Bellefontaine Cemetery is a sacred place. Volunteers and visitors are asked to behave in a quiet
and reverent manner. Though we welcome the public, visitors are reminded that Bellefontaine
is a private cemetery whose primary mission is to serve its families and lot holders. The
association and its representatives have the authority to refuse admittance to, or require
immediate removal of, any person from the Cemetery at any time as they deem appropriate.
o Groups of 6 or more must register at the Cemetery office before proceeding onto the
grounds.
o Remember that we are an active cemetery; please avoid disturbing others at a graveside
or chapel service as they are visiting their loved ones.
o Children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
o Pets are welcome but must be on a leash.
o Firearms are prohibited, with the exception of the Military Honor Guard and reenactors.
o Visitors and lot owners are requested to leave comments and inquiries at the cemetery
office, or the comment box located in front of the Willow Gatehouse (building across
from the main office).
o Soliciting within the cemetery is prohibited.
In addition, some commonly asked questions concerning Cemetery Etiquette include:
Can we have conversations in the cemetery?
Yes, but please be respectful. Keep the volume of voices down, and refrain from using inappropriate language. Other people in the cemetery may be mourning, and deserve a tranquil place in which to do so. Please respect the privacy of others in the cemetery, and refrain from starting conversations with strangers at gravesites, as they may wish to be alone with their thoughts.
Can I touch the monuments and gravestones?
Please keep contact with monuments and gravestones to a minimum. Specifically, “rubbings” of any monuments are prohibited. Some older memorials could be in disrepair and might fail from even the slightest touch. With the exception of benches, absolutely no sitting on or resting against any monument is allowed.
Can I take photographs in the cemetery?
Scenic photography in the cemetery is encouraged, however please restrict your photography to scenes of landscape, nature, architectural elements, and those in your party, when appropriate. We encourage you to share your photos with us via Instagram with the hashtag #bellefontainecemetery.
Please respect the privacy of other visitors, and do not take photos of other people or funeral activities in the Cemetery. No commercial photography or videography is permitted without advance permission from the Association.
Absolutely no suggestive or inappropriate photos are to be taken in the Cemetery, and no model shoots whether personal, amateur, or pro are allowed.
Can I walk off the roadways?
Yes, you may feel free to wander the grounds, however please do not stand on top of tombs or disturb plantings or gravesites.