Yes. As of early October, Virginia is in Phase 3 and indoor dining, as well as gatherings up to 250 are technically allowed. However, our venue has implemented capacity restrictions that are more stringent than the state guidelines & as a result, we have had to significantly reduce our guest list. We still plan to marry on October 24th and our smaller celebration will follow all venue, state and federal guidance available at that time.
To help minimize the risk of COVID transmission, we are implementing a number of mitigation tactics. The venue, which can normally accommodate up to 260 guests, is limiting its capacity by more than 50 percent. All vendors and staff are required to wear masks and have their temperatures checked daily. Masks, which we will provide, will be required by guests for any indoor portions of the event, except for once seated at a dinner table. Hand sanitizer stations will be set up throughout the venue. We will limit the number of guests seated at each table to 6 and will group according to family or close friends. All tables will be at least 6 feet apart. All meals will be plated and served - no buffets or self-service stations to reduce high touch points and surface contamination. We will host as much of the event outdoors as possible, weather permitting. And the venue upgraded to a hospital-grade air filtration system in April (MERV 13).
Our current plan, assuming good weather, is to host the ceremony, cocktail reception and dancing outdoors on the venue's balconies. The dinner will be hosted inside in the ballroom with tables spaced appropriately. We will aim to have as much of the event as possible outdoors where the risk of COVID transmission is the lowest. However, if the weather doesn't cooperate, we will move all events inside where everyone will be expected to wear a mask except when eating dinner. So send a prayer up to the weather gods for us!
Yes! If you are experiencing any COVID-related symptoms, have known exposure to someone that's tested positive or you yourself have tested positive in the 14 days before the wedding, we please ask that you not attend. We'd much rather receive a last minute cancellation than risk the health & safety of our guests. Additionally, any efforts to minimize your exposure in the two weeks leading up to the wedding would be much appreciated. Bonus points for those who get tests to confirm their negative-COVID status!
Yes, we will arrange for a live stream of the ceremony via Zoom. If you'd like to request a link, email bbernstein3@elon.edu.
As of mid October, we anticipate 84 guests in attendance. So just under a third of the venue's capacity!
It's about a 15 minute ride from the hotels in Old Town Alexandria to Army Navy Country Club.
No, guests will be responsible for getting to and from the venue. Ubers are everywhere here and should cost less than $20 each way. We will have valet available at the venue free of charge for those who opt to drive.
Wedding attire is black tie optional.
We recommend flying into Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), if possible. It's located about 15 minutes from the hotels in Old Town Alexandria. Washington Dulles is another option but anticipate a 40 minute taxi ride to the hotel and pricey cab fare (often $60+)
Unfortunately, no - this will be an adults-only wedding (16 yrs. of age and older) as we will not have childcare options available onsite.