back

Resources

Planning Your Wedding at the Hay Adams Hotel in Washington, DC

Tips for planning your wedding at the Hay Adams Hotel in Washington DC from DMV wedding photographer Amanda Wose Photography

When it comes to choosing the perfect venue for your wedding in Washington DC, few locations can match the elegance and charm of The Hay-Adams Hotel. Nestled in the heart of the city, this iconic hotel offers a blend of historic grandeur and modern luxury, making it an ideal choice for couples looking to create a truly memorable wedding day. Here’s everything you need to know about planning your wedding at the Hay-Adams Hotel.

Tips for planning your wedding at the Hay Adams Hotel in Washington DC from DMV wedding photographer Amanda Wose Photography

A Rich History and Timeless Elegance

The Hay-Adams Hotel has a storied history that dates back to the early 20th century. Originally built as two separate residences for prominent families, it was later converted into a hotel and has long been regarded as one of the most distinguished properties in Washington, DC. Its prime location, overlooking Lafayette Park and the White House, offers guests a rare combination of old-world charm and contemporary luxury.

As you walk through the hotel, you’re enveloped in an atmosphere of sophistication, with grand chandeliers, marble floors, and stunning views that remind you of the hotel’s historical significance. For couples who want their wedding to exude classic Washington elegance, it’s the perfect backdrop for your wedding at the Hay-Adams Hotel.

Location, Location, Location for your Hay-Adams Hotel Wedding

Located at 800 16th Street NW, The Hay-Adams places you in the heart of Washington, DC’s political and cultural epicenter. From the moment you step outside the hotel, you’re greeted by views of the majestic White House, and you’re within walking distance of the National Mall, monuments, and other iconic landmarks.

This central location provides endless photo opportunities, from romantic shots with the White House in the background to stunning views of the city’s skyline and monuments. Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony or a lavish celebration, the location ensures that your wedding day will be unforgettable.

grooms walk and kiss in crosswalk of DC outside the Hay-Adams Hotel

Wedding Venues and Spaces at The Hay-Adams

The Hay-Adams offers several distinctive venues for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and rehearsal dinners, each with its own unique atmosphere:

  1. The Top of the Hay – One of the most sought-after spaces for weddings at The Hay-Adams is its rooftop, known as “The Top of the Hay.” This terrace provides panoramic views of the White House, Lafayette Park, and the Washington Monument, offering a stunning backdrop for your ceremony or reception. Whether you choose to host an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, this rooftop setting is perfect for creating a memorable, one-of-a-kind experience.
  2. The Hay-Adams Ballroom – For a more formal and grand affair, the Hay-Adams Ballroom is an elegant and spacious venue. With its crystal chandeliers, marble floors, and rich, luxurious décor, the ballroom offers a timeless setting for both ceremonies and receptions. Whether you’re planning an elaborate dinner or a dance-filled reception, the ballroom can be transformed to match your vision, with space for up to 180 guests.
  3. The Lafayette Room – For smaller gatherings or more intimate weddings, The Lafayette Room is another exquisite space. This beautifully appointed room has large windows that let in plenty of natural light and offer sweeping views of Lafayette Park. It’s perfect for a more intimate ceremony or a stylish reception with close family and friends.
  4. Private Dining Rooms – The Hay-Adams also offers a range of private dining rooms for smaller, more intimate rehearsal dinners or bridal luncheons. These rooms offer a personalized experience, with elegant settings and impeccable service.

Wedding at the Hay-Adams Hotel: Onsite Catering and Cuisine

The Hay-Adams is renowned for its exceptional culinary offerings, and its catering team is dedicated to making your wedding meal a delicious and memorable experience. The hotel offers a range of menus that can be customized to suit your preferences, whether you’re dreaming of a formal plated dinner, a cocktail-style reception, or a buffet.

