Events at the National Museum of the Marine Corps

11/10/2022

Happy 247th Birthday Marines!!

10/07/2022

We've seen plenty of creative ways to celebrate a retirement, but you can never go wrong with a specialty cake!

This cake highlights portions of this Marines 20 year career. Congratulations and thank you for your service!

04/24/2022

Round of applause for class of 2022!! We are starting prom season off in a big way with Patriot HS!

11/13/2021

When you consider booking an event at the our team can help select a venue location that fits your style, budget, and guest list. The Corsair Overlook is an intimate option for all kinds of events. ⁠
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📸: Stacey Taylor Photography & Design⁠
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11/12/2021

It's and we can't get enough of this perfect wedding photo! Who's ready for a fabulous weekend full of good vibes and making memories? ⁠
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11/04/2021

When you book an event at the our team strives to make sure your experience is amazing before you even arrive. Learn more through the link in the bio. We'd love to help make your dream event a reality. 🥂⁠
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10/02/2021

Two of the most important aspects of a ceremony are the rehearsal and venue appointments. All daytime ceremonies scheduled for the Medal of Honor Theater include two visits for your ceremony team. The first is to become comfortable in the space and the second is to rehearse for your ceremony. Our team will schedule your rehearsal to take place no less than 24 hours before the start of your event reservation time.

We understand the importance and reverence of ceremonies and want to make sure everyone is comfortable and prepared for a successful event.

Click the link in our bio to connect with our events team to schedule a tour of our event spaces.

09/28/2021

When you book your wedding ceremony and reception at our venue, a rehearsal ceremony is offered complimentary. Rehearsals are scheduled for no longer than one hour and must be completed during regular business hours. The team is dedicated to your big day being a memorable one.

09/27/2021

Did you know that the team offers menu tastings?

Once an event contract is signed our catering team will provide a menu tasting at the as you plan your next event.

09/26/2021

One of the most frequently asked questions we receive is: Do I have to be affiliated with the military to host an event at the ?⁠
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The answer is... No! The National Museum of the Marine Corps and Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel are open to the public for private events.

09/25/2021

Even though couples are required to use our in-house catering company for food and beverage, we do allow some freedom when it comes to selecting wedding desserts. More and more couples are choosing to forego the traditional wedding cake and are offering their guests more fun dessert options.⁠
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Here are just a few creative ways to add flavor to your reception:⁠
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- Cake pops⁠
- Cupcakes⁠
- A cookie table⁠
- A candy station⁠
- A donut wall⁠
- An array of mini desserts⁠
- An array of pies⁠
- A hot chocolate bar⁠
- An ice cream bar⁠
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The possibilities are endlessly sweet!

09/24/2021

Custom cocktails are a fun way to put your own spin on your event. From margaritas to mojitos, our food & beverage partners can offer customization to make your event unique. ⁠Click the link in our bio to find out more. 🥂⁠
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09/23/2021

Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel is a lovely location to celebrate a marriage, the birth of a child, a retirement from years of service, honor the life of a loved one, and many more milestones. ⁣⁠
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The Chapel was built with the concept of a "transparent chapel in the woods," allowing guests to remain connected to their surroundings. ⁣⁠
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We are confident you will see why this award-winning Chapel is a spectacular choice for any occasion. ⁣⁠
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📸: Courtney Morgan Photo

09/22/2021

You may have heard us talk about , our exclusive catering partner, but you might not know why this relationship is critical. ⁠
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Our event spaces are not only stunning but also have the unique qualifier of being part of a cultural institution. All of our reception areas are within the walls of the National Museum of the Marine Corps, which adds an extra layer of logistics not found in ordinary event halls. We have several large pieces of equipment and aircraft placed throughout Leatherneck Gallery, plus additional framed artwork and sculptures in the Medal of Honor 2nd Deck Lobby.⁠
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Working around these items and being consistently mindful of their prominence is no easy task, which is why we have an exclusive caterer. Their team knows how to pull off a full reception while dealing with all of the intricacies that come with a museum setting. And you don’t have to sacrifice your dream -- they can customize just about every element of the meal to make it perfect for you!⁠
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The museum is an incredible backdrop for your next event. Let our team take care of the stressful details so you and your guests can show up and have fun! Reach out to our team via the link in our bio to learn more.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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09/21/2021

Host your ideal event in the awe-inspiring spaces of the National Museum of the Marine Corps and impress your guests with our award-winning, high-quality catering service. ⁣⠀⁠
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Create the perfect setting for your special day with unique customized menus amidst some of our nation's most historic and treasured military artifacts.⁣⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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09/11/2021

Today marks 20 years of reflection of the horrors that is September 11, 2001, in America. While on the surface, it seems that time has quickly passed, further down, there have been years that were difficult to finish.

