Photo plaques-a special feature to add to a memorial
Written by: Annissa Cole
Published: 7th October 2026
Photo plaques, a special feature to add to a memorial- but something that not everyone is familiar with. They bring a different way of detailing and decorating to your memorial design. Here, Annissa tells us about photo plaques- what’s available and how they can complement the memorial.
What is a photo plaque?
A photo plaque is designed to feature a photo etched or printed onto a ceramic surface. This is then fixed to the face of the headstone as part of the planned design. While choosing images of the person who has died is most common, you can use any picture. Other options include religious imagery, animals, or a favourite natural scene.
The plaques are ordered from a specialist company which J.Gumbrill will liaise with on your behalf. They are specially designed to withstand the elements while preserving clarity and colour over time.
What choices do we have if we would like one?
There are several ways you can customise the plaque, in addition to choosing the photo itself. You can decide on:
- Size- although there is a standard size, others are available
- Shape- oval, rectangle, square, and circular plaques are available
- Background colour- you can choose from white or pale blue, deciding which complements the photo best
- Detailing- you can ask for the background of a photo to be removed, and some styles are available with a moulded finish for extra dimension
- Position on the memorial.
How do we add one to the memorial?
J.Gumbrill will advise you at every step. We will scan a hard copy photo for you or forward an emailed one. We can also advise as to what may best suit the proposed memorial. When the plaque arrives, we will look after it until the memorial is completed. It will then be affixed to the memorial in your chosen position, using recommended and durable techniques.
What type of plaque suits my memorial best?
The most popular type of plaque is oval in shape and portrait in orientation. This is a classic look which suits all memorials and is especially suitable for a photo of a single subject.
Rectangular plaques are more reminiscent of a photograph and can be portrait or landscape in orientation. They might be considered more suitable for a group shot or image of a nature scene.
For a contemporary design of memorial, a square plaque is modern in appearance and so enhances this impression.
Circular plaques are ‘softer’ and suit a memorial of any style but can be sited in the middle of stones with a curved top to highlight and reinforce that shape.
What should we bear in mind when thinking about a photo plaque?
Considerations for you should be:
- Overall design. The plaque will take up space on the face of the memorial. If you have plans for a lengthy inscription or lots of detail, are you willing to sacrifice that space for the plaque? How will it fit in with other decorative features you are including?
- Future inscriptions. If your intention is that the memorial should commemorate more than one person in due course, how will a photo plaque factor into that? You may decide you are going to place two plaques, one showing each of the people who has died, but only install the first one now. Alternatively, plaques can be added later so you might choose the design with the idea of adding one at the time of the second inscription.
- Regulations in the burial place. While most cemeteries allow photo plaques, each has its own rules and so this cannot be taken for granted. Most churchyards will not allow memorials with photo plaques. As with all other aspects of commissioning a memorial, J.Gumbrill will assist you, ensuring that the choices you make result in an overall design which is likely to be accepted by the prevailing burial authority.
How much does a photo plaque cost?
A plaque in the standard size (10 x 8cm) and shape (oval, in portrait orientation) is £150.00. This cost covers the complete service including the processing of the photograph, creation and transport of the plaque and its installation on the memorial at the appropriate time. Other sizes and shapes may be priced differently.
If you would like to talk about any aspect of memorials, from design to restoration, then please get in touch with our friendly team, who will be happy to assist.
Thanks for your time, Annissa.
