Tucked beside D.C.’s beautiful Franciscan Monastery, St. Francis Hall is one of those places that feels like a secret, until you step inside. With its romantic arches, peaceful atmosphere, and old-world charm, this Little Rome venue has become a favorite for everything from dreamy weddings to elegant business gatherings and intimate performances.
This year, Candlelight returns to St. Francis Hall with more tributes to iconic contemporary stars and timeless composers, giving music lovers a new taste of Drake’s introspective hip-hop and Vivaldi’s everlasting melodies.
Background on St. Francis Hall
The historic event venue was built in 1931, featuring romantic Renaissance-inspired architecture, with original hardwood floors, open wood beams, arched windows, and classic chandeliers that give it an old-world European feel. It was created as part of the Franciscan community’s campus, and today it operates as a ministry of the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land.
Its monastery neighbor boasts lush gardens and winding walkways. The 42-acre space, located adjacent St. Francis Hall, includes full-scale replicas of the sacred shrines of the Holy Land, bringing alive the 800-year ministry of the Franciscan friars in that region.
St. Francis Hall Events
Over time, the structure has evolved from an internal community space into a sought-after venue, all while maintaining its spiritual and architectural ties to the adjacent monastery. For instance, St. Francis Hall weddings are renowned in the city for their mix of timeless elegance thanks to the gleaming hardwood floors and the picture-perfect gardens, and the use of the state-of-the-art AV equipment including sound system, microphones and the large 12×12 foot projection screen.
Besides large-scale meetings and conferences, you’ll also frequently find Candlelight concerts that wow audiences with performances of renowned songs and compositions in the classical form. Concertgoers can unwind to some of the greatest music of all time, and the combination of candles and the divine setting truly make for a one-of-a-kind experience.
Where is St. Francis Hall and how to get there?
The elegant venue is situated in the neighborhood of Brookland and adjacent to the gorgeous Franciscan Monastery. You can reach the event venue by metro from the Red Line train. Get off at the Brookland-CUA stop and take the H6 Fort Lincoln Metrobus from there to the Monastery at the 14th St. and Quincy bus stop. Another way would be by metrobus. You’ll find a bus stop outside the Monastery at 14th St. N.E. and Quincy St. N.E. If you’re getting there by car, there’s plenty of parking spots at the venue.
Is St. Francis Hall accessible?
Yes, the venue is wheelchair accessible.
What is the capacity?
The venue can hold up to 225 people.
Can you get married at the Franciscan Monastery, DC?
Ceremonies are only permitted on the private lawn adjacent to the Hall, but not inside the Chapel or Monastery gardens. However, bridal parties are welcome to utilize the beautiful gardens for photographs.
Nearby Venues
The historic hall is located close to Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and the Archdiocese of Washington Pastoral Center in Maryland.
If you’re interested in seeing live performances, while Candlelight continues to illuminate St. Francis Hall, avid music fans can also enjoy these concerts at several other venues. Appreciate the history and architecture of some of the greatest venues D.C. has to offer while attending one of these unforgettable performances.