D.C. Wedding Venues We Love!

Bride on the balcony of The Mandarin. Photo by Isacson Studios.

For all of the brides who just got engaged over the holidays, one of the first decisions to make is when to hold the big event followed closely by where to hold the big day. Although the Washington, D.C. area has tons of venues, we've decided to feature some of our favorites over the next few days.

Keep in mind that the size of your wedding as well as personal taste and budget may eliminate some of these options for you but all are places that we think are fabulous! Also, keep in mind that there are lots of great sites that we may not mention. These are just a few of our faves (and everyone on our team has different ones). When we start working with couples, we use our database of hundreds of sites to find the perfect match. This is just a taste, but enjoy!

The Willard
I love the historic ambiance of the hotel and the grandeur of the lobby and Peacock Alley. The Crystal Room is a stunning setting for a ceremony, the Willard Room is my new favorite spot in the city and the ballroom is beautiful (especially with votives lining the ledge above). The catering staff is wonderful and the suites are to-die-for. The location (right across from the White House) isn't bad, either.

Photo by Fotobriceno

The Mandarin Oriental Hotel
I love the Mandarin for its sleek ballrooms, gorgeous garden (ceremony or cocktails) and amazing catering team. This hotel can handle large weddings but can also do smaller events nicely. It is always fun to work here! Not to mention that it has the best spa in the city. By far.

Photo by Isacson Studios

The Mellon Auditorium
I have done some of my most spectacular weddings here and it takes my breath away every time. You just can't beat the magnificence of the main hall and the enormous columns. The upstairs terrace is the coolest place for an after-dinner lounge with a killer view of the Washington Monument.

Photo by Greg Gibson

The DAR
Another great venue for a smaller wedding (125-150 is perfect) with perhaps the city's best backdrop (the Washington Monument) for a ceremony. The portico is an amazing setting for a ceremony or even just dancing after dinner in the O'Byrne Gallery. Great location and great for photos!

Photo by Babs Evangelista

The Corcoran
After a brief wedding hiatus, The Corcoran is back and we are thrilled! I've done ceremonies on the grand staircase, cocktails on the bridge overlooking the atriums and dinner and dancing below. I love the versatility of the space!

The Hotel Monaco
And last, but certainly not least, is the site of my recent New Year's Eve wedding. The Hotel Monaco in D.C. is perfect for 175 guests, and its ballroom has such personality. I love the mix of historical details and modern whimsy. The hotel's wide hallways and spiral staircase are great for photos plus the catering staff is always wonderful!

Photo by Greg Gibson

More favorites sites tomorrow so stay tuned!
Laura