The Best Small Wedding Venues in Washington, DC

The Best Small Wedding Venues in Washington, DC

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14 Wedding Venues in Washington, DC

Historic estates, mansions
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
My daughter and her husband chose Milton Ridge for their wedding venue. I live on the opposite coast so I had no opportunity to have a look myself. She and her husband were very happy with the layout of the property and the location. She assured me that staff were warm and friendly as well as very professional and that all questions were addressed promptly and in great detail. My daughter and her husband felt listened to and respected by everyone at Milton Ridge. I was anxious but it was their wedding and they had done a lot of research! I am overjoyed that they chose Milton Ridge for their very special day!! I spoke to many guests and family members that day and evening; everyone had high praise for the couple’s choice of venue. The property is self-contained with a beautiful turn of the century chapel on the lower level of the property and a very large bricked patio on the upper level; with an enormous wooden gazebo at one end and tiered garden area at the opposite end. Indoor or outdoor wedding?? Hard to choose as both areas are sooooo lovely. The Bridal suite and Grooms quarter are in a building adjacent to the chapel on the lower level of the property. Another turn of the century building with Bridal suite, porch and porch swing on the ground level and the Grooms quarters on the 2nd level via a private enclosed stairway; providing total privacy for both parties and their respective entourages. Both areas were very well appointed, comfortable and large; plenty of room for multiple people in each area to get ready for the big day! The Reception Hall was on the upper level with a porch and short stairway leading from the hall to the outdoor patio. The Hall was fresh and bright with plenty of room for DJ, tables, dance floor, bar and buffet without feeling overfilled or crowded. Bride and Groom chose the bar-b-que menu for their dinner; it was beautifully presented, delicious and plentiful. No one left Milton Ridge hungry that evening! The wait staff and bartenders were all very attentive and had obviously been very well trained at table service and bar service respectively. Music was provided by a DJ who was contracted by Milton Ridge and was included with the package that my daughter and her husband had chosen. The selection was a mix of old and new with the focus of getting the guests up and dancing. He was very good at his job and he accomplished his goal! Last but definitely not least; the photographer; also contracted with Milton Ridge! He was amazing!!! The unique shots, quality and beauty of his work left us speechless. He was everywhere, but never in the way, always inconspicuous and watching for that perfect candid shot. Even his posed photos had a very relaxed casual look about them. All photos were organized and available to the newlyweds on the Milton Ridge website within 10days of their wedding day!! ALL pictures belong to her and her husband to print, copy and share with whoever they wish!! Milton Ridge exceeded my expectation and I would never hesitate to recommend them to anyone!!
Karen F., a month ago
Quick responder
Sylvanside Farm 

5.0

  • Up to 225 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $5,500

Sylvanside Farm, established in 1744, evokes the ambiance of a small village in the European countryside. In 2018, the farm was purchased and restored to its former glory. The goal in hosting weddings is to preserve this special land, Loudoun’s rich farming heritage and the beautiful rural landscape of Loudoun County, Virginia.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides lighting and sound
  • Flexible event spaces
  • Offers convenient lodging options

Venue considerations

  • Not for you if you don't want a rustic vibe
  • No venue-provided food services
  • Not wheelchair accessible
Awarded Best of Zola
Sylvanside Farm was our first and only venue visit for our daughter’s wedding. The beautiful grounds and historical buildings on the farm made it an easy decision for us all. The owners, Terri and Jeff, have restored their property with utmost respect to its historical charm. Having on site lodging allowed both families to spend quality time together and hosting the rehearsal dinner on site made for an all around relaxing weekend. The curated list of preferred vendors, which Sylvanside provides, was very helpful and each vendor that we selected from their list was top notch. Terri and Jeff were very accommodating and responsive throughout the planning process and I highly recommend their venue for your special day.
Heather P., 2 months ago
The National Press Club 

5.0

Washington, DC
  • Up to 352 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor
  • Starts at $10,000

The most romantic day of your life should be historic! That's why the National Press Club in downtown DC is the perfect venue to celebrate your wedding and ensure your big day will go down in history! It's not just the place where news happens, it's where memories are made. Overlooking the White House at the top of the National Press Building, the Club has a wonderful atmosphere, terrific food, and excellent service.

