Two Historic Houses for Your Next Event
Current Event Status (last updated 8/10/2021)
Meridian’s highest priority is to protect the health and well-being of our staff, visitors and vendors. Consistent with CDC recommendations and District of Columbia guidelines, we ask all visitors, staff and vendors to wear a cloth face covering at all times when indoors, except for moments they are eating, drinking or taking photographs. Visitors to the Meridian campus acknowledge that risk of exposure to COVID-19 and other illnesses exist in any public or private space where people are present and gather.
To prevent the further spread of COVID-19, sanitation stations have been established in high traffic areas throughout the property. Meridian maintenance professionals regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as door knobs, elevator buttons, staircase railings and restroom facilities. All Meridian staff wear cloth face coverings while in common areas on the property and submit health surveys prior to arriving on campus.
Persons exhibiting signs of illness, including but not limited to cough, shortness of breath, fever, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, fatigue, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea are prohibited from attending in-person gatherings.
Our Campus
The Meridian House and the White-Meyer House, headquarters of Meridian International Center, are both examples of residential jewels of renowned architect John Russell Pope, who designed the Jefferson Memorial, the National Gallery of Art (West Building) and the National Archives. The houses are adjacent to each other and surrounded by beautiful historic gardens, forming a city block of supreme historic and architectural interest. Each house provides a unique, unmatched venue for your next event, whether it be a corporate conference, a wedding, a special event, or a reception.
Guests are welcomed to Meridian House by the Latin inscription, “Quo habitat felicitas nil intret mali,” which graces the entrance and translates, “Where happiness dwells, evil will not enter.” Photo by Egomedia Photography
A grove of 80-year-old spanish linden trees provides a unique setting for cocktail receptions and wedding ceremonies. Photo by Timmester Photography
Beautifully landscaped gardens on the west side of the property are a beautiful and serene setting for wedding ceremonies. The garden is in full bloom late April through mid-October. Photo by Holland Photo Arts
An antique dining table, original to the property, seats up to 30 guests, and is suitable for intimate corporate dinners and roundtable discussions. Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian
The Library seats up to 50 guests and adjoins the Drawing Room to provide seating for up to 150. For additional seating, the Reception Gallery may be used. Photo by Egomedia Photography
The Drawing Room seats up to 100 guests for dinner, and connects to the Library for additional seating. Photo by Stacey Vaeth Photography
The Loggia is a beautiful oval sunroom that leads to the Linden Grove. During favorable weather, the doors may be opened and guests move easily between the indoor and outdoor function areas. Photo by Stacey Vaeth Photography
The Linden Grove features 40 linden trees donated by the French Ambassador to Meridian’s builder and original resident, Ambassador Irwin Boyle Laughlin. Today, this lush setting provides an outdoor entertaining experience unlike any other in Washington. Photo by Egomedia Photography
Meridian House is considered by many to be the finest example of French architecture in the United States. Designed by architect John Russell Pope, Meridian is surrounded by elegant stone walls sheltering a grove of linden trees and lush gardens. Photo by Stacey Vaeth Photography
Awards
Site Tours
- Site tours are offered Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., subject to house schedule. An appointment is required to view the property.
- The house and grounds are available for viewing Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. during public hours (no tours), subject to house schedule. Visitors are encouraged to call ahead for weekend schedule.
- Meridian International Center is closed on Sundays and federal holidays
In light of current events, Meridian House has suspended public hours on Saturdays until further notice. Please contact the Events Department at 202-939-5894 or eventrentals@meridian.org for additional information about hosting a private event, or to arrange a venue tour at a later date. Thank you!
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Locations
Meridian House nestled quite close to the heart of Washington, DC, Meridian House is a spectacular retreat, surrounded by stone walls which shelter a grove of linden trees and manicured gardens.
Rental
Capacities
Cocktail Reception: 200 maximum
Seated, with Dancing: 150 maximum*
*The property is most flexible at 130 seated guests or less.
Rates
High Season: $15,000
April, May, June, September, October
Mid-Season: $13,000
March, July, August, November, December
Low Season: $11,000
January, February
Venue rates are for 10 hours (including setup and breakdown), use of Meridian’s tables and chairs for up to 150 guests and one hour of rehearsal time (subject to house schedule).
Capacities
Conference: 100, theater-style
Cocktail Reception: 200 maximum
Seated Dinner: 20-150 maximum
Rates
Daytime Rental Rates:
Monday through Friday
Full Day: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
$5,000 corporate / $3,500 non-profit
Half Day: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
$3,000 corporate / $2,000 non-profit
Evenings:
Beginning after 4 p.m.
Receptions and Dinners:
101-200 guests: $8,000 corporate / $6,000 non-profit
51-100 guests: $6,000 corporate / $4,500 non-profit
less than 50 guests: $4,500 corporate / $3,500 non-profit
Weekends:
Due to the popularity of social and wedding events on weekends, rental fees are subject to social rates during the peak months of March through November.
Meridian is pleased to offer reduced rates for non-profit entities with 501(c)3 documentation and government entities. Venue rates include the venue’s main floor and gardens and use of Meridian’s tables and chairs for up to 150 guests.
Deposit:
To confirm an event date, a deposit equal to 50% of the venue rental rate is due upon signing of the contract. A refundable security deposit in the amount of $750 ($500 for non-profit entities) is also due, and will be refunded no later than 30 calendar days after the event, if no damages, overtime, or other charges have been determined.
Overtime:
Event time begins when the first vendor arrives to begin setup and concludes when the final vendor leaves. Any event overtime is billed at $750/hour, or any fraction thereof.
