The St. Regis Washington DC Wedding | waizeru and kimly
When Waizeru and Kimly's love story began with late-night phone calls between DC and Atlanta, neither could have imagined the extraordinary journey ahead—racking up airline miles on countless flights to see each other, stealing away to tropical vacations where they could finally be together without airports and goodbyes, navigating what started as a "temporary" Covid-19 quarantine that beautifully evolved into a permanent move and life together, and ultimately an engagement that would lead them to The St. Regis Washington DC wedding on the profoundly meaningful date of Juneteenth. Their celebration was a stunning testament to love's power to unite across continents and cultures, beautifully weaving together Waizeru's vibrant Jamaican heritage with Kimly's rich Cambodian traditions in an unforgettable day.
It began with Italian Renaissance elegance beneath the Astor Ballroom's hand-painted 18-foot ceilings adorned with crystal chandeliers, continued with heartfelt vows surrounded by family and friends who had traveled from Jamaica, Cambodia, and across the United States, and culminated with an impromptu, joy-filled dance through Black Lives Matter Plaza where complete strangers stopped in their tracks to cheer, clap, and celebrate alongside the newlyweds—a spontaneous moment of pure happiness that captured the attention of 7 News DC and perfectly embodied this couple's remarkable gift for bringing people together across cultures, distances, and communities in a celebration of love that transcended borders, traditions, and reminded everyone watching that love truly knows no boundaries.
If you are considering a St. Regis Washington DC wedding please reach out! I'd love to chat!
A Photographer's Guide to The St. Regis Washington, DC Wedding Photography
Having photographed weddings at The St. Regis Washington DC, I'm excited to share what makes this downtown venue an exceptional location for wedding photography. Located two blocks from the White House at 923 16th Street NW, here's what makes each space exceptional:
The Astor Ballroom and Reception Spaces - The crown jewel Astor Ballroom hosts 200-250 guests with dance floor or 300 for standing receptions across 2,508 square feet featuring 18-foot hand-crafted ceilings dating to 1926 with richly-stenciled polychromatic designs styled after Italian Renaissance craftsmanship, ornately-decorated dark wood beams, and delicate hand-painted flourishes reminiscent of a Florentine palazzo. Four magnificent 12-armed crystal cascade chandeliers blanket the entire room in soft, diffuse light that flatters skin tones without harsh shadows. The floor-to-ceiling arched Palladian windows along one wall overlook the Astor Terrace, flooding the space with natural light during daytime events while creating a romantic backdrop of twinkling terrace lights for evening celebrations. The original hardwood floors photograph beautifully and create wonderful reflections during first dances.
Outdoor Ceremony Spaces and Terrace Features - The 2,500-square-foot Astor Terrace accommodates 250 guests for ceremonies or cocktail hours with European landscaping surrounding a gentle fountain whose ambient sounds mask city noise, while ornate fencing and lush vegetation create a private atmosphere photographing as if you're in a Tuscan courtyard rather than downtown Washington with perimeter up-lighting transforming the space dramatically for evening events. For winter weddings, the Astor Pavilion provides a semi-permanent sailcloth tent with cathedral windows and translucent two-level canopy extending the terrace's usability year-round. The terrace's ornate fountain and European-style iron gates photograph beautifully as romantic backgrounds with ivy-covered walls providing texture and depth at golden hour when perimeter lighting creates an ethereal glow.
Ceremony Options and Bridal Preparation Spaces - The Astor Ballroom accommodates indoor ceremonies with its soaring 18-foot ceilings providing dramatic setting for processional photography, while the Astor Terrace offers outdoor ceremony space for 250 guests surrounded by European gardens and ornate iron gates. St. Regis DC provides exceptional bridal preparation options among its 30 suites across the property's 182 rooms. The Presidential Suite at 2,510 square feet features two bedrooms, a library, 65-inch curved smart TVs, and separate seating areas ideal for capturing intimate getting-ready moments with large bridal parties. The Empire Suite at 1,380 square feet works beautifully for smaller groups, while the St. Regis and John Jacob Astor suites provide elegant alternatives. Every suite includes butler service, Pratesi linens, and complimentary pressing ensuring wrinkle-free gowns and suits when the camera starts rolling. The venue hosts only one wedding at a time, providing photographers unrestricted access throughout the property.
