Washington, DC’s Best Wedding and Event Venues for Every Occasion (2026 Guide)
TL;DR — Top Wedding and Event Venues in Washington DC
Washington, DC offers some of the most stunning wedding and event venues in the country—luxury hotels with iconic ballrooms, stylish rooftop lounges, boutique spaces, scenic waterfront patios, and AV-ready conference centers. Whether you’re planning a wedding, gala, fundraiser, or corporate retreat, DC provides exceptional hospitality, catering, and guest accommodations.
Top choices include The St. Regis, Four Seasons Washington DC, The Watergate Hotel, Hotel Washington, Phoenix Park Hotel, Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, and major conference hubs like Marriott Marquis and Washington Hilton.
For a complete overview of all wedding options, explore our full guide to wedding venues in Washington DC, and for non-wedding celebrations, see our guide to event venues in Washington DC.
Table of Contents
- What Are the Best Wedding and Event Venues in Washington DC?
- Which Luxury Hotels Are Best for Weddings and High-End Events?
- Which Rooftop and Waterfront Venues Have the Best Views in DC?
- What Boutique and Historic Venues Are Ideal for Intimate Weddings?
- Which DC Venues Work Best for Corporate Events and Conferences?
- How Do You Choose the Right Wedding or Event Venue in DC?
- FAQs
Venue Comparison Table (Quick Overview)
| Venue Type | Best For | Neighborhood | Capacity Range | Signature Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury Hotels | Weddings, galas, formal events | Downtown, Georgetown | 100–1,000+ | Grand ballrooms + luxury stays |
| Rooftop Venues | Modern ceremonies, cocktail hours | The Wharf, Downtown | 80–350 | Skyline + waterfront views |
| Boutique Hotels | Intimate weddings, micro-events | Logan Circle, Capitol Hill | 20–200 | Personalized design & ambiance |
| Waterfront Venues | Outdoor ceremonies, receptions | Georgetown, The Wharf | 50–350 | Scenic river views |
| Conference Centers | Corporate meetings, expos | Downtown | 500–3,000 | Tech-ready large halls |
What Are the Best Wedding and Event Venues in Washington DC?
Washington, DC is one of the country’s premier destinations for weddings and special events because it has every style of venue in one city—historic mansions, modern rooftops, iconic hotels, boutique gems, and flexible corporate centers.
Whether your event is intimate or grand, DC’s venues offer:
- Premium catering & service
- Room blocks for guests
- Scenic views + rooftop options
- Indoor & outdoor layouts
- Tech-equipped meeting spaces
Below is a curated list of the best wedding and event venues in Washington DC across every category.
Which Luxury Hotels Are Best for Weddings and High-End Events in Washington DC?
The St. Regis Washington DC
A favorite for refined celebrations with lush garden views.
Highlights:
- Beautiful salons + outdoor spaces
- 259 luxury rooms
- Award-winning catering by world-class chefs
- Great for intimate weddings or executive retreats
Four Seasons Hotel Washington DC
A favorite for refined celebrations with lush garden views.
Highlights:
- Beautiful salons + outdoor spaces
- 259 luxury rooms
- Award-winning catering by world-class chefs
- Great for intimate weddings or executive retreats
The Ritz-Carlton Washington DC
A blend of boutique sophistication and modern glam.
Venue Notes:
- Intimate gathering spaces + AV-ready rooms
- Gourmet catering options
- 300 luxury rooms for hosting multi-day events
The Hay-Adams
Historic, sophisticated, and one of the most iconic wedding venues in Washington DC.
Why it stands out:
- Legendary rooftop with White House views
- 147 beautifully designed rooms
- Perfect for timeless, elegant wedding photography
Washington Hilton
A DC classic for large-scale celebrations.
Features:
- Massive grand ballroom
- 65+ meeting and breakout rooms
- Over 1,000 guest rooms
Omni Shoreham Hotel
A resort-style venue in the heart of DC.
What you get:
- Indoor/outdoor event areas
- 500+ guest rooms
- Ideal for cultural weddings and multi-day celebrations
Luxury hotels are among the top-performing wedding and event venues because they provide full-service packages, accommodations, and flexible layouts.
Which Rooftop and Waterfront Venues Offer the Best Views in Washington DC?
Couples and planners searching for “rooftop wedding venues DC” or “waterfront event spaces DC” love the options below.
If scenic views matter, these rooftops and waterfront locations offer incredible city backdrops:
The Watergate Hotel
Iconic, stylish, and located right on the Potomac River.
Highlights:
- Top of the Gate rooftop with 360° city views
- Flexible indoor + outdoor spaces
- Seats approx. 300 guests
Canopy by Hilton – The Wharf
Modern waterfront with scenic terraces.
What makes it great:
- Patio spaces overlooking the marina
- Contemporary indoor venues
- 371 rooms with harbor views
Hotel Washington
One of the city’s most photogenic rooftops.
Key Features:
- Monument + White House views
- Stylish, modern interiors
- 217 chic guest rooms
International Spy Museum
A playful, creative event venue with skyline views.
Why it’s unique:
- 5,600 sq. ft. rooftop terrace
- Modern glass architecture for dramatic photos
InterContinental Washington DC – The Wharf
Relaxed luxury with waterfront charm.
Highlights:
- Rooftop pool + lounge spaces
- Scenic riverfront setting
- Flexible ceremony setups
Rooftop and waterfront venues are especially popular among couples researching hotel Washington wedding cost, as they typically offer customizable ceremony + reception packages.
What Boutique and Historic Venues Are Best for Intimate Weddings in DC?
