Columbarium at Oakland Cemetery

For the first time in over 140 years, Oakland Cemetery offers a new opportunity for final resting places within its hallowed 48 acres.

The columbarium at Oakland Cemetery provides a lasting way to become part of this sacred landscape—a place where generations of Atlantans have been remembered for over 175 years. Oakland Cemetery’s columbarium has been carefully designed to honor the rich architectural and cultural legacy of the Cemetery. Constructed with materials and craftsmanship that echo the Cemetery’s 19th-century character, this elegant new structure blends seamlessly into the historic landscape, complementing the unique artistry that defines Oakland Cemetery. The columbarium will be made from granite from Elberton, Georgia, and feature ornate details that mirror iconic monuments at Oakland, integrating it with the Cemetery’s surrounding areas.

The Eastern Memorial Promenade, Oakland Cemetery’s first columbaria development, breathes new life into an abandoned roadway between East Hill and the historic African American Burial Grounds. Through hardscape and landscape improvements inspired by Victorian Garden traditions, the area will be transformed into a serene memorial garden that provides a meditative space for those visiting their loved ones.

Images depict preliminary renderings and do not represent a finalized design for Oakland Cemetery’s columbarium

Images depict preliminary renderings and do not represent a finalized design for Oakland Cemetery’s columbarium

Images depict preliminary renderings and do not represent a finalized design for Oakland Cemetery’s columbarium

Images depict preliminary renderings and do not represent a finalized design for Oakland Cemetery’s columbarium

Images depict preliminary renderings and do not represent a finalized design for Oakland Cemetery’s columbarium

Images depict preliminary renderings and do not represent a finalized design for Oakland Cemetery’s columbarium

Images depict preliminary renderings and do not represent a finalized design for Oakland Cemetery’s columbarium

Images depict preliminary renderings and do not represent a finalized design for Oakland Cemetery’s columbarium

Images depict preliminary renderings and do not represent a finalized design for Oakland Cemetery’s columbarium

Images depict preliminary renderings and do not represent a finalized design for Oakland Cemetery’s columbarium

Images depict preliminary renderings and do not represent a finalized design for Oakland Cemetery’s columbarium

Images depict preliminary renderings and do not represent a finalized design for Oakland Cemetery’s columbarium

Map indicating where the columbarium will be located within the Cemetery.

Map indicating where the columbarium will be located within the Cemetery.

Options to Fit Every Need

Whether you’re planning ahead or honoring a loved one’s wishes, the columbarium offers a range of pricing options and niche sizes to suit different needs and preferences.

A Place of Peace and Permanence

Choosing a final resting place at Oakland connects you to a vibrant and enduring community. The columbarium ensures that families and generations to come can be part of the story of Atlanta’s most treasured burial ground.

How does the columbarium support the ongoing care of Oakland Cemetery?

In addition to a portion of the price of columbarium being tax deductible, proceeds from the sales of columbarium at Oakland Cemetery will be reinvested into improvements of the Cemetery as well as the Cemetery’s endowment, ensuring that Oakland will be cared for and enjoyed by visitors for centuries to come.

  • A columbarium is a structure designed to hold cremated remains. It contains individual niches where urns are placed.

  • Site work will begin in Fall 2025, with plans to install units in Spring 2026. Landscape improvements and the installation of benches will follow.

  • The Columbarium will be located between the Cemetery’s East Hill and historic African American Burial Grounds.

    Click here to view a map with the location indicated.

  • 12" x 12" - 2 sets of cremains

    18" x 12" - 3 sets of cremains

    24" x 12" - 4 sets of cremains

    24" x 24" - 8 sets of cremains

  • The Columbarium is the first new development at Oakland to offer inurnment space in modern times, providing a rare opportunity to become part of the cemetery’s ongoing history.

  • Yes. Both pre-need and at-need purchases are available. Many families choose to plan ahead, ensuring peace of mind and the opportunity to select a preferred location within the Columbarium.

  • The Columbarium offers a range of pricing tiers based on niche location, size, and capacity. Prices start at $6,000 per niche.

  • Oakland's Sexton will work with you, your family, and a funeral home to securely store cremated remains until the columbarium is complete.

  • Inscriptions have certain parameters and the columbarium are guided by a set of Regulations & Guidelines to ensure consistency and maintain appropriate standards.

  • All of the details of opening, memorial services, and their associated fees are handled by the Sexton of the Cemetery.

  • Absolutely. Oakland Cemetery is a non-denominational, inclusive site that welcomes all individuals and families regardless of faith, tradition, or background.

  • When you purchase a columbarium niche from the Historic Oakland Foundation, you may be eligible for a charitable tax deduction based on the value of the property you select. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we’re able to offer this unique opportunity — allowing families to both honor their loved ones and help sustain Oakland Cemetery through beautification projects, preservation work, and contributions to our endowment. These efforts ensure Oakland will be cared for, protected, and enjoyed by the community for generations to come.

    We cannot determine the deductibility for an individual, as tax situations vary. If you file an income tax return and claim itemized deductions, you may be eligible for a charitable deduction. We encourage you to consult a qualified tax advisor to understand how this applies to your personal circumstances.

  • Yes. The columbarium is maintained by Oakland Cemetery staff year-round including the removal of dead flowers and occasional pressure washing of the columbarium and surrounding walkways.

  • Yes. All walkways around the columbarium units are ADA accessible. In addition, there are spaces in the shade designed for those in wheelchairs to rest and reflect while not impeding pedestrian flow.

  • The columbarium pre-sale will begin at 9:00 AM on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. Return to this page on that date, and you will find a link to reserve a niche and place a non-refundable deposit.

    To be included in all official communications regarding columbarium at Oakland, fill out the Interest Form below. If you have already completed the columbarium survey sent via Oakland email newsletter, you do not need to fill out the Interest Form.

Frequently Asked Questions

The columbarium pre-sale will begin at 9 AM on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.

Additional details about how to purchase and pricing will be available in the coming days. Please note, if you’ve completed the Columbarium survey, you will also receive this information by email in advance of the September 3 pre-sale.  

Columbarium Interest Form

Fill out the form below to notify us of your interest in receiving communications and updates related to columbarium at Oakland. Columbarium pricing will start at $6,000 per niche.