After photographing weddings for over ten years, I feel like I have seen it all! If you’re a bride-to-be, these venues are some of my absolute favorite in the city. This was so hard to narrow down, but I wanted to only include the most marvelous, sought after spots for Washington DC weddings and narrowed down to these ten breathtaking locations.
#1 The Ritz Carlton (Georgetown Location)
We all know The Ritz as a nationwide trademark for luxurious interiors, high-class service, and prestige. The Ritz Carlton in Georgetown is no different, but what I absolutely love the most about this location is their modern and approachable take on such a classic venue. Envision exposed brick, high ceilings, floor to ceiling windows and an outdoor urban garden where you can host your ceremony or cocktail hour.
My personal favorite detail from a hospitality standpoint is their lobby aka “The Living Room” which is exactly that. Plush couches, a beautiful fireplace, and depending on the time of year you can find a complimentary stocked bar filled with hot chocolate, coffee, candy..etc… Your guests can enjoy The Living Room as a place to go and lounge with some cocktails and appetizers during the wedding weekend festivities.
(Wedding of the photo above planned by Anne Kelley Events
Florals by Philippa Tarrant)
#2 DAR (Daughters of American Revolution)
In the heart of our capital lives Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). I can’t emphasize the class of this venue enough! You’re absolutely guaranteed to have your guests breathless as they enter the pillared entrance and have the Washington Monument as your ceremony backdrop and dance the night away in the outdoor portico amongst the DC monuments.
(Wedding of photo above planned by Kelley Canon Events
Florals by Holly Chapple)
If you’re looking to impress your guests with the best views of the city, you might want to choose The Hay Adams. This iconic luxury hotel is in the heart of DC with many walkable locations for portraits, such as Lafayette Park. Most importantly, it overlooks some of our country’s most notable and recognizable buildings– The White House and The Washington Monument! Portraits on the rooftop with the Washington Monument and The White House as your backdrop, or having your reception take place with the DC sunset as your backdrop is a wonderful way to welcome out of town visitors to your city.
Portraits on the rooftop with the Washington Monument and The White House as your backdrop, or having your reception take place with the DC sunset as your backdrop is a wonderful way to welcome out of town visitors to your city
(Wedding of the photo above planned by Bright Occasions)
A mile north of the White House is the home of charming Meridian House which is on over 3 acres of the most beautiful manicured gardens. The inside of this historic home showcases the most beautiful green library that makes for the most cozy dinner setting in candlelight. Outside of the house is The Linden Grove which have over 40 Linden trees that were donated by the French ambassador and make for the perfect spot for cocktail hour or your wedding ceremony with the house as the perfect backdrop.
With all it’s rich history and lovely gardens, Meridian House is nothing but pure elegance and the most beautiful wedding venue for the quintessential DC wedding.
Congressional Country Club is the perfect spot for the classic, timeless bride. This 18-hole course is lined with luscious scenery and has been updated by the world’s most relevant architects. It’s perfect for the combination of indoor/outdoor. Their outdoor terrace makes for the perfect cocktail hour setting while their prestigious ballroom is perfect for dancing. We love going to the 18th hole for the iconic image of the club in the background!
#6 National Museum of Women in the Arts
This high-ceilinged, marble-floored and gorgeously chandeliered treasure of a venue. Imagine the cocktails to be had while your guests gaze at some of the finest modern art DC has to offer! My absolute favorite detail of NMWZ is their grand staircase which makes for the perfect bride and groom entrance into the reception!
Built in 1905, (I have such a soft spot for historic DC venues) the Anderson House is known for its rich history, stunning architecture and the beautiful fine art that lives inside it. This location is highly renowned for its old world charm that makes you feel like you could be in a romantic European villa instead of the heart of DC. The house is constantly displaying exhibitions of art and history and is truly a majestic venue, and the majestic outdoor pool is the perfect setting for cocktail hour or the perfect reception dinner underneath the stars.
I cannot recommend this place enough to those looking for an enchanting and luxurious wedding experience.
“An elegant oasis” are the words I would use to describe this venue. But that’s not the only thing that sets this venue apart from others like it. If you choose the Omni Shoreham Hotel, you’ll join the footsteps of the presidents and world leaders that have entered inside its truly beautiful interior. You can dance in the same spot many inaugural balls have been held before you. There is a reason so many influential people have come and gone through the Omni Hotel: the stunning scenery. The outdoor garden and terrace are unparalleled, to say the least, and make the most iconic ceremony spot.
(Wedding of the photo above planned by Sara Muchnick)
This backdrop will blow you away. Potomac View Terrace is the place for a wide-open wedding. Chances might be that you might even amaze the tourists passing by! Whether you’re outdoors or on the roof-top, you won’t be disappointed by the classic DC view. The building offers unparalleled views of the U.S. Capitol, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Pentagon, Air Force Memorial, Memorial Bridge, and the Potomac River. Literally, the best of DC under one roof!
(Photo above planned by Pam Barefoot Events and flowers by Chapple Flowers)
This house has been through a lot. I mean a lot, a lot. It might be one of the oldest surviving houses in DC! Across Lafayette Square from the White House sits this marvelous piece of history– Decatur House! It’s got everything a classic Washington wedding could ask for and has been considered one of the top wedding venues in DC since 1999. This is one of the most customizable spaces I’ve seen as a photographer so I highly recommend letting your imagination take you to dream-wedding heaven!
(Wedding above planned by Karson Butler Events, florals by Amarllyis)
Surprise! I added an 11th wild card venue! If you’re thinking of a contemporary and urban wedding, then you will love DC’s newest wedding venue, The Conrad Hotel. The Conrad house is a posh oasis in the middle of the city. The hotel’s atrium, the terraces that trace the gardens, and the interior is as modern as it gets. So if the historic landmarks littering DC just doesn’t do it for you, you can take a break from the white pillars and go totally modern at The Conrad Hotel!
So, there you have it. Ten of the best and most luxurious venues in Washington, D.C. I hope this was helpful to any bride-to-be out there on the search for that perfect DC wedding venue!
If you you have any other favorites, let me know in the comments below– I’d love to know if we missed any!
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