Weddings at the Waterfront
251 to 300 guests
Holds ceremonies and receptions
Sequoia Weddings
MANAGER
AWARD WINNER (3X)
Thanks to recommendations from couples on The Knot
Sequoia Restaurant is a waterfront venue located in Washington, DC that provides an exquisite setting for weddings and other special celebrations. The management of this unique facility invites couples that are seeking a venue in the historic Georgetown area. You can host your wedding with stunning views of the Potomac River and the Virginia skyline in this contemporary locale.
Sequoia Restaurant meshes innovative cuisine and modern amenities with a scenic setting, remodeled in 2017. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow abundant light and remarkable views of landmarks such as the Kennedy Center, Roosevelt Island, and Key Bridge. Hitoshi Kuriyama created a neon and glass vacuum tube light installation for the restaurant’s main dining room, a one-of-a-kind feature. This facility displays its collection of contemporary art pieces throughout the building. Other sites in this venue include the mezzanine, the private state room, and outside on the terrace.
Sequoia Restaurant hosts wedding ceremonies, receptions, and other gatherings of up to 300 guests in size. This venue’s culinary staff offers high-end American cuisine for your special day. You and your guests may tuck into hand shucked oysters, Angus New York Strip, Chilean sea bass, and much more. Whether you seek a raw bar, salads, entrees, or sides, this team will serve a menu of remarkable dishes. Bartenders will be on hand to pour a range of beverages. This seasoned staff can attend to the needs of you and your guests through English or Spanish. This venue makes a truly memorable backdrop for such an important day.
Pricing details
Starting prices
Reception:
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Ceremony:
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Bar services:
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Catering:
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Starting prices don't include service fees, taxes, gratuity, and rental fees. Guest count and seasonality may also affect prices.
Amenities + details
Amenities
Ceremony Area
Covered Outdoors Space
Dressing Room
Handicap Accessible
Indoor Event Space
Liability Insurance
Outdoor Event Space
Reception Area
Wireless Internet
Ceremony Types
Civil Union
Commitment Ceremony
Elopement
Interfaith Ceremony
Non-Religious Ceremony
Religious Ceremony
Second Wedding
Vow Renewal Ceremony
Settings
Ballroom
Beach
Waterfront
Restaurant
Tented
Trees
Venue Service Offerings
Bar & Drinks
Cakes & Desserts
Food & Catering
Planning
Se Habla Español
Rentals & Equipment
Tents
Service Staff
Awards and Affiliations
Any questions?
Meet the team
Sequoia Weddings
Manager
Newly renovated Sequoia provides an exquisite setting and the finest of American cuisine, perfect for your Special Event. Situated on the banks of the Potomac River in Washington, DC, it offers magnificent views of the Virginia skyline, the Kennedy Center, the Watergate Hotel, and the gentle Potomac River and its iconic bridges. Japanese artist Hitoshi Kuriyama has created a unique lighting installation, providing an illuminating backdrop for your Special Event.
Reviews
4.8
out of 5.094 reviews
Your trust is our goal. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.
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Richie O
5.0
11/01/2024
Absolute dream wedding! Everything about the night was perfect - the atmosphere, the food and drinks, the staff! The most perfect setting for a wedding!
Jennifer S
5.0
10/26/2024
Excellent wedding venue! I had a winter wedding on a Sunday and it was beautiful. We had the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception for 160 guests all at Sequoia. The value was incredible given the prime location. The sales manager was incredible and accommodated all our requests, and the Sequoia staff are true professionals. Also, the fact that this came with one night in the Rose Suite at the Watergate was amazing and where I got ready. The food is truly outstanding!!! To this day, I have friends and family coming up to me and RAVING about how I had the best food at my wedding. A few things went slightly wrong (kitchen got a little backed up and we were behind schedule) but overall I would definitely recommend this venue.
Any questions?
Emily F
5.0
7/26/2024
Sequoia was a great venue for my June 22 wedding. We ended up with 142 guests and the size and space felt good. Everyone has raved about all our food and how beautiful the space was. We did the duet entree (filet & sea bass) and they were perfect. All our appetizers (chicken tacos, beef sliders, tuna tartare, brie and apricot pastry. vegan potstickers) were delicious and guests loved them. The staff at Sequoia were incredibly professional and did great.
Our photos of the ceremony are gorgeous with all the natural light. I did not want a typical ballroom where I would need to pay for a ton of florals/decorations and Sequoia was absolutely perfect for that! I barely had to add anything extra because the space itsmf is already gorgeous. The view of the river is also spectacular. We got lovely sunset photos on the boardwalk. Lila was incredibly responsive and flexible. I loved working with her! We were incredibly happy with our venue selection and I cannot imagine any other location for my wedding. I would recommend Sequoia to any bride in the DC area!
Michael S
5.0
6/29/2024
Can’t express enough how Sequoia went above and beyond and exceeded our expectations. Lila was our event coordinator and she was simply the best, from day 1 we knew we were in good hands. She helped make our dream day a reality. The food and ambiance was top notch and highly recommend!
Rose Y
5.0
5/06/2024
Sequoia was the perfect venue for our DC wedding. You have floor to ceiling glass windows that give you the perfect backdrop with the Potomac River, Kennedy Center behind you. The natural lighting is beautiful. And boy, is the food AMAZING. We have been for dinner before which is excellent as is, but wow, the wedding food is amazing. Many of our guests commented it was the best food they've ever had, let alone at a wedding. From the cocktail hour appetizers, to the delicious filet and seabass for guests, as well as a gelato station, we left stuffed. The service is also impeccable. The staff here clearly knows how to do large events. Sequoia should be booked every weekend for a wedding or major event because they are clearly THE best hands down. Not just as a venue, but for catering/food as well. Their staff including Michelle, are SO easy to work with.
