Last update: 04/15/2008

Scheduling an event

Numerous activities and events are held on the Capitol Campus throughout the year. Typical events include rallies, state ceremonies, weddings, walks/runs, picnics, musical presentations and community events such as Capitol Lakefair and Capitol City Marathon. For a list of current happenings, see Capitol Activities and Events.

The events coordinator in the State Capitol Visitor Services Office schedules events in the public spaces of the Legislative Building, the Capitol Campus, as well as Heritage, Sylvester and Marathon Parks in downtown Olympia.

Weddings

The Washington State Capitol Campus has a number of sites suitable for wedding ceremonies, particularly in the summer and fall months.

Outdoor Weddings

June through September are the most dependable months for weather; however, wedding parties should have an indoor back-up plan in the event of inclement weather. Because of the heavy demand for this site, a 4-hour block of time for set-up, the ceremony, and clean-up is recommended. Frequently two or three weddings will take place each summer weekend. Outdoor weddings are free. A confirmation letter is required and available through the State Capitol Visitor Services Office.

Sunken Garden: Located in the heart of the Capitol Campus, the historic sunken garden is a popular site for outdoor weddings up to 125 people.

Tivoli Fountain/Medal of Honor: Located in the center of the Capitol Campus next to Capitol Way, this lawn area is popular for larger weddings. The Capitol is frequently in the background of pictures.

East Plaza: Located across Capitol Way from the Capitol, this is a new site suitable for any size wedding.

Sylvester Park: Located in downtown Olympia at Capitol Way and Legion. A small gazebo is available, which is suitable for small weddings. Sylvester Park is used heavily for community events on weekends during the summer months, although some weddings may be scheduled there.

Heritage Park: Located in downtown Olympia at the corner of 5th Avenue and Water Street, this large park has a variety of locations suitable for weddings.

Capitol Rotunda

The Rotunda area of the Legislative Building may be used for wedding ceremonies from June through November. Weddings may be scheduled after normal business hours on Saturdays and Sundays, from 4 – 7:30 p.m. Please be completely finished by 7:30. There is a $250 use fee. A confirmation letter is required.

Candles and helium balloons are not permitted in the Rotunda.

Rehearsals: Wedding parties may use the Rotunda for ceremony rehearsal on the evening prior to the wedding. This should be done between 5 – 7 p.m.

At all wedding locations, the confirmation issued for weddings is for the ceremony only. The reception must be held in a location away from the Capitol Campus and parks.

For more information or to schedule a wedding, please contact the Events Coordinator at 360-902-8881 or events@leg.wa.gov.