fee at Saint Charles Cemetery?
Weekday opening and closing fees for a standard full-casket burial range from $1,900 to $2,600, with extra surcharges on Saturdays.
Q3: Do you have to be Catholic to be buried in St Charles Cemetery?
Saint Charles is a Catholic cemetery, but non-Catholic spouses and immediate family members may be interred in family plots with Catholic relatives.
Q4: Are concrete burial vaults required at St Charles Cemetery?
Yes, cemetery rules require a concrete outer burial container or vault to support the earth and prevent grave sinkage.
Q5: How much does a mausoleum crypt cost at St Charles Cemetery?
Above-ground single crypts in the Resurrection mausoleum complex typically range from $8,000 to $16,000.
Q6: How much is a plot for cremated ashes at St Charles?
In-ground cremation graves cost $1,500 to $2,800, while columbarium niche spaces range from $2,000 to $4,500.
Q7: Can you make monthly payments on a plot at St Charles Cemetery?
Yes, the Catholic Cemeteries office offers interest-free monthly financing plans for pre-need plot purchases.
Q8: Is perpetual care included in the plot purchase price?
Yes, New York state cemetery regulations require that perpetual care endowments for routine mowing and groundskeeping are included.
Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways
In conclusion, understanding how much is a plot at st charles cemetery? provides essential clarity, practical strategies, and actionable advice. By incorporating these foundational insights, adhering to verified safety guidelines, and following structured best practices, you ensure reliable, long-term outcomes while preventing common mistakes. Stay informed, consult certified professionals when needed, and maintain consistent quality care.