The Best Small Wedding Venues in Washington, DC

The Best Small Wedding Venues in Washington, DC

How do we sort results, including Sponsored Ads and personalized results?


4 Wedding Venues in Washington, DC

Beaches, waterfront settings
Up to 50 guests
Available on September 13, 2026
Quick responder
Milton Ridge 

5.0

Clarksburg, MD
  • Up to 150 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $3,250
  • Offer

Located in the rolling hills of Maryland between Frederick, MD and Washington, D.C., Milton Ridge boasts exquisite setting and exceptional services. The beautifully restored Milton Ridge Historic Chapel and Reception Hall have been created exclusively for beautiful weddings and occasions with special attention given to every detail. Having your wedding ceremony and reception all in one location will make your wedding planning much easier. It gives you more control over timing and flow, as well as make things easier for your guests. At Milton Ridge, our event coordinator will assist in the planning of every detail of your wedding or special event. We have the ability to customize every detail to meet the specific needs for your special event. With our unique all-inclusive pricing, there are no surprises. You know the true costs up-front, which makes budgeting easier. It also allows us to offer beautifully personalized events at a tremendous value.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has onsite accommodations
  • Classic, vintage atmosphere
  • Provides lighting and sound

Venue considerations

  • Not for you if you are looking for something nontraditional
  • Not for you if you don't want a rustic vibe
Awarded Best of Zola
As soon as we arrived, we were so glad that we had chosen Milton Ridge and knew that we had made the right choice. All of the staff were very welcoming and helpful. They were with us through every step of our wedding day with lots of support and smiles. The cottage for getting ready is very cute, the chapel is beautiful, and the reception hall is great as well. They have many services included in their various wedding packages like catering, DJ, photographer, and cake. They also have outside vendors that they work with frequently, such as hair and make-up and a florist, who are all wonderful. They are inclusive, and they are supportive of LGBT weddings. My now wife and I are part of the LGBT community, and we were treated very well by the entire team. We were able to have our wedding exactly how we wanted, and they worked with us on every detail. On the day, they had the entire day scheduled and kept us on track, which is actually so necessary and helpful on a day when you're trying to do so many things. Everything went smoothly and as stress free as a wedding can be. It was truly a wonderful day. Thank you so much to the whole team! -Harley and Jackie
Harley B., 7 months ago
Quick responder
The Watergate Hotel 

5.0

Washington, DC
  • Up to 450 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor

Step foot in our luxury hotel in Washington D.C. and discover an urban resort located along the banks of the Potomac River. Here, you’ll uncover a hotel unlike anything in Washington D.C. — a place where modern design blends with an iconic landmark to redefine luxury. The Watergate Hotel's flowing avant-garde architecture was designed by Luigi Moretti to emulate the mighty Potomac, and its stunning new Ron Arad-designed interior lives up to the building's original elegance. Complementing the hotel's new, modern feel are the retro-chic staff uniforms, made by Mad Men costume designer Janie Bryant. The Watergate Hotel takes classic elegance and bold mid-century modern design and adds all of the extravagance and warmth of contemporary luxury. This one-of-a-kind hotel pays tribute to its own storied past, while paving the way for a new chapter to be written.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides a dedicated team on-site
  • Both indoor and outdoor options
  • Multiple event spaces

Venue considerations

  • Large venue, not ideal for small guest lists
  • No free parking
The Watergate hotel was a fantastic spot for a wedding reception! They transformed the ballroom into the perfect dance floor, served amazing food, and incorporated all the specific set-up I asked for. Our guests raved about the cocktail hour hors d'ourves. We loved the food & the tasting session they put together was amazing. We worked with Megan and Alexandra, who walked us through the different blueprints of how the entrance to our reception could be set up with our seating chart, guest book, and special memories display. It was even better than we imagined!
William & E., 7 months ago
Arena Stage 
Washington, DC
  • Up to 250 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor

For a wedding venue like no other, look no further! Break out of the hotel ballroom box and celebrate in style with gorgeous spaces and wonderful catering partners. Bring the outside in with our beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows and phenomenal natural light. The Mead Center is the perfect fit for weddings both intimate and large. For planners seeking a dramatic touch, the Mead Center is the perfect Washington, D.C. destination for your next conference, trade show or meeting. A unique combination of theaters and lobby spaces offer meeting and conference options for as few as 30 guests or as many as 675. Our three theaters are equipped with state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment. The beautiful sunlit lobby spaces can be used for trade show booths, networking areas, breakout spaces or presentation areas. Our large covered terrace and café area are perfect for meals and receptions.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Handles all cleanup logistics
  • Dressing room available
  • Has a dance floor to dance the night away

Venue considerations

  • No free parking
  • Best for events with big guest lists
  • Does not allow pets
Blue Drop, LLC. 
Washington, DC
  • Up to 300 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor

