Rooftop Venues for Rent in Washington, DC

Rooftop Venues Rental Guide

Did you know that thanks to the Height of Buildings Act, Washington, D.C. has a notably low skyline? This means that, with no skyscrapers obstructing the panorama, the views are always clear and stunning. Additionally, the city is incredibly picturesque! And if that’s not enough of a reason to consider renting a rooftop venue for your event, we’re about to convince you why! We are listing all the top rooftops available for rent in DC that are waiting to be booked. Before you start browsing, check out our rental guide, a handy roundup of all the benefits, tips and tricks, and answers to questions that might have been bugging you. It's the ultimate handbook for anyone planning an event in the capital.

There are many benefits to rooftops, from the practical to the exclusively aesthetic ones. We are self-acclaimed advocates of these types of locations, so we are here to share all the benefits with you. Here are some of the most important (and fun!) advantages of rooftop venues:

• The views are gorgeous. It might be an obvious one, but the views you’re getting when hosting an event on a rooftop really are a major attraction. Not only will the Washington panorama leave your guests stunned, it’s also a perfect backdrop for pictures! And whether you’re just taking selfies to post on your social media, hiring a photographer to capture the special moments or organizing a professional photo shoot, the vistas in DC will certainly serve you well!
• They are a great conversation starter. If you’re scared of the atmosphere being a bit stiff or your audience sliding into boredom in between the acts, a rooftop venue can simply take those worries away! In such a unique setting, everyone will want to share their thoughts and gush about how brilliant it is. It will also take attention away from any slight mishaps and delays.
• They are an amazing selling point. If you’re hosting a concert, a fashion show, a conference, or a product launch, a unique location such as a rooftop can draw in a larger audience. It will make it more memorable, too, which means people will be more likely to talk about the event  to others and, basically, advertise it! This means more people are likely to turn up to the next edition of your event.

Doesn’t all of that sound just wonderful? If you are wondering if the event that’s been on your mind is actually suitable for a rooftop setting. We can say that it probably is! You can rent rooftop venues for parties, such as engagement parties, cocktail parties, birthday parties and bachelor or bachelorette parties. They are also a great choice for holiday parties. If you want your special day to be even more special, rooftops can serve as amazing unique wedding venues! Rooftop restaurants are also amazing spots for both private and business dinners. Finally, any kinds of happenings that involve putting on a show can successfully be held there - from fashion shows and photo shoots to product launches, award ceremonies, and screenings.

So now you’re all set on the idea of a rooftop event, but there’s still a lot of details that need to be taken care of. It might seem overwhelming at first, and you definitely want it to be the perfect, most memorable event you’ve ever hosted. Organizing amazing functions is practically in our blood by now, so we’ve accumulated plenty of tips and tricks that will ensure the success and the wow-factor, starting with the more technical ones and then moving on to the more exciting part:

• Browse smart, not hard - When you look at seemingly never ending lists of available options, it feels impossible to go through all of them. The good news is that you don’t actually have to! Use our smart search features: mark all your requirements in the filters section, adjust the price slider to your budget, enter your preferred date and number of guests to narrow down the results and see only those venues that fit your needs! Additionally, you can zoom in on our map to look at spots in the most convenient locations.
• Check all the policies - Is loud music allowed? How long is the venue open for? Will you be able to bring your own drinks or provide external catering? When you find a venue that you like, make sure to read through all the rules and regulations before reaching out to the venue manager!
• See the views for yourself - Not all views are as beautiful in reality as they are on the pictures, so it’s good to be able to check them out before booking, On the other hand, some photographs might not give the vistas justice, so if you really like a rooftop venue in DC but aren’t sure about the backdrop, consider visiting the venue in person!
• Put together a good theme - A beautiful setting is part of your success, but you wouldn’t want the rest to be boring, right? Both private celebrations and corporate events will benefit from a good theme and decorations. Beautiful lighting is also key if you’re hosting a nighttime event. Finally, a dress code might be good to implement during some types of events, including weddings and banquets.

Amazing rooftop venues in DC might be waiting just a few clicks away, but the best spots sell out quickly. Don’t hesitate, start browsing now to be on the right track to organizing the event of your dreams! Whether you want it to be a night to remember for your friends and family or a successful business venture, you’ll find the most fitting location easily with the help of Tagvenue.

FAQs about Rooftop Venues in Washington, DC

How much does it cost to rent a rooftop venue in DC?

Most rooftop venues in Washington, D.C. operate based on the minimum spend model. This means you are practically renting the space for free. The catch is that you agree to spend a  set minimum amount on food and drinks during the event. The prices for these venues will vary greatly, because they are calculated based on multiple factors and depend on the timing of your event, so you can find minimum spend costs ranging anywhere from $1,500 up to $50,000. You can also find rooftop spaces that charge per hour prices, which tend to be around $300. (All data from Tagvenue.)

How early in advance should I book a rooftop venue in DC?

We recommend that you book the DC rooftop venue of your choice no later than 2 to 3 months before the event takes place, which means your research should begin even earlier! For large-scale events, you should begin the process at least half a year in advance. It’s important to give yourself time to look through all the options and sort out any issues that pop up along the way. 

What time of the year can I rent a rooftop venue in Washington, DC?

Rooftop venues can actually be used all year long! Spring and early-summer months are definitely the peak season for partying in these outdoor venues, but many facilities are still open for a good time in all kinds of weather. Some of these venues feature retractable roofs and heaters. Many rooftop spaces are actually a part of a bigger venue, so they can be rented together with indoor spaces that you can move to in case the weather goes south!

Are there any large rooftop venues in Washington, DC?

Absolutely! Many rooftops are suitable for small and medium-sized events, but there are a few options with bigger capacity. These available on our website include:

• Private Terrace + Cafe Space at Open Gov Hub - situated near McPherson Square, this comfortable space that lets in plenty of fresh air can seat up to 75 people or fit 100 for a standing reception.
• The Rooftop at The Ven at Embassy Row - this spacious venue can accommodate 100 guests sitting down or 200 standing. It’s conveniently located near Dupont Circle.

• Terrace at Public Bar Live - this rooftop bar space also sits close to Dupont Circle. It has a seating capacity of 80 and can accommodate 250 people standing.