If you’re dreaming of a wedding in the heart of Washington DC that feels private, meaningful, and rich with history, President Lincoln’s Cottage might be your perfect match. It’s a rare mix of elegance and story, a former president’s home turned event space, with gorgeous grounds and a flexible layout that works for large or intimate celebrations.
In this ultimate guide, I’ll explore everything you need to know to make your dream wedding at President Lincoln’s Cottage a reality. You can check my 25+ wedding venues list if you are looking for the perfect venue in Washington DC.
Quick Facts About President Lincoln’s Cottage
President Lincoln’s Cottage holds immense historical significance as the place where President Abraham Lincoln spent a significant portion of his presidency. Nestled on a picturesque hilltop in Northwest DC, this beautifully preserved Gothic Revival-style cottage provides a captivating atmosphere for your wedding. It offers a blend of history, natural beauty, and elegance that will leave a lasting impression on you and your guests. Here are a few quick details about the venue:
- Official website: lincolncottage.org
- Address: 140 Rock Creek Church Rd NW, Washington, DC 20011
- Instagram: @lincolnscottage
- Phone: (202) 688-3732
- Email: Events@lincolncottage.org
- Type of venue: Historic home with outdoor garden and tented reception area
- Guest capacity: Up to 350 outdoors with a tent; 100–120 indoors for seated dinner
- Starting price: From $4,000 for outdoor-only events; indoor rentals start at $10,000 (link to their pricing guide)
- Indoor/outdoor: Both — with indoor getting-ready suites, cocktail space, and indoor reception options
- Vibe: Elegant, intimate, historical, flexible
Why Couples Love President Lincoln’s Cottage
Most of my couples say they love the outdoor space, especially how it feels like a quiet escape in the countryside, while still being right in the city. That makes it easy for guests to attend without sacrificing that serene, garden feel.
- You can host the entire day in one place, from getting ready to the last dance
- It offers a seamless blend of indoor rooms and open-air gardens
- There’s plenty of flexibility for layout and guest count (from small ceremonies to 300+ guest tents)
- The atmosphere is deeply meaningful, with real history in every room
- Guests can stay in a hotel downtown, only 30 minutes from the National Mall
- Your wedding also financially supports a local nonprofit
“President Lincoln’s Cottage was the perfect backdrop to our September wedding. The staff — Kyesse in particular — were amazing to work with, ensuring that every detail was covered and went smoothly. We appreciated the docents at our wedding and loved to support a local museum and nonprofit. Thanks for making our day so wonderful!”– Kristen, past client
Best Photo Spots at President Lincoln’s Cottage
This venue really shines for portraits, especially if you explore beyond the obvious.
- The North Lawn: Framed by a large magnolia tree and the backdrop of the house.
- The Gazebo: A romantic little nook perfect for couple portraits or quiet moments.
- Front of the house: Ideal for golden hour and blue hour portraits, with beautiful open space and soft light.
Photographer tip #1: Don’t leave before trying a night portrait in front of the house. The lighting creates a soft, moody glow that feels cinematic.
Photographer tip #2: If your couple isn’t renting the house for evening access, plan all your indoor portraits before 7 PM — the house closes to photos after that.
Things to Know Before You Book
- Tent Costs: Receptions on the lawn require a tent through Sugarplum Tents (starting at $5,850)
- Parking: On-site parking available — rare for D.C. venues
- Weather Backup: Indoor rooms available for rain plans
- Evening Access: Indoor spaces close at 7 PM unless specifically rented
- Neighborhood Bonus: A favorite among couples from Columbia Heights, Petworth, and Adams Morgan
From a Photographer’s Perspective
What I love most about Lincoln’s Cottage is how stress-free it makes the day feel. Getting ready, ceremony, portraits, reception, it all happens in one place, and the flow just works.
The getting-ready suites are some of the best in DC, especially the one in the former First Lady Mary’s room. There’s also a beautiful wood-paneled parlor with a chess table, a great spot for candids or quiet portraits.
One of my favorite moments to capture? Blue hour portraits out front, when the house lights turn on. It feels timeless: different every time, but always emotional.
Pro tip: Explore the whole space early in the day. There are tucked-away corners and subtle details that can become standout photo moments if you look for them.
How Much Does It Cost To Get Married At President Lincoln’s Cottage?
One of the things that makes President Lincoln’s Cottage appealing – and a little tricky – is how customizable the pricing can be depending on your guest count, layout, and tenting needs. Here’s a breakdown of the typical options to help you plan:
Outdoor Weddings with a Tent
If you’re planning a larger wedding with a tented reception on the lawn (which is the most common setup here), expect to budget for both the venue rental and tent rental separately.
- Venue rental (6–8 hours): $4,000–$20,000 depending on lawn choice and duration
- Tent rental (through Sugarplum Tents only): Starting at $5,850
- Capacity: Up to 350 guests
The most popular tent location is on the Visitor Center Lawn: it offers nearby restrooms and easy access for catering, guests, and vendors.
Indoor Weddings
Indoor events are best for smaller guest counts or when you want a more traditional setup without needing a tent.
- Indoor rental (8 hours): $10,000
- Capacity: Up to 350 for a cocktail-style reception, or 100 for a seated dinner with everyone in the same room
- Note: This includes the use of the historic house, but the layout is broken into several rooms, so it’s not ideal for one large dinner.
Getting Ready + Ceremony Only
You can also use the venue for a shorter ceremony-only event, elopement, or micro-wedding.
- Partial rentals: Available upon request, great for weekday events or smaller celebrations
- Access: Includes two beautiful getting-ready suites and outdoor ceremony use
A Few Planning Tips:
- Evening access to the house ends at 7 PM unless you’ve rented the indoor space. Plan portraits accordingly!
- You must use Sugar Plum Tents if you want a tented reception — no outside tent vendors allowed.
- The venue does not require preferred vendors, which gives you flexibility with your team.
Planning a President Lincoln’s Cottage wedding? I’d love to help! Reach out here.
