CAPTIVATING
Timeless Elegance. Unforgettable Charm.
Private Events at George Washington’s Mount Vernon
George and Martha Washington viewed hospitality as a vitally important aspect of life at Mount Vernon, and this tradition continues today.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, Washington’s beloved estate has been protected and preserved for more than 160 years.
Experience the estate as it looked in 1799 and walk in Washington’s footsteps. Enthrall your guests with magnificent views and behind-the-scenes access. They will leave inspired by this history and with a greater appreciation for our founding father and greatest citizen.
“Ladies, the Home of Washington is in your charge; see to it that you keep it the Home of Washington. Let no irreverent hand change it; no vandal hands desecrate it with the fingers of progress!”
- Ann Pamela Cunningham, 1874 Founder of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association
East Lawn
Nestled between breath-taking views of the Potomac River and George Washington’s historic Mansion, the East Lawn offers guests graceful, authentic charm. It is the perfect setting to create an unforgettable evening. Guests can experience distinctive 18th-century Mount Vernon first-hand and end the evening with spectacular fireworks.
Event Hours: 6 - 11p.m.
East Lawn
Following a sunset cocktail on the east lawn and Mansion tours, guests move into an elegant tent to continue the evening for a multi-course dinner that can be combined with program and entertainment.
Greenhouse & Upper Garden
The Greenhouse, located in the heart of the historic area, offers guests tranquility and quiet beauty set against the backdrop of a premier 18th-century garden, designed by Washington’s own hand. This space provides the perfect setting for inspired conversations as guests enjoy cocktails in the Upper Garden and partake in a lantern-lit dinner inside the Greenhouse.
Event Hours
5–11 p.m., November–March
6–11 p.m., April–October
Capacities
Standing: 150 (Upper Garden)
Seated: 35 (Greenhouse)
The George Washington Presidential Library
Situated on a hill, the Washington Library is a 45,000 square foot facility which features casual elegance, high ceilings, beautiful American Sycamore wood walls, and stunning floor-toceiling windows. Imbibed with a sense of retreat and opportunity, this is an ideal reception space and unique dinner setting. Guests may enjoy a cocktail reception on the Founders’ Terrace or in the Ann and John Bookout Reception Hall which highlights the back wall of the vault safeguarding Washington’s personal library. Delight your guests with special tours of the Reading Room and document viewings in the rare books and manuscript suite. Seated dinners can be held in the Bookout Reception Hall or in the David M. Rubenstein Leadership Hall.
Event Hours
5–11 p.m.
Capacities
Standing: 150
Seated: 50-80
Ford Orientation Center
This stunning split-level space is ideal for both standing and seated events. The bright open space welcomes guests just inside the historic Texas gate and boasts a 300 seat theater space that can be used for programs and ceremonies.
An adjoining courtyard provides guests a serene view of green pasture, creating the perfect setting for intimate and versatile receptions and dinners.
Event Hours
5–11 p.m., November–March
6–11 p.m., April–October
Capacities
Standing: 400
Seated: 200
George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill
This fully reconstructed site, located 2.7 miles from the estate, offers a unique rustic setting that guests will find inviting and warm. Begin with a cocktail reception in the Gristmill where guests can explore all four working floors and see the power of the Gristmill in action.
A short lantern-lit walk will lead guests to a seated dinner in the Distillery complete with wood hewn by hand, copper stills, and warm fires. Guests will delight in this relaxed atmosphere that provides a comfortable respite from the nearby urban area.
Event Hours
5p.m - 11 p.m., April-October
Capacities
Seated: 50 (Distillery)
Tented: 150
Ann Pamela Cunningham & Frances Payne Bolton Buildings
Mount Vernon’s administrative building stands as a modern gateway to the Mansion and historic area. This facility provides a private space for meetings, receptions, and dinners. Meeting rooms are fully equipped with state-of-the art audio, video, and teleconferencing equipment and the building has a full catering kitchen and pantry area. Impress guests with the stately sophistication of the APC Meeting Room, which includes access to a brick patio that offers a view of the Potomac River.
The Bolton Dining Room provides a warm, elegant gathering space, complete with a working fireplace for evening receptions that can be paired with private evening tours of the Mansion. The Bolton Meeting Room provides a more intimate space for meetings and discussions.
Event Hours:
6p.m.-11 p.m.; Daytime (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) events and/or meetings may be permitted upon special request.
Capacities
Standing: 100
Seated: 75 (APC), 55 (Bolton Dining Room)
Robert H. & Clarice Smith Auditorium
This 195-seat auditorium is located in the Mount Vernon Inn Complex across from the Food Court Pavilion and The Shops. This space offers a structured presentation environment with a stage, lighting, and projection capabilities and a concert grand piano. The Smith Auditorium is ideally suited for meetings, lectures, presentations, and performances.
Event Hours:
6-11 p.m., November to March 7-11 p.m., April-October
Capacity: 195
Special Touches
Mount Vernon offers a variety of optional enhancements that make an event unique and unforgettable. Enchant your guests with performances by 18th century character interpreters or colonial musicians, toast with cordial tasting glasses of handmade Mount Vernon rye whiskey, offer fascinating privately guided tours, view rarely seen collections, experience our interactive theater Be Washington, and enthrall guests with end-of-the-night spectacular fireworks over the Potomac River.
