Abundant florals, lush greenery, and a peaceful tone make garden-style weddings a trend that I am absolutely in love with as a wedding photographer in DMV. Stroll through some of the most beautiful options for garden wedding venues in DC, Virginia, and Maryland.
Anderson House
Washington, DC
An incomparable garden wedding venue in DC with a rich history and indulgent landscaping. Anderson House features two floors of artwork, a reflecting pool and of course, a walled garden. Inside is just as beautiful, an iconic rain back-up plan to say the least (have you seen the marble staircase)? This is a smaller outdoor wedding venue in DC, but it makes up for it with a grand level of intimacy.
Dumbarton House
Washington, DC
With brick facades, lush walls of greenery, and a historic museum all in one — Dumbarton House is a warm, intimate venue in DC. With space for up to 200 guests and the beautiful North Garden, the area is reserved for a traditional ceremony layout with two blocks of chairs and a center aisle. The Upper Terrace is an important feature, too, with views of East Park and seasonal flora like Japanese snowbell, dogwood trees, daffodils, and peonies. For cocktail hour, they suggest the East Park with its herb garden and the reception in the breathtaking Atrium.
Oxon Hill Manor
Fort Washington, Maryland
Featuring Neo-Georgian architecture and breathtaking outdoor spaces, the Oxon Hill Manor is a 49-room estate with a history of hosting notable celebrations for figures like President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill. Outside of the historical significance, the manor’s expansive lawns, English gardens, and manicured greenery creates an idyllic setting for garden-style affairs. The reflecting pool and sprinkling of statues across the lawn add a storybook quality to the space, while the sweeping views of the Potomac River and National Harbor make it feel expansive.
Antrim 1844
Taneytown, Maryland
A 24-acre escape from the city, Antrim is a restored 19th-century estate with on-site accommodations (40 guest rooms!) and stunning, manicured gardens. It’s been cited as one of the top 25 historic gardens by Historic Hotels of America. Their English Tea Rose Garden is the most iconic, complete with bronze fountains and 80 rose varieties. The mansion and glass-enclosed pavilion are also available as rain backups.
Vaughan House
Forest, Virginia
A micro wedding venue suitable for a modern fairytale, this DC area garden venue is an Airbnb and intimate wedding location. Their inspiration is that of folklore, bringing in the magic of nature through their design of the greenhouse, cottage and other structures. Overnight stays are included with many in-house options available too.
Glen Ellen
Ijamsville, Maryland
A woman-owned garden wedding venue with sprawling land (and wildflowers), Glen Ellen is an incredible venue just 55 minutes from Washington, DC. Cocktail hour can be held in the ruins of the old barn, and a reception tent is available for dining and dancing. There are 30 acres you can reserve just to yourself with a spring-fed pond and luscious gardens with year-round blooms. The Manor is important to mention, pristine and yet cozy with a second-floor balcony with white columns that was once the home of a romance writer.
Hosting a garden wedding in DC or the surrounding areas?
The open-air feel and classic appeal of a DC garden wedding is distinctive and timeless. As a wedding photographer in the DMV, I can’t get enough of them. Get in touch to discuss how we can make your vision come to life at one of these garden wedding venues.
