Alexandria is steeped in American history with its beautiful 18th-century architecture and historical landmarks. It’s also a great location for couples wishing to tie the knot in a city bursting with charm and heritage. Waterfront wedding venues like the Chart House and Blackwall Hitch are popular choices. Carlyle House in charming Old Town offers a regal indoor venue, or lush grounds for an outdoor wedding. Lloyd House and Oxon Hill Manor are other stately choices. There are hotels, restaurants, museums, and parks galore that couples can choose from for their big day.
The Lyceum: Alexandria’s History Museum
The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum, an elegant Greek revival building constructed in 1839, provides wedding parties a unique historical space that is ideal for those hosting an elegant wedding. This grand, historical event space accommodates 95 seated guests and has rose colored drapery, wall-to-wall carpeting, and ornately upholstered armchairs. A large movie screen and projection booth, platform stage, and a small kitchen are provided. A gorgeous concert grand piano is available, and guests have access to galleries for a fee between the ceremony and reception. The Lyceum can host weddings both during and after business hours.
201 South Washington Street, Alexandria, VA, Phone: 703-746-4994
Athenaeum
Chosen by both Virginia Living Magazine and Washingtonian as a top wedding venue, Athenaeum in Alexandria offers a dramatic setting for exchanging vows. Located in historical Old Town, this venue is an ideal location for a classic or outdoor wedding. The exterior of the Greek Revival structure has stucco walls over brick and stone, and a portico that is held up by four large Doric columns. The interior rooms are all unique featuring large windows, covered ceilings that are 24 feet high, and beautiful woodwork. Athenaeum also offers a “secret garden” hidden from the street, featuring high, red brick walls covered with vines for the ultimate privacy.
201 Prince Street, Alexandria, VA, Phone: 703-548-0035
Blackwall Hitch
Blackwall Hitch in Alexandria is a spectacular restaurant in Old Town that overlooks the Potomac River. This waterfront venue provides a comfortable and sophisticated ambience for couples wanting a chic, nautical-themed wedding. The interior has ornate woodwork and quartz flooring in the foyer, plus four venue choices. The King’s Room is the largest, accommodating 90 seated guests; it features polished wood floors and large windows offering Potomac views. The Captain’s Quarters seats 36 dinner reception guests in complete privacy. The semi-private Bridge accommodates up to 60 guests, and the Crow’s Nest offers spectacular views and seats 32 to 54 guests. There is also outdoor space on the waterfront deck.
5 Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA, Phone: 703-739-6090
Cafe 44
Café 44 in Alexandria, offers an ambience of serenity and comfort in this stylish event space. Their location in a coastal community is ideal for couples wanting a traditional, waterfront ceremony. The venue accommodates 100 people if couples want to buy out the entire space. Otherwise, smaller spaces like the Terrace are available. Located on the 4th floor, it seats 40 guests and features views of iconic monuments in Washington DC. The Potomac also accommodates 40 guests, and has white marble tables, an orange banquette, and panoramic views. The Balcony, adjacent to The Terrace, accommodates 32 seated guests.
44 Canal Center Plaza #401, Alexandria, VA, Phone: 571-344-9100
Carlyle House Historic Park
With the majestic Potomac River just two-blocks away and sitting in historic Alexandria, Carlyle House Historic Park is a highly sought after and regal wedding venue. Luminaries, such as Lord Fairfax and George Washington have spent time here. It’s an ideal location for an elegant traditional wedding. This stately manor accommodates 100 guests and offers a courtyard with stone pathways, lush greenery, and a gazebo surrounded by tall trees. Carlyle House also offers the tented Magnolia Terrace featuring a brick patio, views of the grounds, and string lights. The interior décor of this home built in 1753 presents two-working fireplaces, hardwood floors, and large windows.
121 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA, Phone: 703-549-2997
Cedar Knoll
George Washington once owned the land now home to Cedar Knoll Restaurant. He purchased the property in 1760 and created River Farm. Today, Cedar Knoll is an elegant restaurant that offers regal event space, making this an ideal location for a country-chic wedding. The venue offers indoor space such as the Botanical Room, featuring a slate floor, vintage botanical diagrams, and a romantic fireplace. The Presidential Room provides a 19th century vibe featuring a grand chandelier, dark wood furnishings, and lush fabrics. Cedar Knoll also offers an outdoor patio for spring and summer ceremonies surrounded by a green lawn and tall, mature trees.