A R
5.0
12/11/2023
Highly recommend Sequoia as a wedding venue! We worked with Tatum and Michelle before our November wedding. Sequoia ended up as the biggest line item in our wedding budget, but it was worth every penny we paid. It is an absolutely gorgeous venue – the view of the river can’t be beaten! More importantly to us, though, we had multiple people tell us that our wedding food was the best they’d ever had. Our goal was to throw a good party for all of our friends and family, and Sequoia delivered on that and more!
K J
5.0
10/22/2023
There is a tremendous amount of value that comes as an advantage of using this venue. Planning assistance, professional food and beverage plus the actual venue are as good as it gets for a standard Washingtonian affair. Guests can stay nearby at one of the lovely lodging options nearby plus the venue is beautiful in addition to the surroundings beside the Potomac. You could get really creative and get a boat or a yacht involved, IJS. A lot of what elevates the actual event are the details (paper goods, wedding gifts, flowers, attire, etc.) All of my wedding vendors were in Georgetown which made it very simple for my event assistants to pickup goods and in the delivery area of the vendors (think a delicate, tiered wedding cake). Of course, having a daytime wedding is more inexpensive than a nighttime event although it still carries it's own unique charm and elegance. Great experience using Sequoia as my wedding venue. For transparency: this was way back in 2012.
Clara R
5.0
9/28/2023
It was a delight working with Sequoia for my wedding! The Georgetown waterfront restaurant hosts stunning views and has an extensive, delicious menu selection. Best of all, the events coordinator, Lila, and the entire staff were so sweet and wonderful throughout the entire wedding planning process. The ceremony-to-reception set-up was flawlessly executed and my guests still rave about the beautiful signature drinks, cocktail hour apps, and delicious entrees.
The pricing is similar to other high-end wedding venues in the area, but Sequoia goes out of their way to ensure you have a wonderful planning experience. Even outside of the wedding, the menu tasting was divine and they booked me and my husband a jaw-droppingly luxurious suite at the Watergate hotel for our wedding night. They even treated me and my family to dinner after we booked them as our venue!
Out of all the vendors I worked with, Sequoia was by far my favorite and they created beautiful memories that will last me a lifetime. Thank you Lila and Sequoia!!!
Jen W
5.0
10/16/2022
We absolutely loved our wedding at Sequoia and highly recommend it. The food and drinks were delicious, the view was amazing, and the ceremony to reception turnover was seamless. Their events coordinator, Tatum, was so sweet to work with and was always responsive and knowledgeable. We did very little decorating since the venue is so beautiful.
Sandeep S
5.0
9/06/2022
We had the best wedding we could imagine at Sequoia. The ceremony was beautiful with the natural light and our guests loved the balcony and waterfront views. We barely did any decorating because it was so beautiful. We worked with Tatum who was a god-send. She was so patient with us during the entire process and despite my many anxieties, never made me feel like I was being too much. We could tell her team truly wanted us to have a great night. We also loved our honeymoon suite at the Watergate and took amazing pictures in their lawn and on their rooftop. Our wedding was the best night of our lives and it was all made possible by Tatum and the team at Sequoia.
Nicky C
5.0
5/25/2022
Sequoia was the perfect venue for our wedding. First of all, booking Sequoia as our venue included many things, including food, wait staff, open bar, set up and break down of all tables/chairs, linens, table numbers, menu cards, and candles for decoration. This took a lot of the stress off of us as we didn't need to do additional coordination to make sure all of those components were in place. Second, the location is beautiful - in Georgetown and overlooking the waterfront. Many of our guests traveling from out of state loved their stay in DC and loved exploring the area. Lastly, the food here was amazing! We didn't realize how much of a difference booking a restaurant as our venue would make, but the quality of the food being served directly from the restaurant kitchen was way better than getting a catering company. Us and our guests were all blown away by how delicious the food was, from the hors d'oeuvres to the appetizer, entree, and desserts. We had a great experience having our ceremony and reception here, and we would highly recommend this venue to other couples.
Regina B
5.0
8/08/2021
Tatum and Sequoia were incredible to work with while planning our reception during the pandemic. Tatum was EXTREMELY flexible and understanding with constant changes to guest count & DC regulations, and she made sure we had the most amazing day. The food and venue were absolutely incredible, and our guests haven't stopped talking about how perfect the evening was. Thank you all again!
Leah W
5.0
3/06/2021
I am a covid bride who was married this past September. Given that we were trying to plan our special day in such scary and uncertain times, everything about it was significantly harder than it should have been... but we were determined to be married! When we learned that our wedding venue cancelled on us exactly 1 month before our wedding day, there was no time to panic, we just had to jump right in and figure something out. That’s where Tatum Jelinek and Sequoia came in. We met with Tatum a day or two after receiving the news from our original venue. Upon the conclusion of our first meeting, my now-husband and I couldn’t stop raving about how innovative, driven, and organized Tatum was - she had a plan for EVERYTHING. Our original venue relied heavily on us to to tell THEM what they need to do to make a safe, socially distant and covid-friendly wedding happen... which felt totally backwards. But when we met with Tatum, she walked us through every single detail of how successful Sequoia was implementing safe, covid-friendly procedures. On top of that, she listened to all of our wants and needs and painted a clear picture of how she was going to make it all happen. This one meeting alone was all Tatum needed to execute our wedding day so beautifully and flawlessly. Looking back on it all, it’s amazing to see what Tatum was able to do in less than 30 days as opposed to our original venue (a much larger and well known establishment that will remain nameless), who had no plan. Tatum and her team at Sequoia brought to life the wedding of our dreams, during a time where we were losing hope that it would even be possible. Tatum is the real reason we were able to have the wedding we wanted. And Tatum’s plans for implementing a safe, covid-friendly wedding played a huge part in making our family members feel safe in their decision to still be a part of our wedding day. We are forever grateful to Tatum for her diligent work in making the impossible happen. She is a true professional who was in our corner every step of the way. Thank you Tatum and thank you Sequoia for showing the utmost care and dedication to us, to our guests, and to the most important day of our lives. We are so impressed by all of you and look forward to many future celebrations at Sequoia! 🤍
Katie K
5.0
9/25/2020
I really can’t say enough good things about the Sequoia and specifically, Lila. When Covid-19 hit, we were unsure about what would happen with our wedding and as time went on we knew our originally planned guest count wedding wouldn’t be feasible with DC restrictions. We talked with Lila about our concerns and wanting to cancel our wedding in lieu of a smaller ceremony. The sequoia was more than accommodating and gave us all of our deposits back, especially in a time where so many brides are being financially held hostage by their vendors. We really appreciate the Sequoia being so flexible. Throughout the whole process, Lila has been very responsive and accommodating, especially throughout the initial contract process where we had a lot of questions and wanted clarification. We were really looking forward to our originally planned wedding and we’re sure it would have exceeded our expectations. Thank you so much to the Sequoia and Lila for working so closely with us during this weird time!!
