Arena Stage

Guest capacity

Up to 250 seated guests

About this venue

For a wedding venue like no other, look no further! Break out of the hotel ballroom box and celebrate in style with gorgeous spaces and wonderful catering partners. Bring the outside in with our beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows and phenomenal natural light. The Mead Center is the perfect fit for weddings both intimate and large. For planners seeking a dramatic touch, the Mead Center is the perfect Washington, D.C. destination for your next conference, trade show or meeting. A unique combination of theaters and lobby spaces offer meeting and conference options for as few as 30 guests or as many as 675. Our three theaters are equipped with state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment. The beautiful sunlit lobby spaces can be used for trade show booths, networking areas, breakout spaces or presentation areas. Our large covered terrace and café area are perfect for meals and receptions.

Seated guest capacity

0-250

Venue type

Beaches, Waterfront Settings
Museums, Galleries
Urban Locations

Venue setting

Covered Outdoor
Indoor

1101 6th St SW, Washington, DC 20024

Our event spaces

Molly Smith Study

Uniquely tucked between the glass curtain wall showcasing the Southwest waterfront and the exterior of the fully-restored, historic Fichandler Stage.

The Molly Smith Study is flexible and capable of a wide array, whether that be your cocktail hour, reception or ceremony. Take a look!

Guest capacity

150-200 Seated

200-225 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Rehearsal dinner, Cocktail hour

Guests often feel this space is

“Warm and cozy”

The Grand Lobby

The Grand Lobby.

This flexible space functions as the shared lobby for our three theaters. On dates without performances, however, it’s a grand setting for an elaborate seated dinner reception, festive cocktail party or where you say "I Do". The built-in bar, custom-designed carpet and stunning waterfront views make it one of the most sought-after event spaces in Washington, DC.

Guest capacity

Up to 300 Seated

Up to 500 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, After party

The Lower Lobby

Intimate and warm.

Adjacent to the Molly Smith Study, the Lower Lobby is a fitting location for a reception prior to a seated dinner. It may also be used in conjunction with the Study to increase standing capacity to 350.

Guest capacity

Up to 175 Seated

Up to 100 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Cocktail hour

Rooftop Terrace

The best views of the Southwest Waterfront.

In suitable weather, the open-air terrace is the most desirable location in the Mead Center. Completely covered by one of the largest cantilevered roofs in the world, the terrace offers breathtaking views of the Southwest Waterfront and the Washington Monument.

Guest capacity

Up to 0 Seated

Up to 250 Standing

Ideal for

Cocktail hour

Richard's Place Cafe

Entertain and gather!

Perched atop the Kreeger Theater, Richard's Place is a unique alternative to traditional banquet and reception halls. The space features a private bar, contemporary rock garden and elegant poured concrete architectural elements.

Guest capacity

Up to 250 Seated

Up to 450 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding reception, After party