Bars & Parties
Wedding receptions with style
You’ve popped the question, walked the aisle and now it’s time to pop the Champagne. But where to hold your reception on the big day in D.C.?
If you’re looking for a hotel ballroom, the city offers plenty of options, from traditional to trendy. There are a few things to keep in mind when considering hotel reception spaces.
Find out how many events your location of choice holds so you can be sure you won’t be hurried out once your allotted time is over. Map out the spaces for your special moments like the first dance, the wedding cake cutting, seating, etc., and make sure there is enough space to accommodate your guests. If you are using the in-house caterer make sure the kitchen is equipped for any special menu items you may have planned. Some hotels have decor restrictions, so make sure you ask about furniture rearranging and ask to see photos of prior wedding receptions to inspire a few ideas.
Below are just a handful of area hotels ready to host same-sex wedding receptions when gay nuptials become legal, which is expected to happen in early March.
The Four Seasons Hotel, 2800 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., has wedding planning down to a science. From invitations and wedding cakes to spa and beauty services, the Four Seasons can help ease the stress of planning a wedding. With original wedding packages or a package of your own design, the wedding consultants offer their expert assistance so you can enjoy your day with confidence. The Four Seasons features a sunlit, sophisticated space that occupies more than 13,400 square feet, including a terrace overlooking the C&O Canal.
The Madison, a Loews Hotel, 1177 15th St., N.W., is ready to help make memories that last a lifetime. The Madison recently added 1,500 square feet of new banquet space, which has created a total space of 12,000 square feet that will accommodate most any guest list. The expert event planners will help create the wedding of your dreams, along with amenities such as a fitness center and spa services to cater to your every need.
W Hotel, 515 15th St., N.W., “where historic Italian Renaissance meets modern cool” offers 12,000 square feet of event space that will make your wedding nothing less than spectacular. The Altitude, the rooftop ballroom at the W, would be a perfect location with its gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a backdrop of the nation’s most important landmarks. The expert event planners will work magic so your wedding day wishes come true in style.
Founded in 1981, the Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants are a collection of boutique hotels and chef-driven restaurants that are acknowledged as an industry pioneer and leaders in the boutique hotel concept. The Kimpton Hotel Group occupies five locations in the Dupont and Logan Circle areas plus two additional locations within sight of the National Mall and the U.S. Capital. For a truly memorable wedding experience consider Kimpton’s Hotel Palomar, 2121 P St., N.W. The Hotel Palomar is urban art gallery meets chic boutique hotel that will amaze your guests. The hotel offers more than 10,000 square feet of reception space, including the ultra stylish Phillips Room, named for the nearby Phillips Collection. The Phillips Room can accommodate up to 300 guests.
Other national hotel chains are also catering to same-sex couples in Washington. The Marriott and Renaissance Hotel chains offer 10 properties in the area, including the historic Mayflower. For a list of Marriott’s area hotels and information on booking a reception, visit dcmarriottweddings.com.
Other friendly options to consider when looking for reception space:
The Fairmont
2401 M St., N.W.
202-429-2400
fairmont.com/washington
The Fairfax at Embassy Row
2100 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.
202-293-2100
starwoodhotels.com
a&e features
Your guide to D.C.’s queer New Year’s Eve parties
Ring in 2026 with drag, leather, Champagne, and more
With Christmas in the rear view mirror, we can turn our attention to ringing in a much-anticipated New Year with a slew of local LGBTQ parties. Here’s what’s on tap.
Pitchers
This spacious Adams Morgan bar is hosting the “Pitchers’ Perfect New Year’s Eve.” There will be a midnight Champagne toast, the ball drop on the big screens, and no cover, all night long. The bar doesn’t close until 4 a.m., and the kitchen will be open late (though not until close). All five floors will be open for the party, and party favors are promised.
