I grew up near Audubon in Chevy Chase and went to a few events at the Woodend Sanctuary. It’s a beautiful space, parking is easy, and it’s about 5-7 minutes from a Beltway exit. Might be worth looking into!

We went to a wedding at Sequoia (on the gtown waterfront) - it was gorgeous!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Longview Gallery

+1

We used it for an event and, while not cheat, it was fabulous.

^cheap

Ours was also an August event, and it was like 90 degrees and humid. An all-outdoor event would have been really uncomfortable.

Anonymous wrote:Longview Gallery

+1

We used it for an event and, while not cheat, it was fabulous.

If I could do it all over again I would have had a small ceremony at a park and reception as a fun restaurant that we rented out and that took care of everything.

If you loved going to tracks, close your eyes, listen to this and reminisce.

My wedding was at Hollin Hall in Alexandria -- there are gardens, a historic house, and a Unitarian Church on the property. It's very affordable ($3400 for 7 hours). We had our ceremony in the gardens and then the reception/dancing in the church, it's not really churchy just more of a nice hall with a beautiful vaulted ceiling.

One potential downside for your is that it's in a neighborhood so you have to be done by 11pm.

http://hollinhallweddings.com/

Anonymous wrote:Hendry House in N. Arlington

Agree.

Very close to DC off Lorcom Lane and easy to find. Good parking. It will be tented for the reception but the house is very charming. The wedding can be held outside on very pretty grounds. Get a good caterer and you are set

First tip: don't book it as a wedding.

Find a less known hotel and begin the conversation as a family party.

Check out the Marriott in north Bethesda/Rockville.

An open bar will kill your budget (I coordinate a few national summits at DC hotels each year for business--including evening receptions). You can work with the venue to limit the options to beer, wine and soda to keep costs more reasonable. Once you open it to mixed drinks, it's $$$$. Another option: cash bar for mixed drinks. I'm sure I'll get slammed, but I think that's fine as long as you offer free beer, wine and soda.

Using the hotel pastry chef will likely be cheaper than getting a wedding cake from an outside vendor.

Don't go overboard on flowers.

Brunch is cheaper than dinner, but a brunch wedding isn't the big evening dance party you're likely envisioning.

Cut the guest list and use a restaurant venue.

I'd also consider the Baltimore and Anapolis options, as that *might* get you in under your budget with only a few cuts.

Hendry House in N. Arlington

Anonymous wrote:This is OP: thanks for some great suggestions. Even w/$10,000 venue (only) cost know that many of these exceed it. Hoping to keep budget truly all in to $35K.

And the Annapolis and Baltimore destinations are too far.

My DD called last night thinking maybe we look at a backyard (tented/dance floor etc.) Having a year to plan for and as a designer/being known as for throwing a good party etc - the problem I see with that is the neighbors/noise and having to shut down fun so early so I’m hoping the places I’m unfamiliar with are options.

Realistically, you’re going to have a very hard time booking an in-town DC wedding for 150 people (assuming a Saturday date with dinner and an open bar) for under $50,000 these days. I suggest you start talking to your daughter about where she might be willing to save (fewer guests? Picking a Friday date? A brunch reception? Beer/wine only?) and what splurges really matter to her. I say this from experience...you can easily spend $75k on a wedding in DC that is not at all over the top or excessive-looking.

Many venues may be booked already, even a year out so you’ll need to narrow it down and start calling ASAP.

This is OP: thanks for some great suggestions. Even w/$10,000 venue (only) cost know that many of these exceed it. Hoping to keep budget truly all in to $35K.

And the Annapolis and Baltimore destinations are too far.

My DD called last night thinking maybe we look at a backyard (tented/dance floor etc.) Having a year to plan for and as a designer/being known as for throwing a good party etc - the problem I see with that is the neighbors/noise and having to shut down fun so early so I’m hoping the places I’m unfamiliar with are options.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pinstripes in Gtown

The Peabody Library in Baltimore

Is Traxx still around?

Uh, no. Traxx closed at least 15 years ago.

No only did it close in 1999, but it’s gone and buried under the Navy Yard’s WeWork building.

I’m sorry, what?? There is a WeWork building where Tracks once stood? Please tell me this is a horrible lie.

I would gently invite you to go to your Google Map app, type in 80 M Street SE and raise a glass for the once fabulous club. Had some great dates there with my now spouse

That was the fun inexpensive DC.

Those days are long gone.

Today we have the stale overpriced DC. Not nearly as fun.