The Wonder of Winter Weddings on the Yard

[Revamped for 2024]

The air, hushed by snow, is full of anticipation and winter romance. Lights break through the stillness to magical effect. It’s winter wedding season—time to celebrate! The breathtaking beauty of these romantic experiences has made them especially popular on the Yard. Join us as we walk down the aisle at the Naval Academy Chapel and feel the wonder of winter weddings on the Yard.

You Are Cordially Invited

The Navy Chapel, draped in velvety poinsettias and fragrant greens, is a jaw-dropping backdrop for many couples choosing to be married in this historic landmark. Lit candles and sun streaming through the dome and stained glass windows cast a golden glow on these majestic affairs. Then the music begins. The Navy Chapel pipe organ, traditionally handled by Chapel Organist Monte Maxwell, fires up its 15,688 pipes, summoning even more drama for the senses. You’ll be moved beyond words.

A Picture of Romance

Yard wedding memories and photos last a lifetime. The bride and groom arrive at the Navy Chapel in style, traversing Annapolis’ cobblestone streets in an antique silver Rolls Royce, stretch limousine, trolley, or horse and carriage. In addition to the elegant chapel photos, couples also love to get pictures across from the Navy Chapel in the Zimmerman Bandstand, a Yard icon framed by gorgeous Beaux-Arts views. In fact, the Yard is full of a variety of scenic spots, all highlighting the tremendous naval history of the Academy.

A Dream Destination

The Naval Academy has all the amenities you need to host a special wedding weekend (or longer) within walking distance from each venue. The Naval Academy Chapel, St. Andrews Chapel, and Levy Center host wedding ceremonies, as does the freshly renovated Naval Academy Club (NAC). These spaces, home to many weddings over the years, are imbued with a real sense of history, tradition, and elegance.

Winter Chapel

The NAC is a premier choice for winter weddings. The on-site restaurant, The Alley, provides a handsome space for cocktail hours. USNA Catering also provides world-class cuisine for these spaces, as well as several other venues on the Yard. Lodging is available at the NAC in Navy Getaways Annapolis, a historic 16-suite hotel, and at the Navy Lodge across the river. Many guests also rent the Yard’s electric-powered GEM vehicles with a certified driver to motor around. Be sure to also work with our team to package your personal wedding gifts for your wedding party and guests. Bundling all of these wedding services reduces stress and decreases costs for guests and couples alike.

Visiting guests can get the full Yard experience when they take an intriguing walking tour, enjoy the GEM tour, spend time at the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center, or see the fascinating exhibits at Preble Hall, the USNA Museum.

Cheers to New Traditions

Whatever the season, Yard weddings are always a treat. Although they’re steeped in tradition, they sometimes start traditions of their own. A recent wedding on the Yard hosted the first ever Saber Arch composed of all women soldiers and sailors from various branches. The respectful homage to the women serving our country is sure to become a time-honored tradition among wedding couples.

The Yard will always be a stunningly beautiful place to say “I do” to your new life together. You can also feel good knowing you’re helping to support the Brigade of Midshipmen with your special event. We would love to be part of your love story. Contact us today to plan your dream wedding!

On The Yard