I truly love the chance to step inside a new venue and to see how much work went into its creation. The International Spy Museum has closed its doors on its F. Street location and is now moved into it’s new home at 700 L’Enfant Plaza SW, DC.
My company had the chance to design a wedding in a venue that is not yet open to the general public.
When you arrive at the International Spy Museum you immediately notice that it is the only impressive building in the plaza. Its exterior commands your attention yet leaves you with the curiosity to know what is just beyond its doors.
The museum itself is 140,000 square feet of space. This gives the DC venue the chance to offer educational programming, a lecture hall/theater, and multi-function event space with sweeping views of DC. While in the event space those views cover The Wharf DC, the Washington Monument, downtown DC, and the capitol building.
DC Venue: The International Spy Museum for Weddings
This DC wedding venue has tons of options for any couple looking for their wedding venue. With two key floors, I know for sure that any couple would fall in love immediately.
The 7th floor has 7,122sq ft of event space. You are surrounded by floor to ceiling glass that is treated to keep you from overheating. The event space can be broken down into three sections based on what part of DC you want to view. I highly recommend booking all three sections.
The 8th floor is the rooftop terrace which has 5,219 sq ft of event space with beautiful views. What I like about this DC rooftop event space is the green initiative that the Spy Museum has taken on. This would be perfect for cocktail hour or for couples who want an outdoor ceremony or reception.
My DC Wedding Planning Advice
For any couple that is hosting a wedding at the Spy Museum I recommend, at minimum, that you rent the 7th floor. The 7th floor has the capability to host your cocktail hour in one part of the ballroom. You can host your reception dinner in the middle ballroom with dacing in view of the capitol in the last ballroom. There are so many configurations that you can come up with because you have so much space.
You can easily host 250-350 guests in this space with dancing. The full capacity for a reception only is about 480. If 480 is your guest count and you desire a cocktail hour and dancing, I recommend adding on the rooftop terrace.
What I do love about the venue are the amenities.
Exterior Amenities
Underground and street parking
Walking distance from other museums and the National Mall
Close to the metro station
Access to the L’Enfant underground food court
Directly off I-395
Spy Museum Interior Event Amenities
The venue comes with chiavari chairs
Tables are complimentary and include rectangle, rounds and cocktail tables
The perimeter of the ceiling has multicolored lighting options.
Each ballroom has it’s own projector and screen
Extra large catering pantry
Three high-tech elevators to quickly get guests to the event spaces
Beautiful lighting fixtures and bathrooms
Shades for each window
What I love about any venue especially DC venues are the ones who allows the outside in. So many venues lack windows which makes the room super dark and increases the budget because you have to secure lighting. You won’t find that the Spy Museum.
If you are seeking help to plan your wedding at the Spy Museum, let us help. Click here to learn more. To host an event at the International Spy Museum click here to check for availability.
Spy museum Vendors
Architectural Photographer: Ron Blunt
Planner and Lead Designer: Andrew Roby Events
Florist: Bella Fiori Floral Design
Sofas: Vintage by Design
Linen/Stemware/China/Flatware: DC Rental
Dance floor and Lighting: The LightSource Company
Bar: AFR Events