Optional Fees:
Piano Move: $500
Piano Tuning: $150
Cancellation:
The full amount of the Rental Fee Deposit shall be returned (less a $750 processing fee) to the Contracting Party if Meridian is notified of the cancellation of the Event at least 9 months/270 calendar days for weddings (or 6 months/180 calendar days for corporate, non-profit) prior to the Event. Half of the Rental Fee Deposit shall be returned (less a $750 processing fee) to the Contracting Party if Meridian is notified of cancellation at least 6 months/180 calendar days for weddings (or 3 months/90 calendar days for corporate/non-profit) prior to the Event. In all other cases, the Rental Fee Deposit shall be forfeited to Meridian.
Restrictions:
- Cash bars are not permitted at any time.
- All events must be pre-paid. Selling tickets or taking fees on the premises is not allowed.
- All music will be held to DC ordinance levels of 75dB. Indoor amplified music is limited to the hours of 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. on weekends, and 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. on weeknights. Outdoor amplified music is limited to the hours of 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. on weekends and 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. on weeknights.
- Bands and orchestras must be approved by Meridian in advance to ensure that power and setup needs do not exceed venue capabilities.
- Candles in glass, such as votives or hurricanes, are allowed.
- Red food and beverage are permitted in Meridian House; red food and beverage is not permitted in White-Meyer House.
- Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the house.
Meridian works with a list of Approved Vendors in service areas that most directly impact operations within the venue and neighborhood. Inclusion on this list does not constitute an exclusive contract or endorsement by Meridian International Center.
Parking Services
MJ Valet
202.587.2745
mjvalet.com
Tents
Select Event Rentals
703.536.1931
weparty.com
Skyline Tent Company
434.977.8368
skylinetentcompany.com
Sugarplum Tent Company
301.869.2054
www.sugarplumtents.com
For other service areas such as floral, décor, entertainment and photography, the Event Host is welcome to use a vendor of their choice, provided the vendor is in good standing at the venue and has the appropriate documentation and insurance certification on file.
Capacities
Cocktail Reception: 200 maximum
Seated, with Dancing: 150 maximum*
*The property is most flexible at 130 seated guests or less.
Rates
High Season: $15,000
April, May, June, September, October
Mid-Season: $13,000
March, July, August, November, December
Low Season: $11,000
January, February
Venue rates are for 10 hours (including setup and breakdown), use of Meridian’s tables and chairs for up to 150 guests and one hour of rehearsal time (subject to house schedule).
Capacities
Conference: 100, theater-style
Cocktail Reception: 200 maximum
Seated Dinner: 20-150 maximum
Rates
Daytime Rental Rates:
Monday through Friday
Full Day: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
$5,000 corporate / $3,500 non-profit
Half Day: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
$3,000 corporate / $2,000 non-profit
Evenings:
Beginning after 4 p.m.
Receptions and Dinners:
101-200 guests: $8,000 corporate / $6,000 non-profit
51-100 guests: $6,000 corporate / $4,500 non-profit
less than 50 guests: $4,500 corporate / $3,500 non-profit
Weekends:
Due to the popularity of social and wedding events on weekends, rental fees are subject to social rates during the peak months of March through November.
Meridian is pleased to offer reduced rates for non-profit entities with 501(c)3 documentation and government entities. Venue rates include the venue’s main floor and gardens and use of Meridian’s tables and chairs for up to 150 guests.
Deposit:
To confirm an event date, a deposit equal to 50% of the venue rental rate is due upon signing of the contract. A refundable security deposit in the amount of $750 ($500 for non-profit entities) is also due, and will be refunded no later than 30 calendar days after the event, if no damages, overtime, or other charges have been determined.
Overtime:
Event time begins when the first vendor arrives to begin setup and concludes when the final vendor leaves. Any event overtime is billed at $750/hour, or any fraction thereof.
Optional Fees:
Piano Move: $500
Piano Tuning: $150
Cancellation:
The full amount of the Rental Fee Deposit shall be returned (less a $750 processing fee) to the Contracting Party if Meridian is notified of the cancellation of the Event at least 9 months/270 calendar days for weddings (or 6 months/180 calendar days for corporate, non-profit) prior to the Event. Half of the Rental Fee Deposit shall be returned (less a $750 processing fee) to the Contracting Party if Meridian is notified of cancellation at least 6 months/180 calendar days for weddings (or 3 months/90 calendar days for corporate/non-profit) prior to the Event. In all other cases, the Rental Fee Deposit shall be forfeited to Meridian.
Restrictions:
- Cash bars are not permitted at any time.
- All events must be pre-paid. Selling tickets or taking fees on the premises is not allowed.
- All music will be held to DC ordinance levels of 75dB. Indoor amplified music is limited to the hours of 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. on weekends, and 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. on weeknights. Outdoor amplified music is limited to the hours of 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. on weekends and 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. on weeknights.
- Bands and orchestras must be approved by Meridian in advance to ensure that power and setup needs do not exceed venue capabilities.
- Candles in glass, such as votives or hurricanes, are allowed.
- Red food and beverage are permitted in Meridian House; red food and beverage is not permitted in White-Meyer House.
- Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the house.
Meridian works with a list of Approved Vendors in service areas that most directly impact operations within the venue and neighborhood. Inclusion on this list does not constitute an exclusive contract or endorsement by Meridian International Center.
Parking Services
MJ Valet
202.587.2745
mjvalet.com
Tents
Select Event Rentals
703.536.1931
weparty.com
Skyline Tent Company
434.977.8368
skylinetentcompany.com
Sugarplum Tent Company
301.869.2054
www.sugarplumtents.com
For other service areas such as floral, décor, entertainment and photography, the Event Host is welcome to use a vendor of their choice, provided the vendor is in good standing at the venue and has the appropriate documentation and insurance certification on file.
Contact for more Information
