Finding the perfect wedding venue in Washington, D.C. for a large guest count is not an easy feat. Fortunately, we have found an amazing wedding venue in the heart of the capital that has it all! Please read on for our ultimate International Spy Museum Wedding Guide.

 

The Wedding Spaces at SPY

SPY offers modern spaces with incredible views of the Capitol, the Washington Monument, and the Wharf (as well as a portion of Old Town Alexandria). Your venue space choices are as follows:

• The Ballroom. Located on the 7th floor, this contemporary space holds up to 400 for a seated dinner. We love the flexibility that the ballroom has to offer! You can rent the room and divide it into 3 sections – one each for your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. Another great option for cocktail hour is to take your guests to the rooftop or one of the museum exhibits.

 

• Rooftop Terrace. We love this picturesque spot for a ceremony and/or cocktail hour. Your guests can enjoy walking around the rooftop green space while having a drink under the weather-ready canopy (which is retractable if the weather permits). The maximum capacity is 150 guests for a seated reception or 200 for a standing cocktail reception. As previously mentioned, you can rent it along with the Ballroom. The wow factor? The terrace night views of the U.S. Capitol!

 

• The Veil. This is one of the most unique spaces at SPY. The area is a suspended metal structure and has views of the museum lobby. Here, you can host your rehearsal dinner, which can be catered by one of their six approved vendors: Main Event Caterers, Occasions Caterers, Ridgewells Catering, RSVP Catering, Spilled Milk Catering, and Susan Gage Caterers.

 

The SPY Experience

A great International Spy Wedding Guide wouldn’t be complete without telling you why hosting your wedding here is a unique and fun experience.

• Cocktail hour can be inside at the exhibits. Yes, you read this correctly! Your guests can enjoy a drink while learning about the history of espionage, including perusing old artifacts and new tech tools and even testing their spy skills – how fun is that?
• Interactive entertainment. Add extra fun by hiring performers that range from magicians, fortune tellers, sketch artists, handwriting experts and look-alike performers (how about having James Bond crash your cocktail hour?).

 

Transportation and Lodging for Wedding Guests

The transportation and lodging options for your wedding guests can’t get any easier. For starters, the Hilton Washington DC Hotel is conveniently located right at the back of the International Spy Museum. You can reserve a hotel block for you and your guests and you’ll be just steps away from your venue without stressing about traffic. Furthermore, all your guests have the option to use the hotel’s valet parking service. Lastly, if you’d like to use shuttles to bring guests to your wedding, the Museum has a drop-off area for large buses. A perfect set-up for a wedding day!

 

SPY Wedding Photography tips

Here are some can’t-miss wedding photography tips for our SPY Wedding Guide:

• The “Spy” sign. You can do a lot with this spot! Have a fun photo with your wedding party, a romantic shot of just the two of you, or a sparkler exit with the sign as a backdrop.
• The Infinity Room. Known as one of DC’s most Instagrammable backdrops, the Infinity Room gives you one-of-a-kind portraits in the limitless cyber-world.
• The Veil Area. Your photographer can go across the street to take a unique evening shot of the two of you.
• The Rooftop Terrace. Pick your favorite evening rooftop view: the Capitol, the Washington Monument, or the Wharf. You can also do them all to be on the safe side!
• The Ballroom. Take advantage (again) of the breathtaking views of Washington D.C., perfect for detailed shots of the reception room or while your guests are dancing.

 

Catering Options at the International Spy Museum

I like the fact that the Museum has a curated list of caterers. Why? Because when venues do this, it means that these catering companies are experienced, trusted vendors. One less thing to worry about. As far as choosing who’s right for you, I highly recommend you attend a tasting with a caterer prior to signing a contract. Our clients love sophisticated bites full of flavor and clever presentations. I can’t think of a better way to impress your guests!

 

International Spy Museum Wedding Guide FAQs 

 

How far in advance should we book our date at the Spy Museum?

We encourage you to inquire as soon as you get engaged. If interested in hosting an elopement, intimate wedding or last minute big celebration (less than 4 months), reach out as well. Chances are they can accommodate you in one of their three spaces.

What’s the event rental time?

Every package includes 12 hours. You get 4 hours for setup, 6 hours of event time and 2 hours for breakdown.

What’s included in the rental package?

The Museum includes staff that will help you manage your venue needs, personnel to welcome your guests and planning support to work in tandem with your wedding planner. Also, you get plenty of furniture choices which are very likely to cover your wedding needs as far as dinner tables, high and low cocktail tables, chiavari chairs and dance floor. 

What’s the best way to contact the Spy Museum for a venue tour and booking?

Reach out via email to Cori Talbot at CTalbot@spymuseum.org or by phone at 202.554.6161. Don’t forget to follow the SPY private events IG account for more wedding inspiration: @spymuseumprivateevents .

For details on booking BodaMaestra’s wedding planning team for your International Spy Museum Wedding, you can connect with us via our contact page.

Follow BodaMaestra Holistic Wedding Planning on Instagram and Facebook and Pinterest.

All photographs are courtesy of the International Spy Museum.