Guide: How to Add a Photo to a Headstone

Whether you’re looking for a way to update an existing headstone or you’re in the process of designing a new headstone, there are many ways to personalize a headstone. One way that you can do this is by adding a photo of the deceased to their headstone.

There are a few different methods you can use to incorporate a photo into a headstone design. If you are trying to add a photo to a headstone retroactively, here are a few options that you can explore:  

1. Ceramic Photos for Headstones

When you’re doing your research for headstone photo designs, be sure to look into companies in your area who specialize in ceramic printing. This has become a popular method of adding a photo to a headstone. Usually, the photo will be printed on a small ceramic disc. You can ask that the disc come with a strong adhesive backing so that you can easily apply the ceramic photo onto your loved one’s existing headstone. Be sure to thoroughly clean the headstone’s surface prior to adhering the photo onto the headstone (check out our cleaning guide for more advice on how to clean a headstone.) If you are designing a new headstone, it should be noted that you can also incorporate a ceramic photo into a headstone design from the start. 

2. Bronze Memorial Plaques With Phot

If you are less interested in having an actual photo applied to your loved one’s headstone, bronze memorial plaques make for a more understated method. Bronze is a material often used for etching. You can customize a bronze memorial plaque to have an etched photo of your loved one’s likeness. For the best type of adhesive to use on the back of your bronze plaque, we’d recommend consulting your local hardware store for their advice and recommendations. Bronze is super durable, so you can rest assured that the plaque will be able to withstand the elements; that said, you’ll need a strong, lasting adhesive to ensure the plaque remains fixated on the headstone. (Note: if you’re just getting started, you can also ask for a bronze memorial plaque to be incorporated into a new headstone design as well!) 

3. Photo Memorial Wreath

You might be less interested in a permanent headstone photo. If you are looking for something a bit more temporary, one idea is to display a photo memorial wreath on your loved one’s headstone (especially during the holiday season). You can design a wreath so that it includes a wooden picture frame, and you can place a photo of your loved one within the frame. During the holidays, place the personalized wreath at your loved one’s gravesite. It will surely be a thoughtful way to help you and your family feel as though your loved one is there with you during such a special time of year. Be sure to check what the cemetery’s policies are for decorations, as some cemeteries have restrictions on what you can and cannot do.

If you’re starting from scratch and are in the process of designing a new headstone, there are a few other options available to you in addition to those mentioned above. 

4. Headstone Etching Designs

As we explain in our etching guide, there are several different etching methods that you can use to achieve your desired headstone design. If you would like to have a photo of your loved one etched into their headstone, you can opt for either a hand-etched image or a laser-etched image. Hand etching is a more expensive method, as it requires more time and labor. That said, it’s a beautiful art form that will render a completely unique depiction of your loved one. 

There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to headstone photo designs. Whether you want an actual photograph included in your loved one’s headstone, or you prefer a more abstract etching, incorporating the image or likeness of your loved one will breathe life into their headstone, and help you feel their presence when you pay them a visit.