In recent years, the Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel has been used to memorialize the events that came after today’s anniversary. It has seen reenlistments, commissioning ceremonies, retirements, weddings, funerals, and reunion memorials. Events that inspired many to devote their lives to serving others and fulfilling a bigger mission. Marines, along with their families and friends, have shared laughter and tears during their moments of reflection here - remembering heroic miracles and devastating memories.

We invite you to stop by our chapel and take a moment to reflect on this day and everything that has come since. Our only ask is to be respectful of the space and of those who have also stopped for reflection.

#9112001

08/25/2021

As partners with the , we follow the same rules and guidelines in our chapel, and during our museum daytime and after hours events. Interested in seeing a copy of the rules? Head over to website for more information about the current FRAGO order. There are currently no exemptions to these rules at this time. These policies are subject to change without notice or updates to this post. If you have questions about what this means for your upcoming event, contact your venue event coordinator for the most up to date information!

07/30/2021

Beginning Monday, August 2, in accordance with CDC and DoD guidance and in response to rising levels in community transmissions of COVID-19, all visitors to the National Museum of the Marine Corps over the age of 2 will be required to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status.

If you already have contracted a private event with us, be sure to contact your Venue Services Coordinator regarding any changes to your event plans. Our team will be reaching out to our clients in order of events occurrence. Thank you for your patience.

Update:
Beginning Monday 2 August, in accordance with CDC and DoD guidance, and in response to rising levels in community transmissions of COVID-19, all museum visitors over the age of 2 will be required to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status.

https://usmcmuseum.com/covid-19.html

07/18/2021

07/15/2021

It was a privilege to support BGen Williamson during his frocking ceremony. Once again sir, congratulations!

07/09/2021

Are you receiving Marine Corps Heritage Foundation emails? We have a special event we're releasing first to subscribers next week. Sign up here to be the first to know: https://www.marineheritage.org/newsletter-sign-up.html

05/17/2021

The National Museum of the Marine Corps is now open to the public. The updated policy changes for social gatherings are leaving us excited for our upcoming events.

If you already have contracted an event with us, contact your Venue Services Coordinator regarding any changes to your event plans.

Are you interested in having a venue visit or meeting with our event sales team? Providing safe meetings is a priority. Contact our team to learn more and to schedule an in-person visit.

www.marineheritage.org/hostyourevent

05/11/2021

We are still blooming 🌸 over our first floral workshop this past weekend. Rosewood Floral Designs rose 🌹 to the occasion with an informative class and had attendees walking away with gorgeous DIY garden-inspired arrangements. 🌷⁠
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We can’t wait to team up again – stay tuned for more information on our next workshop later this summer!

05/10/2021

We're in the running for InsideNoVA.com's Best of Prince William 2021 favorite Events Venue! If you've hosted your event at the Museum or are a Museum supporter, please vote for the National Museum of the Marine Corps as your favorite Events Venue (under Occasions category). Individuals can vote once per day per email address through May 31st. Thank you for the support!

Check it out now!

04/30/2021

🌸Outdoor Floral Workshop at the Museum 🌸⁠
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You can create a gorgeous bouquet like this on Saturday, May 8 outside of the Museum's Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel. will be providing guidance for people of all skill levels. Arrangements make great gifts for Mother's Day, Military Spouse Appreciation Day or as a centerpiece for your home.⁠
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Due to COVID-19 restrictions, limited spaces are available and advanced registration is required. Tables will be spaced to provide a socially safe environment for our participants.