If you want charm, personality, and thoughtful design, boutique venues deliver the atmosphere couples love.
The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown
Industrial-chic meets luxury in a historic setting.
Highlights:
- Small elegant ballrooms
- 161 luxury rooms
- Georgetown cobblestone aesthetic
Henley Park Hotel
A Tudor-style boutique property with warm, intimate spaces.
Why couples love it:
- Cozy salons
- 119 boutique rooms
- Vintage charm for timeless photography
Phoenix Park Hotel
Character-rich with Irish-inspired interiors.
Venue Notes:
- Pub-style reception areas
- Banquet halls with unique architecture
- 175 rooms for guest convenience
Hotel Zena
Bold, creative, art-forward—perfect for modern couples.
Highlights:
- Feminist-inspired design + statement art
- Flexible event halls
- 183 contemporary rooms
ARC Hotel
Minimalist, clean, and modern.
Features:
- Streamlined rooms
- On-site catering
- Simple, elegant décor
Capitol Hill Hotel
A polished boutique hotel near DC’s iconic landmarks.
Highlights:
- Capitol-view lounges
- 80 elegant rooms
- Quiet, refined aesthetic
Boutique venues are among the best options for couples seeking unique wedding venues Washington DC.
Which Venues Work Best for Conferences and Large Corporate Events?
These venues are built for business events, conventions, and multi-day gatherings.
For expos, multi-day business meetings, and large conventions:
Marriott Marquis Washington DC
- 100,000+ sq ft of flexible event space
- AV-friendly halls
- 1,175 guest rooms
- Ideal for massive conferences
Grand Hyatt Washington
- Full-service meeting center
- 897 rooms
- Excellent for business events and corporate training
Washington Hilton
- Legendary for high-capacity events
- Dozens of breakout rooms + grand ballroom
- On-site catering
Renaissance Washington DC Downtown
- Tech-ready spaces
- 311 modern rooms
- Perfect for expos, summits, and hybrid events
These venues frequently rank among top searches for corporate event venues in DC and national conferences.
How Should You Choose the Right Wedding or Event Venue in Washington DC?
Consider these essential factors:
1. Guest Count
Match the venue size to your event—large hotels for big celebrations, boutique venues for intimate gatherings.
2. Amenities
Look for:
- In-house catering
- AV equipment
- Decor services
- Bars, lounges, ballrooms
3. Location
Popular neighborhoods include:
- Georgetown
- The Wharf
- Downtown
- Dupont Circle
- Capitol Hill
4. Ambiance
Choose between:
- Historic elegance
- Modern minimalism
- Rooftop luxury
- Waterfront charm
5. Group Bookings
Since most venues include guest accommodations, ask about:
- Room block discounts
- Wedding packages
- Multi-day conference bundles
Understanding these factors helps you plan a seamless Washington wedding reception or corporate function.
Final Thoughts
Washington, DC offers an unmatched variety of wedding and event venues, ranging from luxury ballrooms and rooftop terraces to boutique hotels and waterfront spaces. greatEvent’s curated guide makes it easy to compare the best venues, explore amenities, and choose a space that perfectly aligns with your vision. Whether you’re planning a wedding, gala, or corporate conference, DC provides unforgettable locations backed by top-tier hospitality.
If you’re still deciding between a wedding ceremony vs. reception layout, greatEvent offers helpful planning resources to guide every step.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of event venues are available in Washington, DC?▾
Washington, DC offers a wide variety of venues, including luxury hotel ballrooms, boutique hotels, rooftop and waterfront spaces, historic properties, and large-scale conference centers.
Which Washington, DC venues are best for wedding receptions?▾
Venues like The St. Regis Washington DC, Four Seasons Hotel Washington DC, Hotel Washington, and The Hay-Adams are popular for weddings thanks to their elegant ballrooms, rooftop terraces, scenic views, and high-end services.
What are some unique or non-traditional event spaces in DC?▾
Unique spaces include the International Spy Museum with its rooftop terrace, Hotel Zena’s art-centric event halls, and Phoenix Park Hotel with its Irish heritage and pub-style reception areas.
Which venues work well for corporate conferences and large gatherings?▾
The Marriott Marquis Washington DC, Grand Hyatt Washington, Washington Hilton, and Renaissance Washington DC Downtown are designed for large conferences, tech expos, and multi-day business events.
Are there rooftop or waterfront venues available in DC?▾
Yes. The Watergate Hotel, Canopy by Hilton at The Wharf, InterContinental Washington DC – The Wharf, and Hotel Washington offer both rooftop spaces and waterfront event options with scenic city views.
Which hotels in DC are best suited for boutique-style, intimate weddings or events?▾
Boutique options like The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Henley Park Hotel, Capitol Hill Hotel, and ARC Hotel offer smaller, more personalized settings ideal for intimate weddings and private celebrations.
Do DC event venues provide catering and accommodations?▾
Most hotels and major venues provide in-house catering, bars, and customizable menus, along with guest accommodations ranging from 80 to over 1,000 rooms depending on the venue.
How many guests can DC venues typically accommodate?▾
Capacity varies widely. Large hotels like Marriott Marquis and Washington Hilton can host thousands, while boutique properties like Henley Park Hotel are best for smaller events under 200 guests.
What should I consider when choosing the right DC venue?▾
Consider your guest count, the venue’s location within the city, available amenities (such as AV support and catering), and ambiance to match your event’s theme—whether historic charm, modern elegance, or scenic views.
Are group discounts available for hotel event packages?▾
Yes. Most DC venues offer group booking packages that include discounted room rates, catering bundles, and event add-ons for weddings, conferences, and multi-day celebrations.
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