Wedding Permits

Wedding Permits

Fort Washington Park can provide beautiful a backdrop for wedding ceremonies. Before pursuing a permit for a wedding in one of the three approved locations, review the rules to make sure that it is the right fit for your special day. Rules take into consideration sharing the space with regular visitation and safety of people, property, and natural and cultural resources in the park.

Find information about Commercial Filming and Photography Permits if only taking wedding-related photos on parkland or in areas other than the location specified in the permit for the wedding ceremony.

 

Applying for a Permit

Application Form

Submit a Special Use Permit Application to the Division of Permits Management in-person or via mail or FAX:

National Mall and Memorial Parks
Division of Permits Management
900 Ohio Drive, SW
Washington, DC 20024
FAX [phone]

Applications can be delivered Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm, except federal holidays or other National Mall & Memorial Parks office closures. Special Use Permit Applications are not accepted via email. Applications are accepted up to one year in advance and a minimum of four days from the first day of setup.

Permit applications for locations in the park are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis and are date and time stamped upon arrival for documentation of order received. For timely delivery of applications, dropping off in person or overnighted mail is highly recommended. Normal postal delivery may take 7-10 days to arrive at this location.

 

Application Fee

A non-refundable application processing fee of $90 is required with the submission of the Special Use Permit Application. Follow the instructions on the application form for submitting a payment by credit card, check, or money order.

Next Steps

A permits specialist will contact you if additional meetings, discussions, or documents are required and continue to walk you through the permit process. A Special Use Permit must be issued prior to holding the activity in the park.

 

Location and Location-Specific Requirements

Wedding ceremonies are permitted in three locations at Fort Washington Park. There are things to be aware of and considerations at all three locations to minimize the impact on regular park visitation and protection of the park's resources, as well as the enjoyment of the wedding participants.

• All equipment must be approved in the permit. Equipment or decorations may not be attached to any park structures or vegetation.
• Electricity is not available at any of the locations.
• Candles are not allowed.
• Flower petals, rice, confetti or other similar items may not be dropped, thrown or dispensed.
• Receptions are allowed only in the reserved picnic areas, which must be reserved through Recreation.gov.
• Alcoholic beverages are not allowed.

There are three areas that weddings may take place:

• Overlooking the Fort, hillside next to the Visitor Center
• The Lighthouse, the grassy area next to the lighthouse by the river
• Main Parade Ground, the grassy area after entering the park.

 

Filming and/or Photography

Professional (or hired) photography and videography is included at the times and location indicated on the permit. Any professional photography and/or videography outside of the ceremony location or time of the event generally requires a Commercial Filming & Photography Permit.