Register here: https://mchfworkshopsandlectures.com

04/14/2021

There is nothing more important than having peace of mind on the day of your special event at the NMMC. To achieve that peace of mind, you have to trust in your events team and all of the preparation that has led up to that point. This is why we always schedule a final walkthrough 30 days prior to the event date.⁠
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The client will be invited to attend this meeting with any vendors they feel should be involved (i.e. wedding planner, DJ, photographer, etc.). A representative from the catering department and your venue services coordinator will lead the meeting. During this meeting, the client will have the chance to submit outstanding items, ask questions, and go over the entire timeline from top to bottom. It is our priority that the client leaves the meeting feeling confident and prepared.⁠
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The 30-day walkthrough is mandatory for any after-hours function requiring food and beverage service. This meeting usually takes place in person but can be done via Zoom if preferred. Your venue services coordinator will contact you to make these arrangements. ⁠
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Contact us on our website at www.marineheritage.org/hostyourevent.

04/07/2021

You may have heard us talk about Aramark, our exclusive catering partner, but you might not know why this relationship is critical. ⁠
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Our event spaces are not only stunning but also have the unique qualifier of being part of a cultural institution. All of our reception areas are within the walls of the National Museum of the Marine Corps, which adds an extra layer of logistics not found in ordinary event halls. We have several large pieces of equipment and aircraft placed throughout Leatherneck Gallery, plus additional framed artwork and sculptures in the Medal of Honor 2nd Deck Lobby.⁠
⁠
Working around these items and being consistently mindful of their prominence is no easy task, which is why we have an exclusive caterer. Their team knows how to pull off a full reception while dealing with all of the intricacies that come with a museum setting. And you don’t have to sacrifice your dream -- they can customize just about every element of the meal to make it perfect for you!⁠
⁠
The museum is an incredible backdrop for your next event. Let our team take care of the stressful details so you and your guests can show up and have fun! Reach out to our team at [email protected] to learn more.

04/02/2021

First look? Reveal at the aisle? Fully hiding from your groom and guests until “Canon in D” starts?⁠
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While we don’t have a dedicated bridal suite at the Chapel, we still have a few ideas on how to make your entrance perfect for you!⁠
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Many of our brides choose to stay in their vehicles until it is time to walk down the aisle. This offers a nice break from unpredictable Virginia weather and can be used as a quiet moment before the celebration starts. Another great option is to utilize the secondary building diagonal from the Chapel. Ordinarily a restroom, it can be a great place to organize the bridal party and do final looks in the mirror. ⁠
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And don’t worry, while the Chapel is mostly glass, our team knows all the right angles to get you to the front doors without an accidental peek.⁠
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Ask your venue services coordinator for their recommendations on creating your dream wedding day!⁠
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04/01/2021

Happy but we’re not fooling around with this news!

Starting today, restrictions have opened up regarding private gatherings in Virginia. We can now host ceremonies in the Chapel and after-hours events in the Museum for up to 50 people!

Our team is still dedicated to making it a safe experience for your and your guests. All existing COVID guidelines will be in place, including social distancing and masks.

To plan your next event, reach out to our Special Events team at [email protected].

03/24/2021

Wedding sparkler send-offs are allowed at the National Museum of the Marine Corps! However, if you are planning on hosting a sparkler send-off, you must follow the guidelines below:⁠
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1. You must inform your venue services coordinator of your plans to host a sparkler send-off. If possible, please inform your coordinator at least 30 days in advance.⁠
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2. You must provide a metal bucket of sand to extinguish the sparklers.⁠
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3. You are responsible for the safe disposal of the extinguished sparklers. Please ensure your guests do not leave the sparklers on the grounds of the Museum.⁠
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4. Your venue services coordinator will direct you and your guests to the appropriate send-off space, in front of the building⁠
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5. Guests participating in the sparkler send-off may not wave the sparklers around, run with the sparklers, or engage in horseplay of any kind. ⁠
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If you have any questions regarding sparkler send-offs, or would like inspiration regarding alternatives to sparklers, please contact the MCHF Special Events Team. ✨⁠
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📸: Courtney Morgan Photography
www.marineheritage.org/hostyourevent

03/14/2021

Happy ! 🥔 ⁠
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There’s nothing better than hot, fresh potato chips. Did you know that Aramark makes their own potato chips from scratch? Yum! Once we are back up and running, you can visit the Tun Tavern and try them for yourself. Keep your eye on National Museum of the Marine Corps for reopening updates.⁠
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03/08/2021

Military retirements are steeped in tradition and honor to country and corps. One of the most poignant elements of a ceremony is the Old Glory presentation and reading of The Watch. While not required during ceremonies, many retirees choose to include this portion as an homage to their time spent serving as well as those they served with.