9030 Lucia Lane, Fort Hunt, VA, Phone: 703-780-3665
Alexandria Wedding Venues: Chart House
Chart House in Alexandria, has long been recognized as a premier fine dining restaurant. It presents an ambience of comfort and relaxation, making this location ideal for a casual nautical-themed wedding. The Chart House provides couples with the option of buying out the whole restaurant, or just reserving private areas. Use of the whole restaurant accommodates 300 seated guests with panoramic views of the Potomac River. The Bermuda/Sequoia Room accommodates up to 85 guests and features pendant lighting, floor-to-ceiling windows, and ornate crown molding. The Capital Room features cream colored walls and a wood ceiling, the perfect neutral background for any wedding color palette.
1 Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA, Phone: 703-684-5080
Wedding Venues Near Me: Evening Star Cafe
Evening Star Café in Alexandria, a local favorite wedding venue for over two decades. It’s an ideal location for budget-minded couples wanting a small casual or vintage wedding celebration. The venue offers quaint indoor and outdoor spaces. NO.9 Lounge, can be reserved as a private upstairs event space with hardwood floors, exposed ceilings, deep hued mid-century furnishings, and ornate chandeliers; it has a maximum capacity of 75 guests and features a private bar. The restaurant can accommodate plated or buffet dinner, or a cocktail reception. The menu features Southern Dixie-style dishes with a contemporary twist made from locally sourced ingredients.
2000 Mt Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, Phone: 703-549-5051
Gadsby's Tavern Museum
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum in Alexandria, once the focal point of Alexandria’s social and political scene, is now a museum that provides event space that is ideal for couples wanting a romantic wedding. The venue offers two rooms for wedding ceremonies and receptions. The Ballroom accommodates 70 seated guests featuring hardwood floors, ornate crown molding, and glowing chandeliers. The quaint, but elegant, Assembly Room accommodates 40 seated guests and has polished hardwood floors, large windows, and a romantic, working fireplace. The room also showcases glittering chandeliers, antique paintings, and decorative wall fixtures. Couples can have their first dance where George Washington and his wife once danced.
134 North Royal Street, Alexandria, VA, Phone: 703-746-4242
Alexandria Wedding Venues: Harbour View
Harbour View in Woodbridge, a six-time WeddingWire Couples’ Choice award-winner, and three-time WeddingWire Bride’s Choice award-winner, offers a stunning event venue that is ideal for couples wanting a wedding with water views. The Veranda, a three-sided enclosed space allowing fresh air, accommodates 240 guests and has uninterrupted views of the Occoquan River, exposed brick columns, and wood dance floor. The Gallery is an elegant space featuring a center room chandelier, ornate tile ceiling, and polished wood floors. The largest event space, The Sewall’s Point Ballroom accommodates 320 seated guests and has a hardwood dance floor, stylish chandeliers, and Roman columns.
13200 Marina Way, Woodbridge, VA, Phone: 703-910-4273
Hollin Hall Weddings and Events
Hollin Hall Weddings and Events in Alexandria, a 2019 recipient of the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice award, is situated on seven acres of land that was once part of the George Mason estate. It’s an ideal location for a vintage or traditional wedding. The venue hosts indoor and outdoor wedding ceremonies and receptions. The Garden consists of a boxwood maze with a wisteria-arbored terrace, colorful garden, and brick columns. The Meeting House is contemporary and large featuring a soaring ceiling, warm hardwood floors, and exposed brick. It also has an ornate, circular stained-glass window. A slate terrace adjoins the Meeting House and accommodates 175 seated guests.
1909 Windmill Lane, Alexandria, VA, Phone: 703-765-5950
HUMMINGBIRD Bar and Kitchen
Located inside Hotel Indigo, Hummingbird Bar and Kitchen offers elegant event space and water views. The restaurant is a good location ideal for the couple wanting a nautical-themed or elegant wedding. The venue offers both indoor and outdoor space for small or large gatherings. The Nectar Room is intimate accommodating 14 seated guests, and featuring a wrought iron chandelier, wood floors and ceiling, and large floor to ceiling windows. The Duke Room has a long full-service bar, feature stone walls, and a cushioned banquette. The venue also offers a waterfront deck on the strand that showcases views of the river, wood deck, and suspended lighting.
