Some celebrations have a way of pulling everyone in.
From the moment guests arrived at Liz and Nick’s Hotel DuPont wedding, there was an unmistakable feeling that this wasn’t simply a beautiful day—it was a celebration people had been looking forward to for a long time. The laughter came easily, conversations lingered, and every room felt filled with the kind of energy that only happens when two people are surrounded by the people who know them best.
A Timeless Setting Through and Through
There’s a reason the Hotel DuPont has remained one of the most iconic wedding venues in Delaware.
Its historic architecture and beautifully restored interiors create a timeless backdrop for every part of the wedding day. From the morning preparations to the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception, every space feels elegant, welcoming, and thoughtfully designed.
For Liz and Nick, that atmosphere couldn’t have been a better fit. Deep shades of burgundy, rich reds, soft blush, and warm gold carried throughout the celebration, creating a setting that felt refined without feeling overly traditional. Hundreds of candles added a warm glow that transformed the ballroom as the evening unfolded.
Thoughtful Details That Told Their Story
Every wedding has details that feel personal. For Liz and Nick, those details reflected a part of their lives together.
The winter-inspired details continued throughout the reception, including a creative seating chart featuring individual ski cable cars, each displaying a guest’s name and table assignment. It was a thoughtful nod to the couple’s theme and one of the many personalized details that made the celebration feel uniquely their own.
The custom monogrammed dance floor was one of the many thoughtful details that reflected Liz and Nick’s vision, creating a beautiful focal point in the ballroom before the dancing began.
A Dance Floor That Never Slowed Down
As beautiful as everything looked, what I’ll remember most is how the room felt. The moment the dance floor opened, it stayed full.
Friends celebrated with the kind of enthusiasm that can’t be planned. Families laughed together. Most importantly, it was impossible to miss how happy Liz and Nick were. They were on cloud nine, soaking in every moment of the celebration and making the most of every minute on the dance floor with the people they love most.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Hotel DuPont Wedding
Where is the best place for a first look at Hotel DuPont?
My favorite location is the grand staircase. It’s one of the most iconic spaces in the hotel and creates an unforgettable backdrop for such an emotional moment. The staircase has beautiful architectural details, plenty of room for both of you to move naturally, and photographs beautifully. It also offers enough privacy that the moment still feels intimate, even in the middle of a busy wedding day.
Where should I get ready for my wedding at Hotel DuPont?
If it’s available, I always recommend asking for the Winterthur Suite. It’s located on the same floor as the room where the bride and bridesmaids typically get ready, making it incredibly convenient for the timeline.
The suite has everything I look for in a getting-ready space: elegant interiors, beautiful windows with natural light, and a classic old-money aesthetic that photographs effortlessly. It gives your preparation photos a refined, editorial feel while keeping everyone close together before the ceremony.
Where is the best place for family photos at Hotel DuPont?
I recommend taking family portraits on the grand staircase leading into the cocktail hour space. The landing is wide enough to comfortably arrange large family groups, and the staircase naturally frames everyone in a beautiful, elegant way.
One thing I’ve noticed at many weddings is that this staircase is often adorned with floral arrangements, creating an even more stunning backdrop for group portraits. It’s a wonderful opportunity to include one of the venue’s most beautifully decorated spaces in your family photos while making the most of every thoughtfully designed detail.
Hotel DuPont is a dark venue. What lighting do you use?
It’s true that Hotel DuPont doesn’t have a lot of natural light throughout the day. Because of that, we come prepared with professional lighting designed specifically for venues like this.
For many indoor portraits—including the first look on the grand staircase—we use off-camera flash to create soft, natural-looking light while preserving the atmosphere of the space.
During the ceremony, we discreetly place flashes on light stands toward the back of the room. They’re positioned so they aren’t distracting to your guests and won’t appear in your photos.
For the reception, we’ll set up additional lighting around the dance floor based on your room layout, including your sweetheart table, guest tables, and dance floor. Everything is placed intentionally so the lighting feels seamless throughout the evening.
Most importantly, our goal is never to make your wedding look artificially bright. We carefully preserve the colors, candlelight, and overall atmosphere of your celebration so your photographs feel exactly the way the day looked and felt in person.
Can we take wedding photos inside Le Cavalier?
Absolutely—and I highly recommend it.
Le Cavalier is one of my favorite portrait locations inside Hotel DuPont. The elegant bar, beautiful architectural details, and the iconic cheetah-print wallpaper create a sophisticated backdrop that feels completely different from the rest of the hotel.
Because the restaurant is open to the public during certain hours, we’ll need to coordinate with both Hotel DuPont and the Le Cavalier management team ahead of time. With a little advance planning, it’s absolutely worth it—the portraits there are always stunning.