The Hay-Adams’ team of chefs uses only the finest ingredients to craft dishes that will impress your guests and satisfy every palate. From hors d’oeuvres to signature cocktails to decadent desserts, your wedding meal will be one of the highlights of your day. You can even work with the hotel’s pastry team to create a stunning wedding cake that reflects your style and flavor preferences for your wedding at the Hay-Adams Hotel.

signature cocktail for Hay-Adams Hotel wedding

Personalized Wedding Planning

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but The Hay-Adams’ dedicated event team is here to ensure that every detail of your day is perfectly executed. The hotel’s wedding coordinators work closely with couples to bring their vision to life, whether it’s helping to choose décor, recommending top local vendors, or arranging transportation for guests.

Luxurious Accommodations for You and Your Guests

One of the highlights of getting married at The Hay-Adams is the opportunity for you and your guests to experience the hotel’s luxurious accommodations. After the festivities, you and your partner can retire to the hotel’s spacious and elegantly appointed suites, many of which offer sweeping views of the city and the White House.

The hotel also offers a variety of room types for guests, from classic rooms to spacious suites, ensuring that your loved ones enjoy a comfortable stay while celebrating your big day. Whether they’re coming from near or far, The Hay-Adams offers top-notch amenities and a welcoming atmosphere for all.

Tips for planning your wedding at the Hay-Adams Hotel in Washington DC from DMV wedding photographer Amanda Wose Photography

A Seamless Wedding Experience

What truly sets The Hay-Adams apart as a wedding venue is the seamless experience it offers. From the moment you arrive to the final farewell, the hotel’s commitment to service and attention to detail ensures that your wedding day is as stress-free as possible. The hotel’s event team works with the best local vendors, and you can trust them to recommend trusted photographers (like me!) florists, and musicians who can bring your vision to life.

For couples looking to tie the knot in Washington, DC, The Hay-Adams Hotel provides a stunning, historic setting that is second to none. With its exquisite venues, exceptional service, and breathtaking views, it’s the perfect place to host a wedding that you and your guests will remember for years to come. Whether you envision an intimate rooftop ceremony, a grand ballroom reception, or something in between, a wedding at the Hay-Adams Hotel offers the luxury, elegance, and personalized service to make your day truly unforgettable.

READY TO BOOK YOUR DMV WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER? LET’S CHAT! I’D LOVE TO DOCUMENT YOUR DC WEDDING DAY. CLICK HERE TO GET IN TOUCH.

+ view the comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

A

W

BEHIND THE LENS

Hi, I'm  Amanda.

As an internationally-lauded wedding photographer with a decade of experience, Amanda brings her signature timeless, editorial style and classic, romantic aesthetic to modern love stories. 

Learn More

The ultimate DC cherry blossom portrait session planning guide for a stress-free session shared by DMV photographer Amanda Wose Photography

 01

Planning ahead is key to capturing stunning cherry blossom portraits in DC! With peak bloom lasting just a week and the heavy crowds of tourists, it’s important to be prepared. As one of my most popular portrait locations, I’ve created this guide for your DC cherry blossom portrait session to help you navigate the experience […]

expecting mother holds baby bump standing on the beach during maternity session in Annapolis Maryland

02

This sweet maternity session in Annapolis is so special to me. I photographed Liz and Tyler’s first son, Emmett’s, newborn photos a few years ago, so it’s extra special that I get to document their next baby’s first year as well! His name is Wyatt, and he’s expected to arrive in October. With that in […]

Lifestyle Newborn Sessions vs. Posed Studio Newborn Sessions: how to decide which session is right for you shared by newborn photographer Amanda Wose Photography.

03

Welcoming a newborn into the world is a momentous occasion, and many parents want to capture those early days in photos that will last a lifetime. But when it comes to newborn photography, there are two primary styles to choose from: lifestyle newborn sessions vs. posed studio newborn sessions. Both have their own unique appeal, […]

Your inbox just got much, much prettier

Thanks! Keep an eye on your inbox for updates.