Why you should be having your wedding at The Willard Hotel DC
If you’re looking for a unique wedding venue with exceptionally abundant history and opulent charm, The Willard Hotel DC is your go-to venue. A Willard Hotel wedding is truly one for the books. The venue’s origins date back to the early 19th century, at a time where horse-drawn carriages and petticoats sprinkled Pennsylvania Avenue, just steps from The White House.
Today, it boasts classic elegance, consistent quality, and keen attention to detail for its guests, and it’s a perfectly legendary setting for your special day. Today, we’re going to chat about why you should be having your wedding at The Willard Hotel DC. Let’s begin!
Location, location, location!
Located in the heart of the nation’s capital at the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and 14th Street, The Willard Hotel DC has been the go-to hotel for capital visitors and U.S. presidents alike. Martin Luther King Jr. made his final edits to his “I Have a Dream” speech in the lobby, just moments before his historical delivery at the Lincoln Memorial.
Forty years later to the year, the Dalai Lama attended a conference breakfast meeting at the venue. Today, its location positions it as one of the most iconic and historic hotels in the U.S.
Grounds to take your breath away.
If you’re having a Willard Hotel wedding, your guests are in for a treat. Its modern extravagance and historic charm create the most luxurious backdrop to your ceremony, reception, rehearsal dinner, and even post-wedding brunch!
One step into the hotel transports you back to the 1800s, boasting exquisite marble columns, echo-worthy ballrooms, and massive crystal chandeliers.
History to fawn over.
I know we mentioned this a little bit, but I want to drive this point home. This is the most historic venue I’ve ever had the opportunity to photograph. Past presidents such as Ulysses S. Grant, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin Pierce, Calvin Coolidge, and more have either visited or stayed within The Willard Hotel DC walls. As a last-ditch effort to avoid the Civil War, former President John Tyler held the Peace Convention there. It has even been a filming location for a Steven Spielberg film!
Options that are more than endless, they’re infinite.
The Willard Hotel DC offers more than 15 elegant settings for your ceremony and reception. Like I mentioned, these locations also offer a great opportunity to host a rehearsal dinner, post-wedding brunch, or even a bridal shower!
In my opinion, a Willard Hotel wedding must include both the Crystal Room and the Grand Ballroom. The Crystal Room showcases mottled green columns, crystal chandeliers, hand-carved, gold leaf, crown molding, and antique drapery. The Grand Ballroom stuns guests with a gorgeously hand-painted mural, crystal-dripping chandeliers, beveled mirrors, and an additional, separate entrance foyer.
Ready to book?
I would be, too. You’re going to have the most beautiful wedding at The Willard Hotel DC! From here, you’ll want to get started on your vendors, like your photographer. I know how hard this part is, as I’ve been there. Luckily, I’m a seasoned DC photographer and know the ins and outs of the venue. I know exactly what it takes to make sure you get the most out of the venue and the memories of your big day! I’d love to talk more with you about how I can help support you at your Willard Hotel wedding. Let’s connect!
Other things to note? Even if you don’t have your entire wedding there, The Willard Hotel DC is an absolutely stunning venue for getting ready! The suites have high ceilings, lots of picture perfect furnishings, and tons of gorgeous natural light. If you’re looking for those dreamy bridal party photos with lots of champagne toasts, elegant getting ready shots, and timeless images of your mom getting you into the dress–The Willard Hotel is the place!
Another reason couples love The Willard Hotel DC is because it truly is a stunning backdrop for all of your wedding portraits! With iconic curb appeal and some FANTASTIC steps for wedding party portraits, you can’t go wrong taking photos indoors or out at The Willard.
Still looking for more information about planning your Washington D.C. wedding? I’d love to help! With over eight years of wedding photography experience I have all the tips to share with you. Check out a few of my favorite blog posts below for more info:
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i'm danielle
I'm a Virginia-based wedding & portrait photographer capturing photos that look like actual ART.
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