Why you'll love this venue

  • All-inclusive venue packages
  • Multiple event spaces
  • Offers full-service amenities

Venue considerations

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Best for events with big guest lists
  • Does not allow pets
What initially made us go with the National Press Club was that much of the most complicated aspects of putting a wedding together are available in-house. You deal with one person who asks the right questions up front, assesses your wants and needs and manages every detail from that point forward. If you’re planning your first wedding (like we were), it’s likely you’re already getting overwhelmed by the realization of how many critical details go into a successful wedding. However, at The Press Club: Reception Catering: Check. Cocktail hour catering: Check. Bar: Check. Tables / chairs / linens / etc. Check. Dance floor: Check. Audio Visual technician: Check. Alphabetizing your table place cards. Check. And so on and so on. All we needed to do was hire a deejay, a wedding photographer, a bakery for the wedding cake and the florist. And on the day of the wedding, the NPC staff took care of getting our vendors in and out and dealing with unexpected logistical issues, which there always are with any large events. The pricing was transparent and the estimate on the banquet order was what we paid. Ok, those are the practical reasons the NPC was a great choice. Now for the aesthetics. The Press Club is quintessential Washington, DC classy. They have multiple rooms that one can rent to customize your wedding experience. Our ceremony took place in the Holeman Lounge which flowed into the First Amendment Lounge, where we had our cocktail hour. The First Amendment Lounge offers stunning views of DC, including the Washington Monument and the east wing of the White House. Our reception took place in The Ballroom. We also had a room for our vendors to stage and a private space for us and the wedding party, which was such a nice touch. Many of our wedding guests were in awe of the NPC. It feels very exclusive and so many of them took the opportunity to take pictures of themselves at the Press Club podium and selfies with the luminaries and historical figures adorning the walls throughout. The service: This is where the National Press Club really stands out. We were blessed to have Renee managing the process from beginning to end. We can’t stress enough the amazing service she provided. She went through every detail with us. Twice just to make sure she captured everything correctly down to how we wanted the napkins folded. Two months before the wedding she put together the most beautiful food tasting experience for us. Before locking in our menu, we tasted a number of appetizers that would be served during cocktail hour as well as the dinner options and desserts. We also tasted a variety of wines. All in all, it was a preview of how fantastic our reception would be, with both the food and the service. The day of, Renee and David took fabulous care of us and our guests. Both really went above and beyond of what we could possibly imagine. During our rehearsal the day before, Renee noticed the wedding party was struggling a little to get the timing of the processional right and she jumped in and helped with our timing and ended up cueing us as to when to start walking the actual day. All of this combined to make our wedding a fabulous experience with zero stress. As positive as this review is, it falls hopelessly short of conveying just how wonderful our experience was.
Julian & R., 7 months ago
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Josephine Butler Parks Center 

5.0

Washington, DC
  • Up to 200 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $3,900

Overlooking Meridian Hill/Malcolm X Park, the Italian Renaissance Revival former embassy is now a vibrant community space for events of all kinds. Whether you are planning a small, intimate staff retreat in the marble-columned porte-cochere, or a large gathering in our spacious grand ballroom, the historic Josephine Butler Parks Center will set a stunning scene for your celebration.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Combines timeless elegance with history
  • Provides lighting and sound
  • Versatile for various event styles

Venue considerations

  • Not for you if you are looking for something nontraditional
  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
  • No venue-provided food services
Josephine Butler Parks Center (JPBC) is such a beautiful venue, we had our wedding there in November of 2024 and couldn’t have picked a better place. The entire process of venue selection can be daunting, and JBPC made it easy for us. We signed up for an initial walkthrough and fell in love with the history of the building, the unique layout, and the beautiful art and color schemes in each room. Steve guided us on our tour and answered all our questions, and we knew right away that this was where we wanted to hold our wedding. Taking several months to plan our wedding, we coordinated with JPBC staff to do two additional tours where they answered even more questions and allowed us to see what different lighting configurations looked like and make measurements to finalize our configuration for the big day. For the reception, we decided to seat our guests in the main ballroom, have the dance floor on the second floor foyer, place the bar out on the balcony, and serve the buffet and cake in the south gallery. Seating was a little tight in the main ballroom, as we had our 140 guests sit at fifteen round tables that were 5 feet in diameter, with a sweetheart table by the larger fireplace. But we made it work and it was a fantastic day for us overall!
Diana W., 7 months ago
The Woodrow Wilson House 

