“The expectation of D.C. weddings is that they’re preppy and politically based,” says event planner Tiffany Rivera. “While those weddings are beautiful, you also have a melting pot of different people and cultures coming together here. And our couples tend to do a strict nine-to-five situation for work, so, for their wedding, they want to bring that collar button down and have some fun.”
01. The Line Hotel
Housed in a 110-year-old historic church in the heart of the district’s lively Adams Morgan neighborhood, The Line Hotel is ideal for couples who appreciate a modern aesthetic—and will have several guests traveling in from out of town. “It gives the ease of everything happening in one location,” says Rivera, who is a big fan of the venue. With several event spaces, the hotel can accommodate a wide variety of party sizes, with the largest being 300 guests in a 4,000 square foot area, and the Chesapeake-inspired dinner menus by award-winning chef Opie Crooks will convince even the most persnickety foodies to appreciate the merits of mid-Atlantic cuisine. (Hello, grilled trout and mushroom cavatelli!) Most important: the situation upstairs, which is perfect for ceremonies. “The view from the rooftop is unmatched,” says Rivera. “You can see all of D.C—and, if you squint, a little bit of Maryland and Virginia as well.”
02. Anderson House
If you’re looking for European-style signatures of luxury—like, say, a marble staircase for your grand entrance, a walled garden with a reflecting pool for your ceremony or cocktail hour, and gilded accents along the walls—then you’ll definitely want to include The Society of the Cincinnati’s Larz Anderson House in your venue search. Tucked away amongst the historic mansions and embassies of Massachusetts Avenue, the ornate, Gilded Age mansion is well-known amongst the city’s wedding community, but still something of a best-kept secret for the average citizen. “Most D.C. residents don’t even know it exists unless they’ve been to an event there,” says Rivera. The venue can accommodate up to 130 guests for a seated dinner and dancing, and also welcomes daytime or ceremony-only bookings.
03. The Schuyler
Ask a group of Washington wedding planners what newer venue they’re most excited about, and chances are many will respond with The Schuyler. Located in the Hamilton Hotel on the southern tip of one of the best bar and restaurant strips in the city, this contemporary ballroom boasts 12,000 square feet of event space, and can hold up to 450 for a seated dinner. (So necessary in a city where many of the larger venues are situated further out in Maryland and Virginia.) Built-in lighting systems and extensive ceiling rigging make it easy to make the room your own—and install that ceiling of floral stems or chandeliers you always dreamed of—and the venue’s willingness to work with vendors beyond their in-house staff means your dream wedding team can absolutely come along for the ride.
04. Long View Gallery
The OG industrial venue of Washington is this 8,500-square foot art gallery. (When it’s not hosting private events, patrons can browse gallery walls covered in contemporary works from an international roster of mid-career and contemporary artists.) Exposed 15-foot ceilings and finished concrete floors provide a minimalist backdrop for events for 25 to 400 guests, and there’s a dedicated catering kitchen. Added bonus: nearby Blagden Alley is covered in cool murals and an ideal spot for wedding party portraits.
05. The Hay-Adams
Washington has no shortage of stately hotels to choose from when it comes to weddings. The Willard, the Fairmont, the Four Seasons, and the St. Regis are all popular, and exciting newcomers include the Riggs and Conrad Washington D.C, but perhaps none provide a more quintessentially Washington experience than The Hay-Adams on 16th Street, which was first built in the 1920s. The crown jewel of their event spaces is the Top of the Hay (capacity: 250 seated). This delightfully neutral space is adorned with French doors and a vaulted skylight ceiling with trellis detailing. It also offers unobstructed views of the White House and Washington Monument from the balcony.
06 . Dock 5
Love that industrial-chic warehouse look? Or maybe you’re after a blank canvas venue you can completely make your own. Either way, your answer just might be Dock 5, a 12,000-square-foot event space located above the Union Market food hall in the district’s NoMa neighborhood. (While there, portraits against the rooftop “Union Market” sign are a must.) The venue can seat 400 for dinner with dancing, ample light floods through the garage doors, and the concrete floors and exposed beams add a raw element to any décor scheme. In the market for a similar effect, but smaller in size and scope? Book the nearby AutoShop, which falls under the same umbrella of Union Market events. It can seat 150 with room for cocktails and includes an outdoor terrace.
