Washington DC Wedding Venues

Wedding Venues in Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. is definitely the wedding destination for the couple who wants to be at the center of American history and politics. Filled with gardens, elegant hotels, historic inns and museums, choosing a wedding venue in Washington D.C. can certainly seem like a daunting task. Hopefully some of the fabulous venues we list below will help narrow down your decision.

When to Have Your Wedding in Washington, D.C.? Of course, that all depends on the type of wedding you want. The Autumn months gift couples with beautiful Fall colors, while the holiday months of November through December are alive with festive holiday decorations. And, let's not forget the lovely cherry blossoms of Spring. Whichever time you choose to say "I do" in Washington, D.C., some of the more fabulous wedding venues include:

The Washington Mall

First, let's start with the Washington Mall, site of many gatherings, demonstrations and historic events over the years. While you're not able to have your ceremony at the Washington Monument, there are several places on the Mall which allow weddings, such as the Tidal Basin and the grounds of the Jefferson Memorial. The National Mall sites accommodate about 200. For a permit request, go to http://www.nps.gov/nama/planyourvisit/upload/10-930%20Special%20Park%20Uses%201-10-08%20with%20Credit%20Card%20Form-2.pd

Washington D.C. Museums

Museums are popular venues for weddings, and Washington D.C. is filled with museums which rent out their facilities to wedding parties. Below are just some of the museums you may want to consider:

National Museum of Women in the Arts

This is the only museum in the world dedicated to the contributions of women artists. For wedding ceremonies and receptions, the National Museum of Women in the Arts offers many unforgettable settings, including the Great Hall and Mezzanine with a marble reception area and ballroom which can accommodate 500 - 800 guests, and the Third Floor Gallery suitable for small seated dinners. For more information, call their Special Events Office at 202-783-7366 or 202-783-7988.

Dumbarton House

The Dumbarton House, built around 1800, is a great example of Federal period architecture. It's mission is to "preserve the historic structure and its collections and to educate the public about life in Washington, DC, during the early years of the Republic." It's also a fine setting for elegant wedding receptions, where couples and their guests have use of the Belle Vue Room, as well as their outdoor gardens and terraces. The Belle Vue Room boasts light wood-paneled floors, walls paneled in pale yellow fabric, and thirteen foot white coffered ceilings.

For more information, or to schedule a visit, call 202-337-2288, extension 227, or email Events@DumbartonHouse.org.

Decatur House

Located on Lafayette Square across from the White House, the Decatur House provides visitors with a glimpse into nearly 200 years of Washington history, as well as provide education programs related to the study and history of the White House. It's a fabulous venue for a wedding, offering couples several different romantic sites, including: The Carriage House, with its spacious ballroom, 20-foot vaulted ceilings and wall of windows; The Courtyard featuring 19th-century garden beds and a fountain and the Entertaining Parlors for more intimate weddings. For more information, call 202-842-0917.

Washington D.C. Cruise Weddings

While Washington D.C. has a large selection of historic homes, inns and museums to choose from for your wedding, you may also want to consider having your wedding while cruising the Potomac River. The Spirit of Washington and Odyssey Cruises both offer their ships for weddings, providing couples with gorgeous views of Washington D.C., which serves as a lovely backdrop for wedding photos.

The Spirit of Washington boasts panoramic views from every window, while Odyssey Cruises won The Knot's 2007 Pick for "Best of Weddings." You can choose from several different packages, including ceremonies with receptions and a ceremony-only package. You can begin your wedding planning with either ship by calling 866-404-8439.

Washington D.C. Hotel Weddings

The Mansion on O

Built in the 19th and 20 centuries and located in Dupont Circle, The Mansion on O has been featured in some of the most popular bridal magazines as one of THE venues for a wedding in Washington D.C. They've hosted events for heads of state, foreign dignitaries, artists, musicians, and writers, so planning a wedding that is unique to you is right up their alley. In fact, their website states that

"If you want a “cookie cutter” wedding, anniversary party or business meeting—where everything is “nice” but very predictable and ordinary—we suggest you go elsewhere."

The Mansion on O will help you plan a wedding for just the two of you, on up to 300 guests. They can handle all aspects of the planning, from custom invitations to the wedding cake. You can email them at events@omansion.com for more information.

Four Seasons Hotel Washington

Just a 5-minute drive from the White House, Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. is not only a prime luxury hotel for travelers, boasting a two-lane indoor saltwater lap pool and French limestone or marble bathrooms, but it's also a great place for weddings. They offer several different wedding packages, including "Afternoon Tea," "Love is Love" and "Indian Style" wedding packages. Call them at 1-800-819-5053 for more info.

The Hay-Adams House

Located across from the White House in Lafayette Square, The Hay-Adams is named after a couple residents who used to live on its site: John Hay, who was the private assistant to President Lincoln, and Henry James, descendant of U.S. Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams. Since it's opening in 1928, the Hay-Adams House has drawn guests from all over who are treated to views of the White House, Lafayette Square and St. John's Church.

The Hay-Adams House will plan every detail of your wedding, from the invitation to memorable farewells. They also plan romantic activities for the couple, such as romantic couples massages, sunset cruises on the Potomac and limo tours of Washington D.C. For more information call them at 202-638-6600.

Gardens of Washington D.C.

A garden wedding is always special. In many cities it's the city botanical gardens where couples go for the romantic touch that only a garden can give. In Washington D.C., it's the U.S. National Arboretum which is THE garden venue for weddings. Here you'll find the beautiful Dogwood collection which provides the spectacular backdrop to your wedding. And your wedding photos.

The Arboretum is available for wedding ceremonies and/or receptions. If you have your wedding elsewhere, you are still able to pay a fee and use the site for your wedding photography. For information about having your ceremony or reception at the Arboretum, contact the events office at 202-245-2708. For wedding photography only, call 202-245-4544.

Synonyms: Washington D.C., washingtondc and Distric of Columbia are used synonymously. Weddind, weeding, weding, weddin, wdding, edding, weddding, and weddign are typos for "wedding."