Signature Architectural Features and Portrait Locations - The lobby features dramatic two-tiered crystal chandeliers, polished Italian marble floors, and Florentine gold ceilings with intricate carvings creating exceptional backdrops for couple portraits. The grand staircase provides dramatic angles for editorial-style photography with wood paneling and elegant architectural lines. Hotel bicycles offer charming props for creative portraits. The St. Regis Bar where signature champagne sabering ceremonies occur at 6:00 PM daily creates memorable photo moments with dark walls and plush seating providing intimate gentleman's club atmosphere. Alhambra Restaurant features a landmarked hand-painted historic ceiling designed by renowned architect David Rockwell adding unexpected visual interest. Throughout the property, the Beaux-Arts and Neo-Renaissance architectural details from arched doorways to gilded moldings provide endless compositional variety with all main event spaces located on the ground floor eliminating elevator delays.
Building Character and Historic Significance - Mihran Mesrobian designed this building in 1926 for developer Harry Wardman, originally named The Carlton Hotel, with Mesrobian's remarkable background as palace architect to Ottoman Sultan Mehmed V restoring approximately 30 palaces including the famous Dolmabahçe explaining the space's authentic grandeur. The Beaux-Arts and Neo-Renaissance design deliberately echoes Rome's Palazzo Farnese, visible in the rusticated structural base and stylized quoins. President Calvin Coolidge cut the opening ribbon, and every president since has visited this National Register of Historic Places landmark. The property holds Forbes Four-Star and AAA Four Diamond ratings alongside a 4.8 out of 5 WeddingWire score with consistent praise from couples and vendors.
Comprehensive Hotel Amenities and Guest Experience - Following a comprehensive 2024 renovation, all 182 guestrooms showcase updated finishes while preserving historic architectural elements photographers treasure. Dining options include Alhambra modern Mediterranean restaurant ideal for rehearsal dinner buyouts and the St. Regis Bar for champagne sabering ceremonies. Guest amenities include 182 guest rooms with 30 suites, butler service, fitness center, and room service. Valet parking runs approximately 64 dollars nightly, with Metro Center station just a two-minute walk away providing exceptional accessibility. The sophisticated aesthetic manifests in crystal chandeliers throughout, wood-paneled spaces, and carefully curated artwork in public areas distinguishing it from typical downtown hotels.
Exceptional Nearby Portrait Opportunities Within 15 Minutes - Lafayette Square sits just 0.2 miles south, a three to five minute walk, offering the White House's north facade as backdrop along with historic statues and formal gardens. Under the January 2025 EXPLORE Act, groups of eight or fewer using handheld equipment no longer require NPS permits for photography at federal sites, fundamentally simplifying DC wedding photography logistics. Georgetown is 1.5 to 2 miles away, an eight to fifteen minute drive, where cobblestone streets, Federal-style rowhouses, and the waterfront park require no permits for public areas with the C&O Canal towpath providing romantic walking paths. The Washington Monument grounds sit 0.9 miles away with five-minute drive, while the Lincoln Memorial is 1.2 miles with seven to ten minutes. Meridian Hill Park's dramatic 13-basin cascading fountain, the longest in North America, lies 1.5 miles north along 16th Street offering Italian Renaissance setting photographing like European destinations. The Tidal Basin with cherry blossoms (seasonal) sits 1.3 miles away with eight-minute drive. All locations now exempt from NPS permits for small wedding photography groups under EXPLORE Act.
