Forest Lawn is a chain of cemeteries across the United States, not a single location

Forest Lawn Memorial Park operates multiple cemetery locations in California, New York, and other states. The largest and most well-known is Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California, which opened in 1906 and sits on 300 acres in the Los Angeles area. Each Forest Lawn location operates independently with its own management, pricing, and services, so the experience and cost at one location will differ from another.

Forest Lawn is known for its park-like setting rather than traditional headstones. Instead of upright monuments, most graves are marked with flat bronze plaques set into the ground, which keeps the landscape open and manicured. The Glendale location in particular is famous for its art collections, including stained glass windows, sculptures, and replicas of famous artworks displayed throughout the grounds.

If you are considering Forest Lawn for a burial or entombment, you will need to contact the specific location nearest you, as each operates its own sales office and maintains separate pricing and availability. The Glendale location receives thousands of visitors annually, both for burials and for tours of its historical and artistic features.

Key Takeaways

  • Forest Lawn has multiple locations across the United States, each with separate management and pricing, so you must contact your local branch directly for costs and options.
  • The Glendale, California location is the flagship cemetery and features extensive art collections, sculptures, and landscaped grounds rather than traditional gravestone rows.
  • Burial options at Forest Lawn typically include ground burial, mausoleum entombment, and cremation niches, with prices varying by location and specific site.
  • Forest Lawn locations are open to the public for visitation and tours, and some offer guided tours that highlight the art and historical features on the grounds.

What burial and entombment options Forest Lawn offers

Forest Lawn locations typically offer three main types of interment: ground burial, mausoleum entombment, and cremation niches. Ground burial means your casket is placed in the earth in a designated plot. Mausoleum entombment places your casket or remains in a sealed chamber within an above-ground building, which protects the casket from the elements and allows for indoor visitation. Cremation niches are small compartments designed to hold cremated remains, often in a columbarium (a wall of niches) or garden setting.

Each option comes with different costs. Ground burial is generally the least expensive, while mausoleum entombment costs more because it includes the building structure and maintenance. Cremation niches fall somewhere in between. Prices also depend on the specific location within the cemetery — a plot near a landmark or in a popular section will cost more than one in a less visible area.

When you contact a Forest Lawn location, a counselor will walk you through the available options, show you maps of available sites, and explain what is included in the price. Some packages include opening and closing fees (the cost to prepare the grave or niche), while others charge these separately. Always ask what is and is not included in the quoted price.

How to visit Forest Lawn and what you will see

Forest Lawn locations are open to the public during daylight hours. Visitors can drive or walk the grounds to visit graves, pay respects, or straightforward enjoy the landscaped park setting. The Glendale location in particular attracts visitors interested in its art and architecture, not just those visiting family graves. The cemetery features replicas of famous sculptures, stained glass windows, and gardens designed to evoke peaceful reflection.

Many Forest Lawn locations offer guided tours that explain the history of the cemetery, point out notable burials, and highlight the art and architectural features. These tours are usually free or low-cost and can be scheduled in advance by calling the cemetery directly. Some locations also have visitor centers with maps and information about the grounds.

If you are visiting a specific grave, bring flowers or other remembrances if you wish. Most cemeteries have rules about what can be left at a grave — typically fresh flowers are allowed, but potted plants, balloons, and decorative items may be removed after a certain period. Check with the specific Forest Lawn location about their policies before your visit.

Pricing and what affects the cost of burial at Forest Lawn

Forest Lawn does not publish standard prices online because costs vary significantly by location and by the specific site you choose within that cemetery. A plot in the Glendale location will cost differently than one in a Forest Lawn location in another state. Even within a single cemetery, a grave in a premium section near a landmark or with a desirable view will cost more than one in a less prominent area.

The total cost of burial includes the plot or niche itself, opening and closing fees, and sometimes a perpetual care fee (a one-time payment that covers the cemetery's maintenance of your grave in perpetuity). Some Forest Lawn locations offer payment plans that let you spread the cost over time. You may also have the option to pre-plan and pre-pay for your burial, which locks in current prices and removes the burden of these decisions from your family later.

To get an accurate price, you must contact the Forest Lawn location you are interested in directly. They will ask about your preferences (ground burial versus mausoleum, preferred section, casket or cremation) and provide a detailed quote. Comparing prices between Forest Lawn and other cemeteries in your area is a reasonable step before making a decision.

Pre-planning your burial at Forest Lawn

Many people choose to pre-plan their burial by selecting a site and making payment arrangements while they are still living. This removes the emotional and financial burden from family members at the time of death. Forest Lawn locations offer pre-planning services where you can meet with a counselor, choose your site, and discuss your preferences for the service itself.

Pre-planning typically involves selecting your burial option (ground, mausoleum, or cremation niche), choosing a specific location within the cemetery, and deciding whether to pre-pay. Some people also arrange for a memorial service or monument at this time. Pre-payment locks in current prices, which can be valuable if you expect prices to rise over time.

To start the pre-planning process, contact your local Forest Lawn location and ask to speak with a pre-planning counselor. They will guide you through the options and explain what happens next. You do not need to make a decision when ready — many people visit the grounds first to get a feel for the location before committing.

Notable burials and the history of Forest Lawn Glendale

The Glendale Forest Lawn location is the burial site of numerous celebrities, historical figures, and notable people from entertainment, politics, and business. The cemetery was founded in 1906 by Hubert Eaton, who envisioned a cemetery that would be a beautiful park rather than a somber graveyard. This vision shaped the design of Forest Lawn locations — manicured lawns, art installations, and a focus on peaceful landscaping rather than rows of upright headstones.

The Glendale location has become a tourist destination in its own right, with visitors coming to see the grounds, the art collections, and the graves of famous people. The cemetery features replicas of famous artworks, including a reproduction of Michelangelo's David and stained glass windows inspired by European cathedrals. These artistic elements are part of Eaton's original vision to create a cemetery that celebrates life and beauty.

If you are interested in the history and notable burials at Forest Lawn, the cemetery's website and visitor center have information about the grounds and the people buried there. Guided tours often include stories about notable burials and the historical significance of different sections of the cemetery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit Forest Lawn without planning a burial there?

Yes. Forest Lawn locations are open to the public for visitation and tours. You can visit to pay respects at a grave, enjoy the grounds, or take a guided tour to learn about the cemetery's history and art. No prior arrangement is needed for a casual visit during operating hours.

How much does a burial plot cost at Forest Lawn?

Prices vary by location and by the specific site within each cemetery. The Glendale location and other Forest Lawn cemeteries do not publish standard prices online. You must contact the specific location you are interested in for a detailed quote based on your preferences and the available sites.

What is the difference between ground burial and mausoleum entombment?

Ground burial places your casket in the earth in an outdoor plot. Mausoleum entombment places your casket in a sealed chamber inside an above-ground building. Mausoleum entombment costs more but offers protection from the elements and allows for indoor visitation. Ground burial is generally less expensive.

Can I pre-pay for my burial at Forest Lawn?

Yes. Forest Lawn locations offer pre-planning and pre-payment services. You can select your site, arrange your preferences, and pay in advance while you are living. This locks in current prices and removes these decisions from your family at the time of death.

Are there guided tours at Forest Lawn?

Many Forest Lawn locations offer guided tours that explain the history, point out notable burials, and highlight the art and architectural features. Tours are usually free or low-cost and can be scheduled in advance by contacting the cemetery directly.