Eleanor P
5.0
9/20/2020
Words cannot express how thankful we are for Tatum and Sequoia. Tatum was BEYOND helpful in what should have been a much more stressful time with planning, replanning, replanning and more replanning. We were originally supposed to have our wedding in early June, but decided to postpone it to September... and even then we had to reduce our original party size multiple times from 100+ to 50 to 30 to 20 people. Tatum was so patient and helpful while we tried to figure out our plans, worked through every single detail with us and was in constant communication with us (answering 100s of my emails, phone calls...etc!!). My husband and my family told me that they were amazed at how relaxed I was throughout our whole wedding day and I remarked that it was because I knew Tatum was taking care of everything at Sequoia and I knew I had nothing to worry about!
Sequoia did such a wonderful job putting our families/guests and our worries about a group gathering at ease with their safety precautions and measures (this was essentially the first time anyone in our families had eaten out or been in any sort of group gathering since the beginning of covid).
The views at Sequoia are absolutely stunning, you can enjoy a delicious meal & drinks while taking in the beautiful sunset right on the waterfront. Our guests all raved about the food at Sequoia... and I even risked potential self-harm due to the constricting nature of my wedding dress but the food was so delicious I couldn't put my fork down!!
We highly highly recommend this venue for anyone who is looking to host a gathering of any sort!! The food, drinks, views were all wonderful but nothing can beat their customer service!
Jessica Z
5.0
9/07/2020
Sequoia is a beautiful venue for any kind of celebration with its waterfront views, high ceilings, delicious food, and impeccable staff. We booked Sequoia for our April 25, 2020 wedding, but unfortunately had to cancel the event due to COVID-19. Lila, the catering sales manager, was by our sides every step of the way and she was truly a joy to work with. From the second we reached out to inquire about our wedding date, to touring the venue, to signing the contract, to our food tasting, and our eventual cancellation, Lila was there for us. She handled our frantic emails and emotions with grace and care, and we always felt taken care of. We did have the option to rebook for a later date or receive a refund of our deposits and we chose the refund. We were so relieved to have been given the option to receive a refund because we have many non-refundable deposits with other vendors that we are unsure how we will be able to use. Sequoia’s accommodating policy and the absolutely delightful Lila has been the light in the dark time of trying to re-plan/postpone and eventually cancel our dream wedding. We are definitely considering Sequoia for a future event (vow renewal) and would feel so lucky to work with Lila again. If you want to feel taken care of, talk to Lila at Sequoia- you will be glad you did!
Lea C
5.0
8/13/2020
**Updated post-wedding review: We got married in October and it could not have been more perfect.
Everyone felt safe and comfortable with the safety precautions that were in place. They did a wonderful job with this.
The staff was incredible. They were professional, courteous, and efficient. Several of our guests commented on this throughout the night and the next day. We were very impressed with their level of service.
The food was SO good. Several of my other vendors expressed their excitement about the wedding being at Sequoia because of how good their food is. When our guests talk about our wedding, it usually starts with how beautiful the restaurant is, how incredible the staff was that night, and then a rave review about the food. The food, the drinks, and the atmosphere are unmatched.
I can't say enough about Tatum, the event planner. Her support and kindness during the process of moving our wedding (see below) meant so much to us. She was there the night of the wedding hand delivering me wine when my glass got low. :) I was continuously impressed with how kind, professional, flexible, and responsive she was throughout this whole process. She truly made our experience so positive and was my favorite person to work with in the months leading up to our wedding. She is very good at what she does.
Sequoia was the best choice we made for our wedding day. I pretty much want to plan any and every event in the future with Sequoia and Tatum. It was an unforgettable night!
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I love this venue and the team that works there! My fiancé and I were supposed to get married in July; however, due to COVID-19, we had to postpone. Before we made that decision, I spoke with Sequoia to see what the process would be like to rebook. They let us put a soft hold on a date in the fall. A few weeks later, we made the decision to move the wedding from July to the fall date. Everything simply lifted and shifted to the new date--no extra charges or re-booking fees!
Sequoia, and Tatum in particular, have been amazing throughout this entire process. Realizing and coming to terms with the fact that we needed to move our wedding was upsetting and stressful, but Tatum and her team could not have been more accommodating, flexible, and kind. She has worked with us each step of the way. They even sent us some sweet treats to lift our spirits!
We did our tasting a few weeks ago, and we discussed the safety precautions Sequoia is taking during this time. I feel confident that our guests will be safe and taken care of during our wedding weekend.
Tatum and her team at Sequoia have gone above and beyond for us. I am continually impressed with their responsiveness, professionalism, flexibility, and kindness. I am so grateful for and so appreciative of Tatum and her team. They are so wonderful, and I am so happy Sequoia is our wedding venue!
