Location: Waldorf Astoria Washington DC, Washington, DC; Photography: Kellie Walsh Photography; Dress: Rami Al Ali; Shoes: Femmes San Peur; Crown & Ring: Vintage; Earrings & Pin: Maria Elena Headpieces & Accessories; Suit: Musika; Shirt: Anthony’s Tuxedo; Shoes: Del Toro
LUXURY WEDDINGS AT WALDORF ASTORIA WASHINGTON DC
As a wedding destination, Washington DC has a unique brand of stately elegance, catering to those who appreciate history, tradition, and sophistication. Located in the iconic Old Post Office building, Waldorf Astoria Washington DC is the epitome of timeless luxury – a hotel and wedding venue that beautifully represents the best of what DC has to offer. Visitors are greeted by striking interiors and anticipatory service; and for couples hosting a luxury wedding in Washington DC, Waldorf Astoria creates an elevated and unforgettable guest experience.
Dress: Rami Al Ali; Shoes: Femmes San Peur; Crown and Ring: Vintage; Earrings & Pin: Maria Elena Headpieces & Accessories; Suit: Musika; Shirt: Anthony’s Tuxedo; Shoes: Del Toro
The Old Post Office
“Washington D.C. is where legacies are born,” says Harrison Rohr, Director of Catering and Events at Waldorf Astoria. “Waldorf Astoria Washington DC knows what it means to build a legacy and delivers an unparalleled hotel experience that brings people together to build their own legacy. The hotel is the perfect representation of the stately architecture and beautiful views that make the city an ideal spot for a beautiful wedding day.”
Dress: Rami Al Ali; Crown and Ring: Vintage; Earrings: Maria Elena Headpieces & Accessories
Waldorf Astoria Washington DC is located in the nation’s Old Post Office. Built between 1892 and 1899, the building once served as the headquarters for the U.S. Post Office Department. In 1973, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Today, it is an iconic DC wedding venue for couples who want to incorporate a tangible piece of history into their big day.
Dress: Rami Al Ali; Crown and Ring: Vintage; Earrings: Maria Elena Headpieces & Accessories
“Every space in this building once served a function for the post office,” shares Senih Geray, the hotel’s General Manager. “The atrium was once where post office visitors would come to speak with tellers, pick or drop off their deliveries, and you can still see aspects of this through the original steel trusses that canopy Peacock Alley beneath the soaring 9-story atrium. Meanwhile, guest rooms were once offices, thus each one has a unique layout and features.”
Dress: Rami Al Ali; Shoes: Femmes San Peur; Crown and Ring: Vintage; Earrings: Maria Elena Headpieces & Accessories
Rooms and Suites
Weddings in Washington DC often require attendees to travel in from out of town, giving couples an opportunity to provide their guests with a true destination experience in the nation’s capital. With Waldorf Astoria Washington DC boasting 263 expansive guest rooms and suites, couples and their guests can celebrate love and explore the city together while conveniently staying at the same “home base” for the weekend.
Dress: Rami Al Ali; Shoes: Femmes San Peur; Crown and Ring: Vintage; Earrings & Pin: Maria Elena Headpieces & Accessories; Suit: Musika; Shirt: Anthony’s Tuxedo; Shoes: Del Toro
Couples are especially fond of the hotel’s collection of 16 unique, one-bedroom Signature Suites. The Nancy Hanks Suite is a particular favorite and has been dubbed as the hotel’s “official honeymoon suite.”
Dress: Rami Al Ali; Bridal Salon: Roma Sposa; Shoes: Femmes San Peur; Crown and Ring: Vintage; Earrings & Pin: Maria Elena Headpieces & Accessories; Suit: Musika; Shirt: Anthony’s Tuxedo; Shoes: Del Toro
“We strive to elevate every guest experience with top-tier service and accommodations,” says Senih, “all while surrounded by the classic grandeur of DC. Reminiscent of the White House, the stately décor of each room and suite blends perfectly with classic features such as solid-wood doors, wainscoting and soaring windows that have been thoughtfully retained from the original building. Luxuriously appointed five-fixture bathrooms complete the spaces along with a sophisticated guest room art program that tells the story of the Old Post Office. At Waldorf Astoria Washington DC, no two rooms are identical and every detail is intentional.”
Dress: J’Aton; Shoes: Bella Belle; Hat: Stylist’s own; Ring: Vintage
Wedding Venues at Waldorf Astoria Washington DC
The luxury wedding experience begins as soon as couples and their guests set foot through the Waldorf Astoria doors. It’s impossible not to be awestruck by the property’s architecture and design – and that’s before the wedding décor team has even begun with their room transformations. While many historic hotels in bustling cities may be tight on space, Waldorf Astoria Washington DC can accommodate up to 1,300 guests for a standing reception in the 13,200 square-foot Presidential Ballroom. The ballroom even has its own separate entrance, adding an extra layer of VIP-style privacy.
