The Best Small Wedding Venues in Alexandria, VA

The Best Small Wedding Venues in Alexandria, VA

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7 Wedding Venues in Alexandria, VA

Historic estates, mansions
Up to 50 guests
Available on September 13, 2026
Quick responder
Sylvanside Farm 

5.0

  • Up to 225 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $5,500

Sylvanside Farm, established in 1744, evokes the ambiance of a small village in the European countryside. In 2018, the farm was purchased and restored to its former glory. The goal in hosting weddings is to preserve this special land, Loudoun’s rich farming heritage and the beautiful rural landscape of Loudoun County, Virginia.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides lighting and sound
  • Flexible event spaces
  • Offers convenient lodging options

Venue considerations

  • Not for you if you don't want a rustic vibe
  • No venue-provided food services
  • Not wheelchair accessible
Awarded Best of Zola
Sylvanside Farm was our first and only venue visit for our daughter’s wedding. The beautiful grounds and historical buildings on the farm made it an easy decision for us all. The owners, Terri and Jeff, have restored their property with utmost respect to its historical charm. Having on site lodging allowed both families to spend quality time together and hosting the rehearsal dinner on site made for an all around relaxing weekend. The curated list of preferred vendors, which Sylvanside provides, was very helpful and each vendor that we selected from their list was top notch. Terri and Jeff were very accommodating and responsive throughout the planning process and I highly recommend their venue for your special day.
Heather P., 2 months ago
Quick responder
Milton Ridge 

5.0

Clarksburg, MD
  • Up to 150 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $3,250
  • Offer

Located in the rolling hills of Maryland between Frederick, MD and Washington, D.C., Milton Ridge boasts exquisite setting and exceptional services. The beautifully restored Milton Ridge Historic Chapel and Reception Hall have been created exclusively for beautiful weddings and occasions with special attention given to every detail. Having your wedding ceremony and reception all in one location will make your wedding planning much easier. It gives you more control over timing and flow, as well as make things easier for your guests. At Milton Ridge, our event coordinator will assist in the planning of every detail of your wedding or special event. We have the ability to customize every detail to meet the specific needs for your special event. With our unique all-inclusive pricing, there are no surprises. You know the true costs up-front, which makes budgeting easier. It also allows us to offer beautifully personalized events at a tremendous value.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has onsite accommodations
  • Classic, vintage atmosphere
  • Provides lighting and sound

Venue considerations

  • Not for you if you are looking for something nontraditional
  • Not for you if you don't want a rustic vibe
Awarded Best of Zola
Milton Ridge was an incredible place to get married! The beauty of the venue and the inclusive wedding options (i.e. catering, DJ, etc.) made this the absolute perfect place to say, "I do!" The getting ready suites were superb & made the day of preparation before the ceremony seamless. The chapel was so beautiful and such a great little spot off the side of 355. Our guests still comment on the simplicity of how we decorated the chapel, and how beautiful the white walls and natural light streaming in were during the ceremony. I was not sure how we'd get group photos on the property... and our photographers were able to use the beautiful stone and green areas within the venue to capture the most beautiful photos of the bride, groom and the wedding party! Guests are still RAVING about how convenient it was to walk up a few stairs to the cocktail hour AND into the reception. They marveled at the ease... park your car, attend the ceremony and then stay and party all night long until it's time to leave! The reception hall was beautiful; the buffet food was to die for; and Meghan and Brandi ensured that EVERY detail of our wedding day was accounted for, seamless and flowing without any hitch! I cannot recommend Milton Ridge enough! Thank you for making our wedding day the most memorable and BEST day of our lives! We owe it to this team, this venue and their support with planning our wedding every step of the way!
Christina D., 7 months ago
Quick responder
Athenaeum 

5.0

Alexandria, VA
  • Up to 80 guests
  • Raw space
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $2,100

The Athenaeum is a beautifully preserved antebellum building, now serving as an art gallery. One of only two remaining examples of Neoclassical Greek Revival architecture in Alexandria, its exterior features an impressive portico supported by soaring Doric columns. Oversized windows bring natural light to the main gallery rooms, which boast 24-foot ceilings, wonderful woodwork, and exposed granite walls lined with rotating art exhibits. Your ceremony can be held in the sweet, private courtyard. This quaint, romantic space has a “secret garden” feel, sheltered from the street by high, vine-covered red brick walls. Please note wheelchair access is available only on the main floor. A/V equipment is available but limited. The Athenaeum is available for viewing during gallery hours or by appointment. Gallery hours are Thursday-Sunday from 12:00pm-4:00pm. The Athenaeum is closed on holidays. Advance notice for viewing the Athenaeum is appreciated.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Pets can join the celebration
  • Offers full flexibility in setup and decor
  • Flexible event spaces

