Planning a wedding can be an exciting but overwhelming experience, especially when it comes to finding the perfect venue. However, with a little research and creativity, you can discover cheap wedding venues in Washington, DC that won’t break the bank. With beautiful wedding venues ranging from $90 to $5,000, we will explore some budget-friendly options that will allow you to have a beautiful and memorable wedding in DC without compromising on style or elegance.
Looking for another way to save money on your wedding? In Washington, DC, you can self-officiate your wedding and save money on an officiant! It’s not only for courthouse weddings and elopements.
Beautiful and Affordable Wedding Venues in DC
When I was searching for places to get married in DC, I wanted something beautiful, but I also wanted a cheap wedding venue. I looked at many venues across the city, and these were the cheapest ones I found that also ticked the box for a beautiful setting. While some of the interior spaces do need some additional decoration to punch them up, the views and ambiences are unmatched for the price.
For this list, I only included venues that had options that are $5,000 or under. Many of them have packages that are above $5,000, but you can at least have an affordable option at a beautiful location. Some may not consider $5,000 a cheap wedding venue, but in DC, all prices are relative!
1. DC War Memorial on the National Mall
The National Mall has a variety of cheap wedding venues in Washington, DC. Located on the National Mall, the DC War Memorial offers a picturesque outdoor setting for your wedding ceremony for up to 200 people. The memorial, dedicated to the residents of Washington D.C. who served in World War I, provides a stunning backdrop with its neoclassical architecture and serene surroundings. The best part? You can rent the memorial for just $90 for a two-hour time slot. Keep in mind that the DC War Memorial is exclusively for ceremonies, so you will need to find a separate location for the reception.
While beautiful and cheap, remember that it is a memorial for those Washingtonians who lost their lives fighting in World War I. Some residents find weddings here to be a meaningful connection to the past, while others do not believe it is an appropriate venue for a wedding.
2. West Lawn at the Jefferson Memorial
Another affordable option on the National Mall is the West Lawn at the Jefferson Memorial. Imagine exchanging vows against the iconic backdrop of Thomas Jefferson’s memorial, with the Tidal Basin and cherry blossoms in full bloom. Similar to the DC War Memorial, the West Lawn can be rented for $90 for a two-hour time slot and it can accommodate up to 200 people. This park wedding option is also completely outdoors, and does not include the interior of the Jefferson Memorial. Remember that this cheap wedding venue is also for ceremonies only, and you will need to make separate arrangements for the reception.
3. George Mason Memorial at the Tidal Basin
Situated near the Tidal Basin, the George Mason Memorial offers a tranquil outdoor space for your wedding ceremony. This memorial honors George Mason, one of the founding fathers of the United States and an advocate for individual rights. It is one of the lesser known memorials on the Mall, but that can work in your favor: you’re less likely to have crowds. It has beautiful landscaping and views of the Washington Monument.
The George Mason Memorial is available for up to 100 people and can be rented for $90 for a two-hour time slot, making it a cheap wedding venue option for couples on a budget. As with the previous wedding venues on the National Mall, you will need to find a separate location for the reception.
4. National Cathedral School
If you’re looking for a wedding venue with stunning outdoor space and breathtaking views of the cathedral, National Cathedral School (NCS) is an excellent choice. Nestled in northwest Washington, DC, this venue offers a picturesque setting for both ceremonies and receptions. With its lush gardens and elegant architecture, NCS provides a romantic ambiance that will make your special day truly memorable. The outside areas are the most beautiful. Indoors is more of a blank canvas for you to decorate.
Pricing for NCS starts at $2,000, making it an affordable wedding venue option for couples seeking a charming setting for their wedding.
5. Oxon Hill Manor
Located near National Harbor in Maryland, Oxon Hill Manor boasts beautiful grounds that provide a picturesque backdrop for your wedding day. Owned by Prince George’s County, this historic mansion offers a blend of elegance and natural beauty. With its manicured gardens, scenic views, and grand architecture, Oxon Hill Manor is sure to impress your guests whether you have an outdoor ceremony or indoor ceremony. Pricing for this venue starts at $2,500, and residents of Prince George’s County and Montgomery County may even be eligible for a discount, making it an even more affordable wedding venue option.
6. The Hill Center
For couples seeking a wedding venue with a touch of charm and history in the city, the Hill Center at Eastern Market is an excellent choice. The Hill Center, located on Capitol Hill, offers a beautiful exterior and versatile spaces that can accommodate various wedding styles. Depending on your preferences, prices for this venue start at around $2,500. The Hill Center is a Civil War-era naval hospital that has been restored for historic preservation. It provides a unique backdrop that will make your wedding day truly special, especially for history buffs!
8. President Lincoln’s Cottage
During the Civil War, President Lincoln and his family spent his summer on the Soldier’s Home grounds in this 1840s home. Commonly known as President Lincoln’s Cottage, he wrote the final draft of the Emancipation Proclamation. At the time, it was a peaceful, rural retreat. Today, it’s a national landmark that feels like an oasis in the busy city, located in the Petworth neighborhood of DC.
If you are open to an outdoor wedding, you can get the lawns on the north side of the cottage starting at $3,000 for up to 100 guests. The north lawn also features a statue of President Lincoln and his horse, adding a reminder of the history of the wedding venue. However, if you want indoor space, it will run you at least $7,500. For a cheap wedding venue in DC, the outdoor spaces are beautiful options steeped in history.
7. Josephine Butler Park Center
If you’re looking for a wedding venue that combines history and natural beauty, the Josephine Butler Park Center is worth considering. Situated near Meridian Hill/Malcom X Park in Columbia Heights, this venue offers a unique and charming space for your special day. While the interior space may be a bit broken up, the Josephine Butler Park Center provides a beautiful venue for ceremonies and receptions. Pricing for this venue starts at $5,000, allowing you to have an affordable wedding while enjoying the park’s scenic views.
Additional Tips for Finding Cheap Wedding Venues in DC
When searching for affordable wedding venues in Washington, DC, it’s essential to keep a few things in mind to maximize your budget:
- Consider off-peak wedding dates: Choosing a wedding date during the off-peak season, on a weekday, or during the day can often result in significant cost savings and turn a more expensive wedding venue into a cheap wedding venue.
- Think outside the box: Explore non-traditional venues such as parks, gardens, art galleries, or community centers that may offer lower rental fees.
- Consider all-inclusive packages: Venues that offer all-inclusive packages can often be more cost-effective than booking each service separately. However, this totally depends on the venue and vendors!
- Find a venue where you need minimal decoration: When you need to dress up a venue, it increases the cost. If you find a venue that is so beautiful that you don’t need to spend as much on flowers, lighting, and other decorations, a higher price may be worth it.
- Negotiate and compare prices: Don’t be afraid to negotiate with venue managers to find a price that fits your budget. Additionally, compare prices and services offered by different venues to make an informed decision.
Finding an affordable wedding venue in Washington, DC is possible with the right research and planning. By considering these budget-friendly options and following our additional tips, you can create a memorable wedding day without breaking the bank. Remember, your wedding day should be a reflection of your love and commitment, and with a little creativity, you can find the perfect cheap wedding venue that aligns with your vision and budget.
Note: The prices mentioned in this article are subject to change and may vary depending on availability, season, and additional services requested.
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