FAQs

Question

HOW DO I ACCESS THE UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY?

Answer

The United States Naval Academy Chapel is located on the grounds of the United States Naval Academy. Active, Reserve, or Retired Military can drive through Gate 8 or Gate 1 at the United States Naval Academy and find parking near the chapel. Civilian guests can find parking in Historic Annapolis or at their hotel and proceed to the Visitor Center located at Gate 1. Civilian guests are able to drive onto the yard for the ceremony beginning at 1:00pm, but parking will be limited. Fluegel Alumni Center offers free on-site parking for the reception. We recommend only those with mobility concerns use this option. Entering through Gate 1 will require going through base security with a valid REAL I.D or passport and there will most likely be a slight delay. Please note that no weapons of any kind can be carried onto the United States Naval Academy. For more information visit https://www.usna.edu/Visit/index.php

Question

WHERE CAN I PARK IN DOWNTOWN ANNAPOLIS?

Answer

There are many options for parking in downtown Annapolis and it is a very walkable town. There is a 15 minute walk (.7 miles) between the United States Naval Academy Chapel and the Fluegel Alumni Center to transition from our ceremony to the reception venue. Prior to the ceremony, guests will have access to drive onto the United States Naval Academy to park, however those without a Common Access Card (CAC) will not be able to leave their car on the United States Naval Academy after the ceremony and you will not be granted car access back onto the United States Naval Academy once you leave. If you have lodging at a hotel or Air BnB within walking distance we recommend parking there and walking to the wedding events. If you are staying a bit further away we recommend parking at the many garage options downtown. Some options are the Gott's Court Garage, Noah Hillman Garage, and Calvert Street Garage. Street parking is also available but sometimes can be hard to find in downtown Annapolis. If you don't want to worry about parking and are staying further away there is an abundance of Uber and Lyft options in Annapolis. We have linked parking options in Annapolis for any questions. https://www.annapolisparking.com/parking-locations/garages-and-lots/?doing_wp_cron=1761508986.6495571136474609375000

Question

HOW DO WE ACCESS THE FLUEGEL ALUMNI CENTER?

Answer

The Fluegel Alumni Center is located about half a mile from the Yard, conveniently on King George Street. There are no ID requirements and free on-site parking is available for up to 65 vehicles. Right off Route 50 and about a half-mile from Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. The heart of historic Downtown Annapolis is only a few minutes’ walk down the road. The King George Street location provides easy access to USNA Gate 1 and 8 for guests who may want to visit the Academy Grounds.

Question

WHAT IS BLACK-TIE OPTIONAL?

Answer

Black-Tie Optional gives guests the opportunity to wear a tuxedo or floor-length gown, however guests can opt to wear something less formal as well. Military guests are welcome to wear Service Dress Blues or equivalent.

Question

WHAT TO DO AFTER THE CEREMONY?

Answer

The ceremony will most likely be wrapped up by about 2:45-3:00pm. John & Kelsey will be busy taking pictures prior to the reception until cocktail hour, but we highly encourage all of our guests to spend some time walking around the yard and taking in the sights, going to the USNA museum, or hitting one of the plentiful bars and restaurants downtown!