220 South Union Street, Alexandria, VA, Phone: 703-566-1355
Kimpton Lorien Hotel & Spa
Kimpton Lorien Hotel and Spa in Old Town Alexandria, a two-time WeddingWire Bride’s Choice award-winner and also a four-time WeddingWire Couples’ Choice award-winner, offers couples an event venue that is ideal for classic weddings. The venue provides over 2,000 square feet of opulent event space and accommodates 100 guests for a seated wedding dinner. This venue has a rooftop featuring a full-service bar, cityscape views, and comfortable lounge seating. The Courtyard has exposed brick, marble flooring, and a water fountain. The Ballroom has a neutral color palette, recessed lighting, and large pane windows with views of the city.
1600 King Street, Alexandria, VA, Phone: 703-894-3434
Mia's Italian Kitchen
Originally erected in 1871, Mia’s Italian Kitchen in Old Town Alexandria mixes an eclectic interior design with exquisite, authentic Italian cuisine, making this venue ideal for a casual or vintage wedding. This unique event space provides couples with a professional event coordinator to ensure every detail is taken care of. The venue offers two floors of elegant interior décor. Accommodating 45 seated guests, the first floor has tall French doors, exposed bricks, a curvilinear bar, and brick oven pizza. The second floor accommodates 55 seated guests and features large two-story windows and a spacious, open kitchen.
100 King Street, Alexandria, VA, Phone: 703-997-5300
Indoor Wedding Venues Near Me: Morrison House, Autograph Collection
In the heart of Old Town Alexandria, Morrison House provides several enjoyable event spaces that are ideal for a traditional wedding. This 2,000-square-foot, AAA four Diamond, literary-inspired venue accommodates 80 seated guests in its Parlor or Watermark Ballroom. The Parlor features hardwood floors, wall sconce and chandelier lighting, and large windows offering Old Town views. The space also has a romantic fireplace, cushioned furniture, and ornate crown molding. The regal Watermark Ballroom features low-lit wall sconce lighting, glittering chandeliers, and large windows. Morrison House has stylish décor in a neutral color palette, lovely French doors, and dark furnishings.
116 South Alfred Street, Alexandria, VA, Phone: 703-838-8000
Oxon Hill Manor
Overlooking the Potomac River sitting high on a hill, Oxon Hill Manor in Maryland, provides an ideal setting for brides wanting a formal wedding. The venue offers exquisite indoor and outdoor event space to suit any size ceremony. The Back Terrace is an elegant setting featuring an expansive lawn with Potomac River views, stylish water fountain, and brick patio. The interior décor consists of herringbone pattern floors, a romantic fireplace, and glass French doors reaching from floor to ceiling. This venue offers a bridal suite on the second floor accessed by a winding staircase and featuring a fireplace and hardwood floors.
6901 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD, Phone: 301-839-7782
Potomac Riverboat Company
Potomac Riverboat Company in Alexandria is in the business of providing scenic water and coastal view weddings. Aboard the Cherry Blossom, a replication of a 19th-century Victorian-style riverboat, couples can enjoy a romantic wedding on the open water. The paddle wheeler can accommodate 120 to 150 wedding guests for seated dinner, or up to 350 guests for cocktail receptions. Its three-floors feature mahogany pane windows, brass trim, and ornate iron rails. The temperature-controlled bottom floors have ornate tin ceilings, long banquettes, and wood columns. The nautical venue offers a professional event planner to ensure the day runs smoothly, choice of sailing route, exclusive boat usage, captain and crew, a list of vendor referrals, and wireless microphones.
211 North Union Street, Alexandria, VA, Phone: 703-684-0580
Sheraton Suites Old Town Alexandria
Sheraton Suites Old Town Alexandria is an elegant event venue in the city’s historic area. It offers event space indoors and outdoors, and is an ideal choice for a modern wedding. The romantic Courtyard offers over 1,800 square feet of space accommodating up to 60 seated guests. It has brick walls, a brick patio, lush greenery, and a centered tree which is a perfect location for the altar. The 2,000-square-foot main ballroom seats 150 guests and features a warm color palette, wood dance floor, and ambient lighting. The venue offers an event planner, bridal suite, and in-house catering.
