10 Historic DC Area Wedding Venues We Love

Barboursville Vineyards & Historic Ruins

17655 Winery Rd., Barboursville, VA; (540) 832-3824; BarboursvilleWine.com
In the Virginia foothills, the historic ruin of Governor James Barbour's home (designed by Thomas Jefferson and burned in a fire in 1884) is a surprisingly beautiful backdrop for any ceremony and can seat up to 200 guests in the winery. (Check out Liz and Garey's wedding there). Move the party indoors for elegant experience at the vineyard's Tuscan-style Tasting Room and Arcades, which accommodates up to 120 (250 standing).

Black Horse Inn

8393 Meetze Rd., Warrenton, VA; (540) 349-4020; BlackHorseInn.com
Just 45 minutes from Washington, DC, this historic inn is reminiscent of an old screenplay, with stately columns, a serene pond and waterfall and fragrant gardens situated on 20 rolling acres with panoramic views of the countryside and grazing horses, which traditionally “bless” each couple on their wedding day. The Gilded Fox reception facility, which sits up to 200 guests, features a stone fireplace, a flagstone terrace and looks out onto the pastures. Outside catering is allowed.

The Comus Inn at Sugarloaf Mountain

23900 Old Hundred Road, Dickerson, MD; (301) 349-5100; TheComusInn.com
Local Knotties love this cozy, rural inn with its breathtaking views of Sugarloaf Mountain and beautifully handcrafted mahogany bar in the Grand Room (accommodates 90) that opens to a fountained terrace which can be tented for groups larger than 60. Its restaurant dates back to 1862 and offers menus that range from gourmet plated-meals to sushi stations.

Decatur House on Lafayette Square

1610 H Street, NW Washington, DC; (202) 218-4338; DecaturHouse.org
Sip cocktails under the stars, surrounded by lush green gardens, and then dine under captivating vaulted ceilings in the Carriage House of one of the capital's most historic homes. Decatur House on Lafayette Square has hosted more than 180 years of the most important names in politics and business. The spacious ballroom (accommodates up to 250) features a wall of windows and French doors that open out onto the Courtyard (holds up to 300 standing) and garden area.

Historical Society of Washington, DC

801 K St., NW at Mount Vernon Square, Washington, DC; (202) 369-5695; HistoryDC.org
Located in the heart of DC, across from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, the Historical Society offers 10,000 square feet of indoor space that boasts beautiful marble staircases, terrazzo floors and Beaux-Arts architecture. This venue is perfect for large parties (accommodates up to 500 indoors, but grounds can hold 1,500). Licensed and preapproved caterers are welcome.

Long Branch Historic House & Farm

830 Long Branch Lane, Millwood, VA; (877) 868-1811; HistoricLongBranch.com
This gorgeous landmark, built in 1811 amid the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, has been hosting weddings on its secluded property since 1913 with a large brick and landscaped terrace (which can be tented and holds 300), sparkling pond and romantic South Portico overlooking the Sheila Macqueen Gardens. After the ceremony, guests are invited to take guided tours of the Historic House (can be used for parties of up to 75) which hosts a collection of 18th- and 19th-century furnishings. A list of preferred vendors will be provided.

National Museum of the Marine Corps

18900 Jefferson Davis Highway, Triangle, VA; (703) 649-2350; MarineHeritage.org
The history of this facility is on the inside, where it preserves some of the nation's most treasured artifacts. The Leatherneck Gallery seats up to 850 guests beneath the awe-inspiring 210-foot mast and glass atrium, while The Overlook, shadowed by authentic Marine Corps aircraft, is more suitable for smaller gatherings of up to 100. Planning a smaller celebration? The Tun Tavern, an authentic replica of the Philadelphia tavern where the first Marines were recruited in 1775, can accommodate 36 guests.

Sixth and I Synagogue

600 I St. NW, Washington, DC; (202) 408-3100; SixthandI.org
This 102-year-old nondenominational and non-membership synagogue hosts Jewish weddings for all couples, including interfaith and same-sex partners. Its nontraditional, open policy is complemented by its stunning historic sanctuary (accommodates 800) with stained- glass windows, soaring arches, vaulted ceiling and newly renovated social hall, which seats up to 384 people when arranged theater-style. Only Kosher food is permitted in the synagogue, so ask for their list of preapproved vendors.

Tremont Grand

225 North Charles St., Baltimore, MD, (443) 573-8444; Tremonts.com
This historic building was built by the Freemasons in 1866 and served as the Grand Lodge Masonic Temple and headquarters for more than 130 years. The three-century old Marble Room (holds 180) in this historic gem will wow you with opulent detailing, like beautiful stained-glass windows from 1866, or celebrate in the larger Corinthian Room (accommodates 220) with soaring chandeliers and gilded columns. Onsite catering and a full staff of event planners are available.

Woodend Sanctuary

8940 Jones Mill Rd., Chevy Chase, MD; (301) 652-9188 ext. 38; AudubonNaturalist.org
A relaxed and elegant setting, this site's Greek portico and distinguished spaces like the Great Hall and Wedding Grove offer a romantic setting for ceremonies and receptions of just about any size. French doors open out onto a tented terrace, which holds up to 150 seated guests and is available between April and November. Inside, fine architectural details like crown molding, a carved fireplace and gorgeous staircase have made this a local Knottie favorite. Hold your green wedding here and you'll be directly supporting the facility's environmental education programs.

-- Carrie Chambers

Posted on: May 12, 2011