DC & Northern Virginia’s Best Places for Marine Corps Ceremonies
Forget the conference room or parade deck!
See more photo inspiration for military ceremonies
![USMC change of command ceremony photography by alison bell photographer in okinwa, japan](https://alisonbellphotographer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/military-gallery-alisonbell-5-1-1024x682.jpg)
Top Venues Around Quantico for USMC Ceremonies:
- The Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima Memorial) in Arlington, VA
- National Archive in DC (Home of the original Declaration of Independence)
- National Museum of the Marine Corps, just outside MCB Quantico in Triangle, VA
- BONUS! Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, Triangle, VA
1. The Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima Memorial) in Arlington, VA.
![war memorial military ceremony 2207 WEB by Alison Bell, Photographer](https://alisonbellphotographer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/war-memorial-military-ceremony-2207_WEB.jpg)
![war memorial military ceremony 2157 WEB by Alison Bell, Photographer](https://alisonbellphotographer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/war-memorial-military-ceremony-2157_WEB.jpg)
Enough said for the Marine Corps.
Side note: Marines in uniform are celebrities at the Memorial. Check out the promotion ceremony I did last fall. Bus loads of veterans rolled through one after the other, including an Iwo Jim Veteran who passed just weeks after we shook hands.
- Beware you need to get a special permit!
- $50 Special Use Permit, non refundable
- Contact: National Park Service George Washington Memorial Parkway
- Phone: 703-289-2513
- Site: Marine Corps War Memorial Permits & Reservations Info
2. National Archive in Washington DC
The Rotunda is the permanent home to the original Declaration of Independence. (Remember the scene from National Treasure?!)
- Indoor
- No seating
- The whole where-to-park scramble
- Phone: 202-357-5020
- Email: A1Visitors@nara.gov
- Site: https://www.archives.gov/dc/host-an-event
3. National Museum of the Marine Corps
![National Museum of the Marine Corps, Triangle, VA outside Marine Corps Base Quantico is an ideal location for re-enlistment and promotion ceremonies. alisonbellphotographer.com](https://alisonbellphotographer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Alison-Bell-Photographer_0076.jpg)
I can’t get enough of this place. Their gallery surpasses the Smithsonian in my humble opinion.
- Reservation required, but no permit fees
- 30 minute time slots for promotion or re-enlistment
- 1 hour slots for retirements *Covid update: 1 hour to include set up and break down, chapel included.
- Option of Outdoor Parade Deck or Indoor Leatherneck Gallery (main atrium area)
- Fewer than 10 guests can be hosted in the historical galleries (exhibit spaces)
- Lots of options for flags, podiums, eating, even music.
- After ceremony options for food and drink on site
- Phone: 1.877.653.1775
- Site: https://www.usmcmuseum.com/military-ceremonies-at-the-museum.html
4. BONUS! Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel
COVID Update as of spring 2022: The Museum is allotting one hour for all ceremonies, including set up and tear down, both inside the museum and the chapel. I think it’s absurd and unfortunate. It’s still a viable option for pinnings and re-enlistments, but not for retirements.
![Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel, Marine Corps Heritage Foundation and National Museum of the Marine Corps Promotion Ceremony by Alison Bell Photographer, alisonbellphotographer.com](https://alisonbellphotographer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/military-ceremony-9810_WEB-1.jpg)
![Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel, Marine Corps Heritage Foundation and National Museum of the Marine Corps Promotion Ceremony by Alison Bell Photographer, alisonbellphotographer.com](https://alisonbellphotographer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/military-ceremony-9851_WEB-1.jpg)
The chapel is managed by the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation which has its headquarters inside the USMC Museum. They’re connected, but different, meaning different reservation points of contact.
- Indoor
- Padded seats
- Beautiful views, especially in the fall!
- Pricey. Second hand information quoted $300 for 2 hours, but they had the option for $150 for one 1 hour too.
- Contact: Marine Corps Heritage Foundation
- Phone: 703-649-2350
- Email: events@marineheritage.org
- Site: https://www.usmcmuseum.com/military-ceremonies-at-the-museum.html
See More Military Ceremony Photo Inspiration
At the end of a career, all that will be left are the photos and uniforms. I pray you have photos! If not for yourself, for your kids.
I'm a USMC spouse, South Carolina native, recovering homeschool mama of a 4 boy circus. They've taught me the most important facet of family photography: KEEP IT FUN!