Trade
D.C.’s hottest bar/club combo is leaning into the Shark motif with its NYE party, “Feeding Frenzy.” The party is a “glitterati-infused Naughty-cal New Year’s Even in the Shark Tank, where the boats are churning and the sharks are circling.” Trade also boasts no cover charge, with doors opening at 5 p.m. and the aforementioned Shark Tank opening at 9 p.m.. Four DJs will be spread across the two spaces; midnight hostess is played by Vagenesis and the two sea sirens sensuously calling are Anathema and Justin Williams.
Number Nine
While Trade will have two DJs as part of one party, Number Nine will host two separate parties, one on each floor. The first floor is classic Number Nine, a more casual-style event with the countdown on TVs and a Champagne midnight toast. There will be no cover and doors open at 5 p.m. Upstairs will be hosted by Capital Sapphics for its second annual NYE gathering. Tickets (about $50) include a midnight Champagne toast, curated drink menu, sapphic DJ set by Rijak, and tarot readings by Yooji.
Crush
Crush will kick off NYE with a free drag bingo at 8 p.m. for the early birds. Post-bingo, there will be a cover for the rest of the evening, featuring two DJs. The cover ($20 limited pre-sale that includes line skip until 11 p.m.; $25 at the door after 9 p.m.) includes one free N/A or Crush, a Champagne toast, and party favors (“the legal kind”). More details on Eventbrite.
Bunker
This subterranean lair is hosting a NYE party entitled “Frosted & Fur: Aspen After Dark New Year’s Eve Celebration.” Arriety from Rupaul Season 15 is set to host, with International DJ Alex Lo. Doors open at 9 p.m. and close at 3 p.m.; there is a midnight Champagne toast. Cover is $25, plus an optional $99 all-you-can-drink package.
District Eagle
This leather-focused bar is hosting “Bulge” for its NYE party. Each District Eagle floor will have its own music and vibe. Doors run from 7 p.m.-3 a.m. and cover is $15. There will be a Champagne toast at midnight, as well as drink specials during the event.
Kiki, Shakiki
Kiki and its new sister bar program Shakiki (in the old Shakers space) will have the same type of party on New Year’s Eve. Both bars open their doors at 5 p.m. and stay open until closing time. Both will offer a Champagne toast at midnight. At Kiki, DJ Vodkatrina will play; at Shakiki, it’ll be DJ Alex Love. Kiki keeps the party going on New Year’s Day, opening at 2 p.m., to celebrate Kiki’s fourth anniversary. There will be a drag show at 6 p.m. and an early 2000s dance party 4-8 p.m.
Spark
This bar and its new menu of alcoholic and twin N/A drinks will host a NYE party with music by DJ Emerald Fox. Given this menu, there will be a complimentary toast at midnight, guests can choose either sparkling wine with or without alcohol. No cover, but Spark is also offering optional wristbands at the door for $35 open bar 11 p.m.-1 a.m. (mid-shelf liquor & all NA drinks).
Bars & Parties
Mixtape Sapphics hosts holiday party on Dec. 13
‘Sugar & Spice’ night planned for Saturday
Mixtape Sapphics will host “Sapphic Sugar & Spice: A Naughty-Nice Mixtape Holiday Party” on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. at Amsterdam Lounge.
This is a festive, grown holiday party for queer women and sapphics 35 and older at Revolt’s Christmas pop-up. There will be music, joy, and an optional White Elephant.
This is Mixtape Sapphics’ first-ever holiday party — a cozy, flirty, intentionally grounded night created just for queer women and sapphics 35+ who want real connection, festive joy, and a warm place to land at the end of the year.
Tickets start at $13.26 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Bars & Parties
Impulse Group DC to host fundraiser
Giving Tuesday and Happy Hour held at Thurst Lounge
Impulse Group DC, a local advocacy organization, will host “Giving Tuesday and Happy Hour” on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. at Thurst Lounge.
This event is a special happy hour fundraiser filled with good vibes, great food, and community connection. DJ Obie will be on deck keeping the energy high while you enjoy tacos, cocktails, and the kind of atmosphere only Thurst can deliver.
A portion of every signature cocktail sold goes directly toward supporting Impulse Group D.C.’s work in sexual health, mental health, harm reduction, and social justice for the D.C. community.
Admission is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
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