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The United States Naval Academy has always been a highly desirable wedding destination. The Chapel and its iconic dome, Miller Chapel and St. Andrews Chapel are steeped in history and tradition, making wedding ceremonies feel regal and elegant. Traditionally, after the grand and inspiring ceremony—made all the more poignant by the powerful pipe organ—the couple exits under an Arch of Swords that symbolically and spectacularly pledges the military’s fidelity to their protection. A legacy is continued and a legacy has begun.
Throughout the year, the Yard is typically home to around 85-90 weddings. In fact, during the summer, the USNA Main Chapel hosts up to seven weddings a day from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., every hour on the hour, with impressive military precision. Not only do these festive rehearsal dinners, ceremonies, receptions and even day-after brunches find their perfect backdrop against the breathtaking history and pomp of the Yard, they also enjoy stunning natural and architectural scenery and the top-notch food and service provided by Naval Academy Catering. Additionally, hosting an event here directly supports the Brigade of Midshipmen.
The New Naval Academy Club
To make the special event even more memorable, we seized the opportunity when COVID-19 abruptly halted last spring’s wedding season. We used the closure to conduct a large-scale remodeling of our Naval Academy Club reception facilities, which host wedding receptions for parties with up to 200 guests. The new decor in the elegant military officer’s club reflects a more modern yet traditional style, while remaining rooted in the Navy and Marine Corps heritage with gorgeous artwork that tells the story of the Academy.
Naval Academy Catering provides the outstanding food and refreshments for the festivities. An inside scoop is that the most popular delicacy for wedding parties is the generously sized filet mignon and local Maryland crab cake dish. Couples can also choose from the wide array of catering offerings for hors d'oeuvres, main dishes and desserts. The menu always receives rave reviews.
Since weddings at the Naval Academy are typically destination weddings, we’ve rolled out the red carpet to ensure that guests get the full experience while on the Yard. We provide customized tours that highlight memorials, traditions, shopping, dining, sporting venues, the USNA Museum and other places special to the couple, so that they can enjoy these spots with their guests. We also bring people together with bridal luncheons and rehearsal dinners before the wedding. After the big event, we happily offer our legendary Sunday brunch. Your guests can easily enjoy an entire weekend on the Yard—and they'll be talking about it for years to come.
As a token of love, thanks, support and celebration, couples often provide fun-filled and memorable gift bags from the USNA Gift Shop or Navyonline to their wedding parties and guests. From Navy scarves and earrings to customized golf balls and Navy shot glasses— to Maryland-infused gifts like Chesapeake Bay nuts—these welcome bags are a special touch that elevates a weekend that is already a high spot.
To begin your dream marriage, eligible couples (which include a U.S. Naval Academy alumnus, a member of the military staff, faculty member or local active duty military member), can email bstone@usna.edu to connect with Brenda Stone, the Senior Catering, Events and Weddings Manager for NABSD. Now’s the perfect time to live your dream wedding and start your life together on the Yard!
