Military Photography at The National Archives

Updated: September 2, 2023

Living in Northern Virginia and being so close to Washington, D.C., means military members and their families have so many great options and possibilities to have a military ceremony.  As a veteran and Air Force spouse in Northern Virginia, I know many friends who are always on the lookout for a great venue to hold a reenlistment, promotion, or retirement ceremony. 

The National Archives at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., is an astonishing location to hold any military event.  Many military members will find this to be a desired location because the Archives is home to the Declaration of Independence, United States Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the Public Vault.  If you select the National Archives as your venue for your ceremony, you and your guests will be pleasantly surprised.  You’ll enter through the Events Door to access the museum.

Excellent Military Venue
Within Northern Virginia, there are so many different military bases and Monuments with the Washington D.C. area that it can be overwhelming attempting to narrow down the best venue for your ceremony.  However, with the Oath of Office or Oath of Enlistment being recited, I recommend The National Archives.  I recommend this location because the original Constitution is housed here and severs as a beautiful backdrop.  The Archives allow approximately 20 - 25 people during ceremonies in the Rotunda.  To have your ceremony at The Archives, you’ll need to contact a Security Officer to determine availability.  However, once you’re in the Rotunda, you and your guests will be overwhelmed with the mystic and awe of the documents.  There’s even a hand print visible on a document.  Do you know which document the hand print is on?

There are two murals mounted on the walls of the Rotunda.  While looking at the murals, many guests attempt to find Abraham Lincoln.  You must look hard to find him.

Special Events Sign outside The National Archives

Mural in Rotunda

Second Mural in Rotunda

The lighting inside the Rotunda is tremendously low and flash photography is not permitted.  The prohibition of flash photography helps to conserve the existence of the documents.  However, I’m sure your photographer is well equipped with photographing your ceremony despite the poor lighting.

Many of my clients have expressed they used their photographs from inside the Rotunda for their yearly Christmas Cards.  Of course, they’re unique so why not.

The images below are a little insight into a National Archives Session with Tamieka Smith Photography.

Parking
There is no general public parking on site.  However, there are three public parking decks within walking distance of The Archives.
 
Market Square
701 Pennsylvania Ave
Washington, DC
Parking - $20
 
The Lansburgh Parking
425 8th Street
Washington, DC
Parking - $17 (Early Bird Parking - $16)
 
Atlantic Park
505 9th Street NW
Washington, DC
Parking - $17

Please Note: Pricing is subject to change at any time without any notice.  These are the prices as of September 2, 2023.

Metro
The Metrorail also serves the National Archives at the Archives/Navy Memorial station.  The station is located across the street from The National Archives.

Reception Suggestions
Do you need suggestions on places to have your reception or to go for breakfast after your ceremony at The National Archives?  These are my top three breakfast location suggestions. 
 
Old Ebbitt Grill
675 15th Street NW
Washington, DC
 
A Baked Joint
440 K St NW
Washington, DC
 
Lincoln’s Waffle Shop
504 10th St NW
Washington, DC
(202) 638-4008
Lincoln’s serves Chocolate Chip Waffles for the kids.

Updated:  Would you like to know who to contact and how far in advance you should contact personnel at The National Archives in Washington D.C. to schedule your promotion, retirement, and other military ceremonies at the museum?  Visit this post.

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Tamieka Smith is a Northern Virginia Family and Military Event photographer in Woodbridge, Virginia.  If you're scheduled to have your promotion, retirement, or reenlistment ceremony in the Northern Virginia or Washington D.C. area, I would love to speak with you about photographing your ceremony.  I can be reached directly by calling (571) 250-5073 or by email at [email protected].