Group Visits

Every year, the Cathedral is privileged to welcome groups from around the world to visit the nation’s House of Prayer for All People.

Group Visit General Information

Groups (20+ people) are required to have a reservation to visit the Cathedral for any reason. Reservations must be requested through the links below with a minimum of two weeks advance notice. Please browse the options and costs before requesting a reservation.

Group Visit Options

Guided Group Highlights Tour (offered during peak seasons Mon–Sat only, times vary)

Peak Season Cost: $8 per person, bus parking no additional cost

  • Peak Season (March–June, September–November): Guided Group Highlights Tour features a guided main level (nave) exploration of the Cathedral’s dramatic art and architecture tailored for first-time visitors. Groups may view the lower level (crypt) afterward. Larger groups may be split into separate tours. During peak season, groups enjoy the benefit of a discounted tour admission rate.

    Currently accepting group tour requests for Fall 2024 Groups (9/9/24 through 11/23/24). Spring 2025 group tour requests will open in early November.
request now
  • Non-Peak Season (July & August, December–February): Guided group tours are not available but our Group Hospitality Team can offer self-guided options or reservations on our daily Spotlight Tours. For off-season group inquiries please contact us at: [email protected]
  • Tours are not offered on Sundays
Sunday Holy Eucharist (year-round, 11:15 am–12:45 pm)

Cost: attending the service is free but a $50 per bus parking fee applies

  • The Cathedral’s most popular service with choir, organist and other musicians. Services are conducted in the Episcopal tradition and held in the nave (main level)
  • At this time, a group visit to attend a worship service cannot be paired with a guided tour
  • Groups are expected to arrive on time, remain seated, and stay for the duration of the worship service
Sunday Choral Evensong (held September 1, 2024 through June 19, 2025, from 4–5 pm)

weekday choral evensong (held september 2, 2024 through may 21, 2025, M-Thur, 5-5:45 pm)

Cost: attending the service is free but a $50 per bus parking fee applies

  • One of the treasures of the Anglican tradition, Evensong is a service of sung evening prayer held in the Great Choir. Led by the Cathedral Choir, the music spans from the Renaissance period to the modern day
  • At this time, a group visit to attend a worship service cannot be paired with a guided tour
  • Groups are expected to arrive on time, remain seated, and stay for the duration of the worship serviceCurrently reserving Holy Eucharist and Choral Evensong Groups through December 2024:
request now
daily and overnight bus garage Parking

Cost: starting at $75 per space, based on availability

  • Limited bus, motor coach, or oversized vehicle parking is available in our 18 spot bus garage, and requires a reservation in advance
  • Select this option if you plan to park a bus or oversized vehicle at the Cathedral but are NOT requesting a tour or attending a worship service
  • To inquire about availability of bus garage parking and to receive a quote please contact [email protected]

Group Visit FAQ

When visiting for a worship service or special event, groups are limited to the area where the service is taking place. For Group Highlights Tours, groups explore the nave (main level) and have an opportunity to see some or all of the crypt (lower level) depending on the Cathedral’s daily activities.

The 7th floor Pilgrim Observation Gallery and the LEGO Exhibit is not open to groups at any time. This policy also applies to chaperones, who are expected to stay with their group at all times.

Photography is welcome except during worship services.  The best time for a group photo op is before or after your guided tour.

The gift shop is now open during regular sightseeing hours.

  • Payment is due two weeks in advance of your group’s visit.
  • Preferred forms of online payment include Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.
  • Refunds are only available if cancellation or no-show was due to inclement weather or state of emergency.
  • The Cathedral reserves the right to cancel and reschedule groups at any time.

To ensure a pleasant and respectful visit for all, please note the requested Code of Conduct while visiting the Cathedral:

Chaperone’s Responsibility:

  • A designated chaperone must accompany the group throughout the entire visit and may not leave their group to explore the Cathedral on their own.
  • School groups must have a minimum of one chaperone for every 10 students.
  • Please ensure that your group stays together during the visit.

Food and Beverage Policy:

  • Eating, drinking, gum chewing, and smoking are not permitted inside the cathedral.
  • Guests are permitted to carry closed/capped water bottles inside the Cathedral.

Photography Guidelines:

  • Want to take a group photo while at the Cathedral? The best opportunity for a group photo is before or after your tour of the Cathedral grounds showcasing the Cathedral as the backdrop of your group photos.
  • Please refrain from filming during your tour or from photographing any cathedral staff or visitors outside your group.

Tour Path Compliance:

  • Groups must remain on the designated tour path, follow the guidance of their tour guide, and exit via the designated crypt area.

Respect for All, including Tour Guides, Docents, Cathedral Staff, and other visitors:

  • Washington National Cathedral is a House of Prayer for All People. As such, we strive to provide a welcoming atmosphere for all. Please refrain from verbal or physical harassment of any kind towards anyone during your visit. Hate speech towards anyone or any group cannot be tolerated and may lead to a group tour promptly ending without a refund.

 Restrictions on Signs and Political Statements:

  • Any display of signs, banners, disruptive clothing, hand signals, or flags inconsistent with the Cathedral’s mission are not permitted within the Cathedral premises.