Best Wedding Venues in DC for 150 Guests

Planning a wedding in Washington DC for around 150 guests? You’ve landed right in the sweet spot — big enough for energy and elegance, small enough to stay personal. As DC wedding planners, we’ve spent years scouting the best spaces that fit that magic number, and we’ve learned that not all “medium sized” venues are created equal.

Some look perfect online but feel cramped once tables, a dance floor, and a photo booth show up. Others are stunning but stretch the budget with catering minimums. So, we’re pulling back the curtain with planner approved advice and real insight from a recent celebration we planned for 150 guests in Georgetown.

Because finding your dream venue shouldn’t feel like a full time job. That’s what we’re here for.

The 150 Guest Sweet Spot: Why It’s the Perfect Size

A 150 guest wedding strikes the best balance between atmosphere and logistics. You’ll have the joyful buzz of a crowd without losing intimacy.

Here’s why we love this range:

• It fits most iconic DC venues. From hotel ballrooms to modern rooftops, 150 is a planner’s dream number.

• Guest experience stays manageable. Everyone can actually talk to you, not just wave across the room.

• It gives budget flexibility. You can invest in good food, great music, and personal details without needing a 40 foot dessert table.

As planners, we see this size hit the sweet spot between “elegant” and “stress free.”

How We Made It Work

We reimagined the space using split seating zones and a custom floor plan that opened up the dance area early in the evening.

• Guests entered through a floral arch designed to frame the river.

• Dinner tables faced the glass façade so everyone had a view.

• We built in 20 extra minutes for sunset portraits, timed perfectly with the boat lights on the river.

When rain clouds rolled in halfway through cocktails, our team didn’t panic. We pivoted. Within ten minutes, our vendors had everything shifted under cover, candles relit, and guests never noticed the change.

That’s what calm, experienced planning looks like.

Check out one of our weddings we did at Sequoia! 

Planner Approved DC Venues for 150 Guests

If you’re planning a 150 guest wedding in Washington DC, you’re spoiled for choice. Here are some of our go to recommendations, venues we’ve personally worked with and love for this size celebration.

Hidden Gems in Maryland and Northern Virginia

If you’re open to DMV area venues, these are our favorites just outside the city limits.

What to Ask Before Booking a 150 Guest Venue

Before you sign that contract, make sure you’ve asked the right questions.

Space and Layout:

• Can the space comfortably fit 150 with a dance floor, bar, and buffet?

• Is there a flow between ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception?

Catering and Rentals:

• Are catering minimums realistic for your budget?

• What’s included: tables, chairs, linens, or will those need to be rented?

Guest Comfort:

• Is there enough restroom access for that guest count?

• How’s the parking or valet setup for a Saturday night in DC?

Weather and Plan B:
Even the most beautiful outdoor venues need a solid rain backup plan. “Hope it doesn’t rain” doesn’t count.

💡 Planner Tip: Your guest count drives everything — floor plans, catering minimums, and overall flow. Before falling in love with a venue, make sure it fits your real headcount, not your “we’ll keep it small” fantasy.

How O’Neil Events Makes Venue Selection Effortless

As full service DC wedding planners, venue selection is where we save couples the most time and stress.

Here’s what we handle for our clients:

• Curated Venue Shortlist: Based on your guest count, aesthetic, and budget.

• Site Visits and Logistics: We evaluate lighting, flow, and vendor access so you don’t have to.

• Custom Floor Plans: Designed for guest comfort and dance floor energy.

• Vendor Coordination: We manage catering, rentals, and décor setup so everything runs seamlessly.

We’ve worked with hundreds of DC and DMV venues, so we already know which ones will fit your 150 person wedding perfectly.

FAQs About DC Wedding Venues

1. What’s the average cost of a 150 guest wedding in DC?
Most couples spend between $45,000 and $80,000 depending on venue, catering, and design. And no, the venue isn’t always the most expensive part.

2. Are there DC venues that include catering and rentals?
Yes! Hotels and full service spaces like The LINE or The Mayflower include both. Museums and historic homes often require external rentals.

3. How far in advance should I book?
Twelve to eighteen months for peak season (April through June and September through October). Winter weddings can sometimes be booked within six to nine months.

4. Can I hold both ceremony and reception in one venue?
Absolutely. Many DC venues, like Dumbarton House and District Winery, offer flexible spaces for both.

5. What’s the best season for a DC wedding?
Spring and fall are ideal — mild temperatures, blooming landscapes, and fewer weather surprises.

Ready to Find Your DC Wedding Venue?

Choosing a venue for 150 guests doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right planner, it’s actually fun, especially when you can skip the endless spreadsheets and tours that might fit.

At O’Neil Events, we help DC couples find the perfect venue, build a stress free plan, and enjoy every minute of their engagement.