A Film Photographer’s Favorite Hotel Wedding Venues in DC

As a DC wedding photographer, we’ve documented some of the best details in some of the best venues in the country. DC has one very specific thing that other cities don’t: unique, historic, gorgeous hotels. Besides hosting the nation’s capital, Washington, DC, is a cultural hub with museums, art galleries, and concerts that attract over 27 million people per year. But if we’re honest, we think the hotels alone are worth the visit. We’ve had the privilege of photographing weddings in dozens of hotel wedding venues in DC, so we’re rounding up a few of our favorites for you. From grand, historic buildings with vintage charm to unique contemporary spaces with a modern edge, you can find the perfect hotel wedding venue for your celebration. 

Why We Love Hotel Wedding Venues in DC 

It’s all about the details for us. When we recommend a venue, we have considered it from every angle. Naturally, we’re drawn to the visually striking venues that elevate events simply by the architecture and design of the space. But we consider a lot more than aesthetics. We’ve worked closely with each of these venues, and can speak directly about the quality of the experience. From the comfort of the rooms and standard of the food to the convenience of having everything in one place (including backup plans for bad weather), these hotel wedding venues in DC don’t just check the box; they exceed it.

First, each one allows you to book blocks of rooms, making travel so much easier. You and your guests can stay on-site for as long as you need, minimizing travel time on your wedding day. They all have iconic DC views, providing the perfect backdrop for portraits. And, since each hotel boasts a 5-star kitchen, you better believe the food is amazing (plus, it saves you from outsourcing to another caterer).

The last, and perhaps best part, is that these venues have multiple stunning locations for your ceremony and reception. No matter the season or the weather (because these East Coast summers can get hot and rainy days come for us all), you will have options for Plans A, B, C, and D. When you plan your wedding at one of these venues, it will be a boutique, quality experience from check-in to check-out. 

The Line Hotel 

The classic, historic Line Hotel is converted from a 1900s church. The original neoclassical architecture puts this venue in a league of its own. From the pillars out front to the tilted mirror and stained glass windows, everything about The Line feels sophisticated and grand, with touches of modern elegance. With multiple ballrooms for your ceremony and reception, a rooftop with skyline views, and a sun-soaked Mezzanine for your first look or cocktail hour, no two weddings here look the same. 

To see more from The Line Hotel, read this blog about Caroline and Sonny’s colorful wedding!

The Riggs Hotel 

The Riggs Hotel was originally built in 1891 as the headquarters of Riggs National Bank (also known as the Bank of Presidents). Now, it effortlessly blends the past and the present in an innovative, narrative design. To honor its original purpose, each room of the Riggs Hotel is different, designed to mimic the delight of opening a safe deposit box. You can get ready in one of these one-of-a-kind spaces, making the morning of your wedding feel completely unique. 

Between the rooftop and the multiple spacious ceremony rooms, the Riggs has the perfect set-up for any size wedding. Private dining, specialty catering, and an atmospheric bar built into the original bank vault promise that every wedding at the Riggs will be a world-class experience. And the details, from the gothic columns in the dining room to the giant gumball machine, work together to create something distinctive and unforgettable. You can see more of our work at the Riggs Hotel on Wed Vibes.

Yours Truly 

When it comes to hotel wedding venues in DC, we are always excited to return to Yours Truly. This bohemian-inspired hotel is perfect for music-lovers who want to take full advantage of the hotel’s extensive record collection and in-room turntables. Centrally located to everything DC has to offer, this hotel is a colorful, eclectic, comfortable space for any size wedding. It is luxurious, yet understated, comfortable, yet refined, and ideal for couples who want something out of the box. Choose from 5 venues on-site, explore their customized menu, and even get bagels on-site the morning after your wedding! 

The Archer Hotel Tysons

The Archer Hotel Tysons is an industrial chic hotel perfect for the modern couple. It has a a clean, minimalist aesthetic, amazing lighting for photos, and the most beautiful ballroom we’ve ever seen. You can choose from a range of spaces to find the one that best suits your vision, from intimate, homey rooms to a penthouse with a terrace overlooking the city. While technically located outside of DC, this venue is easily accessible for all of your guests and provides everything you need on-site (including amazing food and service). 

The Landsdowne Resort 

For the DC couple who wants a little more nature, in Leesburg, Virginia, The Landsdowne Resort and Spa is classic, timeless, and elegant. Looking for an outdoor wedding? The Potomac Terrace overlooks the rolling hills and Potomac River Valley, and is absolutely stunning in spring, summer, and fall. You can then transfer to the outdoor pavilion to make the most of the warm-weather months. Want an indoor wedding instead? Choose from three ballrooms, each with classic charm that can host from 130 to 500 guests. 

The Landsdowne also houses a 5-star spa, beautiful golf courses, and mouth-watering restaurants. Only 30 miles outside of DC, this is the perfect venue for a wedding weekend away from the city. The golf course gives us the perfect backdrop for evening portraits, and the sheer size of this hotel makes it ideal for large weddings! 

A DC Wedding Photography Team for Every Wedding 

Looking for more hotel wedding venues in DC? Check out The Hay-Adams, The Jefferson, The Salamander, Hotel Washington, The Ritz Carlton DC, and The Waldorf Astoria. When we say DC has something for you, we’re not exaggerating. We love this city, and we love documenting love stories here. Whatever vision you have for your wedding, these venues will only elevate it. We look forward to returning to each hotel and can’t wait to see how each couple makes it their own! 

Are you looking for a photographer with experience at your venue to capture your DC wedding? Click here to explore everything we have to offer! We get so much joy from documenting your love through digital, film, and polaroid photography, content creation, and Super 8 videography. Have questions? Contact us.