Timeline and Logistical Planning - Typical flow: six hours of event time with five-hour bar service included, all suite access for getting-ready photography, ceremonies in Astor Ballroom or outdoor terrace (20-30 minutes), immediate post-ceremony portraits utilizing on-property architectural features (20-30 minutes) or nearby Lafayette Square or Georgetown locations (60-90 minutes including travel) while guests enjoy cocktail hour on terrace or in naturally-lit spaces, grand ballroom reception entrance with customizable lighting capabilities, dinner service with coordinators including Laila and catering team led by Martin Keeney coordinating seamlessly, then dancing under crystal chandeliers with sophisticated ambient lighting. All main event spaces on ground floor eliminates elevator delays when transporting equipment, specifically praised by photographers for seamless flow. The venue accepts outside photographers with 75 dollar vendor fee provided insurance requirements are met. Wedding packages begin around 300 dollars per person including catering, outside food not permitted though culinary team delivers exceptional quality. The venue can transform ballroom from ceremony to reception in 90 minutes. Staff accommodates timeline requests and location access with professionalism. Peak seasons run April through June and September through December, with bookings typically secured a year in advance. Day-of coordination comes included with wedding packages.
Every corner of this historic hotel provides exceptional photography opportunities, from the 2,508-square-foot Astor Ballroom with 18-foot hand-painted ceilings to the 2,500-square-foot European-inspired terrace to naturally-lit Presidential Suite and signature architectural details throughout to convenient nearby locations ranging from Lafayette Square to Georgetown monuments across total capacity of 200-300 guests, making it an ideal location for couples seeking Italian Renaissance elegance with modern Four-Star amenities that photograph with timeless quality in a venue combining authentic 1926 architectural grandeur with professional infrastructure and unmatched downtown Washington DC accessibility just two blocks from the White House.
Frequently Asked Questions about The St. Regis Washington Dc Hotel Weddings
Q: How much is a wedding at St Regis Washington DC?
A: A wedding at St Regis Washington DC typically starts around $300 per person for comprehensive wedding packages. This investment includes the venue rental, catering with customizable menus, five-hour premium bar service, wedding cake, setup with tables, chairs, linens, and dance floors, professional audiovisual equipment rentals, and day-of coordination services. Additional costs include a $75 outside photographer vendor fee and valet parking at approximately $64 per night for guests. The venue requires a signed contract and deposit to secure your date, with final guest counts typically due two weeks before the event. Peak season dates (April-June and September-December) should be booked approximately one year in advance to secure preferred dates at this Forbes Four-Star property.
Q: What is the St Regis DC wedding cost per person?
A: The St Regis DC wedding cost per person begins around $300, encompassing gourmet catering with passed hors d'oeuvres during cocktail hour, plated dinner service or buffet options, five hours of premium open bar featuring top-shelf spirits and champagne toast, wedding cake with professional cutting service, and complete event coordination. Couples can customize menus to reflect cultural traditions or dietary requirements, with the culinary team offering tasting sessions before finalizing selections. The per-person rate scales with guest count, with some flexibility for smaller intimate weddings versus larger celebrations. Tax and service charges typically add 22-25% to the base per-person cost, and some couples budget an additional 10-15% for upgrades like specialty linens, enhanced florals, or extended bar hours.
Q: What St Regis Washington DC wedding venues are available for ceremonies and receptions?
A: St Regis Washington DC wedding venues include the elegant 2,508-square-foot Astor Ballroom featuring 18-foot hand-painted Italian Renaissance ceilings with four 12-armed crystal chandeliers and floor-to-ceiling Palladian windows overlooking the terrace, the 2,500-square-foot Astor Terrace providing European garden atmosphere with ornate fountain and iron gates for outdoor ceremonies, and the climate-controlled Astor Pavilion extending terrace usability during winter months. The George Washington Room offers an intimate alternative with Italian marble floors for ceremonies under 100 guests. Couples can also utilize the hotel's grand lobby with two-tiered crystal chandeliers and Florentine gold ceilings for pre-ceremony photographs and the St. Regis Bar for welcome receptions, with the property hosting only one wedding at a time ensuring privacy and exclusive ambiance throughout your celebration.
Q: What do St Regis Washington DC wedding packages include?
