Historic Train Station Wedding Venue in Washington DC
Union Station in DC is of course a train station, but it is also a grand event space. If you are hosting a corporate convention, gala, or large wedding this should definitely be a space to consider. The full venue can accommodate up to 4,000 people standing and has all of the technology and media capabilities you could need.
Union Station DC and the East Hall are an iconic Washington, D.C. venue. If you are a corporate client this is a great space for you. It is incredibly easy to get to, you just need to step off the train, and it is close enough to several hotels in the area. If you are a bar mitzvah and have always loved trains, what a great backdrop for an amazing celebration. Additionally, if you have a love for American History, the Presidential Suite (where past presidents sat as they waited for their trains) is the perfect location for a wedding ceremony.
The Presidential Suite was built for presidents to safely await their trains. This space was also where several presidents used to welcome world leaders and dignitaries to the United States. During the world wars, it was temporarily transitioned to a USO lounge for soldiers heading off to war.
The President Suite has been renovated and is currently available as a private event space in D.C. This uniquely historic room can accommodate up to 300 for cocktail receptions, and 160 for a seated dinner. It works well in conjunction with other spaces, but can also house your event in entirety.
The style of the space is a bit Hollywood Regency. With the proper lighting and decor, this space will be beautiful. If you are getting married in the presidential suite, an option would be to host your cocktail hour in the Palm Court. This is an area that is marked off in the main space of Union Station. Your guests will be able to enjoy the gold-leafed arched ceilings of Union Station, but still feel that they are at an intimate event.
With so many options for both large, and medium-sized events, it’s no wonder this is one of DC’s more popular event venues.
If you are looking for a venue with a bit of humor, this venue may check that box for you. In 1906, American sculptor Louis Saint-Gaudens was contracted to build Roman legionnaires who would dutifully watch over the Union Station travelers below. True to the Roman culture, Louis Saint-Gaudens, sculpted all 46 statues in the nude. The officials of the Baltimore & Ohio and Pennsylvania Railroads were going to have nothing to do with the sexy statues and requested a revision.
Louis Saint- Gaudens, not wanting to stray too far from the cultural significance of his art, proposed a solution. He would create modesty shields. This was an agreed-upon solution, and to this day if you position yourself at just the right angle, you can see the Roman manhood that caused such a craze.
Photography: David Abel Photography
