This post is part of my Cemetery Appreciation Month series.
One of my favorite ways to spend a free weekend afternoon is finding a local cemetery I've never been to, grabbing my camera and heading off to take photos!
Earlier this week, my friend Sonja shared her five best tips for better cemetery photography - check them out here! Once you've read her list, locate the cemetery closest to you, grab your phone or camera and head off for an adventure.
This is something I do at home in Houston as well as when I travel - so much so that I started a second Instagram called @mirandawanderscemeteries just for my own cemetery photos.
In this post, I'm sharing some of my favorite shots from all the cemeteries I've visited over the last few years, from Old City Cemetery in Galveston to the infamous Sleep Hollow Cemetery. Enjoy!
Bellefontaine Cemetery - St. Louis, MO
In February 2020, I visited St. Louis for a work conference and spent an extra weekend in the city so I could hang out with Andrew and Devin from Your Best Halloween Ever. They were kind enough to take me to one of their local cemeteries where we ate lunch and wandered around for over an hour. I loved the blue skies, bare trees and gorgeous headstones and mausoleums.
Catholic Cemetery No. 1 - Victoria, TX
A few springs back, I went down to Victoria to visit my friend Tess (@safetytess over on Instagram!) for a weekend. While I was there, she took me to some of their local historic cemeteries at sunset. Tess even overcame her fear of cemeteries just for me, which I appreciated so much. We had a great time wandering and taking photos as the sun set.
Glenwood Cemetery - Houston, TX
My home base! Glenwood is just a few miles away from the Spooky Little Apartment, so I spend a lot of time here. It has an AMAZING view of downtown Houston and is home to many of the names that build Houston. (Names like Allen, Hermann, and Hobby, to name a few for my fellow Houstonians.) If you ever visit Houston, I encourage you to put it on your list of sights to see!
Historic Hollywood Cemetery - Houston, TX
Last summer, I decided to venture out to a new cemetery. Hollywood Cemetery in Houston is just a short drive from my apartment...and right across from one of my favorite music venues in the city. Who knew? It is set on a sprawling piece of property with lots of hills, and if you venture to the very back section, you'll find a cool view of downtown Houston through the trees.
Holy Cross Cemetery - Houston, TX
Magnolia Cemetery - Houston, TX
This is my other home base. Magnolia is also just down the street from my apartment and where I go walking sometimes. Much like Glenwood, it is home to some well-known names in Houston, like Telge, Kuykendahl (a name only a true Houstonian can pronounce) and Wortham.
Old City Cemetery - Galveston, TX
Old City Cemetery in spring is my FAVORITE. And you'll see why as you scroll through the photos below. The entire space is covered in yellow wildflowers, and it is truly a beautiful sight to behold. Old City Cemetery is more than 200 years old and technically seven cemeteries. It is also home to many victims from the 1900 Galveston Hurricane and is said to be the most haunted cemetery in the entire state of Texas. Just another reason it's one of my favorites!
Olivewood Cemetery - Houston, TX
Olivewood is the third cemetery that is closest to where I live in Houston. It was Houston's first incorporated African American cemeteries. Until relatively recently, the space was completely overgrown with many of the headstones hidden from view. Over the last 10-15 years, volunteer groups have worked to restore and maintain Olivewood. You can read more about it in this post from my Spooky in the City series.
Sleepy Hollow Cemetery - Sleepy Hollow, NY
By listing these alphabetically, I saved the one you were likely more interested to see for last. A few years ago, I was in New York for work and stayed an extra day to explore Sleepy Hollow. (See more from that day here.) I got to walk the town, then met up with Danielle from Verona Black and she gave me a personal tour of the cemetery. It was such a fun afternoon and surreal to take in such an iconic space. I hope to go back someday and experience it in its full glory at Halloween!
Which cemetery photo in this post is your favorite?
Let me know in the comments. Don't forget to check out Sonja's cemetery photography tips, and be sure to tag me in the cemetery photos you share! I always love seeing them.You can also follow my cemetery adventures over at @mirandawanderscemeteries on Instagram.