Venue considerations

  • No on-premises lodging options
  • Requires outside catering services
  • Does not have a dance floor
We recently had our wedding at the Athenaeum in Old Town Alexandria, and it was a truly special occasion! The venue was just the right size for the wedding we wanted and the style made us think of the place we got engaged, on the Acropolis in Athens. The venue has a lovely indoor gallery space as well as a courtyard and we hat our ceremony outdoors and the reception indoors. A few things you should keep in mind if you are considering the Athenaeum: the space is on the small side, which we liked, but may not suffice for some weddings; you have to choose one of their recommended caterers or pay an added fee (though we were very happy with the caterers we went with and they knew exactly how the venue worked!); the venue does not include anything beyond the actual space, all vendors and services need to be hired separately. For us, this all worked out well and we felt our guests had a great time! The venue also makes for a beautiful backdrop for photos, just make sure to reserve the parking spaces in front of it. Our only minor issue was that the rental manager was not super responsive, but his coworker was, so it wasn't a problem in the end, I just didn't know who to reach out to at first. All in all, we are so happy we got to have our wedding at the Athenaeum! The art on display on the day was cheerful and modern and everything went according to plan. So excited to see more picture and relive the special day!
Malia, a year ago
Cedar Knoll Restaurant 

5.0

Alexandria, VA
  • Up to 300 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $15,000

Cedar Knoll Restaurant has been proudly serving Fort Hunt, Mount Vernon, and beyond since 1970. Our mission has always been to provide an extraordinary dining experience through the historic, waterfront ambience, attentive service and regional, seasonal cuisine.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Pets can join the celebration
  • Provides lighting and sound
  • Historic touches

Venue considerations

  • Large venue, not ideal for small guest lists
  • No on-site bridal suite
  • No free parking
What a unique and charming venue! My couple celebrated a winter wedding here, and it could not have been a cozier space for their celebration, full of candle light and a romantic fireplace. The front lawn was perfect for dreamy winter portraits, the staff are incredibly friendly, and the entire evening was seamless!
MichelleJones Photography, a year ago
Morrison House Old town Alexandria, Autograph Collection 
Alexandria, VA
  • Up to 80 guests
  • Select services

Embark on a historic getaway at Morrison House Old Town Alexandria, Autograph Collection. Settled in the heart of the city, our hotel provides an unrivaled location moments from the cobblestone roads of King Street, as well as destinations such as Waterfront Park, the National Science Foundation and George Washington's Mount Vernon. After a day of work or play, unwind in our spacious accommodations, where stylish décor, plush bedding and Italian marble bathrooms offer ultimate relaxation.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Historic touches
  • Classic seating dinner

Venue considerations

  • Not for you if you are drawn to more unconventional venues
  • Does not provide event staff
  • Does not have a dance floor
The Lorien Hotel & Spa 
Alexandria, VA
  • Up to 100 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor

We are a boutique hotel of 107 rooms with just under 5,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space. Located in historic Old Town Alexandria, our indoor and outdoor space available all year round features bright, natural lighting with a neutral backdrop to be transformed and customized to suit your vision. Discover a perpetual Saturday state of mind at the Lorien Hotel & Spa in Alexandria. Here, life is lived in balance. Work and play. Productivity and pampering. Going full speed and slowing down. Being so close to Washington, DC makes it a breeze to be swept up in the energy of the capital, and as the only hotel and spa in Alexandria, a celebrated urban escape is just a step away.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Both indoor and outdoor options
  • Provides catering services
  • Romantic vineyard setting

Venue considerations

  • Not for you if you are drawn to more unconventional venues
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • On-site parking not available
Quick responder
River Farm | American Horticultural Society 
Alexandria, VA
  • Up to 240 guests
  • Raw space
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $4,500

