Venue Spotlight: Meridian House

Photo by Mary Kate McKenna

We are winding down our venue spotlights as wedding season starts to kick into gear for our busiest days this fall. And so last but not in no way least is Meridian House, a residential jewel designed in the classical symmetry of the Louis XVI style by incredibly renowned architect John Russell Pope. You might recognize Pope’s work from the designs of the Jefferson Memorial, the National Gallery West Building, and the National Archives. We LOVE Meridian House weddings.

About

Located at 1630 Crescent Place and built for Ambassador Irwin Boyle Laughlin, the Meridian House was built in 1919 and remained a private residence until 1958. Much of the original decor remains, including 18th century European overdo paintings, antique brass hardware and lighting fixtures. The dining room features a beautiful Mortlake tapestry dating back to the late 17th century. The reception gallery remains largely as it was while the Laughlin’s resided at the home. The pebbled rear courtyard stunningly features a grove of 40 linden trees imported from Europe.

In 1960, a non profit organization dedicated to promoting international understanding purchased Meridian House. The organization was later named Meridian International Center.

Location: Meridian Hill

Capacity: 150 maximum seated with dancing (130 more ideally)

Pro Tips:

With so many stunning features, the key for a Meridian House wedding is to highlight them, whether embracing the natural architectural features as is or accenting them with flowers. We love wreaths on the doors, heavy greenery on the staircase, and a lush design on the fireplace mantle to create a strong focal point in the room. As a former residence, intimacy is a natural direction to go for, and while we definitely have designed tall arrangements in the space to balance the high ceilings, guest tables look great with assorted low arrangements and lots of candles. Even long rectangle tables embrace the intimacy of the space (but depend greatly on your guest count!) And don’t forget the garden and grove! They are both wonderful sites for the ceremony, and if you’re willing to risk rain, make for a stunning outdoor reception.