5.0

Washington, DC
  • Up to 180 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $4,000

Whether it's a graduation, wedding, engagement party or milestone occasion, the Woodrow Wilson House offers an elegant setting for your special event. Customized to fit the specific vision of each party, we can accommodate your requests! Our options range from an intimate private dinner for 12, a seated event in the garden for 100 or a cocktail reception for 200 guests. You and your guess will feel welcome in our private and sophisticated spaces, furnished with the personal effects of a president. Conveniently located just five blocks from Dupont Circle, the Wilson House is a celebrated historic site, ideal for your wedding or reception.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides event staff
  • Bridal suite on site
  • Flexible event spaces

Venue considerations

  • No built-in audiovisual options
  • Does not allow pets
  • Does not have a dance floor
The Woodrow Wilson house has wonderful staff who made our experience seamless and so smooth. I highly recommend working with them and hope to host other events there in the future!
Mara L., 2 years ago
Omni Shoreham Hotel 

5.0

Washington, DC
  • Up to 750 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $30,000

Timeless elegance awaits you at the Omni Shoreham Hotel, one of Washington, DC’s most romantic and picturesque wedding venues. Nestled in the leafy surrounds of Woodley Park, the hotel sits on 12 acres, centrally located yet secluded in nature. We invite you to celebrate your love in one of our stunning ballrooms and our charming and elegant gardens. Toast your friends and family and dance the night away while our experienced staff delivers the event of your dreams.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a glamorous vibe
  • Multiple event spaces
  • Versatile for various event styles

Venue considerations

  • No free parking
  • Best for events with big guest lists
  • Not for you if you are drawn to more unconventional venues
We had a fantastic wedding experience at the Omni Shoreham. The on-site coordinators were knowledgeable and helpful leading up to the event and executed the day/weekend wonderfully. The outside gazebo where we got married was gorgeous and the ballroom was set up to perfection.
Casie K., 2 years ago
The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington D.C. 

5.0

Washington, DC
  • Up to 100 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $18,000

In Washington, D.C.’s historic Georgetown neighborhood, cobblestoned streets are lined with boutiques and restaurants, and runners spend their mornings traveling the path along the tree-shaded Potomac River. While only two miles from the White House, The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington, D.C. offers a pet-friendly alternative to the traditional downtown DC hotel. Create memories to last a lifetime at The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington, D.C. With a range of gorgeously designed, intimate venues, our luxury hotel provides a one-of-a-kind setting for wedding celebrations.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Offers full-service amenities
  • Multiple event spaces
  • Full catering menu to choose from

Venue considerations

  • Does not have a dance floor
  • No free parking
  • Not for you if you are drawn to more unconventional venues
The Ritz Carlton Georgetown is such a unique wedding and event venue in DC. We love that it feels like a boutique hotel but has the Ritz Carlton brand connection that sets it above all the rest. Their top notch customer service and attention to detail makes it an ideal wedding or event partner for us! We love working there!
Anne Kelley Events, 3 years ago
Phoenix Park Hotel 
Washington, DC
  • Up to 120 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor

Our personalized assistance and planning through our experienced team will helps you select the wedding packages that's just right for you. Our catering services will delight your guests, featuring cuisine from our head Chef. Our team painstakingly aims to create the meals that reflect your personality. Take a look at our Washington DC Wedding Packages, and feel assured that The Phoenix Park Hotel is where you can create the impressive wedding venue setting of a lifetime.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a dance floor to dance the night away
  • Multiple event spaces
  • Dressing room available

Venue considerations

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • On-site parking not available
  • Not for you if you are looking for something nontraditional
Florida House On Capitol Hill 
Washington, DC
  • Up to 35 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor
  • Starts at $2,500

Welcome to the only state embassy in the country! Florida House is an extraordinary and historic setting for conducting business, entertaining, or hosting a special event on Capitol Hill. Located in Washington, District of Columbia, Florida House on Capitol Hill is a historic wedding destination. This Victorian-style venue was first built in 1891 by Edwin C. Manning. It was only later, in the late 1900s, that it took on a new life as Florida House on Capitol Hill thanks to the dedicated refurbishment spearheaded by Rhea Chiles, wife of public official Lawton Chiles.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Dressing room available
  • Has an intimate feel for a small guest list
  • Exudes old-world charm

