Small Wedding Venues for Rent in Washington, DC

Your Guide to Renting Small Wedding Venues in Washington, DC

Weddings are definitely an important occasion to look forward to, but planning one can feel overwhelming. It’s enough to think about coordinating a ceremony and reception, but that’s just the beginning. You need to find a venue as well! And not just some random place - it needs to meet all of your needs and requirements to make sure that the wedding is successful. Luckily, there are many smaller options for wedding venues for rent in Washington, D.C.! And they are all perfect for intimate weddings that don’t require a lot of space.

We’ve already mentioned that hosting a wedding, no matter how big or small, requires a lot of planning. And it doesn’t end with just finding the perfect venue! Do you want to throw a memorable event? Have a look at our tips and tricks for a successful celebration!

Guide to small weddings

• Budget. A smaller wedding usually equals a smaller budget. When planning their wedding budget, most people determine the cost per guest. Naturally, this means that the more guests you invite, the more money you end up spending. So we suggest you calculate how much you’ll be able to spend on your celebration and go from there. A budget will help you with making a decision about many aspects, such as the venue you’ll end up renting, the guest list, catering, and entertainment, to name a few.

• Intentional guest list. What is an integral part of a small wedding? A small guest list! When it comes to slimming down your guest list, we suggest you stick to your inner circle of family and friends. Simply surround yourselves with people who make you feel loved and comfortable. Thanks to a short guest list, you’ll also have a chance to exchange at least a few words with everyone and express your gratitude for their support, as they help you celebrate your special day.

• Location. Choosing a wedding venue that’s convenient for guests is incredibly important. But it’s also nice to have somewhere unique that feels like a perfect fit for you and your other half. It doesn’t really matter whether you’d like to host your wedding across the city or pick a place a block away from your front door. All you need to do is make sure to check the venue’s parking options, as well as its access to public transportation. The last thing we want is your guests to get frustrated on their way to your wedding, don’t we?  Well, easy and convenient access is the perfect solution!

• Food. Let’s not keep your guests hungry! You can either go for finger foods or a spectacular 3-course dinner - it all depends on your vision and the type of venue where your party will be taking place. But when deciding on a menu, remember about your guests’ dietary restrictions and food allergies. We’ve already talked about food, so let’s move to beverages. If the venue doesn’t have an in-house bartender, you can have an external mixologist who will be ready to prepare fantastic drinks for you and your guests. Some places offer special cocktail packages at affordable prices, so when booking the place, ask the venue manager whether they offer something like that as well. We also suggest you order the right amount of food and drinks (preferably slightly more than the anticipated number of people) in order to avoid any unpleasant surprises on the day. But don’t go too crazy - we don’t want to waste food, do we?

• Ambiance. If you have a particular style in mind for your wedding, you can try renting a space with decor that will match and that you will simply love. However, even if you don’t have a specific theme, there are still many options for decor if you’re willing to go with the flow. You can easily change tablecloths or place settings to something different and add your own touches, or hire out other vendors to help you out. There is no space that some flower arrangements, candles, and unique ornaments can’t elevate.

• Entertainment. You can’t have a successful wedding without great entertainment! That’s why we recommend renting a space with a sound system and uplights, which will make your ceremony and dances come alive. You may choose to hire a DJ or a live band (but not one with too many members so that they don’t outnumber the wedding guests) and have your first dance to your favorite song. You can even put speakers outside if the weather is nice! In case you want to add more elements, think of any extra services and put them into action!

There are plenty of places to have weddings in Washington, D.C. that are affordable and comfortable and guarantee an amazing time. Once you’ve chosen a venue, plan everything carefully (feel free to get inspired by our short guide) and when the special day comes, enjoy every second of it.

FAQs about Small Wedding Venues in Washington, DC

How far in advance should I rent a small wedding venue in Washington, D.C.?

We suggest you do it as far ahead as possible! The best time to book the place you love is at least 9 months in advance. Renting a venue this early will give you enough time to sort out all of the details, plan everything carefully and enjoy a stress-free wedding day.

How much does it cost to rent a small wedding venue in Washington, D.C.?

Rental prices of small wedding venues around Washington, D.C. vary depending on their location, capacity, and reputation. Many places offer special packages with prices ranging between $20 and $105 per person. Another popular pricing structure in Washington, D.C. is minimum spend with fees starting at $600 and reaching up to $3300. (Based on data from Tagvenue.)

Where in Washington, D.C. can I find the best small wedding venues?

The location you choose all depends on the type of venue you’re looking for. If you’re after somewhere greener, check out Capitol Hill where you’ll be able to host a memorable party surrounded by landmarks and lush spaces. Downtown, on the other hand, is dotted with exquisite restaurants that will please your guests’ palates. There’s also a great choice of micro wedding venues in the Southwest and Waterfront.

What are some of the best small wedding venues in Washington, D.C.?

If you’re overwhelmed with the city’s selection of small wedding venues, have a look at our top picks and get inspired:

• Ambar Capitol Hill - Whether you want to host your wedding indoors or outdoors, you’ll be able to do both in Ambar Capitol Hill! The venue’s ambiance and a fantastic menu will ensure a memorable party, without a doubt!
• The Toolbox DC Event Space - Do you feel like celebrating in a place that's a pilates studio by day and a wedding venue by night? If the answer is YES, you can’t miss out on this unique Dupont Circle spot!  
• Ambar Clarendon - A contemporary Balkan style restaurant located in D.C.’s Lyon Village, perfect for an intimate wedding celebration. If a relaxed and intimate environment is your cup of tea, you have to check out Ambar Clarendon.