Attending a Service at Arlington National Cemetery: A Guide for Families
As the staff of Arlington Cemetery are unable to recommend or endorse any companies for additional services for families visiting the Washington, D.C. area, this private website is meant to provide information and assistance to families attending a service at Arlington National Cemetery. We hope this will be a helpful resource as you prepare to honor your loved one at this special place.
In addition to the service itself, families may be interested in other services such as transportation, a florist, a bagpiper, photography and video coverage, and a place to gather after the service for a reception.
Arlington National Cemetery’s official website: ArlingtonCemetery.mil
This revered location serves as the final resting place of the brave men and women who have served our country. It is an honor to pay our respects to them at this sacred site.
As you get ready to attend a service at the cemetery, there are a few things you may want to consider. Formal or semi-formal clothing is typically worn to show respect, and many visitors opt to wear suits, dresses, or dress pants and a collared shirt. Some people also remove their hats or head coverings as a sign of respect when entering the cemetery.
Please note that families are not allowed to arrive more than 60 minutes before their scheduled service time (Arlington Cemetery recommends 45 minutes). When you arrive at the cemetery, you will be directed to the Administration Building parking lot. A receptionist will meet you and inform you of which family room you have been assigned to. An Arlington Cemetery representative and military officiant will meet you in the family room to discuss the service’s specifics and answer any questions you might have. When it’s time for the service to begin, the representative will either lead you to the transfer point for full honors services or directly to the grave for standard honors or dependent services.
During the service, it is crucial to remain respectful and quiet to show respect for the family and the deceased. If the family has given you permission to take photographs, you may do so as long as you stay behind the chairs. Please note that flash photography is discouraged as it can be a disturbance to the family and the military. Non-flash photography is allowed, but it’s crucial to be mindful of your surroundings and avoid disrupting the service.
The Cemetery:
Arlington National Cemetery
1 Memorial Drive Arlington VA 22211
Official website: www.arlingtoncemetery.mil
(877) 907-8585 or (703) 607-8000
Arlington National Cemetery is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The arrival location for services starting at the administration building (office) or front gate. 1 Memorial Drive Arlington VA 22211
The arrival location for services starting the Old Post or Memorial Chapel at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. Hatfield Gate
Climate:
Quick Climate Information: July and August are the hottest (80 °F avg.) and wettest (3.6″ avg.) months. January and February are the coldest (37 °F avg.) months. While these are averages, it can get brutally cold in December, January and February, and brutally hot in June, July, August and even September.
| Hottest Month | July (80 °F avg) |
|---|---|
| Coldest Month | January (37 °F avg) |
| Wettest Month | July (3.6″ avg) |
| Windiest Month | March (9 mph avg) |
| Annual precip. | 19.30″ (per year) |
Attending a funeral at Arlington National Cemetery is a solemn and respectful occasion, and it’s important to dress appropriately for the weather. Here are some tips for what to wear for each season:
Spring: For a funeral at Arlington National Cemetery in the spring, make sure to wear comfortable shoes that you can walk in, as you may need to walk up to two miles and then walk a short distance on grass. Showers are common.
Summer: In the summer months, you’ll want to dress in lightweight clothing to stay comfortable in the heat. Bring an umbrella to stay out of the rain and the sun. Again, make sure to wear comfortable shoes that you can walk in.
Fall: As the weather starts to cool down in the fall, you’ll want to wear warmer clothing in layers. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes that you can walk in, as you may need to walk on grass.
Winter: For a funeral at Arlington National Cemetery in the winter, you’ll want to dress in warm clothing. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes that you can walk in, as well as gloves and a hat to keep warm.
It’s important to remember that a funeral is a time of mourning and respect, so you’ll want to dress in a way that reflects that. Avoid wearing bright colors or anything too casual. By following these tips, you’ll be appropriately dressed for a funeral at Arlington National Cemetery, no matter the season.
Airports:
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (IATA: DCA), is in Arlington County and is about 4 miles from Arlington’s main gate. It is served by several major airlines. This airport is directly linked to the Metrorail system’s Blue and Yellow Lines.
Dulles International Airport (IATA: IAD), is approximately 30 miles from Arlington’s main gate and accessible via shuttle bus and taxi. This airport is directly linked to the Metrorail system’s Silver Line.
Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (IATA: BWI), is about 40 miles to Arlington’s main gate. Compared to IAD and DCA, BWI is the farthest from D.C.
Bagpiper:
Norm Weaver
Norm Weaver
Norm is a highly skilled bagpiper who has been performing at Arlington National Cemetery for over 25 years. He is known for his exceptional musicianship and ability to capture the emotion of the moment with his beautiful renditions of traditional Scottish and Irish tunes.
Norm is happy to take requests and will work with you to choose the perfect music for your occasion. His goal is to create a fitting tribute that honors your loved one and helps you celebrate their life.
With over 25 years of experience, Norm has become a trusted and respected member of the Arlington National Cemetery music community. He is dedicated to providing a high level of service and professionalism, and he takes great pride in being able to help families pay tribute to their loved ones in a meaningful way. If you are interested in hiring Norm as a bagpiper for your Arlington National Cemetery service, please don’t hesitate to contact him. He would be honored to play a small part in your special day.
A service date and time is the first step is booking a bagpiper. Norm is in high demand, book as early as you can.
www.vamdbagpiper.com
(703) 577-8782
Florist:
Arlington Cemetery Florist
Arlington Cemetery Florist
Located just minutes away from Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington Cemetery Florist is the perfect choice for families looking to honor their loved ones with beautiful flowers. They offer a wide range of floral arrangements, including boxed roses, wreaths, and sprays, all of which can be customized to meet your specific needs and preferences.
