As a DC wedding photographer, I shoot in a lot of different wedding venues. So, I made a list and reviewed what I consider to be the best wedding venues in DC. I will be giving you the necessary information and links for planning a wedding at one of these hotels and venues.

 

The Willard InterContinental DC

Here is a link to a wedding I photographed at the Willard Hotel.

 

Location and History

The Willard InterContinental Hotel is located at 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW. The hotel is just 2 blocks from the White House. The property started with 6 buildings that were put together in 1847 and was named the Willard Hotel. In 1922 the hotel suffered a major fire. That didn’t stop them. The hotel was rebuilt and continued to sever guest.

Due to a decline in the area and management problems the hotel shut down in 1968 and didn’t re-open until 1986.

There are so many things of historical importance that happened here at the Willard Hotel.

A few days before the famous March on Washington. It is said the famous speech “I have a dream” By Martin Luther King, Jr. was composed from his Willard hotel room.

The Willard is luxury hotel that is rich in history. As a DC wedding photographer this is a great place to photograph a wedding.

 

Planning a wedding at The Willard

The Willard offers a variety of 19 elegant spaces that can accommodate up to 350 guests. Click here for more information on planning your wedding at the Willard.

Area Restaurants and Entertainment

Your guests will have plenty to do, centrally located to the best DC has to offer and just two blocks from the White House.

1. Round Robin Bar
2. Lillies Italian Restaurant & Bar
3. The Occidental
4. The Hamilton
5. Old Ebbitt Grill
6. White House Visitors Center
7. National Theatre
8. Shttp://thenationaldc.com/mithsonian Museums
9. Lincoln Memorial
10. DC Brew Tours

 

 

The Mayflower

Here is a link to a wedding I photographed at The Mayflower Hotel

Location and History

The Mayflower is an elegant, timeless Hotel that is second to none. Located on Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC, just blocks from the Farragut North Metro station. The Mayflower opened in 1925 with 440 rooms and now has grown to 581 rooms, 67 suites and 2 Presidential suites. They are the largest luxury hotel in the area and one of the best wedding venues in DC.

 

Planning a wedding at The Mayflower

When planning a wedding at The Mayflower you will have several ball rooms to fit your needs. Chick here for more planning information. There are 3 Ballrooms and 3 other event rooms:

1. Grand Ballroom
2. Palm Court Ballroom
3. District Ballroom
4. Chinese Room
5. State Room
6. East Room

In 1925 the Inaugural ball for President Calvin Coolidge took place here. 1,150 guests can be accommodated when combining the Grand ballroom and the Chinese room.

 

Area Restaurants and Entertainment

Just steps from the door of the Mayflower are  great restaurants, taverns and entertainment.

1. Morton’s Steakhouse
2. Kellari Taverna
3. Barcode
4. Le Desales
5. Mari Vanna DC
6. The Magic Duel
7. Renwick Gallery
8. National Geographic Museum
9. The Good Liar Brian Curry
10. Public Bar Live

 

Mansion on O street

Click here to see one of my most unique weddings  from the Mansion On O Street.

You better keep an eye on your couple here. There are hidden passages all over the place.

 

Location and History

Mansion On O Street is located at 2020 O Street NW, DC, in the historic neighborhood of Dupont Circle. This luxury Boutique Hotel is 4 attached row homes with a total footprint of 30,000 square feet, 100 rooms and can hold up to 200 guests for an event. Every inch of space on walls or shelves are filled with art, collectables, guitars, and photographs. There is even a room with 30 or so chandeliers. Each room is different and offering 70 hidden passages. It is so hard to describe, that seeing in person is really the only way to comprehend.

 

Planning a wedding at the Mansion

There are a few things to consider when planning a wedding at Mansion On O Street.

1. Where will everyone be getting ready before the ceremony. I recommend the Rosa Parks Safe House. It is located across the street and can accommodate 14 guests. Spend the night with your bridal party in one of the most eccentric places to stay in DC.
2. Add the coat check. If you lay your coat down in one of the many themed rooms, you may never find it.
3. Get the Valet. Parking is always a challenge in DC. Helping out your guests with this will go a long way.

You and your guest will be entertained by all the glory the Mansion has to offer.

 

Restaurants and Entertainment

1. Urbana
2. Taberna del Alabaredo
3. Asia 54
4. Del Sur Cafe
5. Obelisk
6. The Philips Collection, America’s first museum of modern art
7. Eighteenth Street Lounge
8. DC Improv
9. Tiny Jewel Box
10. Woodrow Wilson House

 

Sofitel Washington DC

The Sofitel is a sophisticated, French inspired boutique hotel.

 

Location and History

The Sofitel Hotel is located at 806 15^th Street NW, DC in the historic neighborhood of Lafayette Square. The property dates back to 1925. President, Andrew Johnson and President, Woodrow Wilson both lived here. In 1964, the Sofitel Hotel opened their first property in Strasbourg, France. Growing their properties worldwide, they finally made it to Washington, DC in 1999. As soon as you open the doors, you feel the French inspired atmosphere. The staff is attentive, very polished and eager to create an unforgiveable experience.

 

Planning a wedding at The Sofitel Hotel

The Sofitel is one of the best venues in DC for a wedding. These are some of the highlights. Click here for more planning information.

