Finding an affordable wedding venue in the DMV area (Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia) can be quite a challenging task. Couples seeking the perfect place to say ‘I do’ often struggle to balance their budget with their dream vision. However, with a little bit of research and creativity, it is indeed possible to discover hidden gems in the nation’s capital that won’t break the bank.
Affordable Wedding Venues In The DMV Area: Under 5K Starting Cost
For intimate weddings and micro weddings with a small guest list, the different spaces below will help you to have your dream wedding.
Black Ankle Vineyards
Black Ankle Vineyards are located in Mt Airy, Maryland. Guests can choose to have the wedding ceremony overlooking the vines at sunset and may also rent a tent for the wedding reception. The back patio is also available depending on the number of guests.
The capacity is around 75 guests. Prices typically start around $3,500 from Monday through Thursday, and start at $8,000 on Sundays. The town of Frederick, Maryland is nearby and has many hotels that your guests can stay at. The intimate setting and affordable price make this a great option.
Basignani Winery
This winery is located just north of Baltimore and is about a 90 minute drive from Annapolis and a little less than that from Washington DC. There is a pavilion here that you can rent at some very affordable prices.
Parties of 30 people or less cost a $1000 Flat Rate (up to 4 hours) includes the rental of the Pavilion and tables and chairs. Parties of 30 to 65 people have a $1500 Flat Rate (Up to 4 hours). Guests must purchase one case of wine. If you have over 65 people then the cost of rental is $1800.
You can cater the event on your own or purchase pizza from their oven at an additional cost depending on availability. You can only consume wine because no additional alcohol is allowed by law.
Congressional Club
The Congressional Club is a premier wedding destination located in the heart of Washington DC on the U Street Corridor. It has the perfect location just next to the metro making it very accessible to all your guests.
They have two floors, the first floor has reception rooms that are perfect for cocktail hours, and the second floor is a ballroom for ceremonies, dinner, and dancing. It is typically for a 100-150 person wedding and prices start at $5,000.
Woodend Sanctuary And Mansion
The Woodend Sanctuary and Mansion is located in Chevy Chase, Maryland. It is a 40 acre nature area with outdoor spaces and tented areas for the event. The venue has many beautiful areas in the house for photos. It is also adjacent to a forest making it a beautiful backdrop for an outdoor wedding.
The capacity is 150 guests and wedding packages start from $3,900-$8,800 depending on the day. This is one of the most inexpensive wedding venues in the DC area that is still in very close proximity to downtown Washington DC.
The Beacon Hotel
The Beacon Hotel and Corporate Quarters in the DMV area does host weddings. It is a popular wedding venue located in Washington, D.C. that offers a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces for wedding ceremonies and receptions. The venue can accommodate up to 200 guests and offers a full-service experience for couples, including catering and event planning services
Wedding packages at the Beacon Hotel and Corporate Quarters start at $3,250 for 50 guests, and the venue fee for a ceremony-only wedding is $500. Additional fees may apply for catering, bar service, and other wedding-related services.
Dacor Bacon House
Dacor Bacon House is located in downtown Washington, DC. It is a versatile wedding space with an outdoor area and offers multiple different packages. The capacity is around 140 guests. The rental fee ranges from $1,000 to $5,000 for a ceremony and reception, and the fee just for a ceremony only wedding is $1,000.
The location is also very convenient for hosting special events. There are several hotels walking distance to this venue, even ones with large suites that can accomodate families. This can be helpful especially if you have several people coming from out of town for your wedding day.
The Line Hotel DC
The Line Hotel DC is near downtown DC and is great for guests to explore the downtown before the wedding. The venue requires that you use on-site catering for your event. Capacity depends on the space but ranges up to 500, and prices start between $2,500 and $10,000.
This is a truly beautiful wedding venue with high ceilings and beautiful interior design. Another aspect that makes this a unique venue is that The LINE Hotel in Washington, D.C. is located in a historic building that was originally constructed in 1912 as a neoclassical church. The building was later repurposed and renovated into a hotel.
Top Of The Town
Top of the Town in Arlington, Virginia does host weddings. It is a premier event space that features a spectacular panoramic view of the National Capital and its monuments as well as the Potomac River from a one-hundred foot span of floor-to-ceiling glass. The venue offers both indoor and outdoor spaces for wedding ceremonies and receptions, and can accommodate up to 180 guests.
Wedding packages at Top of the Town start at $3,000 for 50 guests, and the venue fee for a ceremony-only wedding is $1,500. Keep in mind that these fees may be before accounting for tax and gratuity or a service change. Some D.C. wedding venues may also charge a an admin or event planning fee.
The Arts Club Of Washington
The Arts Club of Washington is a popular wedding venue located in Washington, D.C. that offers a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces for wedding ceremonies and receptions. Wedding packages at the Arts Club of Washington start at $3,000 for 50 guests, and the venue fee for a ceremony-only wedding is $1,000.
It is conveniently located in Downtown DC just south of Dupont Circle. There are several hotels within walking distance of the venue so that your guests can get to the wedding easily.
Affordable Wedding Venues In The DMV Area: Under 10K Starting Cost
Let’s take a look at some of the wedding venues that are under $10,000 to start. Keep in mind that increasing guest count will inevitable increase cost for any venue.