Old Glory and The Watch occur at the very end of a retirement ceremony, after all of the awards have been issued and speeches have been made. Old Glory is the ceremonial passing of a folded flag, through the hands of servicemen and women representing each rank the retiree has held through their career. While the flag is changing hands, a narrator reads a poem detailing the beauty and horror the American flag has been witness to. The flag finally comes to rest in the hands of the retiree.

The Watch is then read, poetically detailing the time spent and sacrifices made by the retiree as they “stood the watch” on duty. The narrator ends with relieving the retiree of their watch, noting that all the servicemen and women they guided and mentored are now here to take their place.

We are honored when retirees choose to celebrate their milestones with us at the and Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel.

Let us know if you’ve ever witnessed an Old Glory presentation, either as a ceremony guest or as a Museum visitor!

www.marineheritage.org/hostyourevent

02/28/2021

Even though couples are required to use our in-house catering company for food and beverage, we do allow some freedom when it comes to selecting wedding desserts. More and more couples are choosing to forego the traditional wedding cake and are offering their guests more fun dessert options.

Here are just a few creative ways to add flavor to your reception:
- Cake pops
- Cupcakes
- A cookie table
- A candy station
- A donut wall
- An array of mini desserts
- An array of pies
- A hot chocolate bar
- An ice cream bar

The possibilities are endlessly sweet! 🍨🥧🍭
http://bit.ly/eventsatnmmc

02/27/2021

Our Special Events team is here to assist you with so many things -- from providing venue layout ideas to answering questions about sunset photo locations to coordinating vendor loadout at the end of the night. But there is one clear distinction with our team: we are not wedding planners.

Leading up to your event, our team can answer questions and provide suggestions on how to bring your vision to life, but if you are looking for someone to brainstorm ideas or track down the perfect centerpiece, then you might want to consider hiring a wedding planner or day-of coordinator!

Same thing on event day. Our team’s role on-site is as a venue service coordinator, which means we will make sure things run smoothly from a venue perspective. We will also be in communication with other teams that are supporting the event, like catering and security. A planner will help you with overall wedding details, like getting your bridal party lined up before the ceremony and keeping you DJ on track with the timeline.

If you’ve read this and thought: I definitely need a wedding planner but don’t know where to start! Don’t worry -- our team is happy to pass along our recommended vendors list once you contract your event.

📸: Kelsey Marie Photography

https://www.marineheritage.org/hostyourevent.html

02/26/2021

COVID has taught us all how to switch up our routine tasks in order to stay safe during unprecedented times. But even with all of the change, some things continue on. One of these things are military milestones, like promotions and retirements.

Marines are trained to improvise, adapt, and overcome. The men and women who have chosen to host their military ceremonies with us over the last year are doing just that. Social distancing and masks are in place to ensure all participants remain as safe as possible. Laptops replace dozens of smiling faces usually seen in person -- now found in live streams. The National Anthem and service branch hymns are played through our in-house speaker system instead of by a live ensemble to reduce capacity numbers.

Safety guidelines have changed what these ceremonies ordinarily look like, but the important elements are still there: honoring our servicemen and women, reminiscing on their time spent on active duty, and wishing them success on their future endeavors.

If you have a military milestone coming up, we invite you to consider hosting your ceremony at the Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel. Our team is well-versed in the latest guidelines and is ready to assist you in planning your special event.

https://www.marineheritage.org/hostyourevent

02/22/2021

What a sweet engagement story shared at Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel. Congrats to the newly engaged couple!