Mary B
5.0
10/24/2019
Choosing Sequoia as our wedding venue was the best decision my husband and I could have possibly made. Sequoia is absolutely STUNNING- our guests were blown away by the unbelievable waterfront views and twinkling city lights. They couldn’t stop exclaiming over it! The service was also IMPECCABLE. It was the quickest I have ever seen a large dinner served and our guests were NEVER waiting for a drink at the bar. Important to note, the speed did NOT diminish the quality. The food was absolutely incredible. Our guests were raving about it, saying it was the best food they’d ever had at a wedding!! The staff was incredibly professional, as well.
I also cannot say enough about the Event Planner/Catering Sales Manager that we had the pleasure of working with- Quaid Coxsey. From the moment my family and I met Quaid, we knew we were in good hands. He was there, every step of the way, to answer questions, communicate with vendors, and SO MUCH MORE. He truly put my husband and I at such great ease from the get go. Our wedding day was stress free, seamless, GORGEOUS, fun, and all around perfect and I attribute MUCH of that to Quaid. His attention to detail, quick responsive time, and positive demeanor made working with him a true joy.
I cannot give Sequoia, and Quaid, a more glowing recommendation!!!
Tmarie N
5.0
4/16/2019
Beautiful venue! Just be prepared to spend at least $42,000. That includes catering, bar, setup, bartenders (2), host, and wedding and reception.
Allison N
5.0
11/11/2018
If you want to get married, get married at Sequoia. Besides the fact that the venue is dropped dead gorgeous with floor to ceiling windows; stunning views of the Potomac River; and a breathtaking cross hatched chandelier, the food and service is impeccable.
Lila, the catering manager, is the sweetest human alive. She was available in our entire wedding process. She was there to answer every concerning call/question and ensured that everyone was catered to properly.
Now, now, the food is delicious. If you’ve ever been to Sequoia, then expect the same quality meal you receive at dinner service to be served to your guests at the wedding. With that being said, many of my guests mentioned that it was the best wedding food they’ve ever had. Many of them also said it was the first time they’ve been full at a wedding. It’s great!! Also, if you’re worried you’ll be too busy to eat on your wedding day, the Sequoia staff will make you to go plates of everything served at the wedding.
Maura W
5.0
8/09/2018
My husband and I had our wedding reception at Sequoia and everything was absolutely perfect! We didn’t want to deal with DC summer heat so we were looking for an indoor venue – Sequoia was perfect because, while it is indoors, the giant windows allow for so much natural light and beautiful views of the river. From when we first inquired about having our reception there, to doing our tasting, to the actual day of the wedding, Andrea and her team at Sequoia were great to work with. We live in Chicago so we were a bit nervous about planning our wedding from a distance but Sequoia made everything so easy. Our guests raved about how good all the food was and how perfect the set-up of the reception was. We really wanted the band and the dancing to be the focus of the reception and at Sequoia we were able to put the band right in the middle so that everyone had easy access to the dance floor. Another plus was that the bar was right near the dance floor so people didn’t have to decide between getting a drink and dancing. Also, the service was amazing – our guests talked about how they never even had to wait at the bar for a drink. Sequoia assigned a personal server to my husband and me who made sure we always had a drink and that we actually ate food throughout the evening. At the end of the night, Sequoia even made a to-go bag of a serving of all the food that had been served throughout the night (appetizers, main course, cake, and desserts) for my husband and I to take back with us to our hotel room. We could not have been more pleased with how everything turned out – Sequoia was amazing!
Kerry M
5.0
2/17/2018
We are so happy to have had our winter wedding at Sequoia. The venue was stunningly gorgeous, the food was super delicious, and the service was absolutely impeccable. It was no surprise that, as a restaurant, Sequoia had a wide selection of food options to choose from ahead of time. We received SO many compliments on the variety and qualify of food! We were also really impressed with their service. They gave us a personal “concierge” for the night, who catered to our every need during the wedding. Chris even ended up breaking it down on the dance floor with the bride later in the night! Overall, Sequoia was very attentive to our needs and those of our guests. Sequoia was also very flexible and more than willing to accommodate our personal preferences when we asked for changes from the “norm.” While this venue is on the pricey side, we undoubtedly received high quality service and food. We would highly recommend this venue!
Rahmney F
5.0
1/05/2018
Hands down one of the best venues ever! Professional and quick. Ive never seen a plated meal be served so quickly. Lila and her team are a dream come true. They are kind to the couple, the guests and the vendors. LOVE THIS PLACE!
Leah Z
5.0
11/27/2016
Our wedding reception at Sequoia on 10.15.16 was absolutely PERFECT! We had the pleasure of working with Lila for the year leading up to our wedding, and she is simply wonderful. The entire process was smooth and stress-free!
We held cocktail hour on the second floor during sunset and our guests (approximately 160) then moved down for dinner and dancing in the main dining room. Guests raved about the view from both floors of Sequoia, the food (passed appetizers and seated dinner), liquor package (with high-end liquors included in the basic package) and the fantastic level of service from the wait staff. Our parents and wedding planner could not say better things about Lila. Her responsiveness, knowledge, attention to detail and love for her job made wedding planning so much easier for me! She kept the reception on schedule and delivered everything exactly as I wished. She worked so incredibly hard to make my vision come to life. Also, we worked out a payment schedule to help space out the payments. Even though Lila plans multiple weddings at once, it felt like we were the only one!
When I entered our reception for the first time, I was absolutely stunned - I could not even believe that it was my reception. It was so beautiful, elegant, and better than I could have imagined. Sequoia does not require tons of decorations to be beautiful – the venue itself is stunning with its view of the Kennedy center, floor to ceiling windows, hardwood floors and modern decor. We rented the gold chairs and decorated with gold as well – the entire venue just sparkled! The reception package included all sorts of extras – a signature cocktail, late night sweets passed to the guests, a suite for the newlyweds at the Graham hotel on the wedding night, just to name to a few! It includes private outdoor space as well. As Sequoia is on the water, we decided to exit on a boat that was able to pull up right outside, on the Potomac! Sequoia is one of the best wedding venues in DC and the perfect choice! You can’t go wrong with the fabulous location, service and view!
