When planning a Washington, DC wedding, you’ll hear the same advice again and again: set a budget and stick to it, select a theme, pick a venue, and book your vendors early. These are all great tips. But let’s get a bit more specific and explore what that might look like for a Meridian House DC wedding.
I’m Colleen O’Neil, a Washington D.C. Wedding Planner with 15+ years of planning weddings in the DMV. I can say that the Meridian House is one of our favourite DC wedding venues, and I’m excited to share exactly why.
Let’s dive in.
“Last summer we went to a friend’s wedding at the Meridian house, which was the most beautiful wedding we had ever been to.“ (Reddit)
Meridian House DC Wedding
Built in 1919 by Ambassador Irwin Boyle Laughlin, the U.S. Ambassador to Greece and later Spain, Meridian House has hosted thousands of weddings over the years.
Things to Know Before Booking the Meridian House DC
1. Meridian House DC wedding venue location and accessibility
Meridian House is at 1630 Crescent Place NW, Washington, DC 20009. The venue is only one mile north of the White House and is located near Embassy Row.
For couples planning a Meridian House DC wedding with traveling guests, the location is very convenient. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the Columbia Heights Metro station and roughly a 15–20 minute drive from Reagan National Airport.
2. History of the Meridian House DC
In addition to witnessing countless love stories, this historic Washington, D.C. wedding venue is known for its French Neoclassical architecture.
Portraits of members of the Laughlin family who once called this venue their home can be seen in the mansion, particularly in the Chairman’s study and dining room.
3. Fine architectural details
After a 1994 renovation, the principal rooms retained their original decorative features and architectural details. Couples hosting a Meridian House DC wedding can enjoy 18th-century domestic art, including antique brass hardware and historic lighting fixtures.
The loggia also features four marble busts sculpted in France, which represent the four seasons.
4. Hotels near Meridian House for wedding guests
Several hotels are located close to the venue, which is helpful when planning a wedding with out-of-town guests.
Nearby accommodations include the LINE DC Hotel, The Dupont Circle Hotel, and The Ritz-Carlton.
5. Reception gallery design and décor
The reception gallery looks much the same as it did when the Laughlin family lived in the home. It features architectural details such as wrought-iron and marble-topped side tables, four Waterford crystal torchères, blue Chinese temple jars, an antique clock, and a barometer displayed on mirrored walls.
6. Latin inscriptions at Meridian House
The Latin inscription over the front door reads:
“Quo habitat Felicitas nil intret mali,” which translates to “Where happiness dwells, evil will not enter.”
Over the rear courtyard door, you’ll find another inscription: “Purior hic aer: late hinc conspectus in urbem,” meaning “Purer here the air whence we overlook the city.” You’ll also find the latter on a house at the top of Rome’s Spanish Steps.
7. The courtyard and linden grove
The courtyard features 40 European linden trees that are over a hundred years old. These trees create a backdrop for wedding photos and videos. They’re also one of the most popular features of the Meridian House.
“Working with O’Neil Events was the best thing I did to plan my wedding! Colleen and her team are incredible- she made the entire wedding process seamless and smooth! Colleen helped turn my visions into a reality for my wedding- she is beyond organized and kept me on track while planning through it all! We couldn’t be more thankful O’Neil Events! You will not be disappointed!”
– Layla
8 Tips for Planning a Wedding at the Meridian House DC
1. Meridian House DC Wedding Cost
While the final cost will depend on multiple factors such as your wedding date, guest count, catering choices etc, you can typically expect a rental rate between $14,000 – $22,000+ for a wedding at the Meridan House.
If you’d like a more accurate estimate for your event, contact our team, and we’re happy to share prices based on our past events.
2. Weekday vs Weekend wedding
If you’ve chosen Meridian House for your Washington, DC, wedding, it’s important to note, that, like most wedding venues, Saturdays and Sundays are the most expensive days. If you’re looking to control costs, you may want to consider a Friday wedding, which is typically less expensive.
3. Venue Rental Inclusions
The Meridian House DC rental includes 10 hours of venue use.
Receptions must end by 11:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays and 10:00 PM on Fridays, since Meridian House is located in a residential neighborhood.
To make the most of your booking, we recommend utilizing items that are included in the rental fee, such as:
- The outdoor Linden Grove Patio, and gardens
- 160 white wood and leather seat garden chairs
- Cocktail hour and dining tables
- Overhead, dimmable bistro lights in the Linden Grove
- 10 sets of outdoor, white wicker café tables and chairs
- 160 natural wood and cream cushion reception/dining chivari chairs
4. Plan for additional wedding costs
There are several services that are not included in the rental fee. When planning your Meridian House DC wedding budget, remember to allocate separate funds for catering, décor, entertainment, valet services, and audiovisual.
There are also required additional fees, including a $400 security guard fee and a $400 traffic coordinator fee.
5. Arrive early on your wedding day
This tip is one that any organized wedding planner will share: arriving early ensures you have time to fully enjoy the venue and capture photos before the celebration begins.
The venue also features a main-floor bridal suite with a private bathroom, making it convenient for couples to get ready on-site.
6. The best season for a Meridian House DC wedding
Summer weddings at Meridian House can be especially beautiful. During this time, the 3 acres of landscaped gardens are in full bloom, providing a natural backdrop for a beautiful wedding without requiring an extra spend on décor.
7. Customize ceremony and reception spaces
The Meridian House DC offers both indoor and outdoor ceremony options. You could plan for an outdoor ceremony in the garden, a cocktail hour in the pebbled courtyard surrounded by linden trees, and a reception in the drawing room or reception gallery.
The drawing room seats up to 100 guests, while the reception gallery can accommodate up to 150 guests.
8. Consider off-peak seasons for a more affordable Meridian House DC wedding
If you’re hoping to control costs, you may want to consider planning your Meridian House DC wedding during off-peak months, when rental fees may be lower.
If you’d like to tour the venue before booking your Meridian House DC wedding, our team at O’Neil Events can help you schedule tours Monday through Thursday. Just send us an email.
Conclusion: Meridian House DC Wedding
Meridian House is one of Washington, DC’s most beautiful and historic wedding venues. From its grand staircase to its colorful gardens and century-old linden trees, there are many stunning locations throughout the venue for creating and capturing wedding memories.
Perfect for intimate weddings of up to 150 guests, the Meridian House offers you indoor and outdoor spaces that can be customized to match your vision. To make the most of the venue and your 10-hour rental, create a detailed schedule and arrive early so you can enjoy every moment of your wedding.
Need help planning your wedding? Contact O’Neil Events. DC’s top-rated wedding planning company.
Frequently Asked Questions: Meridian House DC Wedding
Do I get exclusive use of the Meridian House for my wedding?
Yes. When you book a Meridian House DC wedding, you receive exclusive use of the property during your 10-hour rental period. If you’d like more details and exactly what that might look like, contact the O’Neil Events team for past event examples.
Can Meridian House be used for a destination wedding?
Yes. Meridian House works very well for destination weddings. There are several hotels located nearby for guests and couples. Also, Reagan National Airport is only about a 15–20 minute drive away, making travel convenient for out-of-town guests.
Does Meridian House have a list of approved or preferred wedding vendors?
Yes. Meridian House provides you with a list of approved and preferred vendors to choose from. These vendors are already familiar with the venue and the best timeline for a memorable wedding.
If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at hello@oneilevents.com.
