Frequently Asked Questions about the EE Weekend

What should we bring to the weekend?
Please be sure to bring the following items with you:
• Comfortable casual clothing
• Toiletries, medicines and other personal items
• A snack or drink to place on the shared snack table which will be available in the conference room
• Any snack or drink items for your own personal consumption

What supplies does EE provide for the weekend?
The following items will be provided on the weekend. You do NOT need to bring these items:
• Linens (sheets, pillows, blankets, etc.)
• Notebook and pen

What time should we arrive?
Please arrive between 6:30 and  7:00. The weekend will begin at 7:30 p.m. Because we are on a tight schedule, we cannot wait for couples who arrive late. If there is an emergency and you must be late, please call the hotel  at (301) 527-6000 and ask to speak with someone from Engaged Encounter

What time does the weekend end?
The weekend typically ends, with a closing Mass, between 3 and 4 pm on Sunday. In special or unusual circumstances, our schedule may change, but the weekend will run no later no 4 pm.

Do we have to stay for the entire weekend?
Yes.  It is very important that you stay for the entire weekend. If you arrive late or leave early you will miss important parts of the weekend experience, and we will not be able to give you your weekend certificate and letter verifying your attendance.

Are there any ground rules for the weekend?
Yes, we do ask that you observe a few basic rules.
• Please refrain from the use of alcohol and illegal drugs
• Please stay in your assigned room
• Please do not leave the weekend, for any reason, unless an emergency arises. If you need to leave, please speak to one of the team members.

Will dinner be served on Friday evening?
No, dinner will not be served on Friday. The dining room will not be open until Saturday morning. On Saturday, three meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be served. On Sunday, two meals (breakfast and lunch) will be served.

Can you accommodate my special diet needs?
Vegetarian options are available at each meal.  Note that these are not necessarily vegan options.  For other special needs, such as allergies, etc, please be prepared with your own food in case the catered meals aren't sufficient.

Will I have a roommate?
Yes and no.  You will share a suite with another member of the same sex.  You will have your own bedroom and bathroom, and share common living and kitchen areas.

What should we wear?
Dress for the entire weekend is casual. Please dress comfortably. While you are welcome to do so, there is no need to change for dinner or Mass.  You will be walking between buildings, so if the weather is cold or rainy, please be prepared with appropriate clothing.

Where can I smoke?
All of our facilities prohibit smoking. You may, however, smoke outside the buildings.

Will we have much free time this weekend?
The weekend is very full, but we try to have about an hour and a half of free time on Saturday afternoon.  Note that we will be beginning about 8 am each day and finishing late - 10 or 11pm.

How many couples attend each weekend?
On average, up to 30 couples attend each weekend in the Washington D.C diocese.

We are younger / older than most engaged couples. Will we feel out of place?
Our weekends reflect the diversity of the Washington D.C. population. Couples attending our weekends range widely in age education, social, and economic backgrounds. Besides, on the weekend, you will be focusing on each other more than others.

How soon before our wedding should we begin our marriage preparation?
The length of time between your wedding preparation and your wedding date is ordinarily determined in consultation with the parish priest who is working with you. But our general advice is: the sooner, the better. We suggest that you register at least 4 to 6 months before your wedding date. Please also remember that our springtime weekends fill up rather quickly. It is never too early to start preparing for the rest of your lives together.

Is there an emergency number?
If you need to contact the facility because of an emergency, or if someone needs to get hold of you in an emergency, please call the hotel at (301) 527-6000

What is the hotel number?
(301) 527-6000