Kristen R
5.0
7/09/2016
I cannot say enough positive things about Heather and her team at Sequoia! We were planning our wedding both from a distance and far in advance (we had a two-year engagement and booked the venue more than a year-and-a-half before the wedding) and Heather was extremely attentive to all of our needs and speedy in all of her responses - I felt like I had a lot of questions, but she never made me feel like the barrage of questions was annoying!! I weighed whether or not to hire a day-of coordinator, but Heather reassured me that her team could take care of everything that I would have hired a day-of coordinator for (setting up escort cards, cookie table, welcome table, etc.). Given how thorough Heather was, I knew that her team would be on top of everything, and she did not disappoint. We were escorted down to the reception by one of her team members, who made sure we had a drink in hand and a plate of appetizers before we went up to cocktail hour (they guessed - correctly! - that we would be too busy greeting our guests during dinner to eat). From start to finish, the Sequoia staff made our wedding reception absolutely perfect - I cannot recommend them enough!
Jamie M
4.0
4/17/2016
We just had our wedding event at the Sequoia in Georgetown and despite some early communication bumps the event came together fantastically. The setting is absolutely gorgeous, and the dual level bar and dining area was very convenient for guests as well as providing some cool looks for the wedding party before hand as guests arrived and our aisle was already prepared. The staff was very attentive all night long, and plenty of our guests got full use of the included premium open bar. Our food was fantastic, and the room was arranged to have quite a good sized dance floor. All of our guests said that it was the best wedding they had been to. The Sequoia did a great job and I would recommend them to any other potential couples for a wonderful and special evening!
Lindsay G
5.0
11/08/2015
We couldn't have possibly imagined a more perfect venue for our wedding day. The views and interior stunned our guests, the food was unbelievable, and their service was impeccable. We worked with Heather Garvin for our event, who was always responsive and helpful, fielding my countless emails and questions in the weeks leading up to the wedding without a beat. Sequoia even provided a personal server to make sure that our and our parents' needs were attended to throughout the night. We genuinely can't say enough about how Sequoia exceeded our expectations! Our guests are still raving about the space and the food!
Alison B
1.0
10/12/2015
DO NOT HOST AN EVENT AT SEQUOIA.
My wife and I hosted our wedding reception here on May 30, 2015, and while the venue is beautiful, and the food is delicious, the noise between the smaller State Room and the Main Dining Room is unbearable and unmitigated. While we were told upfront that there would be another reception going on in the main dining room during our reception in the state room, we were not told that there would be noise issues so obnoxious that we could not hear our own toasts, speeches and music without playing a game of who can blast the speakers louder.
When we first arrived for our reception I noticed the issue and spoke with the banquet manager, who told me that he would take care of it, and that I should let him know if it remained an issue at all throughout the evening. IT DID, and we had to constantly ask for the music next door to be turned down. However, it turns out that they never did ask the other party to turn it down - we found this out when one of my guests went over himself to directly make the same request. My wife and I tried to sit through our guests toasts and speeches, but struggled to hear what was being said in our honor, as the music and noise from next door was too loud and distracting. I was forced to address the management, who was confrontational, during my own reception, who continued to ignore my requests.
IT SEEMS THAT THEY ALREADY HAD MY MONEY (since you pay upfront), AND THE OTHER PARTY WAS MORE IMPORTANT THAN MINE (they probably paid more).
They did agree and allow us to extend our reception an additional hour at no charge, but this was, by no means, fair compensation for the aggravation and suffering we had to endure from the loud music next door during our reception. Promptly at 11PM the banquet manager came over to my DJ and told him to shut it off, to which the DJ replied that it was the last song of the night and had 1-2 minutes left and that he would shut it off then. The manager then literally pulled the plug on the DJs equipment and rudely forced us out.
I have tried to discuss these issues with Sequoia management, who is owned by ARK RESTAURANT GROUP in NYC, but they refuse to address me. I have since sent a letter from an attorney, which has been ignored.
DO NOT HOST AN EVENT AT SEQUOIA.
Knottie1442250544
5.0
9/14/2015
Our wedding reception was held in the main dining area of Sequoia. From the moment we signed the contract almost a year out we knew we had made the right decision. Heather was an absolute pleasure to work with and the evening was flawless. Our guests raved about the food (main course was braised short rib/crab cake with asparagus), the cocktail hour and appetizers were delicious (especially heard a lot of comments about the pigs in a blanket!), the bars were absolutely on point and service was excellent. My husband and I and our parents were never without a drink or in need of anything!
The space was excellent for the size of our wedding (~200 guests) with an 8-piece band.
We were able to use the outdoor space for cocktail hour and (amazingly) had an absolutely perfect August evening to enjoy it! The sunset over the water combined with the lighting and overall feel of Sequoia was absolutely beautiful.
Cannot say enough about this venue and the incredible service all around.
Jackie M
5.0
7/08/2015
I can't say enough about how fantastic Sequoia is. Our wedding was on May 23, 2015 and while we expected an amazing wedding, Sequoia exceeded our expectations. From start to finish, Heather Garvin was organized, professional, and made the whole process seamless. So much is included in Sequoia's package- not worrying about tables, linens, chairs, etc was such a relief. The staff is awesome and everything ran perfectly. The most underrated aspect of the venue is the fact that Sequoia provides a waiter just for the bride and groom. The second we arrived downstairs from taking pictures, someone was there to bring us appetizers and drinks. All night, he checked in on us, made sure we were eating, and even helped us stay on track when we were trying to visit all the tables during dinner. We truly underestimated how great this would be and we still can't get over how special it was to have that attention and care. The staff even boxed up our meals and gave them to our coordinator so we could eat at our hotel later that night (which was amazing!)
