Your wedding day is an extraordinary chapter in your love story, and the venue sets the stage for this once-in-a-lifetime event. For couples seeking an exceptional and offbeat experience, I’ve curated a list of 18 unique wedding venues in and around Washington DC that promise to add a touch of magic to your special day.
You can check my list of 25+ wedding venues if you are looking for the perfect venue in Washington DC.
By Natasha Lamalle Photography.
The Patapsco Female Institute
Embrace history and elegance at this stunning historic site. In Ellicott City, Maryland, The Patapsco Female Institute, s is a former girls’ boarding school, now a partially rebuilt historical site. The venue’s meticulously preserved architecture, featuring grand columns and elegant ballrooms, transports guests to a bygone era while offering a timeless and romantic ambiance. The venue can accommodate up to 175 guests.
Blind Whino in Southwest DC
Dive into a world of vibrant colors and artistic flair at Blind Whino. Located in a transformed historic church, this venue offers a striking blend of contemporary artistry and architectural charm. The exterior, adorned with colorful graffiti-style murals, sets the stage for a one-of-a-kind experience. Inside, the juxtaposition of the original church structure with modern, eclectic art installations creates an atmosphere that is both whimsical and sophisticated. This very unique venue can welcome 200 guests. Prices start at $6000.
Dock 5
By Natasha Lamalle Photography.
In the Union Market district, Dock 5 offers an industrial-chic setting. With its exposed brick walls and open layout, it’s a canvas waiting for you to paint your wedding dreams. The venue’s urban charm extends to its panoramic views of the city skyline, adding a cosmopolitan backdrop to the celebration. Dock 5’s adaptability allows couples to craft personalized experiences, whether it’s an intimate ceremony with an industrial backdrop or a high-energy reception in a space that seamlessly blends the urban with the elegant. Price starts from $10,000 to $12,000 and can accommodate up to 400 seated guests!
Toolbox Pilates Art Studio
Unleash your creativity at Toolbox Pilates Art Studio. As a repurposed industrial space, the studio seamlessly blends the worlds of fitness, art, and celebration. The venue’s unique character is defined by its exposed brick walls, high ceilings adorned with contemporary art installations, and a serene ambiance that reflects the studio’s Pilates roots. Toolbox Art Studio can accommodate events of up to 220 people. Their pricing starts between $7,000 and $9,000 for 100 guests.
By Natasha Lamalle Photography.
Big Bear Cafe
In DC’s Bloomingdale neighborhood, Big Bear Cafe offers a quaint and cozy setting. Say “I do” surrounded by the charm of Bloomingdale and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. The indoor dining space can accommodate up to 48 guests for a seated meal or 70 guests for an open-floor reception. Outside, the venue can seat 85 guests for dining on the patios or up to 130 guests for an open-floor reception. Their rental fees start at $500 for the ceremony only and $5,500 for the whole day.
Corradetti Glass Blowing Studio
Witness the artistry of love at Corradetti Glass Blowing Studio. This Baltimore venue combines the beauty of glass art with the warmth of a unique and intimate space. You can seat up to 75 guests, for a cocktail-style buffet reception, the venue can hold up to 95 guests, table and a standing cocktail reception can hold up to 95-110 guests with some high tops. The prices start between $4,000 and $5,000 for 100 guests.
Clarendon Ballroom
Elevate your wedding experience at the Clarendon Ballroom. With its glamorous ambiance and panoramic views of the city, it’s a stylish choice for couples seeking sophistication.
Cloisters Castle
Transport your guests to a fairytale setting at Cloisters Castle in Lutherville, Maryland. This medieval-inspired venue in Maryland offers enchanting gardens and historic charm. The venue can hold up to 150 guests. Their prices start between $6,000 and $8,000 for 100 guests.
Polegreen Church
Embrace simplicity and elegance at Polegreen Church. The open-air design and historic significance make it a unique choice for couples seeking a serene and timeless atmosphere. For the ceremony and reception, their pricing starts at $750. For the ceremony only, it starts at $375.
Mess Hall
Celebrate in culinary style at Mess Hall This industrial-chic space provides a versatile canvas for creating a wedding feast that reflects your tastes and passions. Couples can host up to 199 guests at this venue! Their prices start at $20,000.
Glen Echo Park
Dive into nostalgia at Glen Echo Park. With its historic carousel and Art Deco architecture, it’s a whimsical venue that promises a celebration filled with charm. If you like a retro look and space for 150 guests, this is the venue for you. Check out a real-life wedding at Glen Echo Park here and learn about my experience at this location. Their prices depend on the season and day of the week and vary from $2,000 to $8,500. You can review their 2024 prices here.
American Institute for Architecture
For design enthusiasts, the American Institute for Architecture offers a modern and sophisticated backdrop. Let the architectural beauty enhance your wedding aesthetic. You can welcome between 150-200 guests. The starting price is $6,500.
The Heurich House in Dupont
Step into the Gilded Age at the Heurich House in Dupont. This mansion, with its opulent interiors and gardens, sets the stage for a wedding of timeless elegance. The wedding ceremony rental starts at $2000 for 60 guests.
Morrison House in Alexandria
Experience the charm of Old Town Alexandria at Morrison House. This boutique hotel provides an intimate setting with a touch of Southern hospitality. The venue can hold up to 100 guests.
Columbus Club at Union Station
By Natasha Lamalle Photography.
Make a grand entrance at the Columbus Club. Located at Union Station, this historic venue offers classic elegance and a touch of old-world glamour. This space can accommodate up to 180 seated guests.
Arts Club of Washington
Immerse yourself in the artistic ambiance of the Arts Club of Washington. This townhouse provides an intimate and cultured setting for a wedding infused with creativity. The rental fee is $1,000 per hour with a minimum of 4 hours. Ideal for 40 to 200 guests.
Great Falls Grange
Escape to the countryside at Great Falls Grange. This rustic venue offers a picturesque setting for a wedding surrounded by nature’s beauty.
The National Arboretum
The National Arboretum in DC stands out as a truly unique venue, offering an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and a serene atmosphere. This living museum showcases an extraordinary collection of plants, trees, and landscapes from around the world. What sets it apart is the diverse array of gardens, each with its own distinct character, providing a myriad of options for couples seeking a one-of-a-kind setting for their wedding. From the iconic Capitol Columns that exude a sense of grandeur to the peacefulness of the Bonsai and Penjing Museum, the arboretum offers a range of backdrops that cater to various tastes and styles. To rent the location, packages start at $10,000.
The Washington DC area is rich with unique and unconventional wedding venues, each offering its own special charm. From historic landmarks to artistic spaces, there’s a perfect venue for every couple looking to create a wedding that reflects their individuality. And if you are looking for a wedding photographer, check out my portfolio here.
