Maya Byrne
4/5
My husband and I held both our wedding ceremony and reception at the Carnegie on Saturday, May 24, 2014. When we began our search for a venue we wanted a venue that was “DC”, but also could accommodate approximately 120 guests and would be convenient for both local and out of town guests. After searching through the many hotels, museums, restaurants, and other venues in D.C. we decided on Carnegie as it was not only elegant, but accommodated all our other requirements in addition to being well priced in comparison.
Price: $5,200 Base Cost for 8 hours of use of the Ballroom, Rotunda, Boardroom, Mayor Room, Library and Portico with access to the Kitchen. Use and Access to the Portico is an Additional $800. Additional hours if booked in advance are $300 & if holding your event on a holiday or holiday weekend there is an additional 15% fee.
Pros:
• Becky, our liaison at Carnegie, was extremely friendly, responsive, and accommodating
• No Vendor Restrictions
• Temperature is adjusted as appropriate
• You can bring your own alcohol (no restriction on red wine) – we used ACE Beverage who we highly recommend
• Rotunda works great for ceremony (sat 110 chavari chairs comfortably), dance floor (no need to rent, saving $), and band acoustics
Cons:
• TINY kitchen with VERY limited refrigeration
• Must Rent Everything - Although Carnegie has a number of round and rectangular tables available (no cocktail high tops), you must rent chairs (if you want Chavari) tablecloths, glasses, lighting, etc.
• 8 Space Parking Lot – If you need additional spots for vendors you will need to purchase parking permits for the meters located in front and on the side of the building
• No bathroom on the 2nd floor – Bathrooms only available on the 1st and 3rd floors, however, there is an elevator
• Rotunda must be mopped after use typically causing a late departure for vendors (i.e. $ taken out of deposit)
• No outdoor grass space
