Why should I have my wedding at the DC War Memorial?

  1. Dogs are allowed (#1 on the list, of course)
  2. It's close to other monuments.
    • Proximity is important if you'd like to have photos taken at the Lincoln Memorial, for example. Photography at the DC War Memorial is allowed as part of Special Use Permit. However, note that you do need a separate permit if you want wedding photos at a location on the National Mall other than the DC War Memorial.
  3. It's secluded enough so that there aren't hordes of tourists.
    • Of course, there will be tourists wandering around but rarely, if ever, will there be the amount of people you'd run into at the Lincoln or Jefferson Memorials. Besides, we'll be able to (nicely) kick out interlopers since we'll have a permit. I had do to this once; someone tried to hold another wedding there at the same time we had a permit. They begrudgingly left. Don't worry, I'll be that guy who tells them they have to leave.
  4. It's covered from rain.
    • There aren't many spots on the National Mall that are protected from the rain, but the DC War Memorial is one of them. The domed roof should protect us from rain as long as there's not gale-force winds.
  5. DC without being too DC.
    • Everyone knows what the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and Jefferson Memorial are; but how many people have heard of the DC War Memorial, or know how awesome it is? Not many.
  6. You can have up to 200 guests. They won't all fit inside the memorial, but you have the entire lawn available as well.

Do I need a permit to get married at the DC War Memorial?

Yes!

You'll need to submit a Special Use Permit Application in person or via postal mail; email and online applications are notaccepted at this time.

Reach out to the Permit Office with any questions about permits, including the application process, location availability, and regulations at 202-245-4715 or contact them via email here.

They're located at:

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

The permit is valid for two hours and it's enforced by the National Park Police. Remember to bring a copy of your permit just in case we need to show a park ranger (or the interlopers).

A DC War Memorial Wedding
A DC War Memorial Wedding
A DC War Memorial Wedding
A DC War Memorial Wedding
A DC War Memorial Wedding

Restrictions

  1. No candles allowed
  2. No rice, confetti, etc. allowed
  3. No alcohol allowed
  4. Up to two acoustic musicians allowed
  5. Audio speakers are allowed as long as the volume is reasonable

You can see additional information on these restrictions here.

A DC War Memorial Wedding
A DC War Memorial Wedding
A DC War Memorial Wedding
A DC War Memorial Wedding
A DC War Memorial Wedding
A DC War Memorial Wedding
A DC War Memorial Wedding

Can I propose at the DC War Memorial?

Yes! It's one of my favorite spots. Check out this surprise proposal gallery for more photos.

Is there parking at the DC War Memorial?

Unfortunately, no. However there's nearby metered parking (a 5 to 10 minute walk) along West Basin Drive and Ohio Drive SW which you can see in the map below. Here's a pinned location you can use for accurate directions.

There's one drop-off point a short walk to the memorial on Homefront Drive SW (near the restrooms, but there aren't any good drop off points along Independence Ave so be prepared for some honking the bus (or cars) pulls over there.


That being said, I recommend taking an Uber or Lyft, or renting a van or bus for your guests.

Here are some photos from nearby locations, including the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Washington Monument, and Lincoln Memorial.

Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Wedding Photos
Washington Monument Wedding Photos
Lincoln Memorial Wedding Photos
Washington Monument Wedding Photos

I'm Chris and my mission is to capture bold, modern, and distinctive photos for unconventional couples. I want to make you look epic, awesome, amazing, beautiful, and dapper – all the things you like and none of the things you don’t. Most importantly, I want to capture what makes you you.

If this sounds like you and your partner, I’d love to chat! Please reach out to me regarding availably and pricing. You can also e-mail me at chris@chrisferenzi.com.