10 Whimsical Wedding Venues in Northern Virginia

Carlyle House, Alexandria, VA

Photo Credit: Daisey Saulls Photography

Completed in 1753 by Scottish merchant John Carlyle for his bride, Sarah Fairfax of Belvoir, a member of one of the most prestigious families in colonial Virginia. One of the grandest mansions in the new town of Alexandria, their home quickly became a center of social and political life in Alexandria and gained a foothold in history when British General Braddock made the mansion his headquarters in 1755. Braddock summoned five colonial governors to meet there to plan the early campaigns of the French and Indian War. On the National Register of Historic Places, Carlyle House is architecturally unique in Alexandria as the only stone, 18th-century mansion. The site may be rented in the evenings for private functions and weddings. Today, you can recapture the timeless elegance of this rich history in an evening reception at Carlyle House. Conveniently located in the heart of Old Town only two blocks from the Potomac River and within minutes of Old Town’s many hotels and specialty shops. www.novaparks.com/parks/carlyle-house-historic-park

Farm Brew Live/2 Silos Brewing, Manassas, VA

This newly opened 8 acre campus features a live music venue, brewery, and special event pavilion. A unique back drop for any beer lovers wedding celebration, 2 Silos Brewing/Farm Brew Live, offers a wide range of convenient amenities in one place for brides and grooms looking for an unforgettable location to tie the knot. http://farmbrewlive.com/

Hendry House, Alexandria, VA

A restored 20th century mansion that has historic elegance in a park environment, where couples can conduct their wedding ceremony in front of a wisteria trellis with dancing in the house or under a tent. It’s part of Fort C.F. Smith, the 19-acre Arlington County park that includes a beautiful tree canopy, an open meadow and a partially preserved 1863 Civil War fort. Hendry House is air conditioned, wired for sound and Wi-Fi, equipped with a full-size kitchen and has all the tasteful comforts for guests. Good-size upstairs suites with ample storage make last-minute preparations easy, and the house is accessible to people with disabilities on the main level. Outside vendors can provide catering, music and photography. https://parks.arlingtonva.us/locations/hendry-house/

Inn at Evergreen, Haymarket, VA

This 11-bedroom Inn, that was once a Civil War Era mansion, offers the perfect blend of modern amenities, historic charm and a first-class getaway. Conveniently located in Haymarket, VA, the Inn serves as the centerpiece to the Evergreen Country Club.  Couples can plan a romantic getaway in the pristine rolling hills of Northern Virginia. http://www.innatevergreen.com/en-us

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens – Vienna, VA

The Atrium at Meadowlark features exposed brick walls, a glass-enclosed cathedral ceiling, and a large terrace overlooking the botanical gardens. This remarkable space will seat up to 230 guests, with standing room for 300. Take advantage of the gazebos, the one-of-a-kind Korean Bell Garden, and Lilac Pavilion for photography and other event options at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. Great Blue Heron provides full on-site catering for any event at The Atrium. https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens

Oatlands Historic House and Gardens – Leesburg, VA

Photo Credit: Sandi Foraci Photography

This National Trust site encompasses 360 rolling acres and features a stunning circa 1804 Greek Revival mansion and a magnificent four-acre English terraced garden. Couples can get married in the gardens or by the mansion, which has served as a wedding backdrop for more than 30 years. Couples can also extend their wedding weekend by staying at the newly opened Inn at Oatlands Hamlet, which dates back to the 1800s. https://www.oatlands.org/weddings/

The River View at the Jean R. Packard Center at Occoquan Regional Park

This multi-million-dollar event venue will feature stunning views of the Occoquan River. Upon completion, the center will be home to a large wedding and events area that can accommodate up to 300 seated guests, the 1608 Room that interprets the area’s history and environment, The Pavilion, an outdoor shelter located in the back of the park ideal for large events, a 5k loop trail, and Brickmakers Café, a riverfront café with indoor and outdoor seating.  The center is expected to be complete in the Spring of 2018 and are currently booking events. https://www.novaparks.com/weddings-catering/the-river-view

Top of the Town Conference and Reception Facility, Arlington, VA

Washington D.C. area’s premier event space featuring spectacular panoramic views of the nation’s capital. Located in Rosslyn, Top of the Town is a perfect venue for weddings receptions and can accommodate groups of 10 to 180. http://www.topofthetown.com/

Torpedo Factory Art Center, Alexandria, VA

 

Photo Credit: Sincereli Photography

Founded in 1974 in an old munitions plant, the Torpedo Factory Art Center is home to the largest collection of publicly accessible working artist studios in the U.S. Guests can visit 82 artists’ studios (featuring a variety of media from painting to ceramics to stained glass to printmaking), seven galleries, two workshops, and the Alexandria Archaeology Museum. The Torpedo Factory Art Center’s modern-industrial and versatile space lends itself to an array of special events, including weddings. With historic and charming Old Town Alexandria and the Potomac waterfront as your backdrop, you can host an unforgettable special event. The art-filled interior public spaces in the art center, is surrounded by one-of-a-kind artwork. The outdoor brick patio also offers a spectacular view of the Potomac River and is a breathtaking place to host your event under the stars. Flexible indoor and outdoor spaces can accommodate up to 1,000 guests for a memorable evening. torpedofactory.org

Winery Wedding – Loudoun County, VA 

Photo Credit: Simone Fox Photography

With more than 40 wineries and vineyards nestled along winding roads and between horse farms and historic estates, there is a breathtaking backdrop to fit anyone’s taste in Loudoun, VA.  Loudoun’s wineries feature everything from rustic barns for country-chic or vintage weddings to gorgeous new ballrooms overlooking the vines, perfect for an over-the-top soiree. Loudoun’s wineries allow couples to get married among the vines or even host cocktail receptions in the barrel room- providing an intimate and unique experience for guests. https://www.visitloudoun.org/weddings/

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