The Best Small Wedding Venues in Washington, DC

The Best Small Wedding Venues in Washington, DC

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6 Wedding Venues in Washington, DC

Parks, gardens
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
Milton Ridge was an incredible place to get married! The beauty of the venue and the inclusive wedding options (i.e. catering, DJ, etc.) made this the absolute perfect place to say, "I do!" The getting ready suites were superb & made the day of preparation before the ceremony seamless. The chapel was so beautiful and such a great little spot off the side of 355. Our guests still comment on the simplicity of how we decorated the chapel, and how beautiful the white walls and natural light streaming in were during the ceremony. I was not sure how we'd get group photos on the property... and our photographers were able to use the beautiful stone and green areas within the venue to capture the most beautiful photos of the bride, groom and the wedding party! Guests are still RAVING about how convenient it was to walk up a few stairs to the cocktail hour AND into the reception. They marveled at the ease... park your car, attend the ceremony and then stay and party all night long until it's time to leave! The reception hall was beautiful; the buffet food was to die for; and Meghan and Brandi ensured that EVERY detail of our wedding day was accounted for, seamless and flowing without any hitch! I cannot recommend Milton Ridge enough! Thank you for making our wedding day the most memorable and BEST day of our lives! We owe it to this team, this venue and their support with planning our wedding every step of the way!
Christina D., 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
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
I had the pleasure of working with the director of catering, Liliana Klein, on a gorgeous wedding this February. I was the couple's planner and was thrilled to be able to produce a wedding at Ritz Carlton Georgetown. Throughout the process, Liliana was so professional: warm and welcoming, communicative, addressed any and all questions, followed up after any meetings promptly, and on the day was FANTASTIC to work with. I could tell it was a high priority of Liliana to go above and beyond for the couple in making their wedding weekend a dream experience for them and an effortless celebration for their guests. Would work here for every wedding if I could! Plus, gatherings of 100 or less are my favorite!! Thank you, Liliana and RC staff.
Alyssa Glorioso, 3 years ago
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
Quick responder
Friends Meeting of Washington 
Washington, DC
  • Up to 300 guests
  • Raw space
  • Indoor & outdoor

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990, our meeting house was constructed in 1930 during the administration of the Quaker president, Herbert Hoover. It was built to serve as a house of worship and a gathering place for those wanting to “seek peace and pursue it.” The building was enlarged in 1950. In 1970, we acquired the red brick Quaker House, Carriage House and garden at 2121 Decatur Place NW. Built in the 1920s and also on the National Register, these buildings today house a number of nonprofit organizations and small businesses as well as additional event spaces. With multiple interior spaces and gardens, we can accommodate events of various sizes and layouts, from 2 to 300. We host individuals, non-profit organizations, and for-profit entities. Our event rental prices are affordable, with discounts offered to non-profit organizations in alignment with our values. Whether you are planning a wedding, celebration, a corporate meeting, we can accommodate you.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides a dedicated team on-site
  • Picturesque garden backdrop
  • Designed for grand celebrations

Venue considerations

  • No all-inclusive dining options
  • No on-premises lodging options
  • No in-house lighting and sound packages available

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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