The Best Aquarium & Zoo Wedding Venues in Washington, DC

The Best Aquarium & Zoo Wedding Venues in Washington, DC

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1 Wedding Venues in Washington, DC

Aquariums, zoos
150-200 guests
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
My daughter and her husband chose Milton Ridge for their wedding venue. I live on the opposite coast so I had no opportunity to have a look myself. She and her husband were very happy with the layout of the property and the location. She assured me that staff were warm and friendly as well as very professional and that all questions were addressed promptly and in great detail. My daughter and her husband felt listened to and respected by everyone at Milton Ridge. I was anxious but it was their wedding and they had done a lot of research! I am overjoyed that they chose Milton Ridge for their very special day!! I spoke to many guests and family members that day and evening; everyone had high praise for the couple’s choice of venue. The property is self-contained with a beautiful turn of the century chapel on the lower level of the property and a very large bricked patio on the upper level; with an enormous wooden gazebo at one end and tiered garden area at the opposite end. Indoor or outdoor wedding?? Hard to choose as both areas are sooooo lovely. The Bridal suite and Grooms quarter are in a building adjacent to the chapel on the lower level of the property. Another turn of the century building with Bridal suite, porch and porch swing on the ground level and the Grooms quarters on the 2nd level via a private enclosed stairway; providing total privacy for both parties and their respective entourages. Both areas were very well appointed, comfortable and large; plenty of room for multiple people in each area to get ready for the big day! The Reception Hall was on the upper level with a porch and short stairway leading from the hall to the outdoor patio. The Hall was fresh and bright with plenty of room for DJ, tables, dance floor, bar and buffet without feeling overfilled or crowded. Bride and Groom chose the bar-b-que menu for their dinner; it was beautifully presented, delicious and plentiful. No one left Milton Ridge hungry that evening! The wait staff and bartenders were all very attentive and had obviously been very well trained at table service and bar service respectively. Music was provided by a DJ who was contracted by Milton Ridge and was included with the package that my daughter and her husband had chosen. The selection was a mix of old and new with the focus of getting the guests up and dancing. He was very good at his job and he accomplished his goal! Last but definitely not least; the photographer; also contracted with Milton Ridge! He was amazing!!! The unique shots, quality and beauty of his work left us speechless. He was everywhere, but never in the way, always inconspicuous and watching for that perfect candid shot. Even his posed photos had a very relaxed casual look about them. All photos were organized and available to the newlyweds on the Milton Ridge website within 10days of their wedding day!! ALL pictures belong to her and her husband to print, copy and share with whoever they wish!! Milton Ridge exceeded my expectation and I would never hesitate to recommend them to anyone!!
Karen F., a month ago

Location flexible? Discover venues near Washington, DC

About wedding venues in Washington, DC

What Makes DC's Wedding Venues Worth Their Premium Price?

You'll discover something truly special in DC's most distinctive venues. Take the International Spy Museum, where your wedding photos can capture interactive exhibits as unique backdrops, or the Anderson House with its stunning 18th-century architecture and intimate garden setting. If you're looking for modern sophistication, District Winery combines urban charm with waterfront views and private wine cellars perfect for intimate celebrations. Art lovers will appreciate the National Museum of Women in the Arts, where your ceremony can unfold beneath Renaissance Revival architecture and rotating art exhibitions.

When it comes to pricing, DC venues typically run between $10,800 and $12,700 – a bit higher than the national range of $6,500-$12,000. But you're getting more than just a space; you're investing in prestigious locations and comprehensive services that make your day truly memorable.

How Much Does a DC Wedding Actually Cost?

Planning a wedding in DC? Here's what you can expect to spend for 150 guests, with the average total coming in at $62,864. Let's break that down:

Service CategoryAverage CostPercentage of Total
Venue$11,73225%
Catering$9,38520%
Bar Services$7,50816%
Florists$7,82117%
Photographers$5,68812%
Planners$4,97711%

When Should You Book Your DC Wedding Vendors?

Start your planning journey about a year out, with venue booking leading the way at 12 months before your big day. You'll want to secure your caterer photographer band or DJ and wedding planner around the 10-month mark. Florists typically need 9 months' notice while hair and makeup artists should be booked 8 months ahead. Here's a pro tip: October sees the highest number of venue inquiries so plan accordingly.

Which DC Venues Best Match Different Wedding Styles?

Whether you're dreaming of historic elegance or modern sophistication DC has it all. The Kimpton Hotel Monaco transforms historic marble corridors into fresh contemporary spaces while the St. Regis Washington DC offers timeless luxury with Palladian windows and crystal chandeliers. For something truly unique check out The Line DC housed in a 110-year-old church where soaring ceilings and original stained glass meet modern design. Nature lovers will find their perfect backdrop at the United States National Arboretum spanning 446 acres with the iconic National Capitol Columns.

How Do DC's Historic Venues Blend Tradition with Modern Amenities?

You'll find thoughtful adaptations across DC's historic venues. The Hay-Adams welcomes diverse celebrations with specially designed spaces while the National Union Building offers kosher kitchen facilities and flexible spaces for traditional ceremonies. Even the International Spy Museum steps up with multilingual staff and adaptable floor plans that work for various cultural seating arrangements.

What Makes DC's Indoor-Outdoor Venues Unique?

Picture your ceremony at the DC War Memorial surrounded by cherry blossoms with space for up to 250 guests. Or imagine celebrating at Sequoia Restaurant where floor-to-ceiling windows and waterfront terraces create a stunning backdrop. The National Museum of Women in the Arts offers the best of both worlds: a grand marble staircase inside and a lovely garden outside perfect for cocktail hour.

How Can You Navigate DC's Wedding Transportation Options?

Getting around DC is easier than you might think. The St. Regis puts you just two blocks from McPherson Square Metro while District Winery offers a unique water taxi service. Anderson House makes parking a breeze with valet service for 200 vehicles plus shuttle options. The International Spy Museum's central location gives your guests access to three Metro lines and reliable transportation partners.

Which DC Venues Excel at Inclusive Celebrations?

Every couple deserves their perfect celebration. The National Museum of Women in the Arts features complete universal access throughout with elevator service to all ceremony spaces. District Winery offers gender-neutral getting-ready suites and customizable spaces while The Line DC provides dedicated accessibility coordinators to ensure everyone feels welcomed and comfortable.

When Are DC's Wedding Venues Most Spectacular?

Each season brings its own magic to DC venues. Spring showcases the National Arboretum's stunning azalea collections while summer evenings at the DC War Memorial offer enchanting views of illuminated monuments. Fall transforms Anderson House's garden with vibrant foliage and winter celebrations shine at Sequoia Restaurant's heated riverside terrace. Year-round the St. Regis's conservatory brings natural light to even the coolest winter days.

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