Venue FAQ

We do not permit red wine (or any rose/blush varieties) as part of a cocktail hour or standing reception. We do allow it to be served at a seated dinner in the O’Byrne Gallery only along with an additional $500 security deposit. 

We do not permit red sauces (for pizza or pasta), red berries, or red mixers (cranberry juice, Bloody Mary mixer) to be served. Our Required Catering Partners will reach out to NSDAR staff for any questions regarding menu selections to ensure compliance.

Due to the historic nature of our property, red foods and wine are restricted because of the staining nature of marble.

Yes, candles are permitted as long as they are in a votive (i.e. glass) and flame needing to be an inch or two shorter than the top of the glass.

All decorations and event layout must be approved by NSDAR at least 45-30 days prior to the event.

Sparklers, balloons, pyrotechnics, smoke machines are not allowed nor are the throwing of confetti, glitter, flowers/rose petals, rice, and/or birdseed.

No tacky glue studs, or any affixing on any part of the building interior or exterior. All decorations should be free standing/weighted independently. 

Yes, protective tips are required on all furniture in use for events. Furthermore, all equipment that “rolls” must have rubber edges. Cardboard, padding, or rubber-wheeled protection must be used to protect DAR flooring. 

No smoking or vaping is permitted on DAR premises – both indoor and outdoor venues. If your guests choose to do so, they will be asked to move off site. 

Yes. We do not have any noise restrictions.

All events must end no later than 11 PM to allow all vendors to be clear of the space by 12 AM. 

Vendors, supplies, deliveries, and staff are not permitted until the contracted start time. If more time is required, you may request this directly with NSDAR Event Staff which may result in an additional fee.

Generally, vendors may arrive no earlier than three hours prior to event start time. The wedding party and immediate family are allowed to arrive three hours early as well. We allow one hour after the end of the event to allow for load out of the vendors and cleaning of the rented spaces.

No, we only book one event at a time in our spaces. However, there may be an event preceding yours which is why we require strict adherence to the contracted start and end times.

Additionally, there may also be an event at Constitution Hall at the same time as yours. However, the only potential impact will be parking and/or traffic. NSDAR staff will work with our colleagues at Constitution Hall to ensure your event remains as minimally impacted as possible and will find suitable alternatives as needed. 

During your walkthrough, we’ll customize a weather plan that best suits your event’s needs. Generally, all outdoor receptions would move to either the O’Byrne Gallery and/or Library at no additional cost, if not already included in Rental Agreement.

Weather determination must be made no later than two days prior to the event. 

Yes. They are included as part of our Required Vendors.

Tent installation occurs only on the day of the event. Tent deinstallation may occur the day after between the hours of 6 AM to 12 PM. Request for a different schedule must have NSDAR written approval.

Tenting is required for seated events with guest counts above 140.

No, we do not provide any parking. The exception to the rule is the caterer ONLY who may use our loading dock on D St.

Metered parking on C St can be reserved through DC Department of Transportation. Please contact NSDAR staff directly for this information.

Please also know that NSDAR staff and security does not serve as your parking enforcement for these spaces. 

Yes. Food trucks may be allowed if approved by supplying the necessary health department reports and insurance information. A full service caterer is still required for the entirety of your event and provide staffing.

Your caterer must also agree to the be the point of contact for any specialty food services that they themselves are not directly providing. 

DAR does not provide any parking for food trucks and the client will be required to pay for the necessary metered spaces. 

Yes. All vendors and the licensee are required to provide a COI. Exact terms are outlined in the License Agreement.

Furthermore, all vendors are required to sign a Venue Acknowledgement that they have read and reviewed the building policies. Vendors who sign and violate the agreement will be barred from working at DAR in the future.

The Library is open everyday except Sundays from 8:30 AM to 4 PM and till 5 PM on Saturdays. Events taking place in the Library may not begin load in until the Library is closed to the public.

Unless the Library is explicitly booked or utilized for a weather plan, it will be off limits during an event.

When the Library closes, NSDAR staff will remove carts and signage. Tables, lamps, computers, and the reference desk remain and are not to be moved.

The Upper Level is never included as part of usable space for an event, including photos.

Absolutely no books may be removed or read during an event. Any damages to the Library will be deducted from the Licensee’s Security Deposit.