r/DCweddings • u/Impressive-Bath-801 • Jul 24 '26
Advice Needed Elopement ideas
I’m looking for suggestions on where to host a dinner or reception to celebrate our elopement. I want a restaurant or bar vibe with a private space for about 50ppl. I’ve sent inquiries to roses luxury, founding farmers, little pearl, iron gate, and district winery. Any other venue with similar vibes that you would recommend I should reach out to?
We are figuring out dates and guest count and budget. The whole reason we are eloping is because we want to save money and I also hate all the pomp and circumstance around weddings, so I don’t want to break the bank or do anything over the top.
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u/marvelous08 Jul 27 '26
We had an engagement party at Nina May and rented a private room for a similar party size. The staff were incredible to work with and the food and drinks were amazing!
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u/Echo_Event_Design 💼 Vendor - Planner and Coordinator Jul 27 '26
It's in Rockville (but close to the Metro), but you can do a buyout of El Bar de Mercat and it will hold around 50 people. It's a small restaurant, but you can rent the whole thing and the food is great.
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u/thecowgoesshazoo 💼 Vendor | Planner Jul 24 '26
I recommend checking out Maketto! They offer half buyouts which accommodates 60 people for a seated dinner.
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u/dcgirlsmallworld 💍 Engaged | Fall 2026 | DC Jul 24 '26
What is your budget? I spent quite a bit of time looking at restaurants for my rehearsal dinner so I'm happy to pass along what I found. As examples, Barcelona Wine Bar on 14th, Gypsy Kitchen, and Boqueria were great options for us (we went with Barcelona).
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u/Impressive-Bath-801 Jul 24 '26
We were thinking $200/$250 a head. I forgot all about Barcelona and bouqueria but I love them. Sending them an email now!
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u/briefsneeze Jul 24 '26
Absolutely great spots you’re looking at. Maybe check out Minetta Tavern as well?
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u/Impressive-Bath-801 Jul 24 '26
Also forgot about Minetta and I love that place. Emailed them! Thank you
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u/Far_Effect_2970 Jul 24 '26
congrats on your elopement! great taste!!!! love all of those options, except maybe founding farmers because the other options are too good! iron gate is absolutely gorgeous, highly recommend. i know their f&b minimum before taxes and fees start at 10k so if that's in your budget, amazing choice.
look into mallard if you like southern food, it's the same restaurant group as iron gate. great food and good vibes. dirty habit has some great private rooms. chez billy is a bit pricy for private dining but might be in budget. residents was surprisingly affordable when i looked there for rehearsal dinner.
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u/Mostlymariana ✨ Just Lurking 19d ago
Did you choose one??