Friday Fives #15 - Alternative Locations for a Military Ceremony

Updated: February 18, 2023

Venues for Military Ceremonies

​Who would have thought the National Archives Museum books up so quickly.  However, it's Fall 2022 and they're already booking into summer 2023.  Many members wanted to have their promotion or retirement ceremonies at the National Archives Museum in Washington D.C.  Now many are wondering what other locations can be used for their military ceremony.  This week’s Friday Fives list is a helpful list to give you some ideas and possibilities. 
 
Being in Washington D.C. there are so many wonderful locations to have as a military ceremony.  This is a quick list of five different possibilities if you are not able to schedule your promotion or retirement ceremony at the National Archives Museum.​
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Marine Corp Museum – located near Quantico Marine Base in Triangle, VA.  This is a popular location for Marines.

Mount Vernon Estate – This location is iconic; as it’s located on the banks of the Potomac river.  You may schedule your event prior to the opening of the museum to the public.  However, military ceremonies are limited to 30 minutes in length.  There is also a $50 donation request.  Like the National Archives Museum, there is a 20-person limit for the ceremony.  In addition, the estate has a restaurant on site for receptions.  

https://www.mountvernon.org/plan-your-visit/tips-for-your-visit/guidelines/military-ceremony-policy/
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Army Navy Country Club – This is such a marvelous historic location for military ceremonies.  There are two clubs in Virginia; Arlington and Fairfax.  The club is private and for members only.  For more information about membership email [email protected] or call 202-355-0496.  You may also schedule a tour of the club by calling the number above.  There’s even a golf course to take a swing after the ceremony.
 
https://www.ancc.org/club/scripts/section/section.asp?NS=HP
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Pentagon – located in Arlington, VA.  Although the Pentagon is a workplace, it’s also a beautiful location for your military ceremony.  Did you know the Pentagon is a living museum?  There are several corridors and halls that make for a beautiful backdrop for any military promotion or retirement ceremony.​  The Hall of Heroes is also a beautiful location in the Pentagon that can be used for your upcoming promotion or retirement ceremony.​

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National Museum of the United States Army – located near Ft Belvoir, VA.  The museum is an amazing space to hold your military ceremony as it's one of the newest venues in the Northern Virginia area.  One of the amazing features about this venue is there is an in house catering staff that available to fulfilled food requests.  The venue does require a reservation to be submitted.  For more information, visit https://armyhistory.org/special-events.  

After many delays the museum is now open and available for military ceremonies (promotion and retirement).  With the presence of COVID-19, the museum has a few different regulations in place to combat the existence in the museum.  This venue will be available for promotion and retirement ceremonies.  To learn more or to schedule your military event, visit https://armyhistory.org/special-events/.  To view this venue, visit this article.

When you submit your inquiry form towards the end of the page, your information goes to the Events Coordinator as well as the catering staff.​

As a last result, there are various military installations in the Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area.  Call the Base Clubs and determine if you can secure room space for your event and reception.  Many military members, I have photographed have had their event at Fort Myers in Virginia or Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland.

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As I was originally writing this post many clients and potential clients were looking for alternatives for the National Archives Museum, but I'm currently watching the President of the United States mentioning he's reopening the government.  However, if the government is closed in the future, this is a list of great locations and venues to have a military ceremony if the National Archives Museum isn't available. 

If you’re looking for a professional photographer to photograph your military ceremony, I would be honored to speak with you about photographing this happy occasion for you and your family.  I look forward to speaking with you at (571) 250-5073 or by sending a message.

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