Military Ceremony Policy

While Mount Vernon’s mission is to preserve Washington’s iconic home and share his unparalleled legacy with the world, we will, whenever possible, allow men and women of the United States Armed Forces the special opportunity to hold brief military ceremonies after hours on the estate.

To provide a positive experience for all of Mount Vernon’s guests, we ask groups to observe and adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Military ceremonies should be reserved in advance through the Department of Hospitality by emailing events@mountvernon.org. When making reservations, please provide your name, contact information, preferred date, group size, and type of ceremony.
2. Availability is limited and subject to change. Ceremonies are scheduled on a first come, first served basis, and are only permitted after public hours on the estate.
3. Groups will be escorted at all times by Mount Vernon staff. A designated staff member will greet the group near Mount Vernon's main gate and escort the group onto the property once everyone has arrived. Free parking is available.
4. Ceremonies must take place in an area designated by Mount Vernon staff and must be appropriate for the historic and hallowed nature of Mount Vernon.
5. Mount Vernon reserves the right to end or cancel a ceremony at any time.
6. Food and beverage are not permitted in the ceremony spaces. Please contact the Mount Vernon Inn at 703.799.5296 for information on receptions prior to or following ceremonies.

Ceremonies Held in Mount Vernon's Outdoor Historic Area:

1. Military ceremonies may take place outdoors on the bowling green following Mount Vernon's public hours and should not exceed 45 minutes in length or 35 guests.
2. In the event of inclement weather, Mount Vernon will make all reasonable efforts to reschedule outdoor ceremonies. If the Smith Auditorium is available, outdoor ceremonies may be moved to that location at the discretion of Mount Vernon staff.
3. A donation is requested to cover facilitation costs. General admission to the estate is not included.
   1. $50 for bowling green ceremonies with up to 20 guests, due prior to the ceremony.
   2. $100 for bowling green ceremonies with 21-35 guests, due prior to the ceremony.
4. Mount Vernon cannot provide electrical services, seating, transportation, or any other logistical support. Storage is not available.
5. The following items are not permitted nor provided by Mount Vernon: Sound equipment, instruments, banners, decorations, chairs, and other props and furniture.

You may provide: one instrument or singer to perform the National Anthem and one U.S. Flag.