If you’re a military member or family member doing research for the Best Military Event Locations in Washington DC, you’re in the right place! I’m Melissa, an Air Force spouse and family & event photographer based in Alexandria, Virginia. Every year, I get the honor of photographing dozens of amazing military milestones – reenlistments, promotions, retirements, and homecomings.
Best Military Event Locations in Washington DC
While their are countless location options for military events in the D.C. area, below are some of the best venues I’ve been to recently for military events. I’ve included links to relevant information, including any permits or event requests. These links may become outdated with time, but are current as of January 2026.
The Lincoln Memorial
This location comes first because it is undoubtedly the most popular location in Washington, D.C. for any military event, and for good reason. There is nothing quite as iconic as the National Mall. While service members are stationed here, families like to showcase their time in D.C. at iconic locations such as the Lincoln Memorial.
A permit from the National Parks Service is required to host military events of any kind along the mall. The NPS can be very slow, so I recommend starting the permit process early to make sure you have it by your event.
Air Force Memorial
A popular choice for Air Force members! This location provides a stunning view of the district from a unique angle. The Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery are directly in front of the memorial. You can see the U.S. Capitol Building, the Washington Monument, and so much more!
A downside to this location is that it can be windy. The view and unique architecture of the memorial cannot be beat though!
Smithsonian National Museum of American History
Taking the oath of office in front of Old Glory herself? Pretty Amazing! This Smithsonian museum is a unique and not very well-known choice for your military event. Events are free to host, but must be before museum hours. Events typically start at 9 AM and must be wrapped up by 10 AM.
For this particular ceremony below, he took his oath of office inside the exhibit itself in front of the flag. Photography is not allowed in that area, but it was still a very meaningful area to hold that part of the ceremony.
The event director, one of the museum curators, Frank Blazich, is a veteran himself and was extremely helpful and accommodating.
Andrews Air Force Base
One of my favorite events to document was in one of the airplane hangars at Andrews AFB for a Navy pilot who was retiring. I was able to capture his last flight, the hazing afterward and his amazing ceremony celebrating twenty years of service in front of the biggest American flag I’ve ever seen.
The Jefferson Memorial
Another very popular contender for events is the Jefferson Memorial. The permit process is the same as listed above for the Lincoln Memorial. This location is great any time of day due to the shade that the memorial provides. However, note that during daytime hours, it can be quite crowded with tourists. Early morning is best unless you don’t mind some bystanders. Usually people are respectful and stay out of the way.
The biggest benefit to a location like this is getting to have photos with the memorial before or after the ceremony.
Women’s Military Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery
The Women’s Military Memorial is a unique and uncommon location for an event. This museum is easy to access, just a short walk into Arlington National Cemetery. It is tucked away and private in a smaller event space in the back, but will be closed off to museum visitors. The museum itself is very interesting, outlining the history of women in the military.
The event space they offer is well-lit and features flags from all 50 states along the wall.
Another benefit of this location is being able to step outside and take photos at the beautiful backdrop above. Note that photos featuring headstones in Arlington National Cemetery are not permitted for events.
Arlington Army Navy Country Club
The ANCC is a great choice for an all-inclusive event space with multiple options to host a ceremony plus a catered reception. There are several different event spaces here to choose from. If the weather permits, having a ceremony and even the reception on this top deck that overlooks D.C. is a beautiful choice.
I love being able to see both the Air Force Memorial and the Washington Monument from here – such a unique view!
One thing to note about this location is that you either need to be a member of the country club or know someone who is to sponsor your event to be held here. This popular military Facebook group for the area is a good place to look for a sponsor if you are not a member.
National War College, Roosevelt Hall
This is a popular choice of National War College students, located on Fort McNair in the heart of D.C. The Roosevelt Hall building is historic and stunning inside and out! There was plenty of space for a ceremony and a small bar downstairs to use for a reception.
U.S Coast Guard Headquarters, Hitchcock Hall
This was a truly stunning venue for a Coast Guard retirement ceremony. Hitchcock Hall is located on the DHS St. Elizabeth Campus. It was built in 1910 and is considered a historic site of D.C.
I’m pretty sure that association with the Coast Guard or DHS would be required to request a ceremony here. I know our Coast Guard members often feel left out as a military service, so it’s neat this is a specific venue just for them.
National Museum of the United States Army
This is a great choice for U.S. Army members. The museum itself is so interesting. Typically, events are only held in the lobby of the building. This particular day, another event was there, so this event was in a small hall on the second floor.
You can get more information about hosting an event here on this page.
The National Archives
As of 2025, this location is no longer an option for events. When government agencies had layoffs in early 2025, they lost the available staff to help facilitate events at this location. I am leaving this location on this list in hopes that someday it does become an option again, as it was a favorite of many past clients of mine.
When this location was an option, they were usually booked six months in advance since it was so popular. I believe it was free to host a ceremony here. This location was only available for ceremonies for up to one hour, with no reception space offered. Many people would find a restaurant for breakfast/brunch afterward. Founding Farmers is a personal favorite of mine that many clients also chose.
I hope you found this list of the Best Military Event Locations in Washington DC helpful!
Northern Virginia & Washington, D.C. Military Event Photography
Looking for a photographer for your Military Event? I’d love to document your moments with care.
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