We are a nonprofit organization, created by DC Water in November 2016. Our objective is to relieve the strain on DC Water ratepayers by marketing DC Water’s products and technologies, generating revenue and cost savings as a result.Make your next event a unique one at the new DC Water headquarters, HQO, in Navy Yard. Each of our event spaces offer stunning views of the Anacostia River. Constructed with undulating glass, this LEED Platinum + certified building sits on the edge of the river. A 360-degree view awaits you when you reach our rooftop.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Offers convenient lodging options
  • Provides catering services
  • Space for a large guest list

Venue considerations

  • On-site parking not available
  • No dedicated areas for getting ready
  • Couple must handle cleanup and setup

Location flexible? Discover venues near Washington, DC

About wedding venues in Washington, DC

What Makes DC's Wedding Venues Worth Their Premium Price?

You'll discover something truly special in DC's most distinctive venues. Take the International Spy Museum, where your wedding photos can capture interactive exhibits as unique backdrops, or the Anderson House with its stunning 18th-century architecture and intimate garden setting. If you're looking for modern sophistication, District Winery combines urban charm with waterfront views and private wine cellars perfect for intimate celebrations. Art lovers will appreciate the National Museum of Women in the Arts, where your ceremony can unfold beneath Renaissance Revival architecture and rotating art exhibitions.

When it comes to pricing, DC venues typically run between $10,800 and $12,700 – a bit higher than the national range of $6,500-$12,000. But you're getting more than just a space; you're investing in prestigious locations and comprehensive services that make your day truly memorable.

How Much Does a DC Wedding Actually Cost?

Planning a wedding in DC? Here's what you can expect to spend for 150 guests, with the average total coming in at $62,864. Let's break that down:

Service CategoryAverage CostPercentage of Total
Venue$11,73225%
Catering$9,38520%
Bar Services$7,50816%
Florists$7,82117%
Photographers$5,68812%
Planners$4,97711%

When Should You Book Your DC Wedding Vendors?

Start your planning journey about a year out, with venue booking leading the way at 12 months before your big day. You'll want to secure your caterer photographer band or DJ and wedding planner around the 10-month mark. Florists typically need 9 months' notice while hair and makeup artists should be booked 8 months ahead. Here's a pro tip: October sees the highest number of venue inquiries so plan accordingly.

Which DC Venues Best Match Different Wedding Styles?

Whether you're dreaming of historic elegance or modern sophistication DC has it all. The Kimpton Hotel Monaco transforms historic marble corridors into fresh contemporary spaces while the St. Regis Washington DC offers timeless luxury with Palladian windows and crystal chandeliers. For something truly unique check out The Line DC housed in a 110-year-old church where soaring ceilings and original stained glass meet modern design. Nature lovers will find their perfect backdrop at the United States National Arboretum spanning 446 acres with the iconic National Capitol Columns.

How Do DC's Historic Venues Blend Tradition with Modern Amenities?

You'll find thoughtful adaptations across DC's historic venues. The Hay-Adams welcomes diverse celebrations with specially designed spaces while the National Union Building offers kosher kitchen facilities and flexible spaces for traditional ceremonies. Even the International Spy Museum steps up with multilingual staff and adaptable floor plans that work for various cultural seating arrangements.

What Makes DC's Indoor-Outdoor Venues Unique?

Picture your ceremony at the DC War Memorial surrounded by cherry blossoms with space for up to 250 guests. Or imagine celebrating at Sequoia Restaurant where floor-to-ceiling windows and waterfront terraces create a stunning backdrop. The National Museum of Women in the Arts offers the best of both worlds: a grand marble staircase inside and a lovely garden outside perfect for cocktail hour.

How Can You Navigate DC's Wedding Transportation Options?

Getting around DC is easier than you might think. The St. Regis puts you just two blocks from McPherson Square Metro while District Winery offers a unique water taxi service. Anderson House makes parking a breeze with valet service for 200 vehicles plus shuttle options. The International Spy Museum's central location gives your guests access to three Metro lines and reliable transportation partners.

Which DC Venues Excel at Inclusive Celebrations?

Every couple deserves their perfect celebration. The National Museum of Women in the Arts features complete universal access throughout with elevator service to all ceremony spaces. District Winery offers gender-neutral getting-ready suites and customizable spaces while The Line DC provides dedicated accessibility coordinators to ensure everyone feels welcomed and comfortable.

When Are DC's Wedding Venues Most Spectacular?

Each season brings its own magic to DC venues. Spring showcases the National Arboretum's stunning azalea collections while summer evenings at the DC War Memorial offer enchanting views of illuminated monuments. Fall transforms Anderson House's garden with vibrant foliage and winter celebrations shine at Sequoia Restaurant's heated riverside terrace. Year-round the St. Regis's conservatory brings natural light to even the coolest winter days.

What types of wedding venues are in Washington, DC?

What other Washington vendors will I need?

What other wedding venues are nearby?

What other wedding services are nearby?