A: St Regis Washington DC wedding packages include venue rental for six-hour events with five-hour bar service, customizable gourmet catering prepared by Catering Director Martin Keeney's team, wedding cake designed to your specifications, complete event setup with tables, Chiavari or banquet chairs, premium linens in your choice of colors, china, glassware, and silverware, dance floor installation, professional audiovisual equipment with wireless microphone systems and customizable uplighting, and experienced day-of coordination managing vendor arrivals and timeline execution. Couples receive complimentary site visits for planning meetings, access to the Astor Terrace for cocktail hours without additional rental fees, and the venue's 90-minute ceremony-to-reception flip service. The package also includes dedicated bridal suite access throughout the day in one of the 30 luxury suites, though specific suite selection may require additional fees depending on size and Presidential Suite upgrades.
Q: Does The St. Regis Washington, DC wedding venue allow outside vendors?
A: The St. Regis Washington, DC wedding venue welcomes outside photographers, videographers, florists, wedding planners, entertainment, and specialty vendors with minimal restrictions. Photographers and videographers pay a $75 vendor fee and must provide proof of liability insurance, while other vendors need insurance certificates on file. The venue requires use of their in-house catering team exclusively—outside food and beverage are not permitted due to health department regulations and liquor licensing. However, couples report the culinary quality exceeds expectations with expertise in international cuisines. Vendor load-in benefits from ground-floor ballroom access with dedicated service entrances, ample parking adjacent to event spaces, and staff assistance coordinating delivery timing. The venue provides vendors with detailed load-in instructions, Wi-Fi access, and vendor meals can be arranged at reduced rates for teams working throughout your event.
Q: What is the capacity for a St Regis DC wedding?
A: The capacity for a St Regis DC wedding ranges from 200 to 300 guests depending on event style and floor plan preferences. The Astor Ballroom accommodates 200-250 seated guests with traditional rounds-of-ten table arrangements, a 12x16-foot dance floor, DJ booth, and proper spacing for service aisles, or can host 220-250 guests with elongated farm tables for a more intimate family-style dining experience. For cocktail-style receptions with limited seating, standing room configurations support up to 300 guests. The Astor Terrace independently holds 250 guests for ceremonies or can be combined with the ballroom for 300+ guest celebrations spanning indoor and outdoor spaces. Smaller weddings of 75-150 guests work beautifully in the Astor Ballroom without feeling empty, as the venue's proportions and 18-foot ceilings maintain architectural drama. For guest accommodations, the hotel offers 182 rooms including 30 suites, with discounted room blocks available and the two-block proximity to Metro Center station providing easy access for out-of-town guests.
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Why The St. Regis Washington DC Hotel Should Be Your Wedding Venue Choice
As a Washington DC Wedding Photographer also serving Northern Virginia and Maryland who has captured countless celebrations throughout the DMV area, The St. Regis Washington DC hotel stands out as an exceptional venue that consistently delivers stunning imagery, combining Italian Renaissance elegance with dramatic architectural features like hand-painted 18-foot ceilings, two-tiered crystal chandeliers, and floor-to-ceiling Palladian windows that flood the Astor Ballroom with natural light. From intimate ceremonies on the European-inspired Astor Terrace with its ornate fountain and iron gates to grand receptions in the 2,508-square-foot Astor Ballroom adorned with 12-armed crystal chandeliers and polychromatic ceiling designs, this Forbes Four-Star historic landmark provides an exceptional canvas for unforgettable celebrations.
The remarkable marriage of 1926 Beaux-Arts architecture designed by palace architect Mihran Mesrobian, authentic Italian Renaissance details, and Four-Star service creates photography opportunities that exceed typical downtown hotel wedding venues. If you're searching for a venue that photographs with timeless sophistication, The St. Regis Washington DC delivers exactly that—a stunning backdrop where ground-floor event spaces ensure seamless logistics, Florentine gold ceilings enhance every portrait, and nearby locations like Lafayette Square, Georgetown, and the National Mall expand creative possibilities, all while providing unmatched accessibility just two blocks from the White House with Metro Center station a two-minute walk away.
