Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to be Catholic to be interred in New Orleans Catholic Cemeteries?  

No, while our Catholic Cemeteries are sacred and an extension of the Catholic Church community, our Catholic Cemeteries offer the ability for all families to be interred in the same cemetery.

Can cremated remains be interred in a Catholic Cemetery?  

Yes, the Catholic Church permits cremation and encourages all cremated remains to be treated with the same reverence and dignity as the human body. Read more about cremation here.

How do I obtain a permit? 

Contractors are to email [email protected] with the request, family name, location and work to be performed.  We will inspect the grave and respond at that time with cost of permit.

For families wanting to clean/paint their grave, please email [email protected] with the location and work to be performed. 

Is there available property to purchase in New Orleans Catholic Cemeteries?  

Yes, we have mausoleum inventory, niches for cremation, and individual lots for tombs and copings. You can find a list of available property here or call 504-596-3050 | [email protected] 

Are there restrictions on what types of headstones and lettering are allowed?  

Yes, the type of grave will dictate the size and style of headstone. In the mausoleums, there is a standard formatted lettering and plaques used for consistency and appearance.

What is Perpetual Care? 

Perpetual Care ensures the upkeep of your family grave. Once under Perpetual Care, New Orleans Catholic Cemeteries maintains the grave. The trust fund was established many years ago for the sole purpose of offering families peace of mind and ensuring New Orleans Catholic Cemeteries would not be left with deteriorated, abandoned tombs. Learn more on here.

How can I get my family grave restored?   

We offer a free no obligation quotation for restoration and Perpetual Care – call Jacques Bitoun at 504-227-3246 or email  [email protected] 

Can I pre-plan/purchase my burial arrangements?  

Yes, you can pre-purchase your burial plot/crypt and pre-fund your interment fee and memorialization with the Catholic Burial Plan.  Visit our Planning Ahead page for how we can assist you and to learn more about our complementary Catholic Funeral Planning Guide, which enables individuals to place their funeral, burial, financial and other post-mortem information in one location.  For a printed copy of the Catholic Funeral Planning Guide, please call 504-596-3050 or email [email protected]

How can I get a duplicate grave title?  

If you have lost your title, please make every effort to locate it before applying for a duplicate or check with other family members to ensure no one is in possession of the title. For instructions on applying for a duplicate title, please contact Tracy Dillon 504-227-3238 or email  [email protected]

How can I transfer ownership of a grave title?  

Titles can only be transferred with proper legal documents. Please contact our title office for assistance – 504-227-3238 or email  [email protected]

How do I find someone buried in the New Orleans Catholic Cemeteries?  

Our on-line burial search feature is down while we convert to new software. We expect the online feature to be installed in November 2024.  For research, please call 504-596-3050 ​or ​email research requests to [email protected] 

Can I enter St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 without a tour guide?   

Family passes are issued to those with family interred in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1; everyone else must enter with a tour guide. LA residents can enter on certain holy days with a Louisiana State ID. 

What efforts are being made to restore abandoned, deteriorated tombs?  

In addition to our Abandoned Tomb Initiative, we currently have an on-going plan to restore abandoned, historic tombs in our historic cemeteries by fundraising, applying for grants, and using funds collected from tourism at St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. If you are interested in donating, please click here!

What is your filming policy?   

General photography may take place on cemetery grounds for personal use. Photography may not, without express written permission of the Cemetery Management, be taken for professional use or publication, including the use of personal cellular telephones and devices for professional use. To discuss professional filming or photography projects please call 504-596-3050 or email [email protected]

How do I update my contact information?   

It is important for property owners to keep their contact information current. Please download and fill out our Title Holder Contact Form below or call our main office: 504-596-3050