Suit: Musika; Shirt: Anthony’s Tuxedo; Shoes: Del Toro; Floral: Le Printemps Flower Shop; Pin: Maria Elena Headpieces & Accessories
“In addition to the Presidential Ballroom,” Harrison says, “Waldorf Astoria Washington DC has a variety of elegant wedding venues perfect for ceremonies, receptions, and cocktail hours. One popular choice would have to be the Franklin Study, which offers direct access to the outdoor Benjamin Terrace and ground views of Pennsylvania Avenue, including the famous statue of Benjamin Franklin – the first U.S. Postmaster General. Reflecting this Founding Father’s love of nature, the Franklin Study showcases a gallery wall of cherry blossom art, DC’s signature flora. With large, original windows filling this idyllic space with light, it creates a whimsical garden feel perfect for that special day.”
Dress: Ines Di Santo; Gloves and Shoes: Stylist’s own; Earrings: Maria Elena Headpieces & Accessories; Ring: Vintage
Along with historic wedding venues and event spaces that can complement even the most lavish décor schemes, the property has a culinary team that works with couples to create customized wedding menus. Food tells a story, and every couple’s story is different.
Dress: Ines Di Santo; Gloves and Shoes: Stylist’s own; Earrings: Maria Elena Headpieces & Accessories; Ring: Vintage
“Our culinary team specializes in working with our wedding clients to help create unique, one-of-a-kind items for each couple,” states Executive Chef Derek Brooks. “From hand-crafted cocktails to interactive chef specialty stations, the team at Waldorf Astoria Washington DC loves to engage with our clients to curate their dream culinary experience.”
Dress and Gloves: Arava Polak; Shoes: Femmes Sans Peur; Earrings: Maria Elena Headpieces & Accessories
Luxury Amenities and Experiences
Guests of Waldorf Astoria Washington DC have a wealth of luxury amenities and experiences at their fingertips. The Waldorf Astoria Spa, for example, provides a tranquil and rejuvenating setting for couples who want to relax before or after the big day. Harrison recommends the Couple’s Journey, which includes a 60 or 90-minute massage together in the Couples Suite.
Dress and Gloves: Arava Polak; Shoes: Femmes Sans Peur; Earrings: Maria Elena Headpieces & Accessories
“The experience can be elevated even further by reserving an additional 30 minutes to relax after your service with champagne and chocolate covered strawberries in our private couple’s wing, complete with rain shower and our Himalayan salt therapy room.”
Dress: Anne Barge; Veil: Monvieve; Headpiece: Maria Elena Headpieces & Accessories; Ring: Vintage; Suit: Musika; Shirt: Anthony’s Tuxedo
For ultra-premium spirit aficionados, Senih says that the Tasting Salon is “a must.” Located under The Clock Tower in the Waldorf Astoria Washington DC lobby, guests can enjoy private tastings with rare spirits and wines from around the world. A private gathering at the Tasting Salon would also make for an ultra-chic welcome gathering for couples and their guests.
Senih adds, “All guests must take a trip up to The Clock Tower. Not only is it a piece of history, but it has one of the best views of DC.”
Dress: J’Aton; Earrings: Maria Elena Headpieces & Accessories; Ring: Vintage
Of course, for guests who want to explore more of the nation’s capital, Waldorf Astoria Washington DC is located just a mile away from landmarks such as the White House and the U.S. Capitol. Other attractions are within walking distance, including the National Mall – a hotspot for festivals and Fourth of July celebrations.
Dress and Gloves: Atelier Couture by Professor Jimmy Choo; Bridal Salon: Bridal Reflections; Earrings: Maria Elena Headpieces & Accessories; Suit: Musika; Shirt: Anthony’s Tuxedo; Shoes: Del Toro
As Harrison remarks, “Waldorf Astoria Washington DC provides endless opportunities for iconic photographs and easy access to exploring living history at the many museums and cultural facilities just outside the hotel’s doors.”
Dress and Gloves: Atelier Couture by Professor Jimmy Choo; Earrings: Maria Elena Headpieces & Accessories
Iconic Style
There is such a palpable blend of luxury, tradition, and history within the walls of Waldorf Astoria Washington DC. What’s even more remarkable, however, is how the property has a way of inspiring visitors to discover and express their own unique style. This is where couples, wedding planners, and event designers can bring a bespoke wedding vision to life, adding their own page of history to the building’s storied past.
Dress: Nicole + Felicia; Earrings: Maria Elena Headpieces & Accessories
“Every step on the property is one that has been walked before,” Senih describes. “Guests visit DC to immerse themselves in the heritage of our nation. Waldorf Astoria Washington DC helps continue this experience throughout the entire trip while delivering the True Waldorf Service for which our iconic brand is known.”
Dress: Nicole + Felicia; Earrings: Maria Elena Headpieces & Accessories
In the most exquisite way, Waldorf Astoria Washington DC is where the past and present come together to create something truly special.
>Written By: Lauren Malamala
Produced By: Creative Director: Grace Ormonde; Stylist: Paula DaCosta; Photography: Kellie Walsh Photography
Talent: Hair: Rita Briggs Stylist at Glam Set Go using Balmain Hair Couture; Makeup: Victoria Stiles Beauty Director at Glam Set Go using ShikSona Beauty; Models: Allison Cabrera and Nicolas Marcel Vansteenberghe; Cinematographer: Wolford Media