Last update: 09/04/2009
Schedule an event
Helpful links
Event information
Campus use policy
-
Governing Public Use of Capitol Buildings and Grounds
Policy (8/21/09)
- Capitol Campus Facilities
Policy (10/5/07)
-
Use of the Capitol Buildings and Grounds
Procedure
- Frequently asked questions
- Current rule-making process for use of the campus
Questions?
Contact the Events Coordinator at
- (360) 902-8881
- campusevents@ga.wa.gov.
The Capitol Campus serves as host to numerous activities and displays throughout the year. Rallies, state ceremonies, educational displays, weddings, walks/runs, picnics, musical presentations and community events such as Capitol Lakefair and Capitol City Marathon are held at various locations.
Events or activities may be held in the following locations with advanced approval:
- Legislative Building
- Campus - Legislative
Building and adjacent buildings and grounds
- Capitol Campus - Parks and Capitol Lake surface and shores
- Heritage Park
- Sylvester Park
- Marathon Park
Note that certain restrictions may apply and permission must be requested prior to the event. For more information or to apply for an event/activity permit, see the Helpful links at right. For a list of current happenings, see Capitol Activities and Events.
Exhibits and Displays at the Legislative Building
A moratorium remains in effect for exhibits and displays in the Legislative Building, often referred to as the Capitol Building. You may still apply for an exhibit or display in the building, but no application will be processed until General Administration concludes its current rule-making process for exhibits and displays.
Events and Activities
To schedule events or activities, complete and return the
Event Application 
.
The Event's Coordinator will confirm your event/activity and provide
the necessary permit or confirmation letter. Contact the
Events Coordinator at (360) 902-8881 or
campusevents@ga.wa.gov
if you have any questions.
The weather is most dependable from June through September; 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 as follows:
- Available from June through November, after normal business hours on Saturdays and Sundays, from 4 – 7:30 p.m. (must be completely finished by 7:30 p.m.)
- $250 use fee required
- Confirmation letter from the Events Coordinator 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. .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.
