Forest Lawn Memorial Park stands as a Southern California landmark, offering serene and beautiful burial plots since 1906. With locations across the region, Forest Lawn provides a wide range of options for those seeking a final resting place for themselves or their loved ones.
Burial plots at Forest Lawn are available in various settings, from traditional ground burials to mausoleums and cremation niches. Each location has its own distinct personality, allowing families to choose a spot that resonates with their preferences and beliefs. Forest Lawn’s commitment to customization ensures that families can find a burial option that meets their specific needs and budget.
Beyond serving as a cemetery, Forest Lawn boasts world-renowned art collections and architectural features. The Glendale location, for example, houses an art museum and the Hall of the Crucifixion-Resurrection, home to two of the largest religious paintings in the Western hemisphere. These unique attributes make Forest Lawn not just a place of rest, but also a cultural destination.
The Significance of Choosing a Burial Plot
Selecting a burial plot is a deeply personal decision that impacts families for generations. It involves cultural traditions, environmental considerations, and long-term planning.
Cultural and Personal Considerations
Different cultures have varying burial customs and preferences. Some emphasize family plots where multiple generations can be interred together. Others prioritize specific orientations or locations within a cemetery.
Personal beliefs also play a crucial role. Some individuals prefer serene natural settings, while others opt for more ornate memorial gardens. Forest Lawn offers diverse options to accommodate these preferences, from traditional in-ground plots to wall niches for urns.
Budget is another key factor. Burial plot costs vary based on location, size, and features. Forest Lawn provides flexible pricing options to suit different financial situations.
Environmental Impact of Burial Options
The environmental footprint of burial choices is becoming increasingly important to many families. Traditional burials typically involve embalming fluids and non-biodegradable caskets, which can impact soil and groundwater.
Green burial options are gaining popularity. These may include biodegradable caskets or shrouds, and often forego embalming. Some cemeteries, including certain Forest Lawn locations, offer dedicated green burial sections.
Cremation is often considered more eco-friendly due to reduced land use. However, it does produce emissions. Forest Lawn provides various cremation interment options, including scattering gardens and columbarium niches.
Overview of Forest Lawn
Forest Lawn Memorial Parks are renowned for their beautiful grounds, art collections, and architectural features. These cemeteries offer a range of burial options and services for families.
Forest Lawn Glendale
Forest Lawn Glendale, founded in 1906, spans 300 acres of lush landscaping. It features replicas of famous artworks and architectural landmarks.
The Great Mausoleum houses intricate stained glass recreations of Renaissance masterpieces. Notable sculptures include a 17-foot-tall statue of George Washington.
Many celebrities are interred here, including Walt Disney, Elizabeth Taylor, and Michael Jackson. The grounds contain over 1,000 statues and several chapels.
Visitors can explore the Museum of American History, which showcases artifacts from early American life.
Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills
Established in 1952, Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills covers 444 acres in the Hollywood Hills. It offers panoramic views of Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley.
The Old North Church, a replica of Boston’s historic church, serves as a focal point. The Hall of Liberty contains a mosaic depicting American history.
Famous residents include Bette Davis, Lucille Ball, and Liberace. The Courts of Remembrance feature outdoor garden crypts and columbarium niches.
The park’s unique features include the Plaza of Mesoamerican History and the Lincoln Terrace, with its bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln.
Forest Lawn – Covina Hills
Forest Lawn – Covina Hills opened in 1965, encompassing 400 acres with views of the San Gabriel Mountains. It combines natural beauty with modern amenities.
The Mausoleum of Christian Heritage showcases religious artwork and sculptures. The Garden of Reverence offers a serene setting for reflection.
This location features a mortuary and crematory on-site. It provides a variety of burial options, including traditional plots, mausoleum crypts, and cremation niches.
The grounds include several gardens themed around different cultures and religions. These diverse spaces cater to the multicultural community of the area.
Comparing with Other Memorial Parks
Forest Lawn Memorial Park stands out among Southern California cemeteries, but several other parks offer unique features and services. Each park has its own character and amenities for families to consider when making end-of-life decisions.
Rose Hills Memorial Park
Rose Hills in Whittier spans over 1,400 acres, making it the largest memorial park in North America. The park features scenic views of downtown Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley.
Rose Hills offers a wide range of burial options, including traditional ground burials, mausoleums, and cremation gardens. The park is known for its SkyRose Chapel, a striking modern structure with panoramic views.
Cultural diversity is emphasized at Rose Hills, with sections catering to various ethnic and religious communities. The park provides Buddhist, Catholic, and Muslim burial areas.
Pacific View Memorial Park
Located in Corona del Mar, Pacific View offers breathtaking ocean vistas. The park’s 103 acres overlook the Pacific Ocean, providing a serene final resting place.
Pacific View features traditional burial plots, family estates, and cremation niches. The Seaside Terrace, with its ocean views, is a popular choice for cremation memorials.
The park’s Sea Haven mausoleum complex offers both indoor and outdoor crypts. Pacific View also maintains a Veterans section to honor those who served.
Green Hills Memorial Park
Green Hills in Rancho Palos Verdes combines ocean views with rolling hills. The park covers 121 acres and offers a variety of burial and cremation options.
Notable features include the Oceanview Terrace, providing scenic coastal vistas. Green Hills offers both ground burials and above-ground options in its mausoleums.
