A Washington National Cathedral wedding is the perfect opportunity to mingle the splendor and grandeur of vast European architecture with the elegance and timeless grace of neutral tones and traditional liturgy.

Seated on an immaculately-manicured 57 acres, the Washington National Cathedral is the sixth largest cathedral in the world and the second largest in the United States.

Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. designed the Cathedral in the early twentieth century and today the grounds, including the Bishop’s garden and Olmsted Woods, are an oasis in the midst of one of the busiest cities in the country.

The Washington National Cathedral has been the site of countless historical events, from prayer services following Presidential Inaugurations, to state funerals, to Dr. Martin Luther King’s final speech.

As designers, a naturally beautiful space like this is a dream location to make our clients’ vision come to life!

Neutral tones and breathtaking details are the perfect canvas for an event that is both brilliantly chic, and highly personal to your design style.

The Cathedral’s center aisle is approximately one tenth of a mile from the back of the Nave to the High Altar, providing every bride the opportunity for a dramatically grand entrance.

The Cathedral labyrinth – a dream location for stunning photos like the ones above from this Strawberry Milk Events-designed wedding – is a medieval design based on the one in the floor of the nave at Chartres Cathedral in France.

The Nave is a lovely and sophisticated choice for an indoor reception, whether you want something classic and traditional or dramatic and colorful.

The Bethlehem Chapel provides a more intimate setting but still quite lovely:

However if you prefer to be outdoors, we find the Bishop’s garden to be utterly enchanting for a ceremony or cocktails.

The Cathedral itself stands as a striking and majestic backdrop for any occasion.

What you need to know: Wedding venues in Washington D.C.

Ceremony/Reception space: Both ceremonies and receptions may be held indoors or outdoors.

Capacity: Seated dinners in the Nave can accommodate up to 1,500 guests.  We suggest a minimum of 250 guests to have a reception here.

Accommodations: A plethora of options in nearby Georgetown.

Time of Year:  Washington National Cathedral weddings may be held year round, with the exception of March & April.

Cost:  Cathedral wedding fees begin at $10,000.

Tips:

• Cathedral weddings are scheduled for select Saturdays at 4 pm or 6 pm and are subject to availability.
• All wedding ceremonies in the Cathedral must follow the Episcopal liturgy and be performed by an Episcopalian officiant, whether indoors or outside.
• There are no weddings at the Cathedral in March or April in observance of Lent.
• Most Cathedral wedding dates are reserved 12-15 months in advance.

Photo credits:  Washington National Cathedral photo gallery; A Fistful of Bolts; Sarah Bradshaw; Audra Wrisley; Jean Goodwin Brooks; Elizabeth Anne Designs; American Photo Blog; Style Me Pretty; Hover Solutions; Event Photo Journalism; Ionarts

*Indoor wedding photos are our own.