Military Ceremonies at the Museum

Retirement, Promotion, and Reenlistment Ceremonies

There isn’t a more fitting place than the National Museum of the Marine Corps for your promotion, reenlistment or retirement ceremony. Imagine your ceremony with the backdrop of Marine Corps history. There is no charge for this privilege but there are some guidelines to follow to make it the best possible experience for you while still allowing Museum visitors to enjoy their experience.

Ceremony Requirements:

NO WALK IN CEREMONIES PERMITTED. Ceremonies must be scheduled in advance.
Ceremonies are allowed in Leatherneck Gallery and outside of the Museum.
Ceremonies begin at 0930 and must conclude by 1630. Promotions are scheduled for 30 minutes. Retirements are afforded 60 minutes.
You may arrange colors. We can provide the National Ensign and the Marine Corps flag and their respective bases. Please note that we do not post GO/Flag Officer standards within the Museum.
We can provide a podium, a sound system, microphone, and speakers for Leatherneck Gallery. Two week notice is required for this.
You may bring soft, appropriate music. Live music is conditionally allowed; be sure to include this in your request.
Due to a limited set up space, chairs are conditionally permitted and prior approval is required. A ceremony with more than 75 chairs requires the Director’s approval.
DO NOT PLACE TAPE OR ADHESIVE PRODUCT ON THE CHAIRS OR FLOOR.
Provide a working party for set up and break down of chairs, podium, and colors.
No outside food or beverages permitted.
To host a ceremony in the Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel or Medal of Honor Theater, please inquire via the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation’s Events Department website.

Request a Ceremony Reservation

Daytime Receptions:

The Tun Tavern Backroom, Corsair Overlook, and Medal of Honor 2nd Deck Lobby reception spaces are available free of charge between 0900 and 1630.

Our exclusive on-site caterer is the provider for all food and beverage operations inside the Museum.
Outside food or beverage will not be permitted inside the Museum. The exception of specialty cakes must be approved in writing by the Catering Department, fees apply.

To learn more about hosting a daytime reception, please inquire via the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation’s Events Department website.

After Hours Capabilities:

An after-hours reception or dinner is available in the following spaces:

Leatherneck Gallery
Corsair Overlook
Medal of Honor Theater 2nd Deck Lobby
Tun Tavern
Devil Dog Diner
To learn more about hosting an after hours event, please inquire via the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation’s Events Department website.