Weddings FAQ

Yes. Most of our weddings choose to host both components at our spaces. Generally, our exterior Portico facing the Washington Monument is used for ceremony and cocktail hour, with the O’Byrne Gallery for dinner, before returning to the Portico for dancing under the Rotunda.

In the event of weather, the ceremony can be moved to the O’Byrne with the Library serving as cocktail hour. The O’Byrne would then be flipped by your caterer for dinner service with dancing occurring in our Pennsylvania Foyer.

These are just options for using the spaces – we are open to any creative ideas in determining flow and logistics for your wedding. 

Yes, you are welcome to have a ceremony only on select dates. We can offer ceremony only on Monday-Thursday, Saturday morning, or Sundays.

We offer a 6 hour rental that includes set up and ceremony time as well as for a small reception. All other venue rules still apply. 
 

If the requested date is available, then yes. 

We do not place holds on dates until a tour is completed with NSDAR staff and the Event Questionnaire has been submitted. We only accept holds on one date at a time.

Holds are right of first refusal until the date has been contracted and deposit paid. A date can be held no longer than one week.  

Rehearsals are not permitted at DAR due to building operating hours for tours and museum activities.

Rehearsals may only occur during the contracted event block or can be conducted off site. 

Yes. You will need to book a professional at least 60 days prior to the event as they are required to attend the walkthrough with your vendor team.

DAR has a list of Required planners and coordinators if you do not already have one from our curated list. We work to ensure that our list is not only broad in terms of price point, but style and services. 

We ensure that planners and coordinators on our list have successfully executed numerous weddings at DAR and are professional referred before adding them to our list. 

The planner/coordinator is responsible for making sure all your vendors arrive on time as well as helping with any problems that may arise. Our venue coordinator is not responsible for this. The planner/coordinator can NOT be a guest at your event and must be on site for the entirety of your venue rental time. Similar to your other vendors, all planner/coordinators must provide at Certificate of Insurance (COI).

No. The officiant is the only vendor exception to the COI requirement. 

You may, but it’s not required. Most guests are content to dance on our historic marble flooring. 

While we do not provide a bridal suite, we do include two complimentary holding rooms that can be used for the bridal party to store their items and refresh prior to the ceremony. These spaces may also serve for other needs such as a childcare area.

Due to our historic nature, we do not recommend bridal party to get ready on site. We have very few outlets that would be serviceable for the modern-day wedding. It is best for the bridal party to come fully ready and only do touch-ups on site. 

Guests typically arrive at the venue 30 minutes before the ceremony start time. 

Yes. We have a list of local hotels that we are partnered with. We’ve selected hotels that that are not only a great fit for your guests, but allow them to experience our Nation’s capital.  

Yes, we do permit dogs for the ceremony and cocktail hour only. However, NSDAR staff reserves the right to revoke this privilege due to the nature of the event or any other building related concerns. 

Tipping is not required, but we certainly appreciate the gesture for the dedicated efforts of our staff in making your special day memorable. Please know we can only receive cash if you choose to provide a tip. We cannot accept checks or use third party financial platforms.