Published venue fees in Washington, DC
National Mall wedding ceremony sites
Rate note: National Park Service wedding permit guidance updated in January 2026. The $90 wedding application is different from the general special-event application.
| Fee or option | Published amount | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Wedding Special Use Permit application | $90 | Nonrefundable processing fee; cost recovery may be additional |
| Reception | Separate arrangement | Not included in the ceremony-site permit |
NPS permits up to 200 people for a two-hour block at the DC War Memorial, including setup and cleanup. The George Mason Memorial allows up to 100 for one hour and does not allow equipment or live music. Ceremony sites remain public and do not provide electricity or allow alcohol or receptions under the wedding ceremony permit. Source details ↓
How to compare your options
Pick the location around the ceremony you can deliver within its rules. A musician, rows of chairs and an elaborate installation are not interchangeable with a short standing ceremony. Have the photographer and planner agree on a minute-by-minute schedule before you book transport; the usable ceremony time shrinks when setup and removal share the same permit window.
FEEHQ BUDGET ILLUSTRATION
Application-only subtotal
- Wedding permit processing
- $90
- Illustrative fee subtotal
- $90
The $90 application is not a total event quote or a guarantee of approval. Ask NPS about any cost-recovery charges and obtain separate reception, vendor and transport estimates.
Questions for your Washington, DC venue
- Which equipment is approved at our chosen memorial?
- Are any additional monitoring or cost-recovery charges required?
- Where will guests go before and after the ceremony window?
Ask for one written total
Have the venue separate rent, required services, food and beverage minimums, service charges, tax and deposits. Confirm which payments reduce the final balance and which are extra. Request the cancellation, weather and overtime terms with the quote.
If coordination is included or required, compare its scope with a wedding coordinator or day-of coordinator before hiring additional help.
Sources and review notes
Sources checked October 28, 2026. A review date does not make an older rate sheet a current offer. Published examples are not city averages, endorsements or guaranteed quotes. FeeHQ calculations use the stated assumptions; confirm availability and current terms directly. How we research fees.