About Our Venue, and Other Questions

Question

Why Glen Echo?

Answer

The first decision we made was the venue for our wedding - Glen Echo Park was the perfect choice. It’s been a special place for Helene even before she moved to DC. The Spanish Ballroom is probably the most beautiful place she's ever danced. She feels so lucky to dance at so many nights and weekends there. We’re delighted to share this hidden gem with our guests, in the bumper car pavilion. Glen Echo’s history begins more than 130 years, when it was founded as the National Chautauqua Assembly. The founders built an amphitheater and arranged for a rail line directly to the park. While the Chautauqua Assembly was short-lived, its impact can still be seen today in the Stone Tower Gallery, which dates back to the 1890s founding. After a few years, with the encouragement of the rail line’s owners, Glen Echo was converted to an amusement park, which ran successfully for many decades. Much of the Art Deco architecture dates from this era. The main attraction is the 1930s-built Spanish Ballroom, which hosts dances that Helene (and Josh, sometimes) attend. You’ll have an opportunity during our cocktail hour to ride the century-old Dentzel Carousel. The Bumper Car Pavilion and Cuddle Up Pavilion, which will host our wedding, also were part of the amusement park’s attractions. With the closure of the rail line and attendance declining, the amusement park closed in 1968, and the property was turned over to the National Park Service, but it languished for several decades. In 2002, the Glen Echo Partnership for the Arts and Culture took over management, and in the following years, restored and renovated almost all the buildings on the site to their current state, allowing you to travel back in time when you step onto the grounds. Glen Echo today is a thriving arts destination, with thirteen resident artists and organizations, and tens of thousands of visitors every year. We hope you’ll have a little time to explore as you celebrate our big day!

Question

Can I bring my child? Cousin? High School Friend? Random Stranger?

Answer

No, We're sorry we are having a childless wedding. Rejoice parents, and have a fun night off. If needed, we can work on having a babysitter at the hotel if anyone would like us to, they can maybe have a movie night and snacks with the kids there. Also we can't accommodate extra guests, we need a definite guest count for the caterer.

Question

How do I get there?

Answer

Glen Echo has a big parking lot, so the best option may be to drive there. Or Uber/Lyft/Taxis work to get there. Sadly public transportation is tricky to Glen Echo. We also are planning to maybe have a bus to bring folks from the hotel in Bethesda, and back after the wedding, that's a logistic we haven't figured out yet, but we will.

Question

What time should I get there?

Answer

It would be good to arrive by 4pm, feel free to come a little early and walk around the park. It's really beautiful. Also if you play Pokemon Go, there are lots of stops and gyms, so you'll need some time to spin all the spinners.

Question

Is there a dress code?

Answer

A semi-formal look is probably the best choice, but we won't be enforcing a dress code. Sure wear the sneakers with the suit or dress if you're comfortable.

Question

I have a food allergy, can I make a special request?

Answer

Please let us know ahead of time if this the case so we can talk with the caterer. We know we have some friends and family with special needs and have designed our menu with this mind.

Question

We know Josh and Helene don't really drink, do will it be a dry wedding?

Answer

No, it won't be a completely dry wedding We plan to supply beer and wine, we can't have hard liquor because of the venue. And of course there will be plenty of seltzer, and other non-alcoholic choices

Question

I know I can't be there, what should I do?

Answer

You can wait and decline when you get your invitation, and the RSVP section of the website is open. Or, preferably, you can send Josh or Helene a message and let them know. The sooner we know the the better. The more advanced notice we get, the better prepared we can be.

Question

I have a dietary restriction, or food allergy, will you be able to accomodate me?

Answer

We have designed the menu with the caterer with many dietary restrictions and food allergies in mind like vegan, gluten free, lactose free, no shellfish. Not everything follows all those ideas, but there should be something safe to eat for folks with issues. However, we can't accommodate every possible need, but we will do the best we can. If you feel you have to bring your own food, we understand. Please let us know that when you RSVP if that is the case.