Your Wedding Weekend In Washington, DC
Posted on
By: Maya Hettleman
Featured Image By: Alicia Lacey Photography
For us at IMPACT Collective, Washington, DC is home field. There is no place we love more or know better than the District. For our couples, a wedding is more than a single special day. It can be an entire weekend of celebrating with your closest friends and family.
If you’re planning a wedding in Washington, DC, your guests have the opportunity to experience everything the city has to offer, from iconic landmarks and incredible restaurants to welcome parties and post-wedding brunches. We know it can be difficult to fit the full DC experience into just a few days, so we’ve narrowed it down to a few ideas to help you plan a memorable Washington, DC wedding weekend.
Things to Do During Your Washington, DC Wedding Weekend
DC is certainly known for its landmarks. From spending the afternoon on the National Mall with the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial to walking around the Tidal Basin to see the Jefferson Memorial, the monuments are a huge draw for visitors. There is also a beautiful art scene in DC, with spots like the National Portrait Gallery, the Renwick Museum, and modern art installations like ARTECHOUSE. Whether your guests are visiting for the first time or already know the city, there are plenty of options to explore between wedding events.
Rehearsal Dinner & Wedding Weekend Restaurants in Washington, DC
DC’s best-kept secret is that it is a city for foodies. The restaurant scene in the District ranges from hip, up-and-coming fusion places to elegant fine dining establishments, making it a great place to host a rehearsal dinner, welcome dinner, or meal with your wedding guests. A local favorite is the Parisian Brasserie, Le Diplomate. From its menu to its atmosphere, the restaurant offers a memorable DC dining experience your guests won’t find anywhere else. Additionally, Dacha Beer Garden offers another option for dinner and drinks, with locations in Shaw and Navy Yard. Its German-inspired menu and relaxed atmosphere can make it a fun option for bringing guests together before the wedding. When choosing a restaurant for your wedding weekend, consider your guest count, location, atmosphere, and how easily the restaurant fits into the rest of your weekend itinerary.
Welcome Party Venues in Washington, DC
Once your guests have arrived in town, a welcome party is a great way to bring everyone together before the wedding. One popular option is a rooftop gathering for drinks, dinner, and celebrating. The rooftop bar at the Watergate Hotel is a favorite spot in the District because of its service, menu, and 360° views overlooking the DC skyline. Another option is Terrazza, the rooftop bar at Officina at The Wharf. Its seasonal drinks and Italian menu are complemented by architecture inspired by aperitivo patios in Rome. The waterfront setting also provides a beautiful backdrop for the beginning of your wedding weekend. When planning a welcome party, think about your guest count, whether you want a seated dinner or cocktails, and how the location fits with your guests’ hotels and the rest of your wedding weekend.
Where to Continue the Celebration After Your Wedding
There is nothing more iconic than celebrating your wedding day with your dress on and a slice of pizza in hand. As far as pizza places go, there isn’t a more iconic pizza experience in DC than Jumbo Slice in Adams Morgan. In this neighborhood, you can grab a quick bite and continue the celebration at DC staples like Roofer’s Union and Bar Charley. If you’re not ready to end the night, the celebration can continue at Madam’s Organ, a bar known for live blues music and soul food.
Wedding Weekend Brunch in Washington, DC
Bottomless brunch in Washington, DC is a Sunday staple for any local and can be the perfect way to end your wedding weekend. If you’re looking for a brunch option to satisfy a larger group, Duke’s Grocery in Dupont Circle offers classic favorites with an English twist. For a local brunch experience, Mission in the Navy Yard offers Latin-inspired cuisine alongside familiar brunch favorites. For a brunch with a view, All-Purpose Pizzeria at Capitol Riverfront offers breakfast favorites and lunch specialties in a waterfront setting.
Planning Your Washington, DC Wedding Weekend
Planning a wedding weekend involves more than deciding where to celebrate. You’ll also want to think about your guests’ accommodations, transportation, timing between events, and how each part of the weekend fits together. A thoughtful itinerary can help your guests enjoy the city while making sure they know where they need to be and when. From the welcome party to the wedding day and the brunch that follows, each event can feel like part of one complete experience.
As locals ourselves, the team at IMPACT Collective knows how special it can be to celebrate in Washington, DC. With guests traveling into the city, your wedding weekend is an opportunity to share some of your favorite places while creating new memories together.
Hopefully, these suggestions make planning your Washington, DC wedding weekend a little easier and more exciting. If you’d like the help of a wedding planner, contact IMPACT Collective to set up a consultation and learn more about our wedding planning services.
