HJ
Planners often assists couples who live outside the District who have chosen Washington
D.C. as the location for their destination wedding. To us, it’s not surprising
that many soon-to-be-married pairs choose the historic city for their nuptials:
Washington D.C. is well-prepared to handle visitors, has plenty of (free) museums
for guests to visit during their stay and offers numerous venue locations for
celebrations.
Built
for a Wedding
Washington
D.C. thrives around big events, and not just political ones. With innumerable
hotel rooms, restaurants, and easy-to-manage public transportation (thank you
Metro!) the city is literally built to handle thousands of visitors. Historic
venues like DAR Constitution Hall, the Carnegie Institute, Decatur House and
Corcoran Museum combine historical American architecture and modern-day American
culture to serve perfectly as the backdrop for any party – particularly a
wedding.
The
Newseum, Woodend Sanctuary and embassies present a different way to incorporate
the city’s unique attributes into a celebration. The Newseum provides fabulous views
of the Capitol from its 7th floor event space, Sanctuary a glimpse
of the city’s natural surroundings that many strive so hard to preserve and
embassies an understanding that what makes America such a melting-pot is its
openness to other cultures and countries.
Periodically,
we here at HJ jump into the car and drive around town searching for new venue
locations. We are constantly surprised by the new venues that seemingly appear
every month. Recently, we’ve discovered Fathom Gallery, which boasts outdoor
space containing a Morse Code-laid floor, whiteboard kitchen cabinets and moving
images in its bathroom mirror. The Hamilton Hotel’s renovated hotel bars now
offer a mirrored mosaic tile backdrop for engagement parties or rehearsal
dinners. The Four Seasons recently-renovated Seasons Room boasts a glass-walled
space overlooking Rock Creek Park.
Tying
the Knot
Not
only do many venues allow ceremonies on-site, but there are also churches available
for any denomination. JFK worshiped at Holy Trinity Catholic Church; Luther Place
Memorial Church openly celebrates the recently legalized gay weddings. The
National Cathedral offers a great locale for couples looking for a big venue
that screams America.
Vendors
Galore
D.C.
is constantly changing. Thanks to being one of cities that was least affected
by the housing crisis, the economy has remained relatively stable, if not stronger
and larger. This means an increase in the number of available vendors as well
as the reliability of established vendors. Tom and Ashlee Van Veen of
Documentary Associates continuously re-think ways to photograph couples among
the backdrops offered by D.C.’s monuments and venues. Edge Flowers and Chica Chica Boom Boom can create any floral and event design to compliment a couple’s
tastes and venue’s needs.
Want
a food truck at your wedding? No problem. D.C. has recently experienced the
food-truck craze, and has even formed an association for food trucks in the area.
Whether
classic or contemporary, Lettering by Lynne provides invitations to suit every taste.
Speaking of taste, Main Event Caterers offers contemporary, unique and
flavorful bites suitable for any event. Fluffy Thoughts bakery and Stephanie the Baker can create any mix of cake, filling and frosting flavors that are
sure to wow guests.
And
We Send You On Your Way…
D.C.’s
accessibility is one of its best attributes. Not only do the area’s three
airports make it easy for guests to travel, but it also makes it a breeze for
couples to jet off on their honeymoon. When having the perfect wedding is a
simple as jumping off a plane, and having a wonderful honeymoon as simple as
jumping onto one, it becomes even clearer why more and more couples are
clamoring for destination D.C. weddings.
