DMV Brides! Let's talk venues.

That's kind of surprising about the outside decor -- I've seen rules about tape/adhesives/candles, but I don't understand why they would restrict you unless they want you to rent everything from them. Did they give you a reason?

We are getting married in St. Matthews Cathedral in DC and then having reception at Woodlawn estate in VA.

I asked a ton of questions while we were negotiating and got everything in writing before signing (Woodlawn requires the use of Rouge Catering - so we had to draw up our catering and tent rental agreement at the same time as we filled out the Woodlawn agreement).

So far, so good. I'm still over a year out - but so far haven't had any surprises...

We got married in the port in Baltimore that the Carnival Pride docks at. It's not a very recognizable address. Lol

No outside decor? At all?? How are you supposed to decorate... rentals from them?

My ceremony and reception was at the Mansion at Valley Country Club in Towson. It was beautiful!

Do you have to rent all decor from the venue!? My venue doesn't allow tape on the walls or any candles which was a bummer!

Yes, everything has to come through the venue. The reasoning provided was the venue is historic and they want to ensure nothing is damaged. Luckily they provide the tables, chairs, dinnerware, etc. I just pictured the sweetheart table having "royal" chairs and some funky seating areas within the reception space to give it a lounge feel. While I can still do it, it will be way more expensive going through the venue I'm sure... Such a bummer.

Jennifer- Gorgeous venues!

Samantha- I was so concerned about candles I forgot to ask about outside decor.. lol!

Most venues only allow flame-less candles and I don't really care for that look.

I'm doing ceremony and reception at Potomac Point Winery in Stafford, VA. I love the outdoor spaces as well as the indoor backups. I particularly love that it's only a few minutes down the street from me, but feels so tucked away and private. No hiccups yet so far! (Knock on wood)

Just popping in to say thanks for the metal image. Your thread title made me imagine 50 brides in lines at the DMV.

Our ceremony and reception is at Patapsco Female Institute in Ellicott City, MD. I haven't found any surprises as it relates to the planning process. I didn't know the story behind the venue, it's a historical site and apparently it's haunted which seems kinda cool.

Ceremony and reception are at Kentlands Mansion in Gaithersburg, MD. I don't think we've run into any surprises really. Most of the restrictions I knew going in. The only one that bugs me is no red wine (or other red drinks); but it wasn't a deal breaker by any means. But we can have outside decor and catering and all that.

BoozyBaker- lol!

JadedRaven- Nice space. That venue was on our list.

JadedRaven- Nice space. That venue was on our list.

NoVA bride here! Getting married at Ida Lee Park in Leesburg. The ceremony will be at the gazebo on the front lawn and the reception will be in the banquet hall under the recreation center. When we first picked it, I liked the venue, but I didn't love it. A while back I started having venue regret, so FH and I went back to see why we choose it again, but this time I fell in love. Turns out the proprietors of the park have been working on it quite a bit and have planted a Wedding Garden (their name for it)! It's a beautiful little area, divided into like 4 different sections with different plants and flowers in each area. I'm going to email the rental coordinator soon to let her know I adore it and see if she'll let me in on what other new updates they have in store!

Old Sill Mill in Fredericksburg. Love the huge, old warehouse venue with outdoor space for the cocktail hour. LoveInDc - I've never been to Potomac Point but my fiancee has and loves it.

We're in Annapolis, but we decided to get married down near Charlottesville at Early Mountain Vineyard. No surprises with the venue (yet...), but I am learning how much planning goes into an event like this!

I'm a Belvedere bride too, yay! Such a gorgeous venue. Which ballroom are you in?

Our ceremony will be at St. Ignatius, also downtown Baltimore.

We are from Falls Church, but we are headed two hours south to Harrisonburg to get married. The venue is a farm and the owner has been incredibly helpful with the million questions I've asked, so no surprises.

Laura- Yay! It's stunning! Can't wait. Ceremony in the Palm Room, Cocktail Hour in Platinum and Reception in Grand. Which ballroom are you in?