Venue Details
Download our comprehensive PDF venue guide to discover everything you need to know about hosting your event at one of Washington DC’s most iconic venues. Inside, you’ll find detailed rental information, floor plans, capacity charts, amenities, and booking guidelines for weddings, galas, corporate events, and more.
As steeped in history as the venue itself, Ridgewells Catering has been raising the bar in the D.C. social scene for over 95 years. From intimate gatherings to elegant galas Ridgewells approaches every special event with a commitment to excellence, and a passion for celebration.
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Ridgewells Catering actively manages events at the Mellon Auditorium, and our team is uniquely equipped to guide you through every step of the planning process.
1. Inquire about your event using the contact form on our website. We will send you more information and a venue application to complete.
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2. Submit your venue application for approval. Once approved, we can schedule a tour of the Mellon if desired.
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3. Sign the contract, submit a certificate of insurance, and make the full contract value payment. Once we countersign, your event date is confirmed!
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All event dates are first come, first serve regardless of inquiry date or date holds.
If multiple clients inquire for the same date, our booking policy is to award the first client to go to contract and pay the full contract value.
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Yes. It is owned by the General Services Administration and managed by Ridgewells Catering. The Mellon is not affected by government shutdowns or disruption.
We do not typically rent out individual spaces. Please let us know more about your event and what your expectations are to see if we can make an accommodation.
The Mellon Auditorium team prides itself on no hidden fees along with transparent pricing. The pricing menu details all costs associated with the venue. Internet packages, additional security, tenting, and bathroom trailers as needed are the only additional costs you may incur.
Yes--4Wall Entertainment and Fabrications Events.
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4Wall Entertainment is our exclusive lighting vendor and has built infrastructure in the colonnade areas that remain in place to provide an improved event experience. While we require the use of the equipment in-house through 4Wall, they are happy to work alongside production teams to ensure clients are able to work with any existing partners. Lighting is not included in the venue rental fee, and is contracted through 4Wall directly.
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Additionally, Fabrications Events is our exclusive provider for all floor-to-ceiling drapery. They are able to work alongside your preferred decor vendor.
You are allowed to bring in your own creative partners with approval from our production team. These vendors will need to go through our vendor application vetting process to ensure they understand the rules and regulations for the Mellon, and are able to staff and execute the event properly. Keep in mind, our Ridgewells event designers are happy to assist with vendor coordination.
Ridgewells Catering is the preferred, but not exclusive, caterer and has the first opportunity to provide services for all events at the Mellon. Our world-class catering team is experienced at providing and partnering with vendors to provide kosher, halal, vegan, and international cuisine for any cultural or religious needs. We allow other full-service caterers on a case-by-case basis, but we do not allow catering provided by restaurants.
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If an outside caterer is approved for your event, please note that they will be subject to a $25/person outside catering fee.
All alcohol must be purchased from Ridgewells Catering. Any nonprofit-donated or client-provided alcohol is subject to a corkage fee.
Our standard event configuration uses the Center Green Room as our kitchen space. If you wish to use the Green Rooms for your event, an outdoor kitchen tent is required.
Basic security is included in the venue rental fee. Additional security costs can be requested by clients or may be required by Federal Protective Services (FPS) based on guest count, certain attendees, or external circumstances. Outside security details may be approved on a case-by-case basis and must coordinate with Ridgewells directly.
The Mellon offers approximately 1GB amongst all users and areas within the building. For more details about our internet offerings, view our full Venue Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Classic Destination Since 1935
Dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on February 25, 1935, the Mellon Auditorium has been the home of countless storied events throughout the decades. Its classical revival architecture and home directly on Constitution Avenue have positioned the auditorium as a premiere space in Washington, D.C., and recent renovations have ensured it stays that way for years to come.
