2026 Wedding Trends We’re Excited to See in the D.C. Area

2026 already feels like it’s going to be something special.

You can sense it: the shift toward weddings that aren’t just beautiful but deeply personal. If 2025 was about going big, 2026 is about going intentional: every choice rooted in meaning, every design moment reflecting who a couple truly is.

As someone who spends her weekends surrounded by laughter, champagne toasts, and the quiet in-between moments, I can tell you that the D.C. wedding scene is heading into its most inspiring season yet. From moody city hotels to sun-drenched vineyards, couples here are mixing old-world elegance with modern storytelling in ways that feel fresh and soulful.

The best part? The planners and venues leading this next chapter already have their fingerprints on some of my favorite celebrations. These are the artists shaping what’s next: the ones creating spaces that don’t just photograph beautifully but feel like home.

Below are the five trends (and creative friends) that I believe will define weddings in 2026.

Trend #1: The Rise of Low-Key Opulence

Planner Spotlight: Sara Kazemburg Events + Styling
Venue Pairing: Riggs Washington D.C.

When I think about the kind of intentional, detail-driven weddings defining 2026, Sara Kazemburg Events + Styling immediately comes to mind. Her work feels both curated and heartfelt: the exact blend my couples love to relive through their galleries. There’s something about the way she layers texture, lighting, and meaning that makes every photo feel timeless.

“Low-key opulence” is the phrase that perfectly captures it. Think polished design without pretense, candlelight that glows instead of overwhelms, and color palettes that whisper luxury instead of shout it. Venues like Riggs Washington D.C. fit that mood effortlessly with their grand architecture and modern edge.

As a photographer, I love when design enhances emotion instead of competing with it. These are the weddings where you can actually feel the warmth in the room, the kind of imagery that will never go out of style.

If you’re drawn to that kind of elevated yet personal aesthetic, my wedding photography services are built to capture exactly that: refined storytelling, with heart at the center.

Trend #2: Story-Driven, Weekend-Long Experiences

Planner Spotlight: Vida Events
Venue Pairing: Waldorf Astoria Washington D.C.

I’ve always believed that a wedding isn’t just a day; it’s a story that unfolds over a weekend. And that mindset is quickly becoming the new standard for couples planning 2026 celebrations. From welcome parties with signature cocktails to farewell brunches with live acoustic music, couples are crafting weekends that reflect their shared story from start to finish.

Few planners embody this better than Vida Events. Their approach to storytelling through design is unmatched. Everything they touch feels intentional, emotional, and completely one of a kind. The Waldorf Astoria Washington D.C.(with its moody light and incredible architecture) is the perfect setting for these immersive weekends.

I’ll be there in early November and already know it’s going to be one of those “pinch me” days behind the camera. There’s a magic that happens when guests flow through spaces like that: laughter echoing through the halls, light catching the edges of a veil, the hum of a weekend in full swing.

When my team and I photograph multi-day celebrations, we treat them like a living story. We’re there for the subtle transitions (the anticipation before the ceremony, the joy at the after-party, the morning-after glow). You can read more about how that approach comes to life in our post on why hiring a photo + video team makes all the difference.

Trend #3: Romantic Countryside + Vineyard Luxury

Planner Spotlight: Evermore Occasions
Venue Pairing: Breaux Vineyards

If you’ve followed our work for a while, you already know how much I love a vineyard wedding. The rolling hills, the way the light softens at sunset, the quiet joy that fills the air, it’s pure magic.

In 2026, couples are taking that natural beauty and elevating it with countryside luxury: think colorful floral palettes, statement linens, and al fresco dinners that feel like they were plucked straight from a European summer. Breaux Vineyards is at the center of this evolution, blending old-world charm with a fresh, editorial eye.

And I have to give credit to Evermore Occasions, whose thoughtful approach to design and hospitality always makes their events stand out. They’re turning Loudoun’s vineyard landscape into something beautifully refined yet still incredibly warm. Every photo feels like a painting: golden light, real laughter, effortless elegance.