"He knew she was the one for him and once it was time to pick out ring, the Jeweler helped him by saying it will be ready in months, but he bought the ring two weeks later, went to the chapel at the marine corps museum, and proposed to Savannah. This venue was special to them as Jacob is currently a marine and Savannah’s father retired from the marines after 20 years of service. The chapel also displays their shared love of God. They decided to meet up at the location. Jacob arrived 30 minutes before her and was nervous and Savannah looked as beautiful as ever."

https://www.capitolromance.com/2021/02/11/savannah-jacobs-casual-engagement-session-at-the-jefferson-memorial-in-washington-dc/

Engagement Sessions Savannah & Jacob’s Casual Engagement Session at the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, DC February 11, 2021 3 minute read Images: Mary Winford Weddings Last night I crashed on the couch at 10pm. I haven’t even climbed into bed earlier than 11:15pm in MONTHS. I think that burno...

02/21/2021

Retirements, promotions, pinning ceremonies, reenlistments, and graduations are all important milestones in any military career. The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation is made up of people who understand how important each of these events are. We come from military families, we are military spouses, and we have served.

The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation would be honored to assist you in planning your next big milestone. Put your trust in a team of people who care and who truly understand the meaning of honor, courage, and commitment. Still on the fence? Make an appointment to tour our ceremony venue spaces.
http://bit.ly/eventsatnmmc

02/20/2021

Photographs are one of the only lasting to your wedding and therefore are one of the most personal aspects of your wedding day. Selecting a photographer is a big decision. Do you want light airy photos or is your style more angular and moody? Do you want photos inside your ceremony space or out in nature? First look or reveal at the aisle?

When hosting a wedding at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, you are able to bring in your own photographer to capture your special day. If you don’t have anyone in mind, our team is able to provide our preferred vendor list to you -- we hope it will offer peace of mind in your selection because you can find someone who not only matches your style, but someone who is also very familiar with our venue and will know how to get you the best shots!

Whether on our list or not, rest assured that your photographer will have plenty of locations to capture the feeling of your big day. Our Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel offers a tranquil, nature-inspired backdrop with strong architectural features to match a variety of wedding themes. The National Museum of the Marine Corps is a show stopping example of modern design and expert blending of materials. The pièce de résistance, however, is Semper Fidelis Memorial Park. Encompassing over 20 acres of land, the Park boasts several miles of wooded walkways and a bridge over a small stream, all surrounded by meticulous landscaping. No matter the season, you will be able to find a myriad of photo spots throughout the Park to provide the perfect backdrop to your wedding photos.
📸: Debbie Ringle Photography

http://bit.ly/eventsatnmmc

02/19/2021

“We held our annual awards night at the NMMC and it was great. The staff set the room so quickly and were very helpful. The room was a great space to allow for room to mingle as well as seating. The Staff was great to work with and we continue to get compliments on how our team loved doing our event there.” – Meri Jones, Mary Washington Healthcare

Pre-COVID, Mary Washington Healthcare hosted their 2019 Medallion Awards at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. The 200-person event was held in Leatherneck Gallery—which is the Museum’s largest, most versatile space.

Leatherneck Gallery can be reserved afterhours for corporate events, formal dinners, reunions, proms, wedding receptions, ceremonies, and much more! The space is large enough to accommodate social distancing protocols and provides a unique setting you can’t get anywhere else.

In addition to food and beverage, our exclusive in-house caterer, Aramark, will provide the tables, chairs, linens, tableware, and labor for your event.

http://bit.ly/eventsatnmmc

02/17/2021

Wedding ceremonies can be as traditional or out of the box as you want. As venue coordinators, our Special Events Team has seen a full spectrum of ceremony types! If you wanted to fall somewhere in the middle but aren’t quite sure what that looks like, perhaps a unity celebration could do the trick!

Unity celebrations during wedding ceremonies come in all shapes and sizes. A few common choices are a sand ceremony, unity candle or cord braiding. Each of these require just a few extra elements of décor and planning to execute but create a lasting memory for you as a couple. If you are blending families, something like a sand ceremony is also a fun way to incorporate more family members in the ceremony too.

Due to the nature of the Chapel, there are a few items that we cannot permit (no balloons, please!) but our team is able to guide you through your décor and ceremony element choices to ensure it works out for everyone. Use this as a sign to think a little outside the box and you might discover something that is perfect for you and your fiancé!
http://bit.ly/eventsatnmmc

📸: Kelsey Marie Photography