Best Outdoor and Indoor Wedding Venues in Washington DC
Let’s walkthrough some of the best wedding venues in Washington DC. The Washington DC area provides for different styles and moods for unique venues. Locations will cover the Navy Yard, Georgetown, National Mall, Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle, and Logan Circle neighborhood. They range from Modern, Urban, Colonial, Contemporary, Classic, Tudor, and Victorian.
For this very reason, I think it will depend on the vibe you want that fits your style of wedding. For transparency, none are ‘better’ than others as it’s a matter of personal taste. Choosing the best wedding venue is similar to choosing paint colors or the type of house you want to purchase. While this list is numbered, there is no hierarchy in which is the best venue.
This is typically the first place most couples start from. Once a venue is chosen, finding your other vendors will be your next step.
For starters, I’ll do my best to explain a bit about the venue, provide as many details, and list out the pros of each wedding venue. I may be highlighting the location, parking, ease of access, driving distance, logistics of each.
If you have further questions, please contact me. As much as I am a photographer, I am a human too. I will do my best to provide insight based on experience. I’m sure the wedding stress is already beginning to settle in – don’t worry, it happens. I’ll do my best to help!
The Line Hotel
This DC wedding venue is slowly becoming one of my favorites. The rooftop outdoor space can be converted for your ceremony. If a rain plan is necessary, an indoor space is available as well. The church has been renovated into a hotel. It is a one stop shop for prep, ceremony, and reception. The Line Hotel has a few restaurants, a coffee shop, and bar that can be a space for an after party or brunch the day after the wedding.
District Winery
Right in the heart of Navy Yard, it is a popular and fairly new wedding venue. District Winery caters to your needs for your wedding day. They provide space for an outdoor or indoor ceremony. The top level has gorgeous views for sunset. For guests, there is ample parking, plenty of things to do, and is easily walkable to stroll the boardwalk area. They provide space for both the ceremony and reception.
Dock 5 (Union Market)
On the east side of Washington DC, Dock 5 is catered toward an indoor industrial look. Their rooftop space provides for great sunsets portraits. The side of the building has a few art installations allowing for good backdrops. For guests, there is plenty of parking, great lunch options at Union Market and is easily accessible. This venue is perfect for high guest count ceremonies and receptions.
DC War Memorial
Located right in between the Lincoln Memorial and WW2 Memorial, it is a bit of an unknown location. If you’re looking to get married at a monument, but want it to feel like it is a private ceremony, this is the perfect venue. It caters to both large and small ceremonies. Sunrise or sunset in this location are the chef’s kiss. Permits are required and must be requested through National Park Services.
Tudor Place
A very unique venue located in heart of Georgetown. It is a quaint federal style mansion with a lot of garden space. The venue is geared toward smaller weddings (up to 70 people). It is a lovely space for outdoor ceremonies and receptions. My firsthand experience with staff was positive as they were very accommodating to the couple’s needs.
Riggs Library (Georgetown University)
While you cannot get married inside Riggs Library (from what I understand), this space is fantastic for portraits for the bride and groom. The bride attended Georgetown University and she was in love with the library. They had their ceremony at the Dahlgren Chapel of Sacred Heart inside Healy Hall. Photos at Riggs Library requires a special request.
Arena Stage (Mead Center for American Theater)
A beautifully built piece of architecture. Made to showcase American theater, Arena Stage at Mead Center can host a higher guest count wedding for your ceremony and reception. My favorite aspect about the venue are the beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows. You can have the comfort of being indoors but also the beauty of sunlight and sunset at your wedding.
Jefferson Memorial
The Jefferson Memorial is located across the Tidal Basin of the National Mall. A wedding or elopement requires a permit. It is the perfect spot larger bridal party portraits. If you can catch a sunrise or sunset here, it is majestic. It is a bit more public in comparison to other locations. The Washington monument can be your backdrop for portraits as well.
Anderson House
If you are in love with architecture, history, and looking for a classic DC venue, this is it. There is elegance and beauty at every corner. I could go on and on about it, but if you do a walkthrough, you will instantly book this place. The venue is right on Embassy Row between Georgetown and Dupont Circle. The space can be for both indoor or outdoor ceremonies as well as reception. The garden in the back is an added touch of beauty.
The Wharf
There are a few venues at the Wharf in DC that can accommodate for weddings. Overall, I love the Wharf because like Navy Yard, there is a lot to do in the area. You can have your wedding ceremony and reception dinner at one of the restaurants and play it by ear from there. It is a one stop shop, where your guests can stay at one of the hotels, go to the bars for an after party, and safely walk around the boardwalk area.
Dumbarton House
Alongside Tudor Place, Dumbarton House is another beautiful Georgetown Federal style house. The ceremony space is at the back of the house. The lower portion of the house allows for a tented courtyard reception holding around 70 guests.