It's your wedding day, and you want it to be perfect down to the last detail. When planning a dream wedding in Washington D.C., the right venue is one where dreams come true. Maybe an outdoor setting with a grand entrance and tranquil gardens fits with your twilight wedding fantasy, or the sophistication of a historic downtown hotel suits your vision of an elegant classic wedding. You can also find a chic museum, a Renaissance-style mansion, a glass-enclosed yacht, an upscale private club, and a swanky penthouse with awe-inspiring panoramic views, meaning that the nation's capital has no shortage of stylish locations for your big day, starting with these 25 dazzling Washington D.C. wedding venues.
Dumbarton House
Dumbarton House
sits on 1.25 acres featuring stunning grounds and gardens ideal for elegant and romantic weddings. Built in the 1800s, it is one of the best examples of architecture from the Federal period and features a collection of impressive decorative art. This acclaimed venue has been featured in several magazines, including Wedding Style, where it remains in their five-star directory.
With their grand entrance, outdoor terraces, tranquil gardens, banquet spaces, and museum-like rooms, it's not hard to see why. In addition to their diverse and picturesque venues, they also provide a list of trusted vendors to assist with every aspect of your wedding planning.
Address: Dumbarton House, 2715 Q Street NW, Washington, DC, Phone: 202-337-2288
Josephine Butler Parks Center
The Josephine Butler Parks Center is a stunning 18,000-square-foot Renaissance-revival style mansion overlooking Meridian Hill Park. It was originally the estate of the Hungarian Embassy to America, but now serves as the home to the Embassy of the Earth.
Couples looking for a wedding boasting a historical feel need not look any further than this venue with its whopping 40 marvelously designed rooms and extraordinary architecture. They also offer outdoor spaces that can have the tables and chairs set up by on-site staff and a spectacular list of preferred vendors to help with everything from music to food.
Address: Josephine Butler Parks Center, 2437 15th Street NW, Washington, DC, Phone: 202-462-7275
Old Ebbitt Grill
Old Ebbitt Grill
is an iconic locale established in 1856 just steps from downtown museums and The White House, a favorite eatery for Presidents Cleveland, Grant, Harding, and Roosevelt. It continues to be a local hot spot today, a favorite for theater-goers, journalists, celebrities, and political insiders, making it a perfect space for a wedding. They feature a variety of opulent and eye-catching rooms for any wedding size, including the Cabinet Room, Oyster Bar, Full Atrium, Rooftop Terrace, Partial Atrium, and Corner Bar Alcove, accommodating anywhere from 25 to 700 guests. For an elegant, out-of-this-world wedding, it must be held at this historical and emblematic venue.
Old Ebbitt Grill, 675 15th Street NW, Washington, DC, Phone: 202-347-4800
The Hay-Adams
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For a classically timeless wedding there is almost no venue more perfect than the historic Hay-Adams, featuring Italian Renaissance architecture with an upscale interior design that boasts Tudor and Elizabeth motifs. Their magnificent views of the White House only enhance their ceremony and reception spaces, offering an elegantly enchanting wedding for the ages. For couples looking for a winter wonderland experience, the Hay-Adams offers a package that includes a complimentary two-night bridal suite, a winter wedding menu prepared by Executive Chef Nicolas Legret, and reduced room block rates. When it comes to romance, grandeur, and unparalleled views, the Hay-Adams has no rivals.
Address: The Hay-Adams, 800 16th Street NW, Washington, DC, Phone: 202-638-6600
Top of the Town
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Top of the Town
is an upscale event space just outside of Washington, DC, that provides unrivaled awe-inspiring panoramic views of the nation's capital, the Potomac River, and all of its most notable monuments. The penthouse that sits atop a hillside features 12-foot-high windows, magnificent chandeliers, a marble hallway and foyer, a wood panel dance floor, lounge furniture, Chiavari chairs, and much more. This beautifully appointed room features an attached outdoor terrace, allowing for up to 180 guests, and offers an exquisite list of preferred vendors, including photographers, musicians, florists, and caterers. For a truly over-the-top opulent wedding, there simply isn't a venue that rivals this one.
1400 N. 14th Street, Arlington, VA, Phone: 703-387-3023