How to Plan a DC War Memorial Wedding: Updated for 2026
Tucked just off the National Mall, the DC War Memorial is a stunning elopement location for couples who want something elegant and intentional while still feeling connected to the city.
A DC War Memorial wedding works especially well for couples who want flexibility. You can keep things simple with a short ceremony or build it into a full elopement day that moves through the city, pairing your vows with portraits at other meaningful locations nearby. Whether you’re inviting a small group of loved ones or planning something just for the two of you, this spot gives you room to design a day that actually feels like yours.
Below, you’ll find all of the details you need to confidently plan your elopement or intimate wedding at the DC War Memorial. These are the topics we will cover:
- DC War Memorial Wedding Permits
- Do You Need an Officiant
- Ways to Set Up Your DC War Memorial Wedding
- Things to Know for a Smooth, Stress-Free Wedding Day
- The Best Part About a DC War Memorial Wedding
- Planning a Post-Elopement Reception
DC War Memorial Wedding Permits
If you’re getting married at the DC War Memorial, you do need a wedding permit for the ceremony itself.
The Online Permit Application (Preferred Method)
The National Park Service strongly encourages couples to apply online, and it’s now the most efficient way to secure your date and time.
A few things to know:
- Applications are submitted through a new online system
- The portal is only open Monday–Friday, 8 AM–4 PM
- You’ll need to create a login.gov account to apply
- The permit fee is $90 for a 2-hour time slot
- Photography at the memorial is included in this permit
Once you apply and pay the fee, the permit office will review your request and confirm whether your requested time is available. If it’s not, they’ll work with you to find another option, which is why it is important to apply earlier rather than later. Here are other amazing places to elope in Washington DC, if you need backups!
Even though your permit is typically issued 1–2 months before your date, approval usually comes via email in advance.
I highly recommend working with your photographer when choosing your 2-hour window so we can plan for the best light and how your ceremony fits into the rest of your elopement day.
If you prefer paper applications, those are still accepted, but online is faster and more reliable.
P.S. In the case of a government shutdown, permits are not processed or approved during the shutdown.
Do You Need an Officiant?
One of the best things about getting married in Washington DC is that you can self-officiate!
That means you don’t need an officiant at all to legally marry each other! It’s an incredible option for couples who want something deeply personal, private, and intentional.
If that’s something you’re curious about, I walk you through the full process here:
👉 How to Self-Officiate Your DC Elopement.
And if you do want an officiant? I’ve got you covered there, too. I’m always happy to share trusted vendor recommendations that align with your vision and values.
Two Different Ways to Set Up Your DC War Memorial Wedding
Under the covered Memorial, there’s enough room for up to 40-50 people with either chairs or standing for your wedding ceremony. If you want to use chairs, it’s important to note that all of the setup and breakdown must occur during the 2 hours your permit allows to leave enough time for the next permit reservation. If you need recommended chair rental companies to use for your ceremony, I got you!
The other option is you could set up chairs in the lawn and have your ceremony to the side of the Memorial. However, usually with elopements and intimate weddings, people set up inside the Memorial itself. Which way do you like better?
Things to Note to Have a Smooth, Stress-Free DC War Memorial Wedding
1. The DC War Memorial is not a private venue.
While you can still have a beautiful wedding at the War Memorial, it is an open space where tourists and locals can walk by. DC is a city where crowds change from day to day with seasons and events, so there’s no way to know how many people will be on the National Mall. Most of the time, people are respectful if they see a wedding happening, but it’s certainly not a private venue. Be prepared that there will likely be other people in the background of your wedding photos! There could also be other events like festivals, parades, or even protests on your wedding day, so just make sure to check out events ahead of time.
If you want a more private wedding ceremony in DC, check out the blog posts listed at the end of this post for alternative ideas!
2. You need to plan for parking!
There’s no parking immediately next to the DC War Memorial, so you have to plan ahead for parking and transportation. There is street parking along some of the roads nearby, like on Ohio Drive, however, parking is never guaranteed because it fills up quickly! Please plan ahead so that your family knows where to park, and leave plenty of time to do so. You could also plan to use a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft, or coordinate a ride with a private driver. For more details and resources on how to plan out your parking, visit National Park Service Wedding Permits.
Juliana Wall Photography | DC Elopement & Wedding Photographer
Check out more wedding photos to get an idea about what your DC War Memorial Wedding could look like below, or jump down to The Best Part About a DC War Memorial Wedding!
Can you imagine yourself getting married here? Does this look like how you’ve been envisioning your wedding day? Amazing! I am so excited for you! If you need a wedding photographer to capture all of the moments of your wedding day, you can learn more about my photography services here.
The Best Part About a DC War Memorial Wedding
You don’t have to stay at the DC War Memorial for your elopement! Due to its great location, you can easily pair this venue with other locations around the city for a full elopement day of activities you love. Don’t be afraid to dream big! This is your wedding day!
Some other location options: other monuments on the National Mall (Lincoln Memorial and the Tidal Basin), Union Station, art museums like the National Gallery of Art or the National Portrait Gallery, Library of Congress, The National Cathedral, and the Smithsonian Castle Gardens. Where would you want to go? I would love to hear about what you are envisioning! Schedule a free consultation call with me here.
Not sure how to string it all together? See some photo inspiration below. And I also break down full-day planning ideas here: How to Elope in Washington DC
Planning a Post-Elopement Reception or Celebration?
You don’t have to choose between an intimate elopement or big reception. You can absolutely have both, and many of my couples often do!
If you’d like to celebrate with family or friends later in the day (or even on a different day), you have SO many options! You can have a private dinner, do a full restaurant buyout, have a backyard celebration at a VRBO, and even enjoy brunch together with the fam.
I share tons of ideas on how to plan an elopement reception here!
Did You Find This DC War Memorial Wedding Post Helpful in Planning Your DC Elopement?
There is no single blueprint for a DC War Memorial wedding. Whether you’re self-officiating with just the two of you, inviting your closest people, or turning your ceremony into part of a full DC adventure day, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
Every DC Elopement Package Includes:
- Photo Coverage with me, Juliana
- In-depth questionnaires – so I can truly get to know you and help create a day that feels right.
- Sneak peeks within 3 business days – so you have gorgeous photos to share ASAP.
- Personalized planning assistance – helping you with locations, permits, vendors, and timelines.
- A private online gallery – to easily download, share, and order prints of your photos.
- Photographer’s travel costs included
- A new adventure buddy!
My prices for local elopements start at $5,500. My half-day and full-day elopement options are for those who want a carefree, laidback day with plenty of time for getting ready, a first look, your ceremony and vows, multiple amazing locations and activities, and including a few guests to celebrate with your dinner, first dance, and cake cutting—or however you want to celebrate!
Learn more about my packages here! Please contact me if you have any questions or even if you already want to get stuck straight into the fun stuff!
P.S. I know firsthand how overwhelming and stressful it actually is to plan an elopement. Check out the blog posts below for more helpful wedding planning tips and DC wedding resources.
Recommended Blog Posts to Help Plan Your DC Wedding
How to Plan an 8-Hour Washington DC Elopement
Romantic Elopement in Washington DC
How to Plan an Awesome DC Elopement