When I photograph vineyard weddings, I’m always drawn to the in-between: the breeze that lifts a veil, the glances exchanged across a candlelit table, the deep breath a bride takes before walking down the aisle. Those are the moments that tell the story better than any trend ever could.

Trend #4: Historic + Design-Forward Venues Return

Venue Spotlight: Anderson House or Meridian House

After a few years of minimalist spaces taking center stage, 2026 couples are rediscovering the magic of architecture. Venues like Anderson House and Meridian House remind us that craftsmanship and character never lose their charm.

The marble staircases, towering windows, and ornate details in these spaces create a natural storytelling framework. When I photograph in places like this, I’m constantly inspired by how light interacts with the design: soft rays streaming through antique glass, reflections dancing off polished floors, that perfect mix of elegance and emotion.

Choosing a historic venue is more than a design choice; it’s a way to connect your story to something bigger. It’s about honoring legacy while creating something new, and I think that sentiment will resonate deeply in 2026.

Trend #5: Bold Color + Texture in D.C. Celebrations

While neutrals will always have a place, I’m beyond excited to see couples embracing color again. 2026 is the year of texture and tone: marigold florals, blush taper candles, velvet linens, and statement glassware that adds personality without overpowering the space.

Designers like Sara Kazemburg Events + Styling and Vida Events are already leaning into this direction, using color to tell a story rather than just follow a trend. It photographs beautifully, especially against the moody or architectural backdrops D.C. is known for.

Color brings emotion to your images. It has energy, memory, and personality. If you’re dreaming about weaving your own style and story into your wedding day, I shared a few ideas in my post on 5 ways to personalize your wedding and make it feel like you.

Looking Ahead to 2026

I love this part of the wedding world: the anticipation, the creativity, the feeling that something beautiful is on the horizon. The D.C. area has always had its own rhythm, but next year feels like an entirely new movement.

It’s not just about design or venues anymore. It’s about connection, about telling love stories that feel lived in, personal, and true.

From the timeless sophistication of Sara Kazemburg Events + Styling to the narrative-driven artistry of Vida Events, to the vineyard elegance of Breaux Vineyards and Evermore Occasions, the future of weddings here feels luminous.

And if you’re planning your own 2026 celebration, I’d love to help tell your story in a way that feels as personal as it is beautiful. Let’s create something timeless together: one luminous frame at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions About 2026 DC Wedding Trends

Q: What makes 2026 weddings in the D.C. area different from previous years?
A: 2026 is shaping up to be a year defined by intention. Couples are focusing less on trends for the sake of being trendy and more on creating experiences that feel personal, heartfelt, and guest-centered. From weekend-long celebrations to color-forward design, it’s all about emotion and storytelling.

Q: Which D.C. wedding venues are popular for 2026?
A: Couples are falling in love with venues that combine history and atmosphere. The Waldorf Astoria Washington D.C.is leading the way for modern luxury, while Riggs D.C. and Anderson House are timeless favorites for couples who love rich architecture and mood. For countryside celebrations, Breaux Vineyards continues to be a favorite for its golden light and sweeping views.

Q: Who are some of the top wedding planners in the D.C. area for 2026?
A: I’ve loved seeing the incredible work of Sara Kazemburg Events + Styling for her refined luxury approach, Vida Events for their storytelling and immersive design, and Evermore Occasions for countryside celebrations filled with warmth and charm.

Q: How are D.C. couples incorporating color into their weddings next year?
A: Gone are the days of all-neutrals. Couples are using soft marigolds, mauves, greens, and even deep berry tones to bring emotion and personality into their day. These rich palettes photograph beautifully, especially in D.C.’s architectural venues and vineyard settings.

Q: How can photography capture these 2026 wedding trends best?
A: Storytelling photography is key. My approach focuses on connection, light, and genuine emotion — the moments that make a wedding day feel real. Whether it’s editorial details or quiet in-between shots, I believe the best images are the ones that help couples feel their day again every time they look at them.

Q: Where can I learn more about your approach to D.C. wedding photography?
A: You can explore my full approach to storytelling and timeless imagery on my wedding photography page or dive into my blog posts for more inspiration and advice tailored to engaged couples in the D.C. area.