DC Venue Spotlight: The Riggs Hotel

A DC Micro Wedding Venue Rooted in History

Before we begin, we wanted to share that ALL Tiny Wed Co couples who book The Riggs get access to a couple of perks with the hotel: A lower food + beverage minimum, a complimentary champagne tower and a waiver of the cake cutting fee! Interested?

The Riggs Hotel is a romantic, historic space located right in the heart of Penn Quarter. A wedding at the Riggs feels elevated, passionate, and just the right amount of glamorous. 

Before it was a boutique hotel filled with velvet lounges, gorgeous florals, and dreamy rooftop micro wedding ceremonies, the Riggs was the home of something entirely different: gold, legacy, and a bunch of presidential signatures. 

The building was originally constructed in 1891 to be Riggs National Bank, also called “the bank of presidents.” Over about 120 years, the bank served big name clients such as Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, and Dwight D. Eisenhower, being the financial base of the capital. When looking at the Riggs, this doesn’t surprise you with its towering arched windows and grandeur presence. 

But what makes the evolution of the Riggs so special is how it’s evolved.

The bank was closed in the early 2000s and was transformed into the hotel we know it as today. The redesign kept intact the building’s original identity while softening it to have a modern elegance. The Riggs Hotel brings together the best parts of celebrating in an old world landmark. You’ll be captivated by vaulted ceilings, marble detailing, and dramatic architecture that also has a boutique hotel feel built for showcasing your love story.

The atrium at Riggs

At the very top of the hotel is one of the Riggs’ most unique event options, the Atrium. It is a glass enclosed rooftop space that sets you on top of the city. The room is filled with natural lighting during the day and has a warm glow at night from the city lights. The Atrium is great for a slightly larger micro wedding and could be used for both ceremony and reception. With room for 50-80 guests, this rooftop is a dream for couples who want great views and that “on top of the world” feeling. 

You’ll get the views, the style, and the energy of being in downtown DC. Just you and your people in a space that was made for a beautiful celebration.

The Suite & Tellers Room at riggs

If your vision for your DC micro wedding is for something a little more intimate and personal but just as luxurious, Riggs also offers the opportunity to host your micro wedding inside one of its suites. The suite is perfect for a ceremony of 12-14 guests which gives you a space to stay, get ready, and say your vows all in one spot. It is idealistic for couples who don’t want to run between different venues and envision a meaningful, cozy day. 

After the ceremony, your party can head to the Tellers Room, a completely private dining space. It’s moody, elegant, and deeply intimate. It is the kind of space that invites long conversations, champagne toasts, and shared stories about the newlyweds. The room has all of the old bank drama and the ease of a timeless, personal dinner party.

riggs is the perfect dc micro wedding venue

There is something about the Riggs that is undeniably romantic. Whether it's the architecture, the history, or how well each space is used, it is a great venue for a micro wedding. From a 50 guest celebration in the Atrium to a  12 guest party in the Tellers Room, this hotel is a beautiful spot to tie the knot on your love story. 

Need help figuring out which setup is best for you? We’d love to help you get started.

Venue Photo Gallery

Our Weddings at Riggs

The Tiny Wedding Collective offers all-inclusive elopement and intimate wedding planning services for Chicago, Washington DC, Northern Virginia and Baltimore, Maryland. A Tiny Wedding is for couples who want to celebrate their commitment in a thoughtful, stylish way but don’t want the stress and fanfare of a big, expensive wedding. Not all couples fit inside the same traditional box and it’s time that we make space for inclusivity, diversity, and creativity. To find out more about what it’s like to work with us, please fill out our contact form here.