Friday Fives #15 - Alternative Locations for a Military Ceremony

Updated: November 9, 2020

Venues for Military Ceremonies

​Who would have thought we would be in the middle of a pandemic and need to look for alternatives to hold a military ceremony.  Once military members return to work, many will be looking for new places to have their military ceremony.  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.

F35 Conference Center – located in Arlington, VA.  This is a beautiful venue.  It has a welcome area as well as a room to have your military ceremony.  This is where my husband had his promotion ceremony and it was wonderful.​  For more information about this venue or to get point of contact information, click "Contact Tamieka". 

​Please note: This location is only available for Air Force personnel.
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Contact Tamieka

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 membership@armynavyclub.org 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.​
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Please Note:  Did you know the Army is in the process of building The National Museum of the United States Army near Fort Belvoir in Virginia?  The museum was scheduled for completion and opening June, 2020.  However, with COVID-19, the opening has been postponed. The museum is scheduled to open November 11, 2020.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/.  

As I was 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 capture 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 send a message.