The Best Raw Wedding Spaces & Venues in Alexandria, VA

The Best Raw Wedding Spaces & Venues in Alexandria, VA

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5 Wedding Venues in Alexandria, VA

Raw space
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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
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Carlyle House Historic Park 

5.0

Alexandria, VA
  • Up to 75 guests
  • Raw space
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $800

Please contact us directly at CarlyleRentals at NVRPA dot org ! NOVA Parks offers a variety of additional options for your wedding, wedding reception and social gathering in addition to its four large wedding and events facilities. These unique options are perfect for smaller, more intimate gatherings, and offer an extraordinarily unique charm for you and your guests alike. Please find our direct contact information and website in the How to Contact section below.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Exudes old-world charm
  • Natural elegance with open spaces
  • Venue is completely outdoors

Venue considerations

  • Limited cleanup and setup services
  • Dance floor not included
  • Does not provide event staff
We're so glad we booked our small ceremony at Carlyle House! While we initially planned to get married on the front lawn, we pivoted to their tent on the veranda due to rain and it was just as perfect. Randi was so responsive leading up to the big day and was there to help on our wedding day, including helping wrangle our golden retriever!
Rachel S., 2 years ago
The Westin Alexandria 

5.0

Alexandria, VA
  • Up to 450 guests
  • Raw space
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $22,207

Edison Ballroom, our largest venue, is an exquisite backdrop with column lights and gold chandeliers Take advantage of our Hopkins Foyer and Pre-Function Area for your lively cocktail hour Our Wedding Specialists will ensure your dreamlike reception is flawlessly planned and executed Work with our culinary staff to create a personalized dining experience that pleases your palate With our cutting-edge AV equipment, bring wedding toasts, slideshow and entertainment to life Receive exclusive rates on your Alexandria Old Town happily-ever-after with our group reservations

Why you'll love this venue

  • Pets can join the celebration
  • Handles all cleanup logistics
  • Has onsite accommodations

Venue considerations

  • Not for you if you are looking for something nontraditional
  • On-site parking not available
  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
I have worked with Laure & Paul in catering and marketing since the hotel opened and we have partnered on over 40 events. Totally professional and I would recommend anyone looking for a first class venue to check them out.
Ray Bialek, 3 years ago
Quick responder
Woodlawn & Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope-Leighey House 

5.0

Alexandria, VA
  • Up to 250 guests
  • Raw space
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $6,500

Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House offers private rental options that combine the compelling history of the site with its natural landscape. There is a range of select spaces within the 126 acres of land for both small and large groups. Available interior spaces include the Underwood Room at Woodlawn and the Pope-Leighey House. Exterior spaces include the Fountain Garden, the Serpentine Garden, and the Garden at Pope-Leighey House. There is also an Event Tent for larger events availble April through November. Host a wedding ceremony, cocktail reception, dinner, private concert, social gathering, corporate retreat, or team meeting. Private rentals support Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House efforts to continue our preservation and educational programming work across the site.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Classic, vintage atmosphere
  • Dressing room available
  • Has a relaxed and casual vibe

Venue considerations

  • Does not have a dance floor
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • No in-house catering options
We got married under the oak tree during a light rain. It was perfect! The gardens were in bloom and everything was beautiful. The staff was awesome in letting us customize our space and we really liked the tent. The venue is in a convenient area, and they have a recommended vendor list. We went with Main Event and you should too!
Jen, 20 days ago
Quick responder
River Farm | American Horticultural Society 
Alexandria, VA
  • Up to 240 guests
  • Raw space
  • Outdoor & indoor
  • 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.

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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