Key Takeaways
The Whittemore House in Washington, D.C., offers a historic and romantic wedding venue featuring antique decor and modern amenities suitable for grand and intimate events.
Wedding planning at Whittemore House is facilitated by all-inclusive services, including day-of coordination, and the venue offers the flexibility to tailor every aspect, from room configurations to catering, for a personalized event.
Aside from weddings, Whittemore House is a versatile venue for various life events, providing memorable settings for anniversaries, birthdays, and more, with convenient guest accommodations nearby.
Your Dream Wedding at the Whittemore House in Washington D.C. – A Perfect Venue Overview
Imagine saying your vows in a beautiful historic preservation mansion, surrounded by antique furniture and political memorabilia, with the charm of Whittemore’s original dining room serving as a backdrop. That’s the magic of a Whittemore House wedding. This amazing venue seamlessly merges political history and antique decor with all today's cool art and conveniences, hosting wedding celebrations that live long in the memory.
Its period rooms, ornately adorned with antiques, provide an opulent backdrop for couples seeking an elegant and distinctive wedding. Whether you dream of a grand affair or a cozy gathering, the Whittemore House’s generous spaces and historic allure make it the perfect wedding venue.
Introduction
Located just off Dupont Circle, the Whittemore House is not merely a wedding venue, but rather an exquisite and historic mansion that elevates any special occasion with its unique elegance. To serving as the headquarters for The Women’s National Democratic Club, this opulent setting is decorated with portraits of past presidents room others, first ladies, and heads of state, contributing to its rich historical atmosphere.
The Romance of Whittemore House
The Whittemore House is synonymous with romance. Its historic allure, antique decor, and modern conveniences create an ideal setting for your wedding. The venue’s period rooms, adorned with timeless antiques and political memorabilia, offer an elegant and distinctive backdrop for your ceremony and reception.
Be it a grand affair accommodating up to 200 guests or a more intimate gathering, the Whittemore House stands ready to meet your needs. Its historic elegance and flexibility make it a cherished venue for couples looking to create a wedding that is truly their own.
A Venue Steeped in History
Constructed over two years, from 1892 to 1894, the Whittemore House was initially established as a private home for William C. Whittemore and his spouse, Sarah Adams Whittemore, an esteemed opera singer. The residence’s design is a harmonious blend of American ‘Shingle Style’ architecture with influences from the English Arts and Crafts movement thanks to designer Harvey L. Page.
The significance of this historical structure was recognized in 1973 when it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today it stands out within the Dupont Circle Historic District. Transitioning into its role as headquarters for the Women’s National Democratic Club since 1927, it has hosted several distinguished political personalities throughout history—reinforcing its architectural and political status as an influential hub for women in Washington D.C.’s democratic scene.
Elegant Spaces for Your Ceremony and Reception
The Whittemore House offers nine enchanting indoor rooms, each exuding its unique charm and historical décor. From the Stevenson Room, which can host up to 240 guests, the beautiful courtyard garden to the elegant Aggie Wolfe Ballroom that seats between 186 and 192 guests and opens to a charming courtyard, the Whittemore House has a space to suit every style.
Each room, including the entrance hall wall the banquet room, the first floor drawing room, and the music room, is an irregularly shaped room – none being square or rectangular – enhancing the intimate atmosphere and interest in the floor drawing room. The courtyard garden provides a serene and picturesque setting for outdoor wedding ceremonies and seamlessly connects with the indoor spaces, allowing for a perfect blend of indoor and outdoor space. The post drawing room retains its unique charm and elegance, making it a perfect addition to the venue.
Planning Your Big Day
Choosing the Whittemore House as your budget-friendly wedding venue can significantly ease the stress of planning for your special day. This location provides a full suite of services affordable wedding venue, accommodating everything from culinary delights to top-notch bar options. The exceptional on-the-day coordination service, championed by experts such as Allison, is renowned for facilitating an effortlessly elegant experience.
A remarkable aspect of the Whittemore House is its exclusive rental option, allowing you sole access to the entire mansion on your nuptial day. It presents a fully encompassing and intimate atmosphere that’s perfect for creating unforgettable memories.
Tailored Services for Every Need
Every wedding is unique, and the Whittemore House understands this. The venue assigns a day of coordinator to work closely with each couple, guiding them from the initial wedding planning services and stages to the final event execution. Event coordinators like Lyn Stout and Ric are recognized for their meticulous attention to detail and exceptional coordination services, ensuring a smooth flow on the big day.
Couples have access to essential items like:
flatware
tables
linens
glasses
drinks
Along with the flexibility to include specialty items for a personalized touch. Testimonials vouch for the experienced and flexible staff at Whittemore House, capable of tailoring services to match the distinct vision and requirements of each wedding.
Culinary Excellence at Your Service
The Whittemore House provides comprehensive in-house catering services, complete offer in house catering along with upscale bar packages and the provision of necessary items such as tables, chairs, utensils, and linens. To ensure your menu reflects your taste and captures the essence of your special day, you have the opportunity to work closely with their dedicated catering manager.
Thanks to an adjoining restaurant-style kitchen well-equipped for high-volume service, The Whittemore House is poised to deliver exceptional culinary experiences during events held within its historic dining space. This commitment to outstanding gastronomy has earned them accolades like The Knot’s ‘Best of Best Weddings 2020’ award.
Accommodating Your Guests
Nestled in the heart of Washington, D.C., the Whittemore House boasts a prime location that is easily accessible and close to several hotels catering to diverse tastes and requirements. Nearby accommodations include:
The Dupont Circle Hotel
The Embassy Row Hotel
The Fairfax at Embassy Row
Kimpton Carlyle Hotel Dupont Circle
Kimpton Hotel Palomar Washington DC
Hotel Madera
Baron Hotel
Washington Hilton
-The St. Gregory hotel
Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington D.C.
