Venue Highlight: Swann House — A Historic, Elegant Wedding Venue in Washington, D.C.
October 24, 2025
In the heart of Dupont Circle, Swann House offers a rare blend of historic grandeur and modern sophistication. Once a private home, this beautifully restored mansion now serves as a refined, light-filled backdrop for intimate celebrations. With its soaring ceilings, intricate moldings, and inviting garden terrace, Swann House feels like a hidden gem tucked within one of the city’s most charming neighborhoods.
A Setting Steeped in Story
Dating back to the late 19th century, Swann House has been thoughtfully preserved to honor its original craftsmanship while embracing contemporary comfort. Every detail, from the inlaid wood floors and decorative fireplaces to the tall windows that frame the city, reflects a sense of timeless artistry. For couples seeking a venue that feels both elegant and effortlessly personal, it’s a place where history and hospitality intertwine.
Spaces That Inspire
Swann House offers an intimate layout perfectly suited for small weddings and gatherings. The main parlor provides a graceful setting for ceremonies or cocktail hours, while the adjoining dining room, crowned with contemporary chandeliers and soft natural light, transitions seamlessly into the garden terrace. The private gardens offer a serene outdoor escape—lush with ivy and greenery—ideal for portraits, toasts, or an alfresco dinner beneath string lights.
With event capacities of approximately 75 guests for a cocktail-style reception, 50 for a seated ceremony, and 45 for a seated dinner, the property is designed for celebrations that feel intentional, intimate, and beautifully curated.
Design Possibilities
Swann House provides a rich canvas for a range of aesthetics, from romantic European elegance to modern, colorful celebrations. During our Modern Muse in Montmartre editorial, we drew inspiration from the home’s architectural charm, layering painterly florals in shades of pink and red with embroidered linens and gilded accents. The result was a vibrant yet harmonious tableau that celebrated art, texture, and emotion.
Whether your style leans timeless and understated or bold and design-forward, Swann House invites creativity.
What Couples Love
- Central D.C. location, just 12 blocks from the White House and minutes from downtown hotels
- Elegant indoor spaces with 12-foot ceilings and intricate moldings
- Seamless flow from parlor to dining room to private garden terrace
- Natural light and historic architecture ideal for fine-art photography
- Warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels like hosting in your own stately home
Planning at Swann House
I approach venues like Swann House with both reverence and imagination—honoring their history while creating space for fresh, thoughtful design. My process begins by listening closely to your story, then curating every design and detail to complement the character of this historic mansion. From selecting a vendor team that aligns with your vision to creating cohesive design layers throughout the home and gardens, my goal is to craft an experience that feels seamless, intentional, and full of joy.
Swann House is layered, charming, painterly, and full of light—a space where the past and present meet in perfect harmony. For couples dreaming of an intimate Washington, D.C. wedding that feels artful and elevated, it’s one of the city’s most inspiring venues to say I do.
Curious about how I work with couples? Explore my Wedding Planning Services, or get in touch to begin designing your own celebration at Swann House.
All photography by Morgan Kay Photo
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