Group Visits

School Group Tours

School Groups explore the nave (main level) with a tour guide and will have the option to visit the Cathedral LEGO® Exhibit and the gift shop. Due to capacity constraints, the 7th floor Tower Observation Gallery is not available to school groups at any time. This policy also applies to chaperones, who are expected to stay with their group at all times.

Adult Group Tours

Adult Groups explore the nave (main level) with a tour guide and will be able to self-guide other levels of the Cathedral after the conclusion of the tour.

worship and special event groups

When visiting for a worship service or special event, groups are limited to the area where the service is taking place. Touring is not permitted during worship services.

Washington National Cathedral features a dedicated bus garage for groups visits. All buses and mini-buses must park in the Cathedral’s bus garage; unloading on surrounding streets is not permitted. The height clearance for the bus garage is 13’6”.

Please adhere to the following routes:

• Approach Route: Your bus must approach the Cathedral driving north on Wisconsin Ave — this is the only way enter the bus parking garage.
• Entry Route: Immediately after passing St. Albans Church and reaching the Cathedral, turn right onto South Road and immediately turn left, proceeding down the garage entry ramp. There will be a “Cathedral Bus Parking” sign at the entrance of the garage on Wisconsin Ave. (Downloadable Map: see red “Bus Entrance” arrow)
• Exit Route: When departing the garage, all traffic must turn left onto Woodley Road. At the traffic light, buses can then turn left or right onto Wisconsin Ave.

If your group is running late for your guided group tour, please call (202) 537-5273 between the hours of 10am to 4:30pm.

Photography is welcome except during worship services. Please refrain from photographing any Cathedral staff or visitors outside your group.

Group photos should be taken before or after your tour (we suggest on the Cathedral grounds showcasing the Cathedral as your photo’s backdrop). Group photos are not permitted during your guided tour.

Filming during your tour or during worship services is not permitted.

Yes, the gift shop is now open to groups during regular sightseeing hours.

Open City, the Cathedral’s Cafe, delivers boxed lunches for tour groups. Please visit Open City’s website for more information and to place your order. Please note that there are no picnic grounds located on the Cathedral; boxed lunches are intended for take-away and are ready to be eaten on the bus.

Reservations for group tours are made through the Etix platform, the Cathedral’s group ticketing software.

• The Cathedral advises all groups to make an Etix account which will allow groups to self-manage their orders.
• Final payments for all reservations are due two weeks in advance of the group tour date.
• Once tickets are issued, sales are final and non-refundable. By booking your tour, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

The Cathedral reserves the right to cancel and reschedule groups at any time. As an active member of the Episcopal Church, the Cathedral’s schedule is always subject to change. Should our schedule change on the date of your tour, our hospitality team will make every effort to reschedule your group. If an acceptable rescheduled time cannot be offered, your payment will be refunded, and/or we will do our best to reschedule your group.

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 and Video Guidelines:

• Group photos should be taken before or after your tour (we suggest on the Cathedral grounds showcasing the Cathedral as your photo’s backdrop). Group photos are not permitted during your guided tour.
•  Filming during your tour is not permitted. Please refrain 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.

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.

Limited bus, motor coach, or oversized vehicle parking is available in our 18-spot bus garage and requires a reservation in advance. Rates are based on availability and parking during special events my differ from regular rates. To inquire about availability of bus garage parking and to receive a quote please contact [email protected].

Touring groups and worship groups may request parking through their reservation.