Unique Wedding Venues for Rent in Washington, DC

Your Guide to Renting Unique Wedding Venues in Washington, DC

Welcome to Washington, D.C. the country’s capital hides many fantastic and quirky venues that are more than ready to make your dream wedding happen. Apart from numerous hotels with a little bit vintage but still upscale decor, there's a plethora of great restaurants, bars, bistros, and gardens with unique features that can add some unexpected aesthetic to your celebrations. And what would you say about taking a step back into the past and renting a historic mansion with a bit of European soul, or adding some soulful touches by having a reception in the art gallery? Washington, D.C. is full of possibilities to make your wedding a celebration everyone won’t soon forget. And picking the ideal space should be the number one priority if you want your wedding to be remembered as both successful and original.  After all, it impacts pretty much any other important wedding elements, such as decorations, guest number, vendors, and the mood. So make sure the one you’ve picked not only meets your expectations but even exceeds them! Why not make use of our platform and spin our smart filters to check what we’ve got up our sleeve? You’ll be surprised how quickly you’ll be able to scan through a list of unforgettable wedding venues adjusted to your guest list and price range!  

How to organize a wedding in Washington, D.C.?

As a recently engaged couple, you are probably thinking about taking some steps towards your wedding organization. And what are the basic elements that every couple must consider to make their dream wedding happen? To answer this important question, we’ve compiled a step-by-step guide on how to organize a wedding from scratch. It includes all the crucial wedding elements that no wedding is planned without, so make sure you scan it through to kick off the wedding of the century!

Start off with setting your wedding budget - No event kicks off without having a settled budget. So make sure it is the first step to do on your wedding list. Basically, the final budget impacts everything: from the venue rental, number of guests, decorations, vendor booking, wedding packages, etc., so you need to nail the numbers down to proceed with the other elements on your wedding list. Also, knowing what you can afford will help you avoid overspending. 

Think of the potential wedding dates - Yes, indeed! You should have a few potential dates up your sleeve! That way you get the idea of which will be the best one to have the highest attendance. Check whether there aren't any holidays, other weddings, and special occasions taking place on your potential wedding dates. And once the coast is clear, you can start browsing for your dream venues! 

Make an initial guest list -  A boisterous, celebratory bash to smash or an intimate reception with your closest ones? Although you’ll make the choice that will be ideal for you, you need to find the venue that will comfortably accommodate everyone. And even a guestimate on your final number of guests will help you pick a suitable space that will make everyone relaxed and happy to celebrate when the venue has ideal seating arrangements. 

Befriend a wedding app - Why not use some technology to help you plan your Big Day? Mobile apps such as WeddingHappy, or iWed Planner can be extremely helpful in reminding you to arrange other elements, such as booking your vendors or picking the wedding attire, as well as keeping everything according to your wedding schedule. They’re easy to use and accessible because everyone keeps their smartphone close. You can plan every little detail on the comfort of your couch!

Look for inspiration - It’s best to know what style and ambiance you’ll go for before taking any further steps that will bring you closer to your ideal wedding venue. A glamorous, modern reception, a bohemian, or maybe a garden wedding taken straight from a Disney movie? We always encourage couples to think outside the box and add something personal to make the wedding unique and memorable. Maybe a wall with your pictures that you’ve taken along your love journey, or decorations inspired by your travel and hobbies? Having a certain vision in mind will really guide you to pick the venue that will be matching your expectations.

Schedule site visits and pick the ideal venue - Is establishing a budget, guest list, and date checked off on your wedding planning list? Then you’re ready for the venue hunt! It’s always best to see the venue in person, so appoint site visits once you’ve picked a few spaces that have piqued your interest. Not only will you see if the ambiance will match your vision, but you’ll also have the chance to ask venue managers all the important questions regarding the wedding, such as catering, transportation, BYOB policy, setting, additional fees, etc. When you’ve gathered all the info you need, you can compare the offers, check the reviews on the internet, and pick the winner. Picking the right venue is really important to make your Big Day outstanding, so don’t rush and trust the process!

Hunt for the ideal vendors - Choosing the right vendor could only make your wedding a hit, so make sure you hire only the best ones that will help bring your vision to life. Check for their portfolio and reviews before you reach out to them. Overall, securing vendor services takes place no later than 10 months before the reception, so remember to have enough time to pick only the best ones! 

FAQs about Unique Wedding Venues in Washington, DC

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

Most wedding venues offer wedding packages that include basic amenities and catering. However, what they include solely depends on the price option you choose. Generally, the prices start from as low as $100 per person. But in venues such as restaurants, bars, and bistros it is also possible to pay per minimum spend, and the prices range between $2000 to $8000+. (All data from Tagvenue.com.)

When is the best time to have a wedding in Washington, D.C.?

According to brides.com, the best time to get married in the District is October. Washington, D.C., like most capital cities, is home to many political events and holidays, so it can be difficult to get into the venue with road closures that occur on such days. Also, hotels tend to be overbooked, so it could be impossible to organize accommodations for your out-of-town guests. An October wedding will spare you such problems.

What is the average price of organizing a wedding in Washington, D.C.?

It is around $37000. But it’s possible to lower the final costs by, for example, having an off-season wedding, as well as reducing your guest number. Also, Tagvenue’s smart engines might help you find the ideal venue exactly in your price range, so make sure to try them out!

Where can I find unique wedding venues in Washington, D.C.?

Washington, D.C. boasts unique and historic mansions that might be the perfect setting for your wedding reception. The best ones you can find in Georgetown, Cardozo, West End, and Shaw. If you’d fancy a space with a breathtaking view, try your luck in the areas of Stanton Park or Georgetown Waterfront Park. Downtown, on the other hand, is rich with hotels and galleries with spectacular decors in different styles, so if you’d like a glamorous wedding with quirky vibes, it’s the number one area you should check out.