Love is in the air at Arlington Public Library! Romance is the theme for the 2025 series of Arlington Reads. To share the love, the library is going to pick one very special couple to win a free wedding hosted by Arlington Public Library sponsored by the Friends of the Arlington Public Library.
To apply, please submit an application using the form below. We want to know: “Why would you love to get married at the library?” Feel free to be as creative as you wish—your answer can be submitted in written or visual form.
Participation Guidelines
- Application forms must be submitted no later than Friday, January 24.
- There is no fee to apply.
Applicants must:
- Be 18+ to apply.
- Not already be legally married.
- Live in the DMV area. Preference will be given to couples who live in Arlington.
- Be Arlington Public Library cardholders.
- Be willing to have their ceremony open to the public.
- Be willing to do press and media interviews.
- Be available on the wedding day: Saturday, July 12, 2025.
We are looking for applicants who:
- Love books, love libraries and love love!
- Are willing to share the celebration of their love with the Arlington community and are comfortable appearing on the library’s social media channels.
- Have a guest count of 50 people or fewer.
Date/time: Saturday, July 12, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Location: Central Library Lobby & Auditorium (1015 N Quincy St)
Application deadline: Friday, January 24
Notification of acceptance: The top three couples will be required to do a short virtual interview the week of February 3 and the winning couple will be contacted no later than February 13.
Wedding Details
The Library will provide:
- Venue for a ceremony (4-4:30) and reception (4:30-7:30) on Saturday, July 12, 2025
- The wedding couple will be able to invite up to 50 guests to attend the ceremony and wedding.
- Please note, the ceremony will be viewable by the public.
- Food for your reception, courtesy of Main Event Caterers
- A 6” cutting cake, courtesy of Bakeshop, and cupcakes for your guests
- An officiant for your ceremony if desired (Library Director Diane Kresh)
- Music for your ceremony, courtesy of the Arlington Philharmonic
- Four hours of photography by Alex Sakes Photography
- DJ for your reception provided by Arlington Parks and Recreation
- Photobooth station provided by Arlington Parks and Recreation
- Wedding planning and day-of coordination, courtesy of Ray of Sunshine Weddings
- Party favors
- Guest book
- Cake topper and a cake knife
- Signage and decorations for the reception:
- Seating chart/place cards
- Centerpieces
- Table numbers
- Floral arrangements
- Electric tealights
- Tables, chairs, flatware, glassware, dinnerware, table linens
- Wedding bouquet(s) and/or boutonniere(s), courtesy of Mill Creek Florals
- Sweetheart table and furniture rentals courtesy of Fox and Fern Vintage Rentals
The Library will NOT provide:
- Alcohol (wedding couple can opt to purchase separately)
- Fees related to applying for your marriage license
- Attire for the wedding: wedding dress, tux, wedding rings, etc.
- Hair or makeup for the wedding party
- Wedding invitations
- Gifts for the wedding party
- Any wedding activities outside of the ceremony/reception (for example: rehearsal dinner, day-after brunch)
Please Note
- Arlington Public Library is for everyone and celebrates all forms of love—all unmarried, engaged couples are welcome to apply.
- Arlington Public Library staff are not eligible to apply.
- Finalists may be asked to submit a video or participate in interviews (in person or virtual).
- The winning entry will be public.
- Your application will become the property of Arlington Public Library and will not be returned to you.