Tucked away in Chevy Chase, Maryland, just minutes from Washington, DC, Woodend Sanctuary and Mansion is one of the most peaceful and naturally beautiful wedding venues to get married in the DMV.
Owned by the Audubon Naturalist Society, this historic estate combines forest views, a grand mansion, and a mission rooted in environmental stewardship. It’s ideal for couples who care about nature, sustainability, and creating a meaningful experience for their family and friends.
Unlike traditional ballroom venues, Woodend feels intimate and grounded. You’re surrounded by trees, wildlife, and quiet pathways, yet you’re still incredibly close to the city. That balance makes it one of the most unique outdoor wedding venues near DC.
Why Choose Woodend Sanctuary for Your Wedding
Woodend is perfect for couples who want their wedding to feel relaxed, natural, and centered around connection rather than production. It’s especially well-suited for couples who value the environment, prefer an outdoor ceremony surrounded by trees, and want their guests to feel like they’ve stepped into a peaceful retreat just outside the city.
Couples especially rave about the feeling of privacy the property offers, even though it’s so close to Washington, DC. The ceremony grove feels tucked away and intimate, creating a quiet, meaningful space to exchange vows without city noise or distractions. Many also love how seamlessly the day flows from one space to another, allowing guests to move from the forest ceremony to cocktail hour on the lawn and into the reception without ever leaving the estate. It creates a wedding experience that feels cohesive, relaxed, and thoughtfully designed from start to finish.
Woodend Sanctuary Wedding Venue Costs And Info
How much does it cost to get married at Woodend Sanctuary and Mansion? Here are a few informations about their pricing, location, and highlights on the venue.
- Location: Chevy Chase, Maryland, just 9 miles from Washington, DC. Woodend Sanctuary is easily accessible for DC wedding guests while offering a quiet, nature-filled setting away from the city noise.
- Type of Venue: Historic mansion and forested nature sanctuary. Woodend Sanctuary combines the charm of a historic Maryland estate with the beauty of protected woodland grounds, making it a standout outdoor wedding venue near DC.
- Guest Capacity: Up to 150 guests during spring through fall. Winter weddings typically accommodate 50–120 guests, depending on layout and tent setup. This flexibility makes Woodend ideal for both intimate weddings and mid-size celebrations.
- Starting Price: Base rental typically ranges from $3,900 to $5,300, with peak-season Saturdays reaching up to $8,500. Pricing varies based on date and season, making it important to inquire early for prime dates at this popular Maryland wedding venue.
- Indoor & Outdoor Options: Woodend Sanctuary offers outdoor ceremony spaces with an indoor backup plan, indoor cocktail hour inside the mansion, and a climate-controlled tent for receptions. This combination makes it one of the most versatile outdoor wedding venues in Maryland.
- Vibe: Woodsy, calm, elegant, and natural. Woodend Sanctuary is mission-driven and environmentally conscious, attracting couples who value sustainability, connection, and a meaningful wedding experience near Washington, DC.
Best Photo Spots at Woodend
There’s a reason photographers love this venue: every corner offers something different.
- The Grove (ceremony space): Surrounded by trees, this is stunning in fall, and always has a peaceful, tucked-away vibe.
- The Mansion façade: Classic architecture with beautiful columns and stone steps — ideal for formal portraits or golden hour light.
- Bird Room + Getting Ready Suites: If it rains, or for quiet moments, the indoor spaces offer soft natural light and cozy textures.
- The forest trails + open meadows: Great for sneaking away during cocktail hour for a few candid couple portraits.
🕐 Best light: Around noon or after 5 pm (depending on season). The forest gives dappled light all day, so it’s more flexible than some open venues.
📸 Pro tip: Don’t just stick to the lawn or ceremony area, explore the trails for unexpected portrait spots.
Things to Know Before You Book Woodend Sanctuary Wedding Venue
Rain Plan
Woodend Sanctuary offers a reliable rain plan for outdoor weddings in Maryland. If the weather shifts, your ceremony can move inside the historic mansion or into the elegant, climate-controlled tent. Both options are included in the rental, making this one of the more secure outdoor wedding venues near DC when it comes to backup plans.
Getting Ready Spaces
The venue provides two separate getting-ready rooms, each with its own bathroom. This setup is ideal for couples who want private preparation time, quiet moments with family, or meaningful pre-ceremony rituals without feeling rushed.
Cocktail Hour Options
Cocktail hour at Woodend Sanctuary can take place indoors in the mansion or outdoors on the lawn or portico. The flexibility allows couples to adapt their timeline based on the weather while keeping guests comfortable.
Vendor Policy
Woodend Sanctuary does not require couples to use specific vendors, which gives you the freedom to build your own wedding team. They do provide a preferred vendor list of planners, caterers, and professionals familiar with the property.
Alcohol Policy
Couples can bring their own alcohol, which can significantly reduce catering costs compared to many other Maryland wedding venues. This is a major advantage for couples planning a wedding near Washington, DC, on a thoughtful budget.
Parking
The venue offers free on-site parking for approximately 70 cars, plus access for small shuttles. For a wedding venue close to DC, having complimentary parking on-site is a valuable convenience for guests.
📝 Before you book: Schedule a tour. The layout and outdoor options really shine in person.
From a Photographer’s Perspective
I love that Woodend gives you so much in one location. You get forest, architecture, quiet indoor spaces, and an easy-flow layout. It’s ideal for couples who want a relaxed day without needing to travel between multiple spots.
One of my favorite moments? A packed dance floor under the tent, even with a smaller guest list, the space feels intimate and full. It makes for beautiful, energetic photos without needing 200 people.
📷 First-time photographer tip: Walk the grounds ahead of time. The forest paths and open spaces are easy to miss if you don’t explore a bit, and they make for gorgeous, natural portraits.
Planning Resources + More
- Official website: woodendsanctuary.org/weddings
- Address: 8940 Jones Mill Rd, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
- Phone: (301) 652-9188
- Instagram: @woodendsanctuary
- Booking: Inquire here
