Attending a Service at Arlington National Cemetery: A Guide for Families
As the staff of Arlington Cemetery are unable to recommend or endorse any companies for additional services for families visiting the Washington, D.C. area, this private website is meant to provide information and assistance to families attending a service at Arlington National Cemetery. We hope this will be a helpful resource as you prepare to honor your loved one at this special place. Arlington National Cemetery's official website: ArlingtonCemetery.mil.
In addition to the service itself, families may be interested in other services such as transportation, a florist, a bagpiper, photography and video coverage, and a place to gather after the service for a reception.
The Cemetery:
1 Memorial Drive
Arlington, VA 22211
Official website: arlingtoncemetery.mil
Phone: (877) 907-8585 or (703) 607-8000
Arlington National Cemetery is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
U.S. Army photo by Elizabeth Fraser / Arlington National Cemetery.
Climate:
Quick Climate Information
July and August are the hottest (80 °F avg.) and wettest (3.6″ avg.) months. January and February are the coldest (37 °F avg.) months. While these are averages, it can get brutally cold in December through February, and brutally hot from June through September.
| Climate Aspect | Average |
|---|---|
| Hottest Month | July (80 °F avg) |
| Coldest Month | January (37 °F avg) |
| Wettest Month | July (3.6″ avg) |
| Windiest Month | March (9 mph avg) |
| Annual Precipitation | 19.3″ per year |
What to Wear for a Funeral at Arlington National Cemetery
Spring: Wear layers and bring a rain jacket or umbrella — spring showers are common. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as you may walk up to two miles, including some grass areas.
Summer: Lightweight, breathable clothing is key. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and an umbrella can help with both sun and surprise rain. Comfortable walking shoes are again important.
Fall: Plan for variable weather. Layered clothing is ideal, and a light jacket is recommended. Expect some walking on grass or uneven terrain.
Winter: Dress warmly with a coat, gloves, scarf, and hat. Winter services can be very cold, especially with wind. Wear comfortable shoes with good grip for icy or snowy paths.
Bagpiper:
Norm Weaver
Norm is a highly skilled bagpiper who has been performing at Arlington National Cemetery for over 25 years. He is known for his exceptional musicianship and ability to capture the emotion of the moment with his beautiful renditions of traditional Scottish and Irish tunes.
Norm is happy to take requests and will work with you to choose the perfect music for your occasion. His goal is to create a fitting tribute that honors your loved one and helps you celebrate their life.
With over 25 years of experience, Norm has become a trusted and respected member of the Arlington National Cemetery music community. He is dedicated to providing a high level of service and professionalism, and he takes great pride in being able to help families pay tribute to their loved ones in a meaningful way. If you are interested in hiring Norm as a bagpiper for your Arlington National Cemetery service, please don't hesitate to contact him. He would be honored to play a small part in your special day.
A service date and time is the first step in booking a bagpiper. Norm is in high demand, so book as early as you can.
www.vamdbagpiper.com
(703) 577-8782
Florist:
Arlington Cemetery Florist
Located just minutes away from Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington Cemetery Florist is the perfect choice for families looking to honor their loved ones with beautiful flowers. They offer a wide range of floral arrangements, including boxed roses, wreaths, and sprays, all of which can be customized to meet your specific needs and preferences.
When you choose Arlington Cemetery Florist for your Arlington National Cemetery service, you can be confident that your flowers will be of the highest quality and freshness. They work with a network of trusted suppliers to ensure that they always have a wide variety of flowers to choose from, and their experienced designers will carefully select the best blooms to create a stunning arrangement tailored to your preferences.
In addition to providing top-quality flowers, Arlington Cemetery Florist is also committed to providing exceptional customer service. They understand that planning a funeral can be a stressful and emotional time, and they strive to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible. That's why they offer delivery to the chapel or graveside at Arlington National Cemetery, so you can have your flowers waiting for you when you arrive.
www.arlingtoncemeteryflorist.com
(703) 527-7110
Transportation:
Lisa at Always a Pleasure Limousine
Lisa is an expert in transportation services for families attending services at Arlington National Cemetery. She is extremely familiar with Arlington's procedures and is often called on by most local funeral homes to help families get to and from the cemetery. She understands that planning a funeral or memorial can be a stressful and emotional time, and she is committed to providing a high level of professionalism and compassion to help make the process as smooth and easy as possible.
Her company offers a range of transportation options to fit the needs of any family. They can pick you up at your hotel, airport, train station, or local residence, and take you to and from your Arlington service. They have a fleet of comfortable and reliable vehicles, and all of their drivers are experienced and trained to provide a safe and smooth ride.
Lisa and her team are dedicated to providing exceptional customer service, and they will work with you to ensure that your transportation needs are met. Whether you need a ride to and from the cemetery, or you need assistance coordinating transportation for a larger group, they are here to help. If you have any questions or would like to make a reservation, please don't hesitate to contact Lisa. She and her staff are here to assist you in any way they can.
A service date and time is the first step in booking transportation. Lisa is in high demand, so book as early as you can.
lisa@alwaysapleasure.net
(703) 406-9697
Photography / Video / Live Streaming:
Arlington Media
Cliff and his team at Arlington Media are known for their outstanding videography and photography services when it comes to covering services at Arlington National Cemetery. With years of experience and a dedication to excellence, they are the gold standard and have received numerous exceptional reviews from satisfied families. They are able to capture the emotion and significance of these special occasions in a way that is both respectful and memorable.
VIDEO: With video coverage they can provide the edited service as an unlisted online link. USBs are available at an additional charge. Live-web streaming is also available as an add-on to any video coverage. Cliff and his team have the skills and equipment to produce a high-quality video that you and your family can cherish for years to come.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Using the latest and best camera equipment, they offer a complete range of photo options. Digital photos are provided in an unlisted online link. USBs are available at an additional charge. High quality photo books are also available.
You can also combine photo and video coverage together.
Arlington Media is not the official photographer or videographer for Arlington National Cemetery. The cemetery's official photographers and videographers are responsible for archiving the important events that take place at the cemetery every day, VIP visits, historical services, etc., they do not provide coverage for family services. We want to make sure families are aware of this distinction. If you are interested in hiring Cliff and his team to cover your Arlington service, please don't hesitate to contact them. They would be honored to play a small part in your special day.
A service date and time is the first step in booking photo or video coverage. Arlington Media is in high demand, so book as early as you can.
www.arlington.media
(202) 536-3000