To be honest, we ate at Sequoia in 2011 for an anniversary and weren't necessarily blown away by the food, but as soon as we went in for our menu tasting a few months before the wedding, our concerns disappeared. The wedding food is fantastic. We had several guests tell us it was the best wedding meal—and even the best filet mignon— they've ever had. Aside from service and food, the venue itself is gorgeous. The view of the waterfront is amazing. We didn't rent out the deck and although we were concerned that all the people out there would be a distraction, we didn't notice the diners out there. Looking back, it was unnecessary to even worry about that considering how gorgeous the venue is and how much is going on during the reception! The best decision we made was choosing Sequoia- they're experienced, know how to make the day special, and truly take care of you!
Knottie23473814
5.0
5/24/2015
Sequoia staff were receptive in helping to plan the reception. On the day, they were very attentive to every detail and made it look easy. They assigned a personal waiter for the bride and groom and our parents, which was actually really helpful. The venue is beautiful and the guests loved it!
Knottie17636733
5.0
5/18/2015
Sequoia made sure my day was exactly like I dreamed! It was absolutely wonderful!
The venue is beautiful, the location is a prime spot, the food was great, the staff was super attentive. I just can't say enough good things about Sequoia.
The coordinator covered every detail that I could think of and all the details I forgot. When I had questions, she was quick to reply and very good at explaining all the options that I had.
The price was reasonable as well. If it's within your budget, go for it! It will be worth every penny!
Joanne E
5.0
5/12/2015
Scott and Sarah were the perfect pair to help us plan our daughter's wedding. Nothing, but nothing, was overlooked. The setting was/is spectacular, especially as the sun was setting over the Potomac. We would recommend Sequoia to anyone planning an event.
Noelle C
5.0
5/12/2015
We worked with Heather to plan our wedding reception, and she was professional and responsive every step of the way. Our reception turned out perfectly. The venue is stunningly beautiful and the views and atmosphere make it a step above many other wedding venues in the area. The food was so delicious that our guests are still raving about it months later. The service was spectacular. They even provided a server just to take care of my husband and I. It made us feel like king and queen of our special evening.
Overall, I couldn't be happier with our experience at Sequoia, and look forward to celebrating our anniversaries there for years to come!
Jen B
5.0
4/20/2015
I can't think of enough good things to say about our wedding party at Sequoia. From day 1, Heather was such a pleasure to work with which made the whole process much easier! We used the State Room which has it's own outdoor patio - luckily our weather was perfect and our guests were able to enjoy it. The room itself is mainly floor to ceiling windows so you can see the pretty views of the waterfront. The food - I've never heard of a wedding where the food turns out just like the tasting but it did for us! We did passed appetizers, food stations and petite desserts. All of the food was fantastic, our guests can't stop talking about how great the food tasted! I would definitely use this room (or Sequoia in general) for another event, everything was perfect thanks to them!
M D
5.0
3/20/2015
My (now) husband and I got married at Sequoia March 2015. From the initial contact with Heather (site manager) through the tasting and the big night, Sequoia was beyond top-notch! Every detail we requested was attended to, and every server/staff was on point the evening. I can't imagine a better venue for a wedding- the views, the food, the space-- all of it exceeded our dream. Heather worked seamlessly with our planner; The night of the wedding, the two grooms and our parents were attended to by the staff, ensuring our nights were perfect. Overall, the ultimate product Sequoia put out exceeded anything we could have hoped for! As a same sex couple, we were welcomed by the Sequoia team. I would enthusiastically recommend Sequoia to any couple (especially same-sex couples like ourselves) for their wedding day.
Ashley D
5.0
3/16/2015
If you are looking for a STUNNING wedding venue with stellar service and delicious food - please consider going with Sequoia DC. We booked the main dining area for our wedding - and couldn't be happier. The views, the vaulted ceilings, the floor to ceiling windows, the beautiful chandeliers, the gorgeous hardwood flooring - all of these things put together made for quite a magical evening. I had the pleasure of working with Heather - who was always quick to respond to any inquiry I had throughout the whole process. She was very informative and knowledgeable, very kind and considerate, and very accommodating of any requests that we had. We were very pleased with a special menu request, to which the chef fulfilled our desire for an passed hors-d'oeuvre that was not on the menu - on top of accommodating such a request, it was absolutely delicious too! On the same topic of food - it was outstanding. Everything served was hot, plated beautifully and served with grace. Our servers and bartenders were polite and quick to attend to anyone and everyone's needs. The reason why I had to give 4/5 stars for service: 1) During the reception, a Sequoia staff member told our DJ and my planner that we needed to turn down our music per the request of whoever was holding a smaller event in their State Room. Considering we had bought out the main dining area for LUNCH and DINNER for a 3:00-9:00 wedding + reception, this request was absurd. 2) When the wedding was over and my planner/vendors were wrapping/cleaning up, someone from Sequoia staff completely (and harshly) rushed my planner and her assistant, saying that everyone had to "get out", and that belongings/boxes that were in a designated area had to be moved immediately, when in the beginning, we were told that these items should go there during set-up. Overall, I still would highly recommend hosting your big day here - but had to make note of these 2 details. Thank you Sequoia for making my wedding SO AMAZING!!
Lindsay A
1.0
1/05/2015
This has been my number one choice of venues for a while, and I finally gave them a call for a price quote. The man that answered the phone was rude, and rushed me off of the phone after giving a number to the department that handles events. Once I called the events number, I was transferred to the woman who is in charge of weddings, after being told she was in a meeting. I left a voicemail and still haven’t heard back. Extremely disappointing, because this place is beautiful. If they are this careless with establishing connections with potential customers...how will they be with our wedding?
Vendor response 01/06/2015
Hi I'm so sorry to hear that you had trouble getting through to one of our wedding special...
ists! The restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays in January and the phones are answered by an answering service. Please call me on my direct line in the catering office at 202.470.5589 or email me at smoon@arkcatering.com and we can discuss your event and work on a proposal.
