Cemetery Rules & Etiquette

1. Read the Posted Rules before you enter. Most cemeteries at some spot or another have posted rules. Make it a point to find and read this sign! It will tell you specifics and exceptions and keep your curious butt out of trouble.

2. %99 of cemeteries are private or city property and have the rule that nobody is allowed on premises between dusk and dawn. (Sometimes specific hours are given, hence rule #1.) There are several reasons. The first and foremost is for your safety. The cemetery at night is a giant field of huge rocks. It’s pretty easy to bash your sensitive body parts and equipment into these rocks hiding in the darkness. On the other hand, I wouldn’t imagine falling into an open grave would be that difficult at night either. Another reason is to prevent vandalism and another is again, your safety. Nefarious corporeal personalities may like to hide in the shadows to relieve you of your wallet, gear, or body parts. Cemeteries are the perfect environments for muggers and rapists. On that note, most cemeteries (especially urban) are patrolled regularly. If you’re caught trespassing you will be arrested and cited.

3. Take out what you take in. Don’t leave wrappers or other trash. Don’t take a whiz (or anything worse!) and don’t be intoxicated or under an influence. All of which are disrespectful if not dangerous. (Again, giant field of rocks.)

4. It’s not a place to party or BS with friends. If you go with a group, be quiet and respectful.

5. It should go without saying: If you didn’t bring it in, don’t take it! Don’t steal it, don’t break it. As tempting as it might be if you find any interesting objects or unearthed remains you should contact the cemetery office immediately.

6. If you really NEED to get night time access you usually CAN! All you have to do is contact the Cemetery office with who you and what you want. It might take persistence, but usually you can get permission. Don’t wait for the police patrol’s to find you before waiving your pass like an asshole. As soon as you get permission, contact the police department or security company and tell them exactly who you are, what you’ll be doing, and WHEN. Preferably where, as well.

7. No matter when you go, tell someone else where you’ll be. It would really suck to twist your ankle and wait six hours before someone came looking. To that end, bring a cell phone, water, food, first aid kit and if at all possible; a friend!

8. Avoid Mourners at all costs. Be polite and respectful, and honest about what you’re doing if asked. Get permission from anybody before taking their picture.

9. Do not do rubbing’s on thin stones and never use shaving cream! Your weight can easily snap a thin, aged stone and shaving cream eats the surfaces alive.

10. If asked to put your camera away or leave, do so. This includes the “other than living.” Usually you’ll get the idea they don’t want pictures taken by a mere feeling. It’s unusual that your camera will go flying out of your hands – but it happens. On TV anyway. Respect everybody’s wishes, living or otherwise.