Are you trying to find a venue for your wedding or event in Washington DC?
Washington DC is full of amazing venues for every type of event - weddings at a world-class museum, corporate conference at a large-capacity hotel, networking event by the waterfront, elegant gala at an embassy, vendor luncheon at an award-winning restaurant, where does one even start? If you've found a few options based on your research from the venue's website and event package but wanted to see more before you go all in with a venue tour, I'd love to share some venue pictures from weddings and events I photographed to help you in your planning process.
While I haven't photographed at every DC venue, I will be updating this blog post periodically. This list will be alphabetized by venue name. Use CTRL+F to do a search for the venue of your interest - hope it's here!
District Pier at The Wharf
It's hard to miss the District Pier at The Wharf in DC for your next event. With 8,000 sq ft of tent-able space extending into the Washington Channel, enjoy stunning views of the Wharf and Washington Monument. You can reserve sections or the entire pier, which includes access to the Dockmaster Building. Adjacent to the Anthem, it's ideal for pre-gala events. With an outdoor capacity of 800, host concerts, weddings, or team-building days with ease, and enjoy breathtaking sunsets and optional fireworks displays for a memorable experience.
Below images are from an industry networking event I photographed.
Kreeger Museum
Kreeger Museum is located a 2401 Foxhall Rd NW, Washington, DC 20007. This stunning venue offers standing receptions, seated dinners, business meetings, and vow exchanges. With access to indoor and outdoor spaces, including the Great Hall with its 25-foot vaulted ceilings and parquet flooring, Kreeger Museum accommodates up to 150 standing or 100 seated guests. Conveniently located near Georgetown, the Kreeger Museum provides an elegant backdrop for unforgettable events.
Below are a few favorites from a wedding I photographed at Kreeger Museum.
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center is located right outside of Washington DC and hosts many regional large events. Located in National Harbor, Maryland, it offers over 600,000 square feet of flexible event space along the Potomac River. With numerous meeting rooms, ballrooms, and exhibit halls, it's ideal for conferences, conventions, and corporate events of all sizes. The max room capacity at Gaylord National is10,000 people.
Below are examples of the venue space from a scientific conference I photographed.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
NMAAHC, located in the center of the National Mall, is a newer DC Smithsonian Museum dedicated to the history and culture of African Americans. It offers incredible event venue spaces with thoughtful architecture designs to with historical and culture representation. Heritage Hall, located on the entry level, is an expansive space perfect for a stylish reception or gala for up to 2500 guests. On the lower level, be awestruck by performances inside the Oprah Winfrey Theater, which seats up to 350 people. For smaller event space needs, consider Solomon Brown Suite & Terrace on the top floor (the views are incredible), Corona Level Gallery Balconies, and Concourse Atrium.
Below are from a gala I photographed.
National Museum of Women in the Arts
National Museum of Women in the Arts is located in downtown DC at 1250 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005. After a two-year renovation, the museum and event space is back for bookings in fall of 2023. In addition to celebrating women artists around the world from past to present, the museum's crowning jewel of event space is the Great Hall and Mezzanine. With classical designs and a three-tiered grand chandelier to illuminate the space, the Great Hall and Mezzanine is perfect for galas, wedding receptions, cocktail receptions, and more! Other available spaces include Elisabeth A. Kasser Board Room (great for private meetings), Third Floor Gallery (host a cocktail reception surrounded by art), and Performance Hall (host a performance or lecture for up to 200 people).
Below are images from a corporate holiday party.
Thompson Washington D.C., by Hyatt
Thompson Washington DC By Hyatt is located in Navy Yard at 221 Tingey St SE, Washington, DC 20003. Choose from five difference spaces to fit your needs at this luxury hotel with modern architecture and delightful views of the Capital waterfront. The Private Bar, which can host up to 75 person, offers bright ambiance and rooftop views. It can be booked with All's Well (capacity 60 person) for a ceremony and reception combination. Other available spaces include the Private Dining Room (24 person), The Nook (16 person), Wind Room (16 person), which are all great options for intimate gatherings, workshops, and meals.
Below images are from an intimate elopement ceremony and reception. See more from the day on the elopement blog.
Tudor Place
Tudor Place is one of my favorite wedding venues in Washington DC for smaller intimate gatherings. It's perfect for a spring and summer garden wedding or party. Tudor Place can host weddings for up to 70 guests. Outdoor spaces include Bowling Green (a popular choice for wedding ceremonies), South Lawn, and East Lawn. Each of the outdoor spaces has their own garden look. For an indoor option, the on-site Dower House can host a small gathering of 25 seated or 40 standing. For wedding couples, this space is typically used for getting ready and indoor portraits.
Below I am featuring a few images from intimate weddings I've photographer at Tudor Place.
Check out full wedding blogs for a spring wedding and a late summer wedding.
Waldorf Astoria Hotel
Waldorf Astoria Washington DC is centrally located in downtown DC and boasts 38,000 square feet of event space options within the facilities. Choose from 17 meeting room of various sizes from a capacity of 9 in the Eisenhower Room to o1300 in the Presidential Ballroom. There is plenty of charm and luxury inside the hotel facilities, especially for those who love being near American history. In addition to event spaces, The Bazaar by DC's renowned chef, Jose Andres, is also a gathering space perfect for networking with good food and drinks.