A happy couple takes wedding photographs with the National Park Service arrowhead at Georgetown Waterfront Park. Marriage ceremonies can be held in the gardens at Old Stone House, Meridian Hill Park, Georgetown Waterfront Park, and Montrose Park.
NPS | Katy Cain
Picnic Grove Reservations
The following picnic groves require reservations for events between May 1 and November 30--Picnic Groves 1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13 and 24. These reservations may be made online at www.recreation.gov or by phone at 1-877-444-6777 (10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. ET). Reservations are by the half-day. A half-day is from either 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. or 3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. (or dark, whichever comes first).
Keep in mind that groups transported by bus may only reserve Picnic Groves 1 and 24, which are served by wider city streets that can accommodate oversized vehicles.
For information on policies for public gathering permits such as Special Events and First Amendment Demonstrations in Rock Creek Park, contact the park Permits Specialist at 202-895-6013 or e-mail. For permit application forms and submission information, visit www.nps.gov/nama/planyourvisit/permits.htm.
Permits for right-of-way uses, construction, or for using or crossing parkland are obtained from the Division of Resource Management for Rock Creek Park, 202-895-6000.
Weddings
Special use permits are issued for small wedding ceremonies only in four locations in the park:
Georgetown Waterfront Park
Old Stone House (garden area only)
Montrose Park
Meridian Hill Park
Ceremonies must meet the following criteria:
Maximum participant limit is 50 people.
Duration: no longer than two hours.
Ceremonies can not interfere with other regular park activities or patrons
Events must occur between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Decorations and chairs are not permitted.
To hold a wedding in Rock Creek Park, you must first send a letter to the park superintendent requesting permission to do so. Your letter should include the following information: location, number of participants, time, acknowledgement of the required $200 fee, and a note stating that you will leave the park site in good condition. Also, please include your phone number, a mailing address, an email address, and a check in the amount of $200.00 made out to the National Park Service. Cash and credit cards are not accepted. The fee for a wedding permit is $200.00. The fee is non-refundable.
The letter and check should be sent to:
Rock Creek Park
Attn. Special Use Permits
3545 Williamsburg Lane NW
Washington DC 20008
Applications and payment must be received at least one month in advance of desired ceremony date.
For more information contact special park uses ranger at 202-895-6013 or e-mail us.
Sports Field Permits
Reservation are required at sports fields at Rock Creek Tennis Center at 16th Street NW & Kennedy Street NW (four sports fields) and Fort Reno (two sports fields).
Requests for athletic field reservations may be completed online through the DC Department of Park and Recreation Permit Office: http://dpr.dc.gov/node/496592. Note:Fees vary.
The DPR permit office is located at 1250 U St. NW, Washington, DC 20009.
The office hours are Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
Walk-ins: Customers may drop off permit applications or submit payments any weekday between 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. For general concerns, questions, or comments, the office will provide walk-in hours from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Customers who wish to discuss permit issues (approvals, denials, pending requests,) or general questions concerning a permit can schedule a meeting or conference call via 202-671-2597 or email: e-mail us.
