Planning an event in the Wharf and Navy Yard?
The Southwest Waterfront and Navy Yard are DC’s newest event districts, rebuilt along the river in the last two decades. Expect waterfront hotels, a 6,000-person music hall, a ballpark and rooftop bars, all with the river in view.
Which venues should you look at?
The Anthem
A music hall at The Wharf that opened in 2017, with standing room for about 6,000. Its flexible floor has also hosted seated events for more than 1,000 guests.
For photos: concert lighting and a huge stage; great for keynotes with a show feel.
InterContinental Washington D.C. - The Wharf
A waterfront hotel that opened in 2017 on Wharf Street. Its Waterside Ballroom, for up to about 660, has floor-to-ceiling windows looking over the Potomac.
For photos: window light and river views make bright ballroom frames during day events.
Pendry Washington DC - The Wharf
A 131-room luxury hotel on Water Street at The Wharf. Its rooftop, with the Moonraker lounge, has north and south areas for private events with views over the city and the river.
For photos: rooftop terraces with river views; good for receptions and executive portraits.
Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater
A landmark theater on the Southwest waterfront, home to one of the country’s leading regional theater companies. Its lobbies, study, rooftop terrace and stages rent for corporate and nonprofit events.
For photos: glass walls and curving wood give a striking modern backdrop; stages suit award moments.
International Spy Museum
A museum of espionage at L’Enfant Plaza, a short walk from The Wharf, in a modern building with a rooftop terrace. It hosts receptions and corporate events among its exhibits.
For photos: dramatic galleries and a bright rooftop with Mall views give two looks.
Nationals Park
Home of the Washington Nationals on the Anacostia riverfront in Navy Yard. It hosts meetings and events for 40 to 40,000 across indoor clubs and outdoor spaces, including the field on non-game days.
For photos: field and stadium views make memorable group photos; club spaces handle meetings.
Thompson Washington DC
A design-forward hotel in Navy Yard near the river, with more than 7,000 square feet of event space across several venues. Its rooftop bar can be booked whole for up to about 200 guests.
For photos: industrial windows and a rooftop give modern, urban frames.
The Wharf event spaces (District Pier and waterfront venues)
The Wharf rents a set of waterfront spaces along its piers and promenade. They suit outdoor receptions, brand activations and company parties on the river.
For photos: open water, boats and city lights make lively backgrounds after dark.
How do you plan the photos?
Picked the room? Next comes the plan. What event photography costs has the rates, and the event shot list helps you decide what matters most. For an association, see annual meeting photography; for a company, corporate event photography. Evening events have their own page for gala photography. If the whole team is in one place, it’s a good day for corporate portraits. In the city, see DC-area venues that photograph well, and for advocacy days, Hill Day photography.
What else is nearby?
Event venues nearby: Capitol Hill, Downtown DC, Alexandria. For event photography in the Wharf and Navy Yard and nearby, see event photographer in Washington, DC.
What should I send you?
Just send me the date and any other details that matter, and I’ll get back to you. You can see my event photography pricing here, and if your event needs a custom quote, I’m happy to put one together once I have the details.
