If it’s classic elegance and jaw dropping view you desire, have your wedding at Potomac View Terrace. As a DC documentary wedding photographer who get’s to work at some of the nations most extravagant wedding venues, the Potomac View Terrace will always be a crowd favorite. From guest experience, accessibility, overall elegance, and an epic rooftop view, the Potomac View Terrace has that special wow factor.
The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) headquarters is a privately owned building on the National Mall. Located on Constitution Avenue, the sixth floor’s Potomac View Terrace has unparalleled views of the United States Capitol building, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and Reflecting Pool.
Getting Ready Locations
While the American Pharmacist Association’s Potomac View Terrace does not offer luxurious getting ready spaces, there are various hotels located nearby that serve as great backdrops for bridal and groom prep. Options are available for most budgets and tastes. Some well loved options include:
- Modern and trendy: Hotel Hive (0.5 miles), Arlo (2.2 miles)
- Classical: Watergate Hotel (1.1 miles), Waldorf Astoria DC (1.3 miles), Riggs Washington DC (1.7 miles), The Jefferson (1.8 miles)
For their wedding at Potomac View Terrace, V got ready at The Jefferson Hotel in Washington DC in an elegant suite that boasted of DC’s classic, timeless vision.
Things to Consider when Selecting a Getting Ready Location
When selecting a getting ready location in DC, it’s important to consider a few things:
- Traffic – DC is a city known for horrendous traffic and long commute times. Don’t let a traffic delay add stress to your busy wedding day. If at all possible, I recommend finding a location that fits your vision as close to your venue as possible.
- What it looks like – The getting ready location sets the backdrop and tone for your photography and videography. If the room is cluttered, or you don’t like the colors, your photos will reflect that. I always recommend the marrier dedicates a few friends or family members to organize and tidy a well lit corner to be used for portraits.
- Wedding party size – If you have a large wedding party that will be with you the morning of, it’s always better to book adjacent rooms. When it comes down to it, the marrier will need a bit of extra space to get ready and do their dedicated photos.
V got ready with a small entourage of bridesmaids and her mother. The room she booked at The Jefferson was spacious, elegant, and photo ready. While V finished hair and makeup, I photographed her details. Once she was finished, her mother helped her put on her heirloom jewelry, and then she put on her beautiful dress. We finished the morning with simple portraits in the suite’s sitting room while her bridesmaids finished getting themselves ready.
Wedding at Potomac View Terrace
Potomac View Terrace Wedding Cost and Capacity Information
The Potomac View Terrace is the perfect wedding venue for medium-large weddings. The capacity is 220 people seated, or 350 people standing.
Like most DC wedding venues, the cost of renting the Potomac View Terrace for your wedding varies based on season and day. Their website currently advertises the following rates:
Weddings/Weekend Events
2025:
Spring Season: April to June – $18,000
Fall Season: Late August to October – $18,000
Weekday Events
2025:
Spring Season: April to June – $15,000
Fall Season: Late August to October – $15,000
*Pricing for climate control is not included.
They also share the following disclosure:
“Standard rental fees include all building related expenses including all of our event space, a 3,600 square foot seasonal enclosure on the Potomac View Terrace, security, building and cleaning services. Within the seasonal enclosure, we can comfortably accommodate a seated dinner for 250 or a standing reception for 350. Additionally, there is 1,700 square feet of open air space that can also be incorporated into your event. The rental fee does not include climate control for the seasonal enclosure.
The caterer will provide a customized proposal for all non-building related costs based on the specs for your event.”
Potomac View Terrace Logistics Tips
Logistics for weddings at Potomac View Terrace and be a bit confusing since the venue is located directly off of Constitution Avenue where there is seldom any parking. For vendors, there is very limited parking in a garage below the venue, however it must be coordinated beforehand. Getting equipment to the top floor requires use of a relatively narrow stairwell followed by an elevator. For guests and the wedding party, I highly recommend coordinating busses to assist with transportation to and from.
Potomac View Terrace Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Spaces
The Potomac View Terrace typically holds ceremonies on the front steps right off of Constitution Avenue. The steps are in direct sunlight, and the seating arrangement may be tiered depending on how many chairs you need. However, it creates a stunning, dramatic visual with the couple elevated on the front steps above their guests.
One of the best logistical aspects of the Potomac View Terraces is the ample space both inside and outdoors. While the bridal party and family finish portraits at the ceremony space, guests are free to enjoy DC’s sights from the patio where there is plenty of room for mingling, full sized seated tables, a bar setup, and more. This also keeps the terrace itself free of guests so the catering team can finalize the reception space!
The Potomac View Terrace Reception Space
Finally – the part you’ve been waiting for: the Potomac View Terrace itself. This sixth floor balcony is the perfect spot to basque in the warm light of golden hour, enjoy a glorious sunset over the nation’s capitol, and dance the night away under twinkling stars. As previously mentioned, because this is a separate space entirely, it’s relatively easy to keep it guest free throughout cocktail hour. This allows your photography/videography team to document it before guests enter, and it gives the couple an excellent opportunity to see it first.
From the terrace, guests and the newlyweds can enjoy the stunning DC skyline while they continue to sip cocktails, listen to music, and take in a serene sunset over the bustle of mingling tourists. The Potomac View Terrace is unlike any other DC rooftop venue because it is so close to historic monuments.
V & A shared a first dance under a pink and blue cotten-candy-sunset that took my breath away, and then they partied late into the night with their live band and guests.
At the end of the night, the ceremony front steps are repurposed into the perfect farewell location. Guests lined either side with their sparklers aglow, and the couple was able to say goodbye en route to their waiting getaway car.
Venue: Potomac View Terrace
Planner: Debrajean Overholt
Photographer: Jalisa Roslyn Photo (formerly Ethereal Love Collective), for Carl Elixer Studios
Videographer: Anson Han for Carl Elixer Studios
Florist: Victoria Clausen Floral Events
Band: Jukeboxx Band
Quartet: Music by Anthem
Rentals: Atmosphere Lighting, Electric Events DC, Allied Party Rentals, Whiteglove Rentals
Bar: ACE Beverage
Cake: Fluffy Thoughts Cakes
Catering: Design Cuisine
If you’re looking for relaxed, documentary style photography with editorial flare for your upcoming wedding, reach out! I’d love to chat about my services, your vision, and your love story.
Meet Jalisa
DC Film Wedding Photographer
Jalisa is a documentary wedding photographer who passionately preserves weddings on digital and film.
Serving Washington, DC, Baltimore, Maryland, and beyond.