07. District Winery
Believe it or not, it is fully possible to wed with panoramic water views in the district. One of the best places to do so is the riverfront District Winery in Navy Yard. This sleek, modern venue, the first commercial winery within city bounds, is an excellent choice for couples who aren’t looking to spend massive amounts of time on décor decisions, as all weddings include the use of essentials such as cool leather chairs, custom tables, china and glassware, printed menus, and even small tabletop décor. The outdoor rooftop is the perfect space to exchange vows, the main reception space (capacity: 200) is outfitted with floor-to-ceiling windows, and the comfort food-focused dinner menu includes delectable dishes like breadcrumb-dusted mac ‘n’ cheese, roasted rack of lamb, and buttermilk fried chicken.
08. Meridian House
Built in 1919 and designed by architect John Russell Pope, the same name behind the Jefferson Memorial and the National Gallery of Art, this venue is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. That steeped-in-American-history pedigree is appealing to many Washingtonians, but that’s not all there is to love about the Louis-XVI-style space. Its tucked away location just off Meridian Hill Park offers an air of intimacy—as does dinner served in the library or main gallery hall—and the mini grove of 80-year-old Spanish linden trees provides a whimsical setting for your cocktail hour or ceremony. In terms of capacity, 130 guests are ideal, but the space can fit 200 for a cocktail reception or 150 for seated dinner and dancing.
09. Stone Tower Winery
The surrounding countryside of Maryland and Virginia is home to many bucolic farms and wineries for weddings. A consistent favorite is Stone Tower Winery in Leesburg, Virginia, located just under an hour from the National Mall. Couples after rustic charm will find it here in spades. After a relaxed morning getting ready in a historic on-property farmhouse, you’ll host your outdoor ceremony on the hillside or by the pond, then pose for portraits amidst the oversized wine-making barrels in the Tank Room. Dinner and dancing happen in the stone-accented Vineyard View ballroom, which can accommodate up to 250, and the adjacent terrace is the perfect spot for s’mores or cigars.
10. Gordon Springs
This Purcellville, Virginia newcomer to the Washington area event scene is set on a 30-acre estate surrounded by preserved farmland. On property, the main event space is the rustic-meets-modern 5,000-square-foot Oak Barn, where cocktail hour can spill right out onto the stone terrace. Also on location: a classic red barn that’s the perfect backdrop for portraits, a spacious, stone-walled 18th-century farmhouse that provides ample room for hair and makeup prep, and overnight accommodations for the marrying couple so they don’t have to worry about Ubering elsewhere after the revelry ends.
11. The National Museum of Women in the Arts
For couples who appreciate art and culture, the National Museum of Women in the Arts offers a unique and inspiring venue for weddings. This museum features stunning galleries filled with works by women artists, providing a beautiful backdrop for your ceremony and reception. The museum can accommodate up to 300 guests and offers a range of event spaces, including the grand entrance hall and intimate galleries. The venue’s commitment to celebrating female artists adds a meaningful touch to your special day.
12. The St. Regis Washington, D.C.
The St. Regis Washington, D.C. is synonymous with elegance and sophistication. This luxury hotel features stunning ballrooms and event spaces adorned with crystal chandeliers and rich decor. The Astor Ballroom, with its capacity of 300 guests, is an ideal choice for grand celebrations. The hotel’s dedicated wedding planning team ensures every detail is meticulously managed, allowing couples to enjoy a stress-free experience. With its prime location near the White House and upscale accommodations, The St. Regis is a top choice for couples seeking a lavish wedding.
13. The Hay-Adams Hotel Rooftop
The rooftop of The Hay-Adams offers breathtaking views of the White House and the Washington Monument, making it a picturesque venue for outdoor ceremonies. The space can accommodate up to 250 guests and is surrounded by beautiful gardens. With its historic charm and luxury service, The Hay-Adams is perfect for couples looking to create an unforgettable wedding experience in the heart of the city.
14. The Capital View Room
Located on the rooftop of the historic Washington Court Hotel, the Capital View Room offers stunning views of the U.S. Capitol and the city skyline. This modern venue features floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing for plenty of natural light and a breathtaking backdrop for your ceremony and reception. With a capacity of 200 guests, it’s perfect for both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations. The venue’s experienced team will assist you in planning every detail, ensuring a seamless and memorable event.
15. The Omni Shoreham Hotel
The Omni Shoreham Hotel is a classic Washington, D.C. venue that combines historic charm with modern amenities. Nestled on 11 acres of lush gardens, this hotel offers a variety of elegant event spaces, including the stunning Conservatory and the grand Regency Ballroom. The venue can accommodate up to 1,000 guests, making it an excellent choice for large weddings. With its dedicated wedding planners, world-class catering, and beautiful surroundings, the Omni Shoreham provides a perfect setting for your special day.
