Military Events
The Location of Choice for Military Celebrations in San Diego
- Reenlistment
- Retirement
- Promotions/Pinnings
- Commissionings
- Change of Command
- Graduations
- Reunions/Memorials
Military Branches Served:
In Order Of United States Precedence
U.S. Army
U.S. Marine Corps
U.S. Navy
U.S. Air Force
U.S. Space Force
U.S. Coast Guard
U.S. Merchant Marine
INCLUDED
- Seating
- Tables
- Red Carpet
- Bullet Stanchions
- USS Rocky Mount bell
- Podium / Lectern
- PA system
- Event Set-Up
- Event Break-down
ENHANCEMENTS
- Free parking
- Reserved VIP parking
- Convenient downtown location
- Located in historic Balboa Park
- Ease in customization
- Vetted and trusted vendors
- Fewer fees than other event spaces
- Accommodating event staff
RESERVATION REQUEST
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS?
How do I book an event for 5 to 120 guests?
Contact us by email as shown on the Reservation Request page. Once your request is received we contact you to confirm the date and discuss the details of your event.
How far in advance should I book my event?
Given the Veterans Museum’s popularity, book as early as possible. Reservations must be confirmed no later than 60 days prior to the event. Please be advised that popular dates book as early as a year in advance. Be prepared to submit a deposit of $150 (card, cash or check) to secure your reservation as we operate on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Deposit required? No monetary deposit required to reserve a date.
No. The Veterans Museum requires a completed Reservation Request & Contract 3 - 4 page form be completed by prospective Client and accepted by Museum to ensure your preferred date and time. Then a REGISTRATION Certified # is entered on Master Calendar and the # is issued to Client.
Do I have to provide insurance?
You only have to provide a Certificate of Liability if you are going to sell or serve alcoholic beverages. If you are going to sell alcoholic beverages you need to provide a City of San Diego liquor license – one day or permanent.
What are the museum’s hours for events?
The Veterans Museum is open from 11 AM to 4 PM, Wednesday -Saturday. Closed Sunday - Tuesdays except for special events. However, some early daytime events may begin at 8 AM, such as a breakfast event, for up to 3.5 hours. Events during museum hours, such as lunch, may be reserved for up to 5 hours. Evening events open doors at 5:00 PM, begin by 5:30 PM for a maximum of 5 hours.
Is free parking available at the museum?
Yes, we have abundant FREE parking in the large lot off at Park Boulevard & Presidents Way. However, this parking lot is still shared with the Balboa Park visitors as well as Navy Medical Center’s personnel. For private events renting the museum, we can block the parking circle around our building to allow for VIP parking for event guests and handicap needs.
Are beverages & food allowed in my event?
Beverages & food are not permitted in audience theater-style seating at time. Only exception is water or other beverages brought by individuals in sealed-lid leak-proof containers. No takeout coffee, soda, juice cups. No ring tab cans. Food and beverage may only be served in events reserved for 3 or more hours. Catered service is permitted.
Do you have bar services and are there any restrictions on alcohol?
We know bartenders and you are welcome to work with them to meet your event needs. Our only restriction with alcohol is that you must have a bartender - it cannot be a free-pour station. We also require alcohol to stay inside the museum building; alcohol is prohibited outside unless you obtain a permit through the city. You must also provide a Certificate of Liability through your insurance company to ensure all parties are protected in case of an accident or breakage in museum. The museum’s liquor license with the State of California requires that food be served at all events where alcohol is included.
Does the museum allow smoking during events?
We are city property and Balboa Park does not allow smoking at events.
Is the self-guided museum tour included in military ceremonies?
No. Exhibit galleries cannot be opened to attendees at military ceremonies due to staff limitations.
How long can my event be? What time can my event start and end?
Legacy Hall, our Main Exhibit Gallery may be rented for up to 3.5 hours for a breakfast, lunch, or evening event from entry to exit for a set package price. We do offer an hourly extension fee if you wish to have a longer event. Daytime events may start as early as 8:00 AM. Evening events may take place from 5:00 PM with an exit time of 11:00 PM - this time frame is firm and cannot be adjusted. We often utilize the beautiful Memorial Garden space in front of the museum, but there are specific rental restrictions as this is city property only maintained by the museum (permitting may be required).
How much time is allotted for my ceremony and/or reception?
Small Seated ceremony with minimal set up– 1 hour for the ceremony and 1 hour for the reception = 2 hour minimum rental requirement from entry to exit.
Formal Seated ceremony – 1 hour for early set-up/rehearsal prior to event start time, and if desired the rest of the package may be broken up into 1.5 hours for the ceremony; 1.5 hours for the reception including clean up and exiting of building.
Garden ceremony – This area in front of the museum is city property maintained by the museum. Permitting is required by the city for events larger than 40 people or the use of any event materials.
Can I schedule a rehearsal time?
You may schedule as many walk-through appointments with the staff as necessary depending on meeting availability. In your package we include 2 hours of rehearsal time to be use together on one given day of your choice before the event. All rehearsals must be coordinated with the Staff. No equipment is provided for the rehearsal.
Does the museum provide tables and chairs?
Yes, tables and chairs are included in the rental fee up to your guaranteed number of guests (not to exceed 120 guests). The museum also has a collection of other equipment to make your event planning as convenient as possible. Please ask the Events Team about additional fees and services.
Are the 50 state flags available?
The state flags are a permanent display in rows mounted at ceiling level.
Does the museum provide linens for banquet tables?
The museum can provide table cloths for a cleaning fee of $8 per cloth. If you are receiving cloths through the museum, the staff will put them out, as well as clean them up. Otherwise, you are welcome to bring your own. If you are planning to serve any type of food or beverage, all tables are REQUIRED to have a cloth or cover of some type. Disposable cloths work great to save money if you choose to bring your own.
Can I bring my own ceremony equipment?
If you are hosting an outside ceremony in the gardens, you may be required too. If the museum do not have the required equipment, you may have to rent the necessary items for your event. For inside ceremonies, only equipment provided by the Museum may be used. Please speak to the Events Team in advance if you wish to include Command displays in the ceremony.
Who provides the music for my ceremony?
You or your ceremony coordinator is responsible for music. If you are not using a vocalist or band, the museum portable Bluetooth speaker will accept smart phones, tablets, computers. Each ceremony should have a music operator to play the music. Music choices must be appropriately themed for military ceremonies.
Who handles the invitation and timeline aspect of my ceremony?
Invitations are handled through your ceremony coordinator, not the museum. You or your ceremony coordinator are responsible for ceremony timeline and content.