Gari Melchers Home & Studio is a museum in the greater Washington, D.C. area where couples can celebrate their wedding. This classic and historic setting offers 27 acres of land and a charming garden terrace for couples on their big day. Views of the Rappahannock River and even a barn make this venue outdoorsy and unique. Couples will find it in Northern Virginia, located approximately 45 minutes from Arlington National Cemetery.

Facilities and Capacity

Couples can invite up to 100 guests to join them on their wedding day at Gari Melchers Home & Studio. The venue welcomes couples for a bridal shower, ceremony, elopement, engagement party, reception or rehearsal dinner, and allows couples to host numerous wedding events in a day so that they may celebrate their ceremony and reception jointly. For outdoor ceremonies, couples can marry on the main lawn of the venue, with the historic manor as their backdrop. They can also choose to wed in front of the stone summer house, with views of the Rappahannock River sprawled before them. The renovated barn also makes a lovely backdrop for a more rustic wedding occasion. The venue’s Pavilion makes the ideal wedding reception space. The building adjoins the original 1924 studio and galleries to blend history with modern grace.

Services Offered

This museum property offers a number of services and event items for a couple’s wedding to help couples stay stress-free and enjoy the planning of their big day. These items and services include options such as:

• Audio equipment
• Chairs
• Cleanup
• Dance floor
• Event planning
• Event rentals
• Parking
• Pet friendly
• Setup
• Tables
• Wireless Internet

History

This house dates back to the late 1700s, though the exact date of its construction is unknown. The earliest document dates back to the 1790s, and the home underwent rapid expansion sometime prior to 1850. This growth is often attributed to owner Joseph B. Ficklen’s family of six children raised in the house. The house and property were renovated in 1916, when they were purchased by Gari and Corinne Melchers. Through their travels, the Melchers obtained many antique items such as furniture, carpets, fine china, pottery, paintings and prints. Nearly all the couple’s personal possessions remain at this estate, while other aspects of their life have been carefully reproduced for the sake of authenticity.