**Events Manager OOO until June 2nd, 2025** Step into a fairy tale setting at River Farm, where history and elegance intertwine on the banks of the Potomac. Just 10 minutes from the heart of Old Town Alexandria, this 27-acre historic estate, once owned by George Washington, offers an enchanting blend of natural beauty and timeless grace. Imagine exchanging vows surrounded by lush gardens, breathtaking river views, and the majestic manor house that has stood for centuries. Your wedding at River Farm includes full access to the gardens, grounds, and the grandeur of the manor, with a private bridal suite and restroom upstairs for your comfort and ease. Whether you’re envisioning an intimate ceremony by the river or a grand celebration on the estate’s sweeping lawns, River Farm offers a spectacular setting that makes your special day truly unforgettable.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Both indoor and outdoor options
  • Promotes a party atmosphere
  • Dressing room available

Venue considerations

  • No in-house lighting and sound packages available
  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
  • No on-site guest accommodations

Location flexible? Discover venues near Alexandria, VA

About wedding venues in Alexandria, VA

Alexandria gives you the perfect blend of historic Virginia charm with beautiful Potomac River waterfront views for your wedding day. You'll find everything from cozy art galleries to sprawling historic estates throughout the area, and if you're planning ahead, October tends to be the most popular wedding month here.

What Makes Alexandria a Premier Wedding Destination?

Alexandria's Colonial-era architecture and those charming cobblestone streets in Old Town create an instantly romantic backdrop for your big day. It's just 7 miles from Washington DC too, giving you metropolitan convenience with small-town character. The Potomac River offers gorgeous natural scenery for your ceremony with sunset views that look amazing in photos, especially from spots like River Farm. Your venue options stretch from historic mansions full of character to modern spaces like Above ALX Community where you'll get stunning 360-degree views of the area.

How Much Should You Budget for an Alexandria Wedding?

Wedding venues in Alexandria typically cost between $8,400 and $10,200 with most couples spending around $9,310 on their venue. That's about 18% of your total wedding budget. Most people book their venues about 11 months before the wedding date so you'll want to start looking early.

Guest CountTotal Wedding Budget
50 guests (small wedding)$22,956
100 guests$38,252
150 guests$52,630
200 guests$65,479
250 guests$78,327
300 guests (large wedding)$91,175

Which Wedding Venues in Alexandria Capture Historic Elegance?

River Farm offers impressive grounds that work beautifully for both intimate gatherings and grand celebrations. Their tented patio can handle up to 260 guests with pricing starting at $4,500. You'll love the beautiful gardens surrounding the property and the manor house provides various ceremony settings for weddings of different sizes.

Where Can You Find Urban Sophistication in Alexandria?

The Morrison House in Old Town features stunning Federalist-style architecture that looks amazing in wedding photos. Their intimate Watermark Ballroom accommodates up to 80 guests, perfect for smaller gatherings. The on-site restaurant specializes in locally-sourced cuisine that your foodie friends will appreciate, all within an elegant setting that blends historic charm with modern sophistication.

What Should You Consider When Booking Alexandria Venues?

Plan to book your venue about 11 months (or 343 days) before your wedding date to secure your preferred location. Carlyle House Historic Park offers one of the more budget-friendly options starting at just $950. You'll have access to beautiful gardens and the Magnolia Terrace which can handle ceremonies and receptions for up to 100 guests.

How Can Alexandria Venues Accommodate Remote Participation?

The Alexandrian creates wonderful experiences for guests who can't attend in person with its elegant ballroom and outdoor courtyard serving as perfect backdrops for virtual streaming. Above ALX Community gives you state-of-the-art A/V equipment that's essential for good quality streaming. Morrison House can integrate specific technology to make remote participation feel more personal for your distant loved ones.

Where Can Culinary Enthusiasts Find Outstanding Wedding Food in Alexandria?

Elaine's Restaurant crafts Mediterranean cuisine using seasonal ingredients with delicious Middle Eastern French and Greek influences. The Victorian setting accommodates up to 100 guests for an unforgettable culinary experience. Cedar Knoll Restaurant provides waterfront dining with stunning views while Blackwall Hitch can handle larger gatherings of 300+ guests with chef-driven menus that will impress even your most discerning food critics.

Which Alexandria Venues Best Address Accessibility Needs?

Carlyle House Historic Park features wheelchair-accessible gardens and Magnolia Terrace so all your guests can enjoy the beautiful setting. The Garden Alexandria offers a modern open floor plan with plenty of parking and it's close to public transportation, making it ideal for guests who have mobility considerations or prefer not to drive.

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