A city this full of character and history deserves a wedding day that highlights your story. We plan beautiful, bespoke weddings in Washington D.C., from your first conversation with us to your last dance, venues, vendors, permits, and every detail in between.
DC Wedding Venues
Washington DC Wedding Planners
Getting married in Washington, D.C. means choosing from some of the most distinctive backdrops on the East Coast — a Beaux-Arts mansion full of history, a rooftop overlooking the Potomac, or a garden courtyard a few blocks from the Capitol. It also means working with a city that has its own rhythm: historic-preservation guidelines, embassy and federal-property logistics, tight downtown load-in windows, and a wedding season that books up early.
We know which D.C. venues need a certificate of insurance six weeks out, which load-in window is the trickiest, which ones offer just-as-gorgeous rain plan locations, and which neighborhoods will give you the most stunning engagement photos.
No matter the location, we love helping a day feel like yours. Whether that means holding onto a family tradition you care about, leaving out one that doesn't fit, or building something entirely your own, we're here to help you shape it.
The DC Experience
Marriage licenses are issued by the D.C. Superior Court's Marriage Bureau at the Moultrie Courthouse, and you can start the application online. According to the court, a D.C. marriage license doesn't expire once it's issued. The Marriage Bureau can also perform civil ceremonies at the courthouse, in person or virtually. Check the court's website for current steps, ID requirements, and fees.
How do we get a marriage license in D.C.?
Many historic mansions, museums, and hotels host weddings across the city. Each has its own rules on guest counts, vendors, music, and load-in, and we review them with you before you commit.
Can we have a museum, mansion, or hotel wedding in D.C.?
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! We plan weddings across the DMV, including Northern Virginia and Maryland, and both domestic and international destinations (our favorite is France).
Do you plan weddings
outside D.C.?
Spring and fall are the most popular, with cherry blossoms in late March or early April and comfortable weather and golden light in the fall. Summer is hot and humid, and winter is quieter and more intimate. We'll help you weigh season against availability.
What's the best time of year for a wedding in D.C.?
Often, yes. Many of the city's best-known outdoor spaces are managed by the National Park Service or city agencies, and ceremonies there typically require a permit. Rules vary by location and group size. We research the requirements and handle the applications for you.
Do we need a permit for an outdoor ceremony in D.C.?
Officiants need to be authorized by the D.C. Superior Court's Marriage Bureau, which authorizes both religious and civil celebrants. If you'd like a friend or family member to officiate, tell us early and we'll help you confirm what the Marriage Bureau requires.
Who can officiate a wedding in D.C.?
Nicole & will
Fête du Jour was able to bring everything to life; our wedding was even more beautiful than we could have imagined.
Izzy & james
Jennifer is calm under pressure, has a stellar network of vendors, and knows how to make every detail feel thoughtful.
Margaux & keith
Words cannot describe how seamless and perfect our wedding day was and that was all thanks to Jennifer and her team.
Client Love
Sam & Ayal
I didn’t have to lift a finger or make any decisions on the wedding day, which is exactly what I wanted.
Maria & jesse
She sent thoughtful reminders that kept everything on track without ever making me feel stressed or anxious.
chloe & brendan
I gave her a Pinterest board with a general vibe and she turned it into the most amazing garden party.
mary & steven
Not only is she professional and organized -- she has such a great heart. You won't regret hiring Jennifer!
Kerry & Luke
Deciding to work with Jennifer was the BEST decision I made when wedding planning.
Alexis & Cole
Jennifer felt like a built in best friend day of and somehow organized my crazy bridal party of 20.
brandy & matt
Jennifer is a dream to work with and she made every step of planning easy.
olivia & costa
Walking into my reception was breathtaking, she ensured that my entire vision came together seamlessly.
Shiqi & xi
She saved time and money for us, she was ready to do anything we needed, and did above and beyond.
pJ & petyon
We regularly said that hiring Jennifer was one of the best decisions we made for our wedding and the best money we spent!
sam & ric
When you choose Jennifer you're getting a friend, but you're also getting a no non-sense, in charge badass, who is going to get things done.
Caroline & Carlos
Everyone who attended continues to compliment us on our wedding, and it's all thanks to Jennifer's work.
angie & tucker
She set up every detail so perfectly, and made sure we felt absolutely no pressure throughout the day.
rashmi & peter
She in many ways kept me calm, cool and collected as I planned my wedding in 90 days and I cannot recommend her enough.
Nora & Sam
I hired Jennifer after I'd already done some planning and my only regret is that I didn't hire her immediately.
Nicki & Brian
Jennifer is an incredibly happy woman who wants her bride to be happy and stress-free!
paulomi & Sam
She kept me calm throughout the entire weekend.
Sarah & kenny
She made sure the entire day went exactly how we wanted to and somehow always made sure each of us had a drink in hand!
Dana & David
She had great vendor recommendations and suggestions for making our wedding more sustainable.
Olivia & Alex
Fete du Jour Events was hands down my favorite vendor.
madeline & will
If you want someone to hold your hand through this process, and make you feel as though your friend has you covered, Jenn is the girl for you!
Robin & will
There is organized, very organized...and then there is Jennifer.
martha & creighton
Jennifer is simply the best and her enthusiastic personality just makes wedding planning all the more the fun!
michelle & doug
Throughout the process she served as an important confidant and constantly reassured me that we were making good decisions.
michelle & matt
She was always available to bounce ideas off of and ensure no detail was overlooked.
torrey & john
From the beginning, she truly made an effort to get to know us as a couple and ensure our vision for our wedding became a reality.
nicole & matt
Hiring her was the best decision I made for my wedding by far!
Annie & stew
There are just so many details that have to fall into place, and Jennifer will make sure they all happen.
lily & philip
My whole family loved her because she's warm, funny, and a true professional.
josie & denny
She not only helped me plan and coordinate but fought for me when my other vendors weren’t pulling weight.
At the heart of Fête du Jour Events is Jennifer, a visionary planner whose journey from fashion and beauty editor to wedding planner brings the perfect blend of design sophistication and meticulous attention to detail. A one woman show has since transformed into a powerhouse trio with the addition of Michelle and Elise! Whether you're planning an intimate elopement or a grand celebration, the Fête du Jour Events team of DC wedding planners brings 7 years of experience, creative vision, and genuine care to make your special day truly unforgettable.
