Washington, DC weddings offer a unique and beautiful backdrop for your nuptials. Whether you are a local who wants to marry in your hometown or you are from out of town and looking for a unique destination wedding, Washington, DC has something to offer every couple. The city is full of lush parks, beautiful waterfront areas, and charming cobblestone streets - all of which make for an unforgettable wedding day. So whatever your style, a Washington, DC wedding is sure to be a stunning event.
DC couples take about 13 months to plan their weddings, with October being the most popular month. Most couples have a 13-person vendor team, 115 wedding guests, and nine of their closest friends in their wedding party.
As an experienced beauty team offering wedding hair and makeup in DC, we know all about weddings in the area. Keep reading to find out all our best tips for planning a wedding in Washington DC.
Washington DC offers easy travel for destination couples and guests
As the nation's capital, Washington, DC is a convenient location for a wedding. Guests traveling to Washington, DC for a wedding can choose from a number of convenient transportation options, including trains, buses, and three nearby airports. Guests from the Boston, New York, Philadelphia, or Richmond metropolitan areas can take Amtrak to Washington's Union Station. Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) are both about 32 and 27 miles from DC, respectively.
Inside the city limits, your guests can easily get to your wedding venue, rehearsal dinner location, or other points of interest within the city limits using the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) subway system or bus lines. Fares depend on the distance traveled and vary by time of day but are generally less than $5 each way. This makes getting around the city easy and affordable for guests.
Weather
Washington temperatures vary depending on the season, as all four seasons are felt in pretty equal measure in this state. Located within a humid subtropical climate zone, Washington doesn't experience extreme heat or cold, but precipitation is common.
The average temperature in January and February is in the high 30s. In March, April and May, the average temperature is in the high 40s, mid-50s, and mid-60s, respectively. The summer months (June to September) have an average temperature of in the high 70s, with highs frequently dipping into the 80s. October, November, and December have an average temperature of in the high 50s, high 40s, and high 30s, respectively.
Choosing a location to get married in the DC
There are plenty of great venues in Washington D.C. to choose from, no matter your taste or budget. There's something for everyone, from grand historic buildings to charming inns and gardens. However, popular spots often fill up well in advance, so it's best to start looking for a venue early on if you want to book that perfect location.
Washington DC features a host of unique places to get married
Washington DC features a host of unique places to get married, whatever vibe you are looking to create.
Looking for a stately vibe with regal white columns and grand ballrooms, consider The Kennedy Center for Performing Arts. It has a variety of spaces and hosts many famous performances attended by the President of the United States. It is sure to impress any guest list.
With the Potomac River running directly through the city and smaller bodies dotting the landscape, it is easy to find a spot with water to ga-ga over. Water-loving couples can make memories at The Wharf, which has stunning, glass-encased indoor areas to lively outdoor places - all with exquisite waterfront views.
The Washington skyline bost a host of architectural marvels from the Capital Dome to the Washington Mount. Renting a rooftop venue for your wedding can provide an amazing perspective to the stunning views. For example, the panoramic rooftop views at the top of The Hay-Adams Hotel, originally built in the 1920s, offers a historic location overlooking the White House and backdropped by the monumental Washington skyline.
Start planning and booking your vendors early.
Finding a venue that meets all of your needs can be one of the most challenging things. Plan to book your wedding venue 12 to 18 months in advance if you want to get married on a Saturday night in a prime month. If you're flexible on the date and time, you can book 8 to 12 months in advance. And if your venue doesn't offer on-site catering, prioritize your food service vendor to make sure everything else (e.g., place setting rentals, floral design, cake size) lines up. If you want to book premium hair and makeup services, it is wise to get them to book at this time rather than later since they book up quickly.
When planning your dream wedding in Washington D.C., it is essential to start by choosing a venue that meets all of your needs. This will require some early planning, as popular spots often fill up well in advance. However, there are plenty of great venues in Washington D.C. to choose from, no matter your taste or budget. From grand historic buildings to charming inns and gardens, there's something for everyone.
You can plan the DC wedding of your dreams
Washington D.C. offers a wealth of unique places to get married to fit any couple's taste. The city offers couples a unique mix of beautiful parks, waterfront areas, and charming streets - all perfect for an elegant and romantic wedding day. So whether you are looking for a grand stately or a simple outdoor vibe with stunning views of the Washington skyline, America's capital is the perfect destination wedding location. It is sure to be a spectacular experience.