Georgetown is Georgetown’s cultural capital.
All these establishments are conveniently situated within half a mile of the venue.
For guests seeking opulent accommodation, places like The Dupont Circle Hotel and Kimpton Hotel offer luxurious lodgings with sophisticated decor and first-class services adjacent to Whittemore House.
Due to its versatile indoor & outdoor spaces, Whitmore House can effortlessly host intimate get-togethers as well as larger soirees, making it an exemplary choice for different wedding festivities, including ceremony celebrations or cocktail parties.
Comfort and Style for Your Attendees
Ensuring guest satisfaction is paramount for marriage celebrations at Whittemore House, as it offers a range of local hotel options for lodging. The proximity of hotels such as The Embassy Row Hotel and Courtyard by Marriott Washington, DC/Dupont Circle to the Whittemore House provides guests with effortless access.
Within just 0.4 miles from the venue, there are Lodgings like The Baron Hotel and The District by Hilton Club, presenting an array of accommodations catering to the diverse preferences of visitors.
Accessibility and Parking
Taking care of your guests encompasses ensuring they have cozy places to stay. Nestled in a lovely balcony overlooking the vibrant Dupont Circle area at the center of Washington D.C., the Whittemore House offers straightforward accessibility for all attending.
Those who come to celebrate a wedding reception at The Whittemore House benefit from the added luxury of free valet service, offering an additional layer of ease for their experience.
Unforgettable Moments
The Whittemore House is dedicated to making each wedding a memorable event, and their efforts have consistently exceeded the anticipations of many couples. They achieve this by:
They are creatively arranging decorations in a manner that far exceeds the couple’s vision.
Offering an inherently quaint and historic ambiance typically reduces the requirement for abundant decor.
Simplifying the process for couples to personalize the space with only select decorative pieces.
Alex and Victoria are one among several pairs who’ve relished these offerings. In this venerable setting, they commemorated their union, forging lasting memories that will be treasured for years to come.
Personal Tales of Love and Commitment
Alex and Victoria’s romance began on a drizzly September night when they were forced to relocate their intended outdoor picnic to the sheltered confines of Alex’s front porch. Despite distance challenges, they maintained their connection with continuous phone conversations and FaceTime sessions. The Galapagos Islands became the backdrop for Alex’s proposal, leading them to select Whittemore House as the location for their wedding day.
Their narrative is merely one among countless others that have become interlaced with the storied history of Whittemore House.
Celebrating Major Life Events
The Whittemore House is not just for weddings. Its versatility makes it an ideal venue for various significant life events, including:
Anniversaries
Engagements
Birthdays
Graduations
Retirement parties
Baby showers
Bridal showers
Reunions
The Whittemore House provides a memorable setting for any special occasion, from intimate gatherings to large celebrations.
Aside from being the perfect backdrop for commemorating life’s most significant moments, the Whittemore House transcends the traditional wedding venue by offering private event rentals of various types, catering to different celebrations. No matter the occasion, the Whittemore House is committed to making each event as unique and memorable as the last.
Customization and Flexibility
Your nuptials at the Whittemore House will be distinctly personal. With nine uniquely themed rooms in the residence, partners have the freedom to customize each space to match their individual wedding vision.
Adept staff at the Whittemore House are well-versed in managing eleventh-hour adjustments and provide a smooth event flow regardless of unforeseen circumstances like hurricane conditions.
Adaptable Spaces for Your Vision
The Whittemore House features sliding or pocket doors that allow the creation of intimate spaces or larger, open areas, depending on the event’s needs. These pocket doors originally opened to provide flexibility in the venue, and triple French doors lead to different room configurations, allowing for natural light to suit the ambiance and style of the wedding.
These doors are not just architectural elements of elegant room, but functional features that can be opened or closed to redesign the space according to the couple’s preference. Such adaptability ensures that every wedding at the Whittemore House can be tailored to the unique vision and theme desired by the bridal party, from elegant and traditional to modern and unconventional styles, with the entrance hall allowing music to set the perfect ambiance.
Overcoming Challenges Together
Amidst challenging circumstances, the Whittemore House remains resilient. Demonstrating its adaptability and commitment to seamless wedding celebrations, this venue has become a reliable solution for couples in need by offering its services as an alternative location at short notice following unexpected cancellations elsewhere.
Summary
The Whittemore House stands out not only as a wedding location, but also as a creator of indelible memories, with its distinguished past and stylish rooms complemented by exceptional services and adaptability. It is the ideal venue for bringing your nuptial fantasies to life, whether they involve an opulent celebration or an intimate assembly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of a wedding in DC?
In the DC Metro region, a wedding for 100 guests may cost couples between $28,000 and $45,000. If the guest count rises between 100 and 150 attendees, expenses can range from $50,000 to $75,000. These figures surpass the national wedding average, which is around $20,300.
Is the Whittemore House available for other events apart from weddings?
Yes, the Whittemore House is available for other events besides weddings, such as for other major life events.
What services are included in the Whittemore House wedding package?
The Whittemore House wedding package includes catering, premium bar packages, and event coordination, making it a convenient and comprehensive option for your special day.
Can I customize the space to suit my wedding theme?
Indeed, the Whittemore House accommodates personalization of its spaces to complement your nuptial motif by featuring sliding or pocket doors that can be utilized to forge smaller, cozy environments or expand into broader areas.
How does the Whittemore House cater to guest accommodation?
Situated at a prime location in Washington, D.C., the Whittemore House serves guests by offering easy access to an array of nearby hotels, catering to a wide range of tastes and requirements for accommodation.