Getting married in the nation’s capital is perhaps as iconic as it gets. Monument-studded sunset views, century-old architecture, and luxurious hotels are just a few of DC’s most elegant wedding options.
While it may be number 13 on the list of the most expensive places to get married in the US (requiring budgets starting around $37,000), the city offers both a rich history and sophistication that is unmatched.
For those looking to plan a very DC-themed “I do,” check out these 11 best wedding venues in DC.
Dumbarton House
Located in Georgetown, Dumbarton House is the definition of picture-perfect.
The house museum’s classic elegance and original architecture contrasted with its lush gardens and stone accents make it the ultimate year-round destination.
Not only does the location feature the North Garden, with fairytale trees and greenery, but the Upper Terrace and Belle Vue Room are also available. These are fabulous spaces for ceremonies, cocktails, and dancing throughout the evening.
Even better? The venue is fully women-owned!
Price Range: $150 to $9,800.
Capacity: Up to 200 guests.
Find Dumbarton House at Dumbarton House or check out Facebook or Instagram.
National Press Club
The National Press Club has played host to presidents, kings, queens, and luminaries like Charlie Chaplin and Andrew Carnegie—as well as many brides and grooms!
The 100-year-old venue (formerly a place for newspapermen to play card games and share drinks) is perhaps one of DC’s most in-demand wedding destinations.
Inside, you’ll find high ceilings, natural light, wood floors, and plenty of adjoining rooms to accommodate ceremonies and receptions of all sizes.
Plus, with its proximity to the National Mall, guests can easily stay at any of the nearby hotels and enjoy the surrounding monuments and museums.
Price Range: Starts at $6,800.
Capacity: Up to 225 guests.
Find National Press Club at National Press Club or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Larz Anderson House
Dating back to 1905, Larz Anderson House is an intimate yet ornate Gilded Age mansion that provides an Italian escape in the heart of DC.
With its flying staircase, gothic touches, and dreamy paintings, the space encompasses quiet grandeur—featuring a ballroom, a dining room (one of the best in the city), and a walled garden.
The home is known for visually transporting couples and their guests to Florence, and making everyone—guests and couples alike—wish the day would never end.
What’s more: The house is only two blocks from the Dupont Circle Metro station and offers parking options nearby.
Price Range: $13,000 to $15,000.
Capacity: Up to 130 guests.
Find Larz Anderson House at Larz Anderson House or check out Instagram.
District Wharf: Dockmaster Building
For couples looking to take their wedding ceremony to the next level, this waterfront view (ideal at sunset) is the epitome of DC magic.
With the backdrop of sailboats, yachts, and twinkling city lights, weddings on the pier at District Wharf are a unique way to say “I do”—as well as tie in the city’s iconic Washington Channel.
Inside the enclosed top-level area, wedding parties can enjoy dinner or dance with floor-to-ceiling window views of the waterfront.
Plus, the area’s close proximity to a metro station, restaurants, and hotels make it ideal for couples and their families, guests, and out-of-town photographers.
Price Range: $6,500 to $8,000.
Capacity: Up to 140 guests.
Find District Wharf at District Wharf or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Willard InterContinental
Arguably one of the most extravagant venues in the entire city, the Willard InterContinental is a five-star historic landmark hotel.
The Grand Ballroom, with its warm color scheme, landscape mural, and crystal chandeliers, offers a wedding aesthetic fit for royalty.
Looking to incorporate some history? The Crystal Room was the hotel’s original ballroom and features its original design with gold leaf moldings and marble columns—plus, it’s ideal for dancing.
Similar to the Crystal Room, the Willard Room served as the original dining area and is perfect for catering a delicious dinner before an evening of dancing with a DC backdrop.
Breathtaking elegance and glamour encompass any nuptials hosted here and the onsite team is all about making your dreams come true.
Price Range: Starts at $20,000.
Capacity: Up to 280 guests.
Find Willard InterContinental at Willard InterContinental or check out Facebook or Instagram.
The Perry Belmont House
Frequently topping the list for luxury DC weddings, Perry Belmont House is iconic for its out-of-this-world opulence.
Created specifically for hosting and entertaining, the space was practically made to make a statement—with its sunbathed rooms, soaring white marble staircase, 60-foot vaulted ceilings, and ornate gold drapes.
Brides with elaborate wedding day looks will adore the home’s various rooms and spaces, which all provide the perfect backdrop for a romantic, Parisian-inspired affair.
Price Range: $2,500 to $12,500.
Capacity: Up to 200 guests.
Find the Perry Belmont House at Perry Belmont House or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Josephine Butler Parks Center
Formerly home to the Hungarian and Brazilian Embassy, this “Embassy to the Earth” offers a green and non-profit-benefiting option for the big day.
Josephine Butler Parks Center is a Renaissance-revival mansion that possesses soft colors and 40 luxurious rooms for dreamy nuptials, not to mention a gorgeous fountain and Meridian Hill Park treeline views.
Once the host to presidents, the mansion now opens its doors to couples and guests, offering unlimited use of tables, chairs, audio, lighting, and projectors.
Price Range: Starts at $2,500.
Capacity: Up to 225 guests.
Find the Josephine Butler Parks Center at Josephine Butler Parks Center or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Long View Gallery
This 8,500-square-foot art gallery is the epitome of everything “DC.”
With exposed ceilings, finished concrete floors, and an array of international artwork, it is simple and perfectly sophisticated.
Long View Gallery also boasts a dedicated kitchen for catering, allowing the big day to be as contained and stress-free as possible.
Of note, Blagden Alley nearby is a common spot for wedding party shots with a mural backdrop.
Price Range: Starts at $10,000.
Capacity: Up to 400 guests.
Find Long View Gallery at Long View Gallery or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Meridian House
Comprised of some of the best French architecture in the United States, Meridian House is a little over a mile from the White House, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Couples who choose to marry here enjoy a convenient location, a luxurious European-styled interior, and lush grounds—perfect for strolling, cocktail in hand.
For the best full bloom gardens and property views, the venue recommends booking wedding celebrations between April and October.
Pro tip: The library, with its massive arched windows and soft green paint, is a stunning spot for couples’ photos.
Price Range: Starts at $14,000.
Capacity: Up to 200 guests.
Find Meridian House at Meridian House or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Mellon Auditorium
Brides and grooms with a large guest list: Look no further! Mellon Auditorium has a capacity for 1,000 guests and is known for being one of DC’s largest luxury venues!
It offers a variety of gorgeous, neoclassical areas perfect for ceremonies, receptions, cocktails, and dancing—as well as towering 62-foot columns and dramatic lighting to set the ultimate mood.
Outside, massive gold and black lanterns, and a sweeping stone archway make the perfect, romantic backdrop.
Price Range: $300-$500 per person.
Capacity: Up to 1,000 guests.
Find the Mellon Auditorium at Mellon Auditorium or check out Instagram.
The Schuyler DC
Known as the capital’s most versatile venue, this gorgeous building (set inside the Hamilton Hotel) is nothing short of perfectly customizable.
With two grand levels, The Schuyler DC offers 12,000 square feet of event space and over 4,000 square feet of pre-function space.
The main contemporary ballroom is ideal for brides who have a clear vision for their big day but haven’t found a venue that will make their wedding dreams come to life—look no further, this is your place!
Price Range: Starts at $10,000.
Capacity: Up to 500 guests.
Find The Schuyler DC at The Schuyler DC or check out Facebook or Instagram.
