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. A request is not an official reservation until an invoice has been issued. Please review the options and costs listed below before requesting a reservation.
New tour experience launching in Spring 2025!
The Cathedral’s refreshed 30-minute Group Highlights Tour will launch in March 2025. The new route features a full tour of the Cathedral’s soaring nave with five stops highlighting the magnificent art, history and gothic architecture. At the conclusion of the tour, groups will have the option to visit the Cathedral’s LEGO® Exhibit and the gift shop. Groups are welcome to explore the Cathedral grounds, but group visits to the crypt are no longer available at this time.
Group Visit Options
Guided Group Highlights Tour (offered during peak seasons Mon–Sat only, times vary)
Peak Season Cost: $8 per person for school and church parish groups, $10 per person for adult groups, bus parking no additional cost
- Peak Season (March–June, September–November): During peak season, groups enjoy the benefit of a discounted admission rate. Guided Group Highlights Tour features a guided main level (nave) exploration of the Cathedral’s dramatic art and architecture tailored for first-time visitors. At the conclusion of the tour, groups have the option to visit the Cathedral LEGO® exhibit and gift shop. Please note that groups larger than 40 may be split into separate tours; our hospitality team will make every effort to arrange for consecutive time slots.
Currently accepting group tour requests for Spring 2025 (3/3/2025 – 6/28/2025)
- 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.
PLEASE NOTE: For groups planning to visit in February 2025, please book directly for self-guided sightseeing or guided spotlight tours. For additional questions 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:
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
- Rates for bus parking during special events may differ from regular rates
- To inquire about availability of bus garage parking and to receive a quote please contact [email protected]
Group Visit FAQ
For Group Highlights Tours, groups explore the nave (main level) with a tour guide and will have the option to visit the Cathedral’s LEGO® Exhibit and the gift shop. When visiting for a worship service or special event, groups are limited to the area where the service is taking place.
Due to capacity constraints, the 7th floor Pilgrim Observation Gallery is not available 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.
Want to take a group photo while at the Cathedral? The best opportunity is before or after your tour outside on the Cathedral grounds showcasing the Cathedral as the photo backdrop. Please refrain from filming during your tour or from photographing any cathedral staff or visitors outside your group.
Yes, the gift shop is now open to groups during regular sightseeing hours.
The Cathedral’s cafe is now delivering 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 ready to be eaten on the bus.
Payment is due two weeks in advance of your group’s visit, regardless of payment type. Preferred forms of online payment include Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. ACH payments may be required for groups larger than 100 people. Check payments must be received two weeks in advance of the group’s scheduled tour.
The Cathedral reserves the right to cancel and reschedule groups at any time. As an active member of the Episcopal Church, The National 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.
Refunds will not be issued for cancellations or changes made less than 14 days before your scheduled group tour. Cancellations made more than 2 weeks in advance will be eligible for a refund and will be processed based on the payment within 60 days. By booking your tour, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.
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.