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.
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 2 weeks.
Yes, rehearsals are included at no additional cost subject to availability.
Rehearsals may only occur during select weekday business hours generally between 10 AM to 1 PM. We cannot offer rehearsals in the afternoon or evening due to other events.
Rehearsal time is for one hour only and must start no later than 15 minutes past start time regardless if all parties are in attendance. Please keep in mind that the building and museum will be open to the public during your rehearsal. We ask that rehearsal guests be mindful of these visitors and they may walk through the O’Byrne Gallery.
All guests must enter the building via the D Street Museum Entrance regardless of rehearsal location.
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.
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.
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).
DAR is pleased to provide recommended planners who have successfully executed events at our spaces. There is no requirement to use a planner from this list.
No. The officiant is the only vendor exception to the COI requirement.
Yes. We do not have any noise restrictions. You are welcome to bring your choice of music entertainment from DJs to bands. They would be required to bring all their own speakers and power supplies. We do not have a centralized sound system.
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 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.
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.
While we do not have any specific hotel partners, we can certainly provide guidance in what to look for in selecting a hotel. Due to DAR’s central DC location, the majority of the nearby hotels will be a great fit for your guests to not only attend your wedding but 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.
