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What makes Alexandria a great destination for weddings?
- Alexandria is steeped in American history with its beautiful 18th-century architecture and historical landmarks.
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What makes Alexandria appealing for couples looking to get married?
- It’s also a great location for couples wishing to tie the knot in a city bursting with charm and heritage.
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What waterfront venues are available for weddings in Alexandria?
- Waterfront wedding venues like the Chart House and Blackwall Hitch are popular choices.
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What indoor and outdoor wedding venue options are in Alexandria?
- Carlyle House in charming Old Town offers a regal indoor venue, or lush grounds for an outdoor wedding.
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What other stately wedding venues are available in Alexandria?
- Lloyd House and Oxon Hill Manor are other stately choices.
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What other amenities does Alexandria offer for weddings?
- There are hotels, restaurants, museums, and parks galore that couples can choose from for their big day.
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1. Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum
Explore local artifacts and learn Alexandria’s story on an affordable historical trip.
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
2. Athenaeum
Admire regional art and attend cultural events in this unusual, Greek Revival gallery space.
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
3. Blackwall Hitch
Savor seafood and enjoy waterfront views on a romantic evening out.
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
4. Cafe 44
Brunch on the terrace and sip cocktails during a scenic weekend with friends.
Cafe 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
5. Carlyle House Historic Park
Tour this 18th-century mansion and explore gardens on a quick colonial-era visit.
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
6. Cedar Knoll
Dine on seasonal fare and enjoy river views for a peaceful retirement lunch.
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
7. Chart House
Watch boats drift by and savor seafood at this exciting waterfront attraction.
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
8. Evening Star Cafe
Try inventive dishes and enjoy cozy vibes on a fun couples night out.
Evening Star Cafe 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
9. Gadsby's Tavern Museum
Walk through historic rooms and see where founding fathers once dined on a cheap trip.
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
10. Harbour View
Host special events and admire Potomac River views during a romantic waterfront occasion.
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
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