Wedding Permits

The National Mall & Memorial Parks can provide beautiful backdrops 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 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

How to Apply for a Permit - National Mall and Memorial Parks (U.S. National Park Service)

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.

Things to Know Before Applying

A permits specialist will guide applicants through the permitting process and can also be contacted before applying to answer any questions. Please also review the Permits Resources related to your proposed activity.

Location and Location-Specific Requirements

Wedding ceremonies are permitted in three locations on the National Mall and Memorial Parks. 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 not allowed on the site.
• Alcoholic beverages are not allowed.
• Parking is not included with the permit. The closest parking for event participants are metered spaces along Ohio Drive and the A ,B, and C parking lots on Ohio Drive, which cost $2 per hour.

Thomas Jefferson Memorial – West Lawn

Wedding ceremonies up to 200 people are permitted on the west lawn of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial along the Tidal Basin near East Basin Drive. Ceremonies are permitted for two hours, including setup and cleanup. Equipment may include chairs, a table not exceeding 4'x4', a chuppahs or wedding arch, a battery-powered generator, and a battery-operated sound system kept to a reasonable volume as to not disturb visitors at the nearby memorials. Up to two acoustic musicians are allowed.

George Mason Memorial

Wedding ceremonies up to 100 people are permitted on the George Mason Memorial near the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. Ceremonies are permitted for one hour, including setup and cleanup. Ceremonies at this site must be kept simple with no equipment, sound system, or live musicians.

DC War Memorial

Wedding ceremonies up to 200 people are permitted at the DC War Memorial on Independence Avenue near the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, within the memorial structure or on the lawn surrounding it. Ceremonies are permitted for two hours, including setup and cleanup. Equipment may include chairs, a table not exceeding 4'x4', a chuppahs or wedding arch, a battery-powered generator, and a battery-operated sound system kept to a reasonable volume as to not disturb visitors at the nearby memorials. Up to two acoustic musicians are allowed.

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 Filming & Photography Permit.

Additional Associated Costs

Parking fees for event vehicles is $2.30 per hour, but is subject to change if the rate increases. Parking meters are located on Jefferson Drive, Madison Drive, Constitution Avenue between 15th and 23rd Streets, Parkway Drive, Ohio Drive, Tidal Basin parking lots, and the A,B, and C parking lots on Ohio Drive.

Additional Planning Resources

A permits specialist will guide applicants through the permitting process and assist with event-specific details. Please also consult Permits Resources, including:

• National Capital Area Events Guidelines
• National Mall and Memorial Parks Parking Meter Location Map

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I block off the space for the ceremony?

No, parkland must be accessible to the general public at all times. Most visitors will walk around a wedding ceremony on their own.

Are there certain hours wedding can or cannot take place?

Weddings can be held at anytime, however weddings cannot exceed 2 hours in length at DC War and Thomas Jefferson Memorials and one hour in length at the George Mason Memorial.

Can I drive up to the site to drop off or pick up equipment or participants?

Yes, please discuss logistics with the assigned permit specialist.

Can I also have a wedding reception at the site?

Receptions may be held the Henry Bacon Ballfield Private Reception Area and the West Potomac Park Private Reception Area under a Special Event Permit.

Can I have candles if they are not lit by flame?

Yes, battery operated candles are permitted.

 

QUICKLINKS

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  Permits

  Get more information about permits for special activities, First Amendment demonstrations, and commercial filming and photography.

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  Permit Office Contact Information

  Find contact information for the National Mall and Memorial Parks’ Division of Permits Management and neighboring parks.

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  Permit FAQs

  Check a list of frequently asked questions about permit and the permitting process to help you plan.