The American Institute Of Architects
The American Institute of Architects does host weddings. It is a popular wedding venue located in Washington, D.C. that offers both indoor and outdoor spaces for wedding ceremonies and receptions.
The venue can accommodate up 200- 350 guests depending on which event spaces you will be using. The venue also has a full-service experience for couples, including catering and event planning services. Pricing starts at $6,000 but will go up based on guest count. This venue has beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows and is sure to impress your guests.
The ideal location in downtown DC makes it easy for you to find hotels for your guests to stay at.
Stone Tower Winery
Stone Tower Winery is located in Leesburg, Virginia. It has a rustic and sophisticated vibe with a beautiful view, dedicated staff, and many different wedding amenities for the wedding party. The capacity is around 220 guests. Prices typically range from $11,000 to $16,000.
The winery offers a variety of indoor and outdoor venues, including the Harvest Barn, Tower View Tasting Room, and the Vineyard View Ballroom, that can accommodate weddings of different sizes and styles. The winery also provides a range of services, including catering, bar service, and event planning, to help couples create their dream wedding
Gallery O On H
Gallery O is located on H street in DC. This is an indoor and outdoor facility with private access to all galleries. It is a unique indoor-outdoor event space that combines art with urban chic. It offers a large, private brick courtyard that serves as the centerpiece of the historic urban venue. The venue is available for weddings, corporate events, networking, fashion shows, and more.
Its capacity is between 80-100 guests, and the average cost is around $8,800. Gallery O on H does not have parking facilities. Valet services are available through a private outside contractor (H Street Valet) but these services are not included in the event contract. The venue will contract on behalf of the Client with the valet services and pricing is set by the number of parking places required.
The Woodlands At Algonkian
The Woodlands at Algonkian is located in Sterling, Virginia. It is a perfect setting for a wedding in a parkland in Northern, Virginia. Capacity is around 200 guests, and prices start from $7,000 but go up depending on number of people.
Sterling, Virginia is approximately 28 miles away from Washington, DC. The driving distance between Sterling, VA and Washington, DC is around 30 miles, and it takes about 40 minutes to drive between the two locations without traffic. If you have guests coming in from out of town, this is a convenient location. Sterling is located very close to IAD (Dulles International) Airport.
Cross Keys Vineyard
CrossKeys Vineyards does host weddings. It is a popular wedding venue located in Mount Crawford, VA that offers a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces for wedding ceremonies and receptions. The venue can accommodate up to 250 guests and offers a full-service experience for couples, including catering and event planning services.
Mount Crawford, Virginia is approximately 120 miles away from Washington, DC. The driving distance between Mount Crawford, VA and Washington, DC is around 138 miles, and it takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes to drive between the two locations without traffic. There are no hotels on site but the nearby towns of Harrisonburg and Charlottesville have several hotel venues available where you can have your guests stay.
There is an $8,000 food and beverage minimum on Saturdays and they also offer packages for hosting a rehearsal dinner. This venue has multiple event spaces making it perfect for your big day.
Affordable Wedding Venues In The DMV Area: Under 15K Starting Cost
The areas outside of Washington DC, like Alexandria, offer more affordable venues than those in downtown DC.
Sheraton Suites Old Town Alexandria
Sheraton Suites Old Town Alexandria is located in Alexandria, Virginia. It is a modern hotel with elegant designs. Capacity is 180-250 guests and pricing will vary according to the exact guest count. Prices start at $5,000 but range around $11,000-$14,000 for 100-150 guests.
Hilton Alexandria Mark Center
Hilton Alexandria Mark Center is located in Alexandria, Virginia. The venue offers both indoor and outdoor spaces for wedding ceremonies and receptions, and can accommodate up to 700 guests.
Pricing starts around $12,000. This is a great option if you are looking for larger venues for your special day and have an extensive guest list. While the name of the hotel mentions Alexandria, it is important to know that this hotel is not in the downtown area of Alexandria. It is a high rise venue that is located in close proximity to highway 395.
The Crossvines Vineyard
The Crossvines in Poolesville, MD, is a versatile venue with a modern bistro, wine-making facility, golf course, and research vineyard. This place has both indoor and outdoor spaces for events, including a vast golf course stretching almost 7,000 yards.
For event days, The Crossvines has an on-site dressing rooms for wedding parties, featuring stylish decor and plenty of room. There is also 380 acres, including gardens, a pond, and a vineyard at this property.
The main event space is The Great Room pictured above in a conference style set up. It can hold up to 250 guests. This room combines rustic charm with modern elegance. It has wood panel walls, high vaulted ceilings with wooden beams, and contemporary chandeliers.
The cost for a seated reception starts at $210 per person. However, if you are able to do a less popular day the venue may be able to help on price.
Affordable Wedding Venues In The DMV Area: Summary
Washington DC wedding venues can be very expensive. Depending on your wedding dates and guest list, wedding costs can become astronomical. From traditional event venues to historic buildings, the Washington DC area has a lot of variety to offer when it comes to hosting a special occasion.
Finding cheap wedding venues without sacrificing on style, design, and food can be challenging. Some venues that have starting costs under 5K include Black Ankle Vineyards, the Woodend Sanctuary and Mansion, The Line Hotel, and Top Of The Town. Remember that starting costs usually do not include a standard 20% gratuity and they usually do not include tax. Several venues may also add an event planning fee or an admin fee. Costs will inevitably go up for all venues depending on the guest count.
