Visiting Rules and Decoration Policies

On this page:  Decoration |  Visiting and Etiquette  |  Photography 

Lakewood’s visiting rules and memorial site decoration policies are designed to consider everyone’s safety and visiting experience. 

Lakewood is an active cemetery that holds funerals and services most days of the week. Out of respect for grieving families and the sacred nature of this space, we kindly ask that you choose alternate routes to avoid all funeral services. 

We appreciate your help in keeping Lakewood naturally beautiful, and we thank you for respecting and following our rules during your visit.  

Decoration

Grave Decorations

Lakewood permits fresh-cut florals and wreaths.

  • Please bring only fresh-cut flowers and seasonal evergreen wreaths to be placed at graves.
  • Please feel free to use our complimentary green flower vases for fresh flowers at graves.
  • You may lay fresh flowers at a grave, but please remove any plastic wrapping.
  • Glass jars and other breakable containers are not permitted at graves.
  • We do not permit artificial flowers or plants.

Potted plants are permitted only on Memorial Day weekend.

  • Potted plants will be removed the following week.  

Wreaths are permitted beginning mid-November.

  • Wreaths will be removed at the cemetery’s discretion, sometime after the winter holiday season.

Types of decorations not permitted:

  • Artificial plants, flowers or decorations, including silk arrangements
  • Glass jars or other breakable containers 
  • Non-floral standalone decorations:
    • Balloons
    • Pin wheels
    • Shepherd’s hooks
    • Christmas trees over 18” tall
    • Holiday placards
    • Photographs
    • Trinkets
    • Statues
    • Garden or stepping stones
  • Monument saddles or any other attachments to markers or monuments

Mausoleum Decorations

Lakewood permits fresh flower bouquets in a vase.

  • Fresh flower bouquets in a vase, which may be glass, may be placed in designated areas inside our mausoleums.
  • Complimentary vases are available for use in the Garden and Memorial Mausoleums. Signs in the mausoleums will direct you to where vases are kept.  
  • We do not permit artificial flowers or plants (see below).  

Lakewood permits cards and notes to be placed indoors.

  • You may place a card or letter to a loved one on designated tables or stands. (Please note that these items are regularly removed after a few days.) 

Please place all items on the tables and stands provided.

  • Do not place items on the floor or anywhere except the designated tables and stands. Do not attach decorations to crypt or niche doors.  

Types of decorations not permitted:

  • Plants
  • Artificial plants or flowers, or dried flowers or wreaths inside the mausoleums
  • Balloons
  • Trinkets and other non-floral objects (other than cards or letters)
  • Please do not use tape, glue or any other substance to attach or affix items to walls, niches or crypts

Visiting and Etiquette

Driving and Parking

  • You may park anywhere along the roads inside Lakewood, unless specified as no parking.  
  • Do not park or drive on the grass. 
  • Please drive slowly and yield to or avoid cemetery vehicles, funeral processions, grave side services and visitors walking on the roads.  
  • Accessible parking is available near buildings and at larger community events, such as Memorial Day or our Lantern Lighting Celebration.   

Bicycles

Our cemetery roads were not designed for biking. Unlike city streets, there are no stop signs or traffic signals. Often, people driving in the cemetery may be grieving and distracted. Because of this, recreational biking is not encouraged. 

  • Bikes are permitted when traveling to and from: a grave, services or other cemetery activities. 
  • Please always be mindful of funerals. Avoid biking near or disrupting funerals and graveside services. A daily funeral schedule is published on our website.  
  • A 20mph speed limit is enforced for all vehicles including bikes, electric bikes and scooters.  
  • Yield to all cemetery vehicles.  They are working to serve families and keep Lakewood beautiful.  
  • Please keep bikes off the grass and ride only on established roadways. Please do not ride bikes on paved paths. 
  • If you’d like to park your bike, stands are available at gate entrances, the Memorial Chapel and the Garden Mausoleum. Please lock your bicycle when using these stands. 

Pets and Service Animals

  • Pets are not allowed on the grounds or in buildings. Pets may remain in vehicles.   
  • Service animals are permitted.  We encourage all service animals to wear a service vest, so they are easily identifiable. 

Ash Scattering

All ash scatterings must be scheduled in advance, and a Lakewood team member must be present. To learn more, email info@lakewoodcemetery.org or call 612-822-2171.

Exercise and Recreational Activity

  • Walking is encouraged at Lakewood, as long as you avoid disrupting or walking near funerals and graveside services.
  • Quiet jogging is permitted only when funerals are not taking place – please check the funeral schedule. 
  • Walkers and joggers must be fully clothed (shirt and shoes required). 
  • No other type of exercise or recreational activity is allowed. 
  • Yield to cemetery vehicles and funeral processions. 
  • Please take care in the winter as roads may be slippery. 

Music and Loud Noise

  • Please keep voices at a respectful volume. 
  • Loud music and personal external speakers are not permitted.

Picnics and Gatherings

  • Small picnics are permitted either when visiting a loved one’s grave or in one of our open areas (with no graves). 
  • Grills, open flames, alcoholic beverages and smoking are not permitted. 
  • Tables, tents and other party rentals/equipment are not allowed other than for a scheduled funeral service or Lakewood-sanctioned event. 
  • Do not litter. Pick up all waste before leaving the area. Waste receptacles are available near the front entrance.

Plants and Wildlife

  • Many animals and unique plant species live here at Lakewood. 
  • Please do not feed or disturb wildlife, including songbirds, ducks, geese, deer, turkeys and fox.
  • Fishing, hunting or trapping wildlife is strictly prohibited. 
  • Do not pick flowers or remove/disturb plants, shrubs or trees. 

Smoking, Alcohol and Firearms

  • Smoking, vaping and the use of illegal or intoxicating substances are not allowed at Lakewood.
  • Alcoholic beverages are generally not permitted, except for designated events subject to terms and conditions.
  • Firearms are prohibited.

Photography and Video

Photography

  • Personal, recreational, fine art, and nature photography are permitted at Lakewood. If you take photos, be sure to tag us @lakewoodcemetery on Facebook and Instagram. 
  • We do not permit photography for commercial use, unless it has been arranged as part of a funeral/service or a sanctioned Lakewood community event.
  • For nonprofit or other types of photography, please request permission by sending an email to info@lakewoodcemetery.org.

Videography / Filming

  • All filming or videography requires advanced permission from Lakewood.
  • All filming onsite must align with Lakewood’s mission, vision, and values and must be reverent and respectful of Lakewood as a burial site. We generally do not permit filming at Lakewood for commercial use unless it’s part of a funeral/service or a sanctioned Lakewood community event.
  • Filming must not disturb or otherwise interfere with funerals or services. If you are filming onsite, please respect the privacy of our families and visitors.
  • You may request permission to take video by sending an email to info@lakewoodcemetery.org.

Drones

  • Use of drones onsite at Lakewood requires advanced approval.
  • Due to our proximity to the airport, use of drones also requires airspace authorization from the FAA. For more information, please visit the LAANC website.
  • For questions or to request permission to use a drone at Lakewood, please email info@lakewoodcemetery.org.

Media Inquiries

  • Media is welcome; however, filming of funerals is strictly prohibited unless authorized by the family.  
  • Please email info@lakewoodcemetery.org for all media inquiries or requests.

Need more information?
Email us or call (612) 822-2171.

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