Second for Matisse if FH is close to you. Very nice entry, bar area for guests to gather. Wedding pictures on the steps with all that ironwork would be fabulous. The food is great. I don't know anything about the owners or how expensive it would be - I've only had brunch there. Sounds cheesy - but feels romantic inside.

Good luck!

We had our small wedding reception at Le Ferme restaurant in Chevy Chase. It was very nice.

Chef Geoffs and Clydes are reasonable and have private rooms for parties.

Restaurant Nora - they have an awesome upstairs room.
Jaleo (especially the bethesda restaurant) - great food.

Anonymous wrote:Maggiano's is super reasonable and I think the atmosphere is just classy enough... I know people who have had private parties there and it seemed really cheap for the price.

I would just think of your favorite restaurants that you consider generally reasonably priced, and inquire about private events/group dining options at those places.

I went to a shower at Maggiano's and I was very impressed! It was much nicer than I expected it would be. I think this would be a nice option.

LE BERGERIE.

1789

Maggiano's is super reasonable and I think the atmosphere is just classy enough... I know people who have had private parties there and it seemed really cheap for the price.

I would just think of your favorite restaurants that you consider generally reasonably priced, and inquire about private events/group dining options at those places.

2941

Bellissimo Restaurant, Fine Northern Italian Cuisine. It's a historic building in the heart of Old Town Fairfax- beautiful murals on the wall and fantastic food. My friend's son had his reception there and it was glorious!

Congrats! We did it this way. Best decision ever. Planned the whole thing in 2 weeks, fantastic food, didn't spend a fortune and we're just as married.

What area? Different recommendations depending on Alex., Arlington, Fairfax, DC, MoCo, or PG.

Restaurant Eve has a nice private room, but I think it only does up to 20. The Iron Gate Inn used to have a nice upstairs room. I'd check with them now that they're reopened under new mgmt. Their restaurant is getting stellar reviews but don't know if they're doing the private room thing (yet).

Matisse in Friendship Heights has a lovely room upstairs and excellent French food.

Tabard Inn. But there's some drama going down there so maybe do some research first.

Otherwise maybe Mari Vana or Poste or basically anyplace with an upstairs.

We can't afford to have a traditional wedding ( future DH says we can), but I don't think its worth the 20k plus. I'd rather add it towards our down payment on our future house. Anyhoo, we are going to the justice of peace and are inviting 30 friends and family for the dinner. Any reasonable suggestions? TIA