Venue considerations

  • On-site parking not available
  • No on-premises lodging options
  • No all-inclusive dining options
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Swann House 
Washington, DC
  • Up to 50 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $2,000

The Swann House building is a historic mansion originally built in 1883 and recently renovated in 2023, that boasts both a beautiful event space and a boutique hotel. The combination of the original building’s charm and the modern design elements make this a one-of-a-kind venue that is perfect for intimate weddings, welcome parties, corporate receptions, and much more. The common space of the ground floor is perfect for hosting special events, and the Swann House also offers 8 beautiful, individually decorated guest rooms and plenty of gathering options (including a pool and outdoor terrace) for guests. The grand ambiance of Swann House is enhanced by spacious rooms with twelve foot ceilings, elaborate crown moldings, in-laid wood floors and crystal chandeliers. Our antique baby grand piano is available to create yet another layer of warmth and elegance to your event.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Private area for the wedding party
  • Has a chic vibe
  • Provides lighting and sound

Venue considerations

  • No free parking
  • Couple must handle cleanup and setup
  • Not wheelchair accessible
Patterson Mansion 
Washington, DC
  • Up to 60 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor

The Patterson Mansion, once owned by socialite Eleanor Josephine Medill “Cissy” Patterson, has been the venue of choice for Washington’s elite for over a century. Its halls have hosted presidents and pioneers, from President Calvin Coolidge to aviator Charles Lindbergh. Located directly on DC’s iconic Dupont Circle and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Patterson Mansion is the premier venue for intimate to grand events.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a dance floor to dance the night away
  • Provides catering services
  • Allows pets

Venue considerations

  • On-site parking not available
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • No in-house lighting and sound packages available
The Mansion on O Street 
Washington, DC
  • Up to 300 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor
  • Starts at $999

with our themed rooms and 70 secret doors we are like no other wedding venue in the world - offering a destination wedding without having to travel. we have been featured on the travel channel's "mega mansions" (see us on netflix), named a washingtonian magazine "hidden gem" and featured in national geographic traveler among others. our world-class cuisine, top-notch service and awe-inspiring intimate environment will create lasting memories for you and your guests. our 5 star chef can create an extraordinary meal tailored to your groups unique personality and dietary needs - including, kosher-style, halal, vegan, vegetarian, regional and international cuisine. our pastry chef is rated in the top ten in the country. we offer packaged pricing that can be enhanced and customized just for you. your complimentary event planner will listen to you - to create the wedding you've always dreamed of - so you can spend less time planning and more time enjoying your special day.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Private area for the wedding party
  • Multiple event spaces
  • Space for a large guest list

Venue considerations

  • On-site parking not available
  • Dance floor not included
  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
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Ìpàdé 
Washington, DC
  • Up to 70 guests
  • Raw space
  • Indoor
  • Starts at $2,000

Ìpàdé is one of Washington, DC's most unique venues, located in Dupont Circle. Our venue is flexible to a variety of needs from bridal showers to rehearsal dinners to intimate weddings. The space can comfortably hold up to 100 guests standing and 70 seated banquet style. In addition to a large banquet area, there are 4 rooms you can use to get ready, store items and gifts, or use for catering preparation. There are also two bathrooms to accommodate your guests.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Creates a sense of togetherness
  • Dressing room available
  • Has a dance floor for celebration

Venue considerations

  • Does not allow pets
  • No venue-provided food services
  • No on-premises lodging options
Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital 
Washington, DC
  • Up to 250 guests
  • Raw space
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $2,800

Your history starts here when you say “I do” at our exquisitely rehabilitated Civil War-era Naval Hospital, which was commissioned by President Lincoln in 1864. If you’re looking to plan for the future, whether you’d like an outdoor wedding ceremony in our beautifully landscaped gardens, an indoor ceremony in our light-filled rooms with 14-foot high ceilings and 8-foot windows, or something in between, your wedding and reception will be a timeless, romantic celebration to last the ages. The unique elegance of Hill Center and its exquisite campus comes together with today’s amenities to give you contemporary convenience with historic charm.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Raw space for complete customization
  • Multiple event spaces
  • Exudes old-world charm

Venue considerations

  • Lighting and sound are not included
  • Limited cleanup and setup services
  • Does not allow pets

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.

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