When you choose Arlington Cemetery Florist for your Arlington National Cemetery service, you can be confident that your flowers will be of the highest quality and freshness. They work with a network of trusted suppliers to ensure that they always have a wide variety of flowers to choose from, and their experienced designers will carefully select the best blooms to create a stunning arrangement tailored to your preferences.
In addition to providing top-quality flowers, Arlington Cemetery Florist is also committed to providing exceptional customer service. They understand that planning a funeral can be a stressful and emotional time, and they strive to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible. That’s why they offer delivery to the chapel or graveside at Arlington National Cemetery, so you can have your flowers waiting for you when you arrive.
www.arlingtoncemeteryflorist.com
(703) 527-7110
Transportation:
Lisa at Always a Pleasure
Lisa at Always a Pleasure Limousine
Lisa is an expert in transportation services for families attending services at Arlington National Cemetery. She is extremely familiar with Arlington’s procedures and is often called on by most local funeral homes to help families get to and from the cemetery. She understands that planning a funeral or memorial can be a stressful and emotional time, and she is committed to providing a high level of professionalism and compassion to help make the process as smooth and easy as possible.
Her company offers a range of transportation options to fit the needs of any family. They can pick you up at your hotel, airport, train station, or local residence, and take you to and from your Arlington service. They have a fleet of comfortable and reliable vehicles, and all of their drivers are experienced and trained to provide a safe and smooth ride.
Lisa and her team are dedicated to providing exceptional customer service, and they will work with you to ensure that your transportation needs are met. Whether you need a ride to and from the cemetery, or you need assistance coordinating transportation for a larger group, they are here to help. If you have any questions or would like to make a reservation, please don’t hesitate to contact Lisa. She and her staff are here to assist you in any way they can.
A service date and time is the first step is booking transportation. Lisa is in high demand, book as early as you can.
lisa@alwaysapleasure.net
(703) 406-9697
Photography / Video / Live Streaming:
Arlington Media
Arlington Media
Cliff and his team at Arlington Media are known for their outstanding videography and photography services when it comes to covering services at Arlington National Cemetery. With years of experience and a dedication to excellence, they are the gold standard and have received numerous exceptional reviews from satisfied families. They are able to capture the emotion and significance of these special occasions in a way that is both respectful and memorable.
VIDEO: With video coverage they can provide the edited service as an unlisted online link. USBs are available at an additional charge. Live-web streaming is also available as an add-on to any video coverage. Cliff and his team have the skills and equipment to produce a high-quality video that you and your family can cherish for years to come.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Using the latest and best camera equipment, they offer a complete range of photo options. Digital photos are provided in an unlisted online link. USBs are available at an additional charge. High quality photo books are also available.
You can also combine photo and video coverage together.
Arlington Media is not the official photographer or videographer for Arlington National Cemetery. The cemetery’s official photographers and videographers are responsible for archiving the important events that take place at the cemetery every day, VIP visits, historical services, etc., they do not provide coverage for family services. We want to make sure families are aware of this distinction. If you are interested in hiring Cliff and his team to cover your Arlington service, please don’t hesitate to contact them. They would be honored to play a small part in your special day.
A service date and time is the first step is booking photo or video coverage. Arlington Media is in high demand, book as early as you can.
www.arlington.media
(800) 852-7015 or (202) 536-3000
Reception Venues:
Women’s Memorial
2 Memorial Drive
Arlington, VA 22202
www.womensmemorial.org
(703) 533-1155
The memorial has a list of approved caterers.
Fort Myer Officers Club
214 Jackson Ave.
Fort Myer, VA 22211
jbmhh.armymwr.com
1-703-524-7000
Fort Myer Recreation Center
228 McNair Rd. Building 405
Fort Myer, VA 22211
jbmhh.armymwr.com
1-703-696-3469
Places to Gather:
The Cheesecake Factory
2900 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 294-9966
Ted’s Montana Grill
2200 Crystal Dr A, Arlington, VA 22202
(703) 416-8337
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
2231 Crystal Dr, 11th Floor, Arlington, VA 22202
(703) 979-7275
Bonefish Grill
1101 S Joyce St ste b26, Arlington, VA 22202
(703) 412-2837
Lebanese Taverna
1101 S Joyce St, Arlington, VA 22202
(703) 415-8681
Guajillo
1727 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22209
(703) 807-0840
Accommodations:
IHG Army Hotels Wainwright Hall – Historia
318 Jackson Ave Bldg. 50,
Fort Myer, VA 22211
ihg.com
1 703 696-3576
Key Bridge Marriott
1401 Lee Hwy.
Arlington, VA 22209
marriott.com
1-703-524-6400
Le Méridien Arlington
1121 19th St. N.
Arlington, VA 22209
https://www.marriott.com/
1-703-351-9170
Best Western Rosslyn/Iwo Jima
1501 Arlington Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22209
bestwestern.com
1-703-524-5000
Virginian Suites Arlington
1500 Arlington Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22209
choicehotels.com
1-703-522-9600
Days Inn Arlington/Washington DC
2201 Arlington Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22201
daysinn.com
1-703-525-0300
The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City
1250 S. Hayes St.
Arlington, VA 22202
ritzcarlton.com
1-703-415-5000
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
300 Army Navy Dr.
Arlington, VA 22202
doubletree3.hilton.com
1-703-416-4100
Hampton Inn & Suites National Airport
2000 Jefferson Davis Hwy.
Arlington, VA 22202
hamptoninn3.hilton.com
1-703-418-8181