801 North Asaph Street, Alexandria, VA, Phone: 703-836-4700
The Alexandrian, Autograph Collection
Located in historic Old Town, The Alexandrian offers versatile indoor and outdoor event space. Outdoors, the Courtyard offers an idyllic venue for couples hosting a large wedding. At over 3,500 square feet, the brick patio with and has a red-brick façade and potted bushes accommodates 200 seated guests. Indoors, the Old Town Ballroom accommodates 180 seated guests in its 2,300 square feet. It features thick carpeting, a wood dance floor, and golden-hued chandeliers. This regal space also has large windows, an ornate ceiling, and rich décor. There is also a bridal suite for pre-ceremony preparations. Weddings include set up, clean up, chairs, tables, and linens.
480 King Street, Alexandria, VA, Phone: 703-549-6080
The Carlyle Club
The prestigious Carlyle Club in Alexandria is a renowned wedding venue, perfect for a lavish affair. The art deco-style ambience transports couples to the 1920s for an unforgettable experience. This all-inclusive venue can accommodate up to 275 guests in a stylish ballroom with an elevated stage for a DJ or band. Other features include luxurious leather chairs, professional grade theater lighting and sound systems, and a wood dance floor. Wedding packages at The Carlyle include on-site ceremony space, set up, clean up, a bridal suite, an event planner, tables, chairs, centerpieces, cake service, linens, and tableware. This venue consistently wins awards.
2050 Ballenger Avenue, Alexandria, VA, Phone: 703-548-8899
The International Spy Museum
Boasting exquisite views of Washington, D.C. and the Potomac River, The International Spy Museum offers couples a sophisticated and modern event space. It’s the perfect choice for couples with flair. The beautifully landscaped Rooftop Terrace is situated on the 8th floor for outdoor weddings, and has the capacity to seat 150 guests with unparalleled views of the cityscape. Indoors, light floods the modern 7th floor ballroom via floor-to-ceiling windows by day, and showcases the dazzle of city lights by night. Couples work with an experienced team of event planners and partner vendors to design their perfect day.
700 L’Enfant Plaza Southwest, Washington, DC, Phone: 202-393-7798
The Westin Alexandria Old Town
The Westin Alexandria Old Town, offering over 12,000 square feet of luxurious event space in the midst of this historic neighborhood. A mix of elegance and comfort, this venue is perfect for both sophisticated and casual wedding celebrations. The Westin provides a memorable outdoor space with a brick patio, lush green trees, and a stately water fountain. Indoors, the venue is home to Old Town Alexandria’s largest ballroom – the Edison Ballroom. At a vast 8,000 square feet, it accommodates 1,000 guests. The ballroom showcases dark wood furnishings, modern chandeliers, and a classic dropped ceiling. For a more intimate experience, the Wright Room accommodates 50 people and features expansive windows and Masonic Memorial views.
400 Courthouse Square, Alexandria, VA, Phone: 703-253-8600
Top of the Town Reception and Conference Facility
Top of the Town Reception and Conference Facility in North Arlington is a five-time WeddingWire Couples’ Choice award-winner. The premier event space provides couples with a venue that will not soon be forgotten. This dramatic venue provides a stunning penthouse accommodating 180 guests, and showcasing spectacular views of the Potomac River and the Nation’s Capital. It features 12-foot-high windows, opulent chandeliers, and a wood dance floor. The penthouse accesses an outdoor deck featuring comfortable outdoor furniture, mood lighting, and more breathtaking views. This venue offers set up, clean up, chairs, tables, linens, and audio equipment.
1400 14th Street, North Arlington, VA, Phone: 703-387-8696
Waterfront Park
On Prince Street alongside the Potomac, Waterfront Park is an ideal event venue for couples wanting a romantic or casual waterfront wedding. This beautiful park provides wedding parties with views of Goose Island, the US Capitol Building, and Washington D.C. Waterfront Park easily accommodates 1,000 guests in its wide-open spaces between the historic retail district and the water. This historic park in Old Town provides a backdrop of rippling water, luxury boats, and trees that change colors in the fall for perfect wedding photos. Other park features include shade structures, an open plaza, adaptable modular space, and shade structures.
1 A Prince Street, Alexandria, VA, Phone: 703-652-5367
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