Yes! Due to heightened security concerns, the Naval Academy is requiring all guests for the wedding ceremony to complete a background check in order to get access to the Naval Academy Yard. You can print a copy from our Accommodations page (1 per guest), or use the copy that was included in your wedding invite. Please see further details below. Who Needs Access? All guests age 18 and older must have valid access credentials. If you have one of the following credentials: • Military ID (Active Duty, Retired, or Dependent) • Common Access Card (CAC) You may enter using that credential and do not need to complete the 5512 form. If you do not have one of the above credentials: You must complete the SECNAV 5512 form (found in your invite or on our Accommodations page). Required Information • All highlighted fields must be completed. • U.S. citizens must provide a Social Security Number (SSN) and a second form of identification (REAL ID-compliant driver's license, identification card, or valid passport). • Non-U.S. citizens must provide a valid passport from their country of citizenship. Additional screening is required and processing times may be longer. • Forms requiring corrections or missing information are not considered complete submissions. Submission Instructions • Send completed forms to nabsdaccess@usna.edu. Deadlines • Submit forms as early as possible. • Complete 5512 forms must be submitted by August 1. • Forms requiring corrections or resubmission may not be processed if received after August 1. • Late or incomplete submissions will not be processed. Status Updates • You will only be contacted if a request is denied. For questions, please reach out to nabsdaccess@usna.edu Access passes will be passed out prior to the ceremony. We will communicate with guests to coordinate where and when you can get your base access pass.
Please RSVP by August 1st.
Yes, a list of guest names will be provided to gate security for those who choose to drive to our ceremony. A valid REAL ID (passport, driver's license) is required for entry to the base for everyone attending the ceremony. Guests who choose not to drive may enter through the Visitor's Center at Gate 1 and walk to the Chapel (10 minute walk). Ceremony parking is available in front of Mahan Hall, and at the Naval Academy Parking Garage off of Decatur Road. If guests drive onto the Yard for the ceremony, please be advised that parking is usually limited, and that cars must moved before the reception due to the gates closing in the evening, preventing access to the Yard until the following morning. Drive on access is only permitted for the ceremony. If guests would like to visit the Naval Academy during their visit, please enter through the Visitor Center with a valid ID. Guests with a valid DoD ID or Naval Academy Sponsor ID may drive onto the Yard. Due to recent security concerns, if accessibility to the Yard for changes, we will update guests.
For our wedding ceremony and reception, we kindly ask that guests wear formal, elevated cocktail attire. Gentlemen, we encourage jackets, but no tie is required. Ladies, mid to floor-length dresses are encouraged, whatever you feel prettiest in! Please note that Downtown Annapolis and the Naval Academy have brick and cobblestone sidewalks, please choose shoes accordingly.
Yes! Our block of rooms is located at the Governor Calvert House under the name "Decker Thompson Wedding". Please call 410-263-2641 with Group #300097 to book a room in the block at a discounted rate. Other hotels in the Annapolis area can be found on our Accommodations page.
The Hillman Garage (5 min walk), Calvert Street Garage (10 min walk), and Gott's Court Garages (10 min walk) are a short walk from downtown and our reception location.
Not at all! You are not required to show up in uniform, but you are more than welcome to! We ask that guests in the bridal party and those asked to participate in the sword arch show up in the appropriate uniform.
Yes. Unless otherwise explicitly stated on your invite, we respectfully request that children remain at home for the wedding. We hope that you understand, and can make the appropriate accommodations to support attending our special day.