Dear brides, I know how hard it is to find a venue. There are SO MANY out there! Where do you even start? Having photographed my fair share of weddings, I have some locations I absolutely LOVE! Check out the best wedding venues in Washington DC. Hope these tips are helpful in planning your wedding.
#1 Andrew Mellon Auditorium
The Andrew Mellon is the most grand venue in Washington DC, hands down. Also, if you have a lot of guests, this is your place. The classic architecture outside is also perfect for portraits. Check out more of Tubi + Jahi’s tropical wedding.
#2 Anderson House
This is the one place in DC where you get that estate feel within the city. Once you pass the gates, you enter a place filled with history and amazing architecture. My favorite location to shoot is the beautiful courtyard pool. It creates the most timless portraits and the perfect place for your cocktail hour too! Click here to see more Abby + Marcus’ wedding on Martha Stewart!
#3 Ritz-Carlton Georgetown
If you are looking for a venue with exposed brick, the Ritz- Carlton Georgetown is your spot. The location is also in the heart of Georgetown, which makes is easy to take portraits around the city. 
#4 The Fairmont Washington DC
The Fairmont Hotel has two ballrooms. The first one is the Grand Ballroom, which has no natural light but it’s super spacious and is downstairs. Check out more pictures from Rachel + Adam’s wedding here.
The second one is the Colonnade Room, which has windows, providing natural light during the day. We photographers always prefer natural light, specially for ceremonies. Check it out below:
#5 Meridian House
Meridian House is another hidden gem in the DC area. Once you walk inside, it’s like entering a quaint European mansion. The best part of the venue is the back with the tree grove and lots of gorgeous outdoor space. If you do not want a ballroom venue, this is your place. Check out Mo and Lauren’s wedding on Style Me Pretty. And if you want to see it in the winter, look at this December wedding up on Washingtonian Weddings.
#6 The Willard InterContinental Washington DC
This is another iconic venue in the city. Our favorite room is the Crystal Room, because of the natural light coming in from the windows and the light color of the walls, which bounces light so well. Check out more pictures from Chris + Sarah’s wedding here.
#7 The Willard InterContinental at the Wharf
The Willard at the Wharf is a newer venue and you CANNOT beat these views. There are so many beautiful places to photograph around the Wharf too. 
#8 St. Regis Washington DC
The Astor Terrace is the highlight of the St. Regis. It has both beautiful architecture and lush greens that surround the terrace. It’s also just one block away from the White House, if you want pictures with it in the background. Just make sure that you time your ceremony around sunset because you do not want harsh light. 
#9 Four Seasons Washington DC
The terrace is a beautiful space for outdoor pictures at the Four Seasons. The combination of the ivy and the brick provide a classic city vibe.
#10 National Museum of Women in the Arts
The NMWA is amazing because it is not weather dependent, which is a great comfort in this crazy DC weather. You do need to do portraits elsewhere since there is no place to photograph outside it. CAN WE TALK ABOUT THIS CUSTOM BAR created by A. Dominick?!? Insert all the hearts of eyes emojis! Click here to see another wedding: Brook + Dave’s wedding up on Washingtonian Weddings.
#11 The Hay Adams Hotel
The Hay Adams with the quintessential Washington DC view, overlooking both the White House and the Washington Monument right outside the patio. You cannot beat this view when it comes to having the classic DC wedding. The main reception room also has tons of natural light, which is a dream place for us photographers!
#12 Mayflower Hotel
This gorgeous hotel is in the heart of the city. You do have to account that you need to have a secondary location to do portraits since there is no courtyard or outdoor area there. You can either do your pictures at Farragut Square Park or at the monuments. Look at more pictures of Mana + Matt’s wedding here.
#13 Congressional Country Club
This place is the ultimate venue when it comes to having a gorgeous view and lots of space! The ballroom has lots of windows, which we photographers love! And you can’t forget to get the ultimate iconic image on the 18th hole.
#14 DAR Constitution Hall
Nothing beats these views and the rotunda out front. The tall ceilings and the beautiful columns make it perfect for both cocktail hour and your dance party!
BONUS:
The Goodstone Inn
Even though this venue is outside the city, it is SO WORTH the drive. The backdrop is rolling hills and unlimited space. Did you know Michael Jackson stayed here for months? That’s why they have his picture in the manor house! Now you know. And they also have an amazing restaurant on the premise, so it never hurts to check it out. You know I am a total foodie! Check out Tricia + Steve’s wedding on Martha Stewart.
Stone Tower Winery
If there is one local winery that is my absolute favorite, Stone Tower Winery is the place! Whenever I shoot a wedding there, I come home with at least four bottles of rosé! Don’t tell Gavin. The sunset over the rolling hills is pure magic. Make sure to time your ceremony so you do not have harsh light. 
Salamander Resort
This is another gorgeous venue that is outside the city too. There is lots of greenery at the Salamander Resort and so many places to photograph. Cocktail hour in the Culinary Garden is a must! AND they have one of the BEST spas ever. Yes, you knew I was going to mention that. I go every year with my mama and it’s the best time.
Thanks too all these vendors:
Planning and Styling: Grit and Grace, A. Dominick, Soco Events, Cristina Calvert, Kruse and Vieira Events, Bright Occasions, Caroline Dutton Events, A griffin Events, Elite Planning Firm – Mayrelis Febles , Kelley Cannon Events, Tricia Christine Weddings, Ida Rose, Event Accomplished, Favored by Yodit, Engaging Affairs | Flowers: Sweet Root Village, Amaryllis, Holly Chapple, Porter and Ives, Phillipa Tarrant Floral Design, Petals and Hedges, Darling and Daughters, Edge Flowers, Floral and Bloom, Blossom and Vine | Makeup: Erica Basha, Nikki Fraser, JKW Beauty, Beauty by Jackie, Izzy B Makeup, Hair and Makeup by Claudine | Hair: Anna Fazio, Alison Harper | Invitations: Emily Rose, Just Write Studios | Rentals: Something Vintage | Dress: Oscar de la Renta,