The park’s meditation garden and koi pond provide peaceful spaces for reflection. Green Hills also hosts community events and holiday remembrance services.
Fairhaven Memorial Park
Fairhaven in Santa Ana has served Orange County since 1911. The park offers a more intimate setting compared to larger memorial parks.
Fairhaven provides traditional burial plots, cremation gardens, and mausoleum spaces. The park’s historical mausoleum dates back to 1916 and features beautiful stained-glass windows.
The Crystal Cathedral Memorial Gardens offer a unique resting place with a serene reflecting pool. Fairhaven is known for its personalized service and attention to detail in memorialization options.
Purchasing Process for Burial Plots
Acquiring a burial plot at Forest Lawn involves several key steps. Prospective buyers should familiarize themselves with pricing structures and property listings to make informed decisions.
Price Negotiable Aspect
Forest Lawn offers burial plots at various price points, typically ranging from $2,000 to $25,000. Prices may be negotiable depending on factors such as location, plot size, and current demand. Buyers can discuss pricing options with a memorial counselor or planning advisor.
Some cemeteries allow for flexibility in payment plans. Forest Lawn may offer installment options to make purchases more manageable for families. It’s advisable to inquire about any potential discounts or promotions during the initial consultation.
Understanding Cemetery Property Listings
Cemetery property listings provide essential details about available burial plots. These listings often include information on plot location, dimensions, and proximity to notable features or landmarks within the cemetery grounds.
Forest Lawn maintains detailed records of their available properties. Prospective buyers can request a map of the cemetery to visualize plot locations. Some sections may have specific restrictions or requirements, such as mandatory vaults for in-ground burials.
When reviewing listings, consider factors like accessibility for future visitations. Ask about any transfer fees associated with the plot, as these can impact long-term ownership costs. Forest Lawn’s staff can clarify any terms or conditions related to the cemetery property listings.
Payment Options and Security
Forest Lawn offers several secure payment methods for burial plots. Buyers can choose options that suit their preferences and financial situations. Escrow services provide an additional layer of protection for larger transactions.
Common Payment Methods
Online payments through Forest Lawn’s secure portal allow for quick and convenient purchases. Credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks are accepted. Bank transfers provide a direct way to move funds from a buyer’s account to Forest Lawn.
Cash payments are accepted at Forest Lawn locations for those who prefer physical currency. Some buyers opt for cashier’s checks as a secure alternative to carrying large amounts of cash.
Forest Lawn may offer payment plans for burial plots, allowing buyers to spread costs over time. These plans typically require an initial down payment followed by monthly installments.
Using Escrow Services for Secure Transactions
Escrow services act as neutral third parties to facilitate safe transactions between buyers and sellers. For high-value burial plot purchases, escrow can provide peace of mind.
The buyer deposits funds with the escrow service. The service then holds the money until both parties fulfill their obligations. Once the transfer of the burial plot is complete, the escrow service releases the funds to Forest Lawn.
Escrow protects both parties from fraud. It ensures the buyer receives the proper documentation and rights to the plot before payment is released. For Forest Lawn, it guarantees payment once the sale conditions are met.
Navigating Marketplace Platforms
Online marketplaces simplify the process of buying and selling burial plots. These platforms provide tools for account creation, property listings, and communication between buyers and sellers.
How to Register for an Account
To start using a burial plot marketplace, users need to create an account. Visit the platform’s homepage and look for a “Sign Up” or “Register” button. Click it and fill out the required information, typically including name, email address, and password. Some sites may ask for additional details like phone number or location.
Verify the email address by clicking a link sent to your inbox. This step ensures account security and activates full site functionality. After verification, complete your profile by adding relevant information such as preferences for plot locations or types.
Making an Inquiry About Available Plots
Once registered, users can search for available burial plots. Use filters to narrow down options by location, price range, or specific cemetery. When a suitable plot is found, most platforms offer an inquiry feature.
Click on the “Contact Seller” or “Make Inquiry” button on the listing page. Fill out the provided form with your questions or requests for more information. Be specific about your needs to receive the most relevant responses.
Some marketplaces may offer direct messaging systems. Use these to communicate with sellers, ask for additional photos, or negotiate prices. Always maintain a record of all communications for future reference.
Legal Considerations
Purchasing a burial plot at Forest Lawn involves important legal aspects that buyers should understand. These include transfer fees and verification processes to ensure proper ownership and documentation.
Understanding the Transfer Fee
Forest Lawn charges a transfer fee when burial rights are sold or gifted to another party. This fee covers administrative costs and updates to official records. The exact amount varies but is typically a percentage of the plot’s current value. Transfer fees help maintain accurate ownership records and fund cemetery operations.
Buyers should factor this fee into their budget when considering resale or gifting options. It’s advisable to contact Forest Lawn directly for the most up-to-date transfer fee information.
Check and Verification Process
Forest Lawn conducts thorough checks to verify plot ownership and transfer eligibility. This process protects both buyers and sellers from potential fraud or disputes. Required documents may include:
- Original deed or certificate of ownership
- Government-issued ID
- Death certificate (if applicable)
- Notarized transfer forms
Forest Lawn staff carefully review all paperwork to ensure compliance with state regulations. They also verify that no outstanding fees or restrictions exist on the plot. This diligence helps maintain the integrity of cemetery records and prevents future legal issues.