Scott Moon
Director of Catering
Kristen B
5.0
11/30/2014
We picked the Sequoia on the recommendation of two friends who attended wedding receptions there, and as soon as we saw the beautiful waterfront location we knew our family and friends would enjoy themselves here. We were planning a lunch reception for about 50 adults and 20 children, and neither of us had much experience planning large events. The director of catering was very patient answering our many questions and helping with our planning, and on the wedding day, the banquet manager and staff were incredibly helpful keeping everything on track. They even made sure we ate, which I'm particularly thankful because everything - the appetizers and the lunch duet (rib and salmon) - was delicious. The setting is beautiful, the atmosphere is impressive and somewhat formal, but the bright color scheme, huge windows and outdoor patio make this a place your guests can enjoy themselves.
TARA M
5.0
10/20/2014
I could not have asked for a more phenomenal venue & catering staff than the team at Sequoia in Georgetown! From working with Katie & Scott to their banquet team lead by banquet manager, Joe Loughlin, and banquet captain, Chris London - two outstanding gentlemen leading an exemplary and gracious staff! I have had 2 weddings there this year, and there was nothing that I could find to complain about. This team is amazing, the food is amazing, and the view definitely is a bonus. From the time I start working with them with my clients it was painless - from one professional to another. Working with the team at Sequoia is priceless, and they are my number one preferred wedding venue in the Washington, DC metro area!
Christine P
5.0
10/19/2014
We used Sequoia for our wedding reception. The service was absolutely amazing. Heather was our coordinator and she was with us every step of the way; letting us know what we had to do and when during the planning. The service that day was perfect. All of our guests thought it was amazing and everyone commented on how amazing the food was. The venue itself was so beautiful that we didn't have to do much for decor, which was nice. The only thing was it was expensive obviously, but to be honest for the type of venue we were looking for, it was the cheapest that we found in DC and we did get a ton for the money. We loved having the open bar included in the pp price instead of paying by what ppl drank. We absolutely have no complaints and we could not have picked a better venue!
Amelia M
5.0
9/25/2014
Heather and her team at Sequoia were incredibly helpful and responsive from the first day I contacted them about reserving a date for my wedding. She was quick to answer any questions we had throughout the planning process and put us in touch with great third party vendors. The wedding itself went off so smoothly because of Heather and her efforts. The food was delicious and the venue looked beautiful.
You can't beat the location and view of Sequoia (overlooking the river). The space is so unique and breathtaking. The space, combined with an incredible staff who genuinely wanted to coordinate a flawless wedding, made for an amazing night. I can't recommend the venue or the team highly enough.
Cactus W
5.0
9/10/2014
Sequoia was an absolute perfect venue for our wedding. It provides incredible picture opportunities, being that it is right on the water and it is absolutely beautiful inside as well. It makes making the space beautiful and memorable easy! In addition, to the incredible venue the service here is top notch. Every single person there, whether they were helping with the wedding or not was beyond helpful. Every single person is professional and willing to go above and beyond to make sure you and your guests have everything you could ever need. It was an absolute dream having our wedding here, I highly recommend it!
Katherine W
5.0
9/02/2014
I had my reception at Sequoia three days ago and was so happy with my choice of venue. The staff were very professional and efficient and the food was outstanding. My guests loved the water views and outdoor area of the State Room.
A lot of venues in DC accommodate for larger weddings but Sequoia had a good space for our small wedding of 55 people. Heather Garvin was our wedding coordinator and she was extremely kind and organized. I always received fast responses from her.
Chris London from Sequoia helped manage the wedding on the day and he was awesome. He was extremely efficient and kind and even brought h'ordeuvres and drinks out to my limo when my husband and I were sitting in the car for half an hour, waiting until our 6 pm entrance.
I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a reception venue in DC.
Sarah M
5.0
8/09/2014
Great venue with excellent service. I worked with Heather Garvin, our Sequoia event planner. From day one she was extremely professional and responsive. I planned my wedding from the west coast. She made that easy and was accommodating when I was able to make it into town for a visit and our tasting. The food was delicious and the setting was perfect! We had an awesome view of the Potomac while we danced the night away. There was even a dedicated butler for the bride & groom who took great care of us that night! I definitely recommend Sequoia!
Cherie H
5.0
8/08/2014
We hosted our daughter's dream wedding reception at this favorite restaurant - although it didn't feel like a restaurant on the night of the wedding, but transformed into a beautifully elegant venue in the nation's capital! Restaurant did come into play as the food and service both were exceptional! Very unique venue from the typical wedding reception and of course you can't beat those views! Our guests are still raving about their overall experience at Sequoia and we are delighted!! Additionally, the event planner at Sequoia went above and beyond our expectations during the entire year of wedding planning!
Clare P
5.0
7/03/2014
Sequoia provided a beautiful reception space and the food was outstanding! Our guests are still talking about the amazing views and delicious meals. The staff was top notch and super helpful. The logistics were a bit of an unnecessary stress, but everything worked out. Overall, we were incredibly pleased with this reception venue!
Vendor response 07/06/2014
Thanks for your feedback! I'm happy that we were able to play a part in your special day....
I would like to hear more about the logistics. Please email or call me 202.333.3011 / smoon@arkcatering.com - Scott Moon, Director of Catering
Linda K
5.0
6/24/2014
We absolutely loved the Sequoia for my daughter's wedding in June. The venue was spectacular. We were not quite sure about the outdoor terrace and decided to include that in our package. We couldn't have been more pleased. We had an amazing June day and the Sequoia sparkled like a diamond that day. The waterfront was vibrant and all my guests cannot stop talking about this venue. We even have one couple that have decided to use the Sequoia for their wedding. I would totally recommend working with Heather Garvin. She went above and beyond her responsibilities to make the day magical for my daughter. She was always available and met us on many occasions... a true pleasure to work with. We searched many venues in the DC area and we definitely found a jewel on the waterfront.
