FAQs

Question

Are masks required at the wedding ceremony and reception?

Answer

Masks are required, regardless of vaccination status, inside the mansion when not eating or drinking. Masks are not required outdoors, as designated by Montgomery County guidelines. If you are traveling from out of state, please have a mask with you as masks are required indoors throughout the area and on all public transit. Masks will be available for guests who need one at various spots throughout the venue. Thank you for helping keep yourself and others safe and healthy!

Question

Will transportation be provided from the hotel to the venue?

Answer

Yes. Shuttles will begin loading passengers out front of the Hyatt Bethesda around 4:15 PM, with an estimated departure time of 4:30 PM. Shuttles will return to the hotel at the end of the wedding reception, departing around 10:15 PM. There will be two early shuttle options leaving Woodend for guests who would like to leave early. Shuttles will depart around 8:15 and 9:15 PM. Announcements will be made throughout the reception about early departure shuttle times for those guests who are interested.

Question

When should I RSVP by?

Answer

Please RSVP by October 1st using the RSVP tab on our website. We can't wait to celebrate with you!

Question

What is the dress code?

Answer

Cocktail attire, please.

Question

Are children invited?

Answer

Please, no children. The wedding ceremony, cocktail hour and reception are for adults only.

Question

Will there be a wedding ceremony?

Answer

There will be a vow renewal ceremony in lieu of a traditional wedding ceremony as Julia and Michael were married in an intimate ceremony on 9/25/20.

Question

Where will the ceremony take place?

Answer

The ceremony will take place at Woodend Sanctuary. The ceremony will be held in the grove (follow the stone path from the mansion down to the ceremony site). Please keep in mind you will have to walk through grass to get to your seat, so pointed heels may dig into the ground. The ceremony will be outside, so please dress accordingly as the weather in Maryland in late October fluctuates. If it rains, the ceremony will be inside in the Great Hall.

Question

What time should I arrive at the ceremony?

Answer

Please arrive anytime between 5 and 5:15pm. Please do not arrive prior to 5.

Question

How do I get to the venue?

Answer

Woodend Sanctuary’s address is 8940 Jones Mill Road, Chevy Chase, MD 20815. If guests just use their GPS with either Woodend or Audubon Naturalist Society, they might end up arriving through the back gate on Brierly Road. We recommend that you arrive on Jones Mill Road, and therefore use the address instead of the name.

Question

Where do we park?

Answer

When you arrive at Woodend, drive all the way up the driveway. The first parking lot is on the right-hand side across from the Audubon Naturalist Shop. Also, there is parking on the North side of the house, where the main entrance is, and down the driveway diagonally on both sides, towards Brierly Road (exit gate).

Question

Is there parking at the ceremony and reception site?

Answer

Yes. However, there are only enough parking spaces for about 80 cars, so we highly suggest carpooling or taking an Uber/ Lyft or taxi if you do not take the provided shuttle from the Hyatt to Woodend.

Question

Is there handicapped accessibility?

Answer

There is a drop-off area for one vehicle by the grove for guests who may need help, including wheelchairs and walkers, into the grove. From the pullout there is a path without steps to the left around the stone terrace. We suggest someone help this individual into the grove, get them seated, and then temporarily move the car to the parking by the gatehouse, so it does not appear in the background of your pictures. Depending on your guest’s physical challenge, the driver may then want to bring the car back and drive the individual up to the house where we have handicap parking in front of the bookstore. The door under the Palladian window and balcony does not have steps.

Question

Where will the reception take place?

Answer

The reception will take place in the tented terrace area and the bottom floor of the mansion. Both the ceremony and reception are taking place at Woodend Sanctuary.

Question

Will there be vegan/ vegetarian/ gluten free food options?

Answer

Yes. When completing your RSVP, please indicate any dietary restrictions or food allergies in the section provided.