A Pink and White DC Micro Wedding: Hotel Washington, the DC War Memorial and Annabelle
A smaller guest list doesn't mean giving up the wedding traditions you love. D+A proved it this summer with a classic, pink-and-white DC micro wedding: a full wedding party, a first look, a ceremony at the DC War Memorial, a reception dress change and a grand entrance at Annabelle, all with 50 of their favorite people.
It was a traditional wedding in every sense, just with a smaller guest list.
Getting Ready at Hotel Washington
The day started in a suite at Hotel Washington, steps from the White House. The details set the tone right away: a strapless satin gown, a pearl-dotted cathedral veil, sparkling crystal bow heels, and a bouquet of peach Icelandic poppies, blush garden roses, white ranunculus and trailing vines.
The palette was feminine and classic, white and soft pink from start to finish, with the poppies adding just a hint of warmth.
A First Look Under the Floral ArcH
D+A shared their first look right outside the hotel, beneath Hotel Washington's showstopping floral arch of hot-pink bougainvillea and coral blooms. It's one of the most photogenic entrances in the city, and the perfect backdrop for that first tap on the shoulder.
Portraits Across Washington DC
One of our favorite touches of the day: D+A rented a sleek silver sports car to carry them from location to location. It doubled as a portrait prop and meant no waiting on rideshares in a wedding gown.
They made their way through downtown DC for portraits, then on to the Library of Congress. Its grand staircase and ornate bronze lampposts are pure old-world elegance, and a favorite spot for Washington DC wedding photos.
A Rainy-Day Ceremony at the DC War Memorial
We've planned more than 75 weddings at the DC War Memorial, and it's still one of our favorite ceremony spots in the city. This open-air marble temple sits on the National Mall, surrounded by trees, with a domed roof overhead.
That dome came in handy as it rained on D+A's wedding day, but the covered memorial kept the couple, their officiant and their wedding party dry while guests looked on. The soft, overcast light and glowing dome made for some of the most romantic ceremony photos we've seen there.
After the vows, the whole crew celebrated on the path outside, cheering and toasting to the couple.
Yes, You Can Have a Wedding Party at a Micro Wedding
D+A chose to have bridesmaids in blush satin and groomsmen in classic black tuxedos. Full wedding parties are less common at micro weddings these days, but that's exactly why we wanted to share this one.
A micro wedding doesn't mean skipping the traditions that matter to you. You can still have a wedding party, a first look, a processional, toasts, a cake cutting and a grand entrance. You're just sharing them with a smaller, more intimate group of people.
Some of our couples keep it to an elopement. Others, like D+A, want every tradition in the book. Both are exactly right.
A Pink Reception Dress and a Grand Entrance at Annabelle
Back at Hotel Washington, the reception look came out: a blush-pink, crystal-beaded gown with draped shoulder chains, made for dancing.
Then it was on to Annabelle in Dupont Circle for dinner. D+A made their entrance as a married couple to cheers from their guests, framed by the restaurant's moody blue walls and arched doorway.
The evening ended with a two-tier buttercream cake dressed in white and blush roses, a sweet finish to a day that felt classic from start to finish.
DC Micro Wedding FAQ
Can you have a wedding party at a micro wedding? Yes. Many couples still have bridesmaids, groomsmen or a mixed wedding party at a micro wedding. D+A had a full wedding party with a 50-guest celebration in Washington DC.
Can you get married at the DC War Memorial if it rains? Yes. The DC War Memorial has a domed marble roof, so the couple, officiant and wedding party stay covered. For more than 50 guests, folks will have to sit outside the dome. In that case, you may want umbrellas, so plan a rain kit just in case. (Hot tip - purchase clear umbrellas so they’re not distracting!)
Do you need a permit to get married at the DC War Memorial? Yes. The DC War Memorial is on the National Mall and requires a permit from the National Park Service. Tiny Wedding Collective has planned more than 75 weddings there and walks every couple through the process.
Where can you take wedding photos in Washington DC? Popular Washington DC wedding photo spots include the Library of Congress, the National Mall, the streets around the White House and hotels like Hotel Washington with its seasonal floral arch.
How many guests can a micro wedding have? Micro weddings are small, intimate celebrations, usually with somewhere around 50 guests or fewer. Tiny Wedding Collective is flexible on guest count and plans everything from elopements to celebrations like D+A's 50-guest wedding.
Planning a DC Micro Wedding?
Whether you want every tradition or none of them, a smaller guest list gives you room to make the day yours. If you're dreaming of a DC War Memorial ceremony, a wedding party and a dinner reception with your favorite people, we'd love to help.