1. Glamorous Paris Ballroom
2. French fare and great wine
3. 5 multi-purpose room
4. 237 rooms and 24 suites
5. Centrally located to the best DC has to offer

 

Restaurants and Entertainment

Just steps outside the hotel, the guests have access to the best DC has to offer. This is why the Sofitel Hotel is one of the best wedding venues in DC. Check out these great places.

1. Bobby Van’s Steakhouse
2. Davon & Blakely
3. Joes’ Stone Crab
4. Sushi Gakyu
5. Siroc Restaurant
6. Ford’s Theatre
7. Ellipse Rooftop Bar
8. The Mirror
9. Smithsonian Museum of American History
10. Library Of Congress

 

 

 

The Hay-Adams

The Hay-Adams Is historic, elegant luxury brand hotel for discerning guests.

 

Location and History

The Hay-Adams is located at 800 16^th Street NW, DC., across the street from the White House

In the historic neighborhood of Lafayette Square. The property site was, in 1885 the homes of John Hay and Henry Adams. The homes were purchased in 1927 and leveled. In 1928 the hotel opened and named The Hay-Adams House. After several owners and sight name changes, B.F. Saul Company purchased the hotel in 2006 and is now named The Hay-Adams. Not to scare anyone off by a ghost story, but The Hay-Adams has one. Wife of Henry Adams took her life in 1885 on this property. It is said she walks the halls with a almond smell. One of the great assets of the hotel is the view, which overlooks the White House and Washington Monument.

 

Planning a wedding at The Hay-Adams

The Hay-Adams has 145 rooms, 2 restaurants and can accommodate 250 guests for events. Click here for more information on planning a wedding at The Hay-Adams. The view is everything, so make sure you check sunset time for your event. These are a few things to think about when planning a wedding here.

1. Time of sunset
2. Photos at the Rose Garden
3. World-Class catering team
4. Panoramic rooftop views

 

Restaurants and Entertainment

1. Lafayette Restaurant
2. The Oval Room
3. The Bombay Club
4. Rare Steakhouse & Tavern
5. Joe’s Stone Crabs
6. Ellipse Rooftop Bar
7. White House
8. Lincoln Memorial
9. Ford’s Theater
10. The Good Liar Brian Curry

 

 

Trump National Golf Club Washington DC

The standard of excellence is amplified at the Trump National Golf Club, DC. Sophistication, luxury and elegance are just a few words to describe a wedding here. Click here to view a wedding I photographed at this venue.

 

Location and History

Located on the doorsteps of Washington, DC, this 600 acre private golf club, is open to non-members for wedding and events. The Trump National Golf Club was purchased in 2009 and spent $25 million on renovations. In 2017, the Senior PGA Championship was held here. This is truly a magical place for a wedding.

 

Planning a wedding at Trump National Golf Club DC

The Trump National Golf Club can be an experience of a lifetime. It is a private club, but you don’t have to be a member to have an event here. Click here for more planning information. Things to know about having your wedding here.

1. Outdoor ceremony site on top of a waterfall
2. Stunning views overlooking the golf course
3. Grand Ballroom, floor to ceiling windows, Vista views
4. Accommodates 250 guests
5. Impeccable service

 

Hotels and restaurants

1. Hyatt Place Sterling/Dulles Airport-North
2. Hampton Inn Dulles-Cascades
3. Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Sterling Dulles
4. Hyatt Regency Reston
5. Courtyard by Marriott Dulles Town Center
6. SlapFish
7. Sweetwater Tavern
8. Mokomandy
9. DC Prime Steaks Lobsters
10. Normandie Farm Resturant

 

 

 

 

Top Of The Town

 

Having your wedding here will keep your guest entertained all night with jaw dropping views of Washington, DC.

Location and History

Top Of The Town is located just across the Potomac River at 1400 14^th Street N, Arlington, VA 22209. Don’t let the address fool you. This sought after venue has one of the best views of Washington, DC. The stunning views not only attract discerning couples but also have been home to movies and television shows. Captain America, Wedding Crashers, and House of Cards are just a few of the shows that have used this venue.

 

Planning a wedding at the Top Of The Town

Being one of the best wedding venues with a view of DC., book your date early. List below are a few things to keep in mind. Click here for more information on planning your wedding at the Top Of The Town.

1. Beware of sunset time for photos
2. Floor-to- ceiling windows
3. View overlooks the Potomac River and the monuments of DC
4. 180 guests
5. Indoor and Outdoor ceremony options

Hotels, Restaurants and Entertainment

1. Residence Inn Marriott Rosslyn Arlington
2. Georgetown Inn DC
3. Four Seasons Hotel DC
4. State Plaza Hotel DC
5. Fairmont Hotel Washington, DC
6. Menjana
7. Sushi Rock
8. El Fuego
9. Burger District
10. Bangkok 54 Restaurant & Bar

 

HEAD ON OVER

These are some of the best wedding venues in DC. I hope this helps you pick a venue that will be perfect for your wedding. Here are some more great blogs for planning your wedding.

Do I Really Need A Second Photographer

Wedding Ideas With Personality

I would love to hear from you, so please head over to my website at Wedding By Lee and say hi.

Cheers and Happy Planning,

Lee Hickman

202-744-0341

Lee@weddingbylee.com

www.weddingbylee.com