Skip to Content

𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘀

𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘀

Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum is a sacred place, an active private cemetery, and a National Historic Landmark. We are also a Level III Arboretum. While we welcome the public to enjoy our historic grounds and botanical beauty, visitors are reminded that our primary mission is to serve our families and lot holders. The Association and its representatives have the authority to refuse admittance to, or require the immediate removal of, any person from the Cemetery at any time.

𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀: The grounds are open to the public daily from 8:00am to 4:30pm. The gates are locked promptly at 5:00pm.

𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 Volunteers and visitors are asked to behave in a quiet, contemplative, and reverent manner at all times.

  • Respect Services: Bellefontaine is an active cemetery. Please avoid disturbing any graveside or chapel services, or family members visiting their loved ones.
  • Groups: Groups of 6 or more must register at the Cemetery office before proceeding onto the grounds.
  • Children: Children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
  • Pets: Pets are welcome but must be on a leash at all times. Please clean up after your pet. (Note: We do not offer pet burial services).
  • Conversations: Please keep your voice at a low volume and refrain from using inappropriate language. Respect the privacy of others and refrain from starting conversations with strangers at gravesites.

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗵𝗶𝗯𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 To maintain the dignity of the grounds, the following are strictly prohibited:

  • Alcohol and Glass: Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited on the grounds during general visits or tours. Do not bring your own alcohol or any glass containers into the cemetery. Alcohol may only be consumed when served by Bellefontaine at specific licensed events.
  • Firearms: Firearms are prohibited (with the exception of military honor guards and authorized reenactors).
  • Soliciting: Soliciting within the cemetery is prohibited.
  • No Paranormal Activities: We do not host or allow any "ghost hunts," "paranormal investigations," or supernatural tours. Non-compliant visitors will be asked to leave immediately.
  • Inappropriate Photography: No nude, suggestive, or undignified photography is permitted. Model shoots (amateur or professional) are strictly prohibited.
  • Touching Monuments: Keep contact with monuments to a minimum. "Rubbings" are strictly prohibited. Do not sit on or rest against any monument; seating is only permitted on designated benches.
  • Off-Road Conduct: You may walk the grounds, but do not stand on top of tombs or disturb any plantings or gravesites.

𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮, 𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗨𝘀𝗲 We encourage scenic photography of our landscapes and architecture, but we must protect the privacy of our families.

  • Personal Use: Visitors may take photos for personal, non-commercial use. Do not photograph funerals, graveside services, or other visitors. We encourage you to share your personal photos with us on Instagram using #bellefontainecemetery.
  • Professional/Media Use: Photography and video for professional projects (media, blogs, influencers) requires express, advance permission from the BCA office.
  • Commercial Use: Strictly prohibited without a written contract and usage fee. This includes commercial advertising, product shoots, or generating income from media captured on-site.
  • Cemetery Usage: Any photos taken on the grounds may be used by the Cemetery for promotional purposes without compensation.


For inquiries regarding burial regulations, lot ownership, or monument placement, please contact our office directly.