SUSAN S
5.0
6/17/2014
In this day and age of everything moving too fast and personal service out the window, the staff, food and atmosphere at Sequoia was over the top fantastic. The events manager, in her ever so calm demeanor, delivered 100% of our every wish and change .. and there were many...with a smile and a "sure, no problem." The floor captain the night of was an exceptionally special person. He sensed our every need and responded with a gentle kindness that this Mother of the Groom so very much appreciated. He kept the event moving flawlessly. The menu was creative and delicious. Everyone commented on how fabulous all the food choices were. The drinks flowed with no one ever waiting. Everyone was served on time with wonderfully hot dinners. Of course, this is all on top of why we selected Sequoia in the first place .. .the State Room is fabulous! The National's Mascots were our greeters and they needed 12 foot ceilings .. and Sequoia had much more floor to ceiling window views of the Potomac with private terraced patios to entice a walk outside. Then as the sun set over the water, glorious lighted trees filled the room with romance. Everyone took a few minutes to go outside for their personal photo op. The Sequoia staff made our son and his fiance's Rehearsal Dinner/Welcome Event perfect for all of us and set the tone for a fabulous wedding weekend!
jmarkin58
5.0
5/20/2014
We chose Sequoia for our rehearsal dinner April 25th. We don't live in Washington so it was important for us to choose a venue that we could work with long distance. We are so happy with the event! Scott Moon and Sequoia exceeded all our expectations. The staff was very attentive to our guests every need. The room setup was perfect. The food was superb with so many of our guests saying it was the best event they had ever attended. We would overwhelmingly recommend Sequoia for a rehearsal dinner or wedding reception.
Renee
5.0
5/14/2014
We had our ceremony & reception at Sequoia and worked with Heather. She was great answering every question and helping us every step.
The evening of our wedding the uplighting was not working which made my husband pretty upset because no one mentioned it (maybe for our benefit).
Everything else was great, guests complimented the venue and food. Would definitely recommend to others!
Breana U
5.0
4/15/2014
Hi! My husband and I researched over 40+ venues in the DC-area for our fall wedding...we were swamped in spreadsheets! As soon as we walked into Sequoia we knew!! It is beautiful with excellent views of the Potomac and The Kennedy Center and the staff is incredibly helpful! The food was amazing (we had the beef short rib and salmon)!! And our personal server, Chris, on the day of the event was so attentive and our parents loved him!
We worked with Lila. She was incredibly kind and had great ideas throughout the process. She also worked with us to keep to our budget and treated us like royalty not only on the day of the wedding but throughout the process. On the day of the wedding the cake had not shown up when it was supposed to (even after confirmation the night before!)!! She handled it with such professionalism! My husband and I had no idea it had arrived late (thank goodness it arrived!) and she made sure we enjoyed our special day without the stress. I know I would have freaked out if someone had told me the cake was not there, so I am really impressed she took it upon herself to sort something out that should not have happened.
We love coming to Sequoia and remembering our wedding.
We took beautiful pictures along the waterfront and afterwards headed over to Modern for an exclusive after-party!
Joanna H
5.0
3/31/2014
We booked Sequoia for our winter 2014 wedding and could not be happier. Our coordinator was friendly and available at the drop of a hat to help us with any question or problem. When the big day arrived we were thrilled with how everything turned out. The staff who worked the reception was very attentive. The food was delicious. And the whole setting was magical with the stunning chandelier and large picture windows overlooking the Potomac River. I have already recommended Sequoia to several people for their upcoming weddings.
Chris O
5.0
3/28/2014
Our daughter got married at the Sequoia on January 4th. We were able to sit back, relax and enjoy the entire celebration. The staff was very professional, friendly and accommodating. All of our needs were met promptly and with a smile. I highly recommend the Sequoia for a wedding and reception.
Mary
5.0
3/04/2014
Sequoia was AMAZING! My husband and I had our wedding reception there December 28, 2013 and it was one of the best decisions we made during our wedding planning process. The place looked gorgeous, the food was delicious, and the service was beyond outstanding. Sequoia is one of the most beautiful venues and you can't beat the location (in Georgetown on the water). I was worried about parking but there is a garage right under Sequoia with an elevator that takes you right into the restaurant. We worked with Scott who helped us plan everything in such detail that there was nothing to worry about on the actual day. He was such a pleasure to work with and was always available to answer any questions. I have heard from so many guests how amazing the place looked and how great the food was. I really cannot say enough good things about Sequoia. Here are just some examples of how wonderful it was to work with them and have our reception there: They provide a special server to take care of the bride, groom, and their parents which just makes the experience even more special (our server, Chris, came by to check on us while we were outside taking pictures and even brought out some wings and fries because I joked I was hungry!). They will work with you to customize their plan so that it fits in your budget and with your vision (Scott helped us tailor ours so that we were comfortable with the price but we really didn't feel like we were missing anything!). They had someone there the day of to help us coordinate little things like the wedding party entrance. They serve drinks at the tables, not just at the bar (which most places do not do). Scott helped us find a great florist and recommend the best choices for room blocs. I know I already mentioned the food, but seriously it was incredible, and Sequoia worked with us to have great kids meal options and allergy friendly accommodations. There were plenty of different options for room layout, including where you would prefer the dance floor and DJ to be located (they'll give you suggestions but they're very flexible). If you get the main dining room, there is a second floor bar with balcony overlooking the main dining room. It's a great space for the cocktail hour with a nice view of the water and reception space. We made our center pieces but you honestly don't even need any. The space looks so beautiful with the lighting and huge windows and high ceilings that you don't need to spend anything on decorating for it to look great. We got married in the winter and there were lights on the trees outside, so beautiful. There's a beautiful fountain outside Sequoia, but in winter it becomes an ice rink! There are countless places outside (and inside) that are perfect for pictures. There were absolutely zero surprise costs. I seriously cannot recommend Sequoia enough. They helped us have a beautiful, stress-free wedding reception.