It is no secret that our team absolutely loves Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and it is one of our favorite spaces in DC! There is something so special about the space- from stunning views of the National Monument, to the elegance of the O’Byrne Gallery- this venue truly has it all!
If you are planning your dream wedding at this historic space- as DAR lovers, we are your girls! We’ve created this quick guide to guide you through some of the ins and outs of planning your big day at this historic space in 2025/2026.
Making an Entrance: Guest Arrival Tips
DAR offers two main entrances:
C Street Entrance: Perfect for welcoming guests directly to the Portico, where ceremonies or cocktail hours often take place if the weather is cooperative.
17th Street Entrance: This grand entry leads guests through the Pennsylvania Foyer. From here, they may head to the Library for cocktail hour or continue to the Portico- this entrance works best for a library cocktail hour if you are having your ceremony off-site.
For guests needing wheelchair access, there’s an elevator available via a ground-floor entrance on C Street. You’ll need to let your planner know that you will have guests who need assistance prior to the wedding day so a member of DARs team can help escort them throughout the building.
Pro Tip: Consider offering your guests a refreshing drink upon arrival—a chilled beverage, like a lavender lemonade, in the summer or a cozy warm drink, like a spiced cider, in the cooler months sets the tone for an incredible guest experience. Coordinate a coat-check and welcome table close to the entrance to keep things organized.
Ceremony Locations: Choosing the Perfect Spot
DAR offers several gorgeous options for your ceremony:
The Portico: With its stunning views of the Washington Monument, this spot is a showstopper for outdoor ceremonies and is the most popular.
The Rotunda: A semi-sheltered space that accommodates up to 80 (ish) guests, ideal for unpredictable weather if it isn’t raining sideways!
O’Byrne Gallery: An elegant indoor option with hardwood floors and timeless architectural details- this is our #1 weather option choice.
Pennsylvania Foyer: A cozy indoor space that can fit up to 70 (ish) guests.
Keep in mind that the ceremony location can impact where the cocktail hour can be held and if you need to flip the space- we will make sure your vendor team is kept informed of any potential changes!
Pro Tip: If you have your wedding on the Portico, we will make sure to prep your officiant if they need to pause the ceremony for the motorcade or ice cream truck to pass- it is DC after all!
Cocktail Hour Locations: Setting the Scene
Cocktail hour has a a few of my favorite options- you really can’t go wrong with any of them!
Inside Option # 1: The Library: This jaw-dropping space boasts impressive architecture and built-in seating, making it a top choice. Note: the Library is available for cocktail hour only after 6 PM (except Sundays).
Outside Option: The Portico: If the weather is perfect, this outdoor space is an excellent option. Typically we have the ceremony on the side facing the monument and move over to the opposite side for cocktail hour.
Inside Option #2:Pennsylvania Foyer: This is an alternative if the Library isn’t part of your plan or the weather isn’t cooperating, but generally we are able to get inside the library for cocktail hour if the weather is iffy!
Pro Tip: If you choose the library for cocktail hour, we can open one of the pocket doors that connect to O’Byrne for a few entrance through the stacks form the library to the reception area!
Reception Spaces
DAR offers multiple options to suit your guest count and style, but we find that most couples opt for the O’Byrne Gallery:
O’Byrne Gallery Reception: Ideal for up to 140 guests, though 120 is more comfortable. This space often features round tables and a long head table for the wedding party.
Library Reception: Accommodates up to 100 guests for a seated dinner, however keep in mind that the lamps on the tables do not move, nor do the tables, so you need to love the library vibe to go with this option.
Pro Tip: Chat with your caterer about your guest count and what table options you have- depending on your guest count you can do longer tables that span the length of the room or a mix of rounds and long tables for a fun look!
Photo Opportunities: Capturing the Magic
DAR’s historic charm provides countless photo-worthy backdrops:
The Portico: Snap breathtaking shots with the Washington Monument in the background during both daytime and evening.
The Balcony: Enjoy a gorgeous backdrop with a stunning view of DC.
The 17th Street Entrance: The doors to the 17th Street entrance are iconic and perfect for a first look or wedding party/family photos.
Pro Tip: Schedule time during golden hour to take advantage of the soft, natural lighting for your photos. Also, the balcony only has soft light during certain times of the day, so try to be flexible with your timing if you want photos there- when the sun is up too high the glare does not make for the best photo experience.
Dancing the Night Away
The Rotunda is the most popular spot for dancing, offering an open-air setting with iconic views. For cooler weather, consider the O’Byrne Gallery or Pennsylvania Foyer as indoor alternatives. If you want to make the most of the outdoor space during the colder months, consider renting a tent for dancing- this is especially helpful if you are having a band.
Pro Tip: If hosting a winter wedding, heaters or draping can create a warm, cozy atmosphere for your dance floor, especially if you opt for an outdoor tent!
Costs and Budgeting
As of 2025, DAR’s venue rental fee for 10 hours starts at $11,00 for a Sunday wedding, $12,500 for a Friday wedding, and $14,000 for Saturday weddings. This includes access to the stunning spaces and amenities that make DAR so special.
Pro Tip: Most DAR couples we have worked with spend an average of $75,000 on their weddings with a guest count of 75 guests.
Final Thoughts: Why DAR Weddings Are Unforgettable
DAR is an absolutely iconic venue that combines historic elegance with classic DC sites, making it a great choice for couples looking to get married in Washington, DC. With so many options for ceremonies, receptions, and unforgettable guest experiences, it’s easy to see why this venue is one of our favorites!
Need more help planning your DAR wedding? Contact us for expert advice and insider tips to make your big day as seamless as it is spectacular.
Want to check out a two real DAR weddings? Click below for galleries and blog posts:
