> A few open dates this summer and fall due to postponements. <
>> NEW: we hear you! As of 2020, from June through September, Woodend provides complimentary air conditioning in the tented terrace. Contact us for dates still available summer 2021. <<
Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion is an elegant wedding venue located in Chevy Chase, Maryland. It is conveniently situated just 9 miles from downtown DC on a private 40-acre nature sanctuary. Originally built in 1927, this historic location was designed by the renowned architect John Russell Pope, who also designed the Jefferson Memorial and the National Archives Building. Environmentally conscious couples might enjoy this venue’s commitment to nature and wildlife preservation.
Facilities and Capacity
Elegant yet relaxed, Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion provides couples with the convenience of having both ceremony and reception at the same location, whether it’s indoors or outdoors. Your outdoor ceremony can be held in the estate's romantic tree-lined grove for dreamy, fairytale-inspired wedding photos. Should the weather not oblige, this venue offers a modern, climate-controlled tent that is set up on the paved terrace adjacent to the manor. This luxurious outdoor option, available from April through November, features chandeliers, side panels, drapes, heaters, fans, and various pieces of equipment to manage the temperature, including air conditioning from June through September. During winter, couples can hold their celebration inside the historic walls of the mansion in the stately Great Hall and Living Room. The house and its grounds can accommodate up to 170 guests between April and November, and 120 guests from December through March. For larger celebrations, small shuttles and minibuses are allowed on the grounds to accommodate guests who may be staying in nearby towns.
Woodend's staging areas can accommodate large wedding parties. Both rooms have restrooms and are the perfect places to finish getting ready and do detail photos of shoes, gown, boutonniere, bouquet, rings and so much more. Couples who need a private room for a pre-wedding ceremony such as signing the Ketubah, can choose one of these two private rooms for this purpose as well.
Services Offered
Approved caterers vetted by Woodend supply waiting staff, attendants, food, soft drinks and bar mixers, but you can supply your own alcohol and the caterer provides the bartender to serve it. In addition, the caterers provide setup and cleanup services to ensure that you can focus on enjoying your special day and time with loved ones. Dining equipment is provided by the caterers, so you can have a one-stop-shop experience instead of spending your precious time worrying about rentals, or having to use what you dislike. Items include standard or specialty linens, china, stemware, flatware, and tables and chairs of your choice. At Woodend you can achieve the look you've always envisioned with upgraded options such as farmhouse tables and ghost chairs.
Caterers take care of the setting-up and tearing-down for the event to ensure a smooth and relaxing experience during and after your wedding celebration.
Woodend Mansion was the first and last wedding venue that we checked out when planning our wedding. We immediately knew it was the right place. The mansion, the grove, the tent, everything was immaculate the day of our wedding. Most importantly, Beatriz was incredibly helpful, informative, responsive, and pleasant in helping us organize everything. I can't say enough about how wonderful this venue is--especially at a great price. We're both incredibly grateful to have married here.
Sent on 12/29/2020
Amy M.
· Married on 08/07/2020
5.0
Quality of service:
5.0
Responsiveness:
5.0
Value:
5.0
Flexibility:
5.0
Professionalism:
5.0
A Microwedding Dream
Selecting Woodend for our microwedding was by far one of the best decisions I think we will ever make. Not only is it beautiful, secluded and historic, but Beatriz and her entire team are thoughtful, kind and so wonderfully helpful. If you're starting to plan your COVID wedding, this is a winning decision. Highly recommend Spilled Milk Catering for all food/rentals as well - they know the space like the back of their hands!
Sent on 08/07/2020
Carol H.
· Married on 12/07/2019
5.0
Quality of service:
5.0
Responsiveness:
5.0
Value:
5.0
Flexibility:
5.0
Professionalism:
5.0
Magical Winter Wedding at Woodend
Woodend was the perfect location for our December 2019 wedding. My husband Greg and I love the mission of the Audubon Naturalist Society, and even though we were getting married in the winter (and not using the outdoor space), the setting proved magical for our holiday-themed nuptials. The folks at Woodend, especially Beatriz and Kathy, became part of my "squad," and helped our wedding become one of the best moments of our lives!
Sent on 12/22/2019
Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion's reply:
Carol,
Thank you for the lovely review. It was a pleasure being part of your special day.
All the best to you and Greg!
Beatriz
Woodend Sanctuary provides such a beautiful wedding venue, set right outside of Washington, DC. I've photographed many weddings here, two this year alone. The grove is one of my favorite outdoor ceremony locations to photograph. I love this venue's environmental story, and Beatriz is WONDERFUL to work with. Highly recommend!
What items and services are included in the starting site fee at Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion?
Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
Bridal Suite
Clean Up
Parking
Set Up
At Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion, what items and services related to wedding catering are included in the cost?
Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion includes the following items and services in its wedding catering costs:
Cake Cutting
Dessert
Server(s)
What are the most important characteristics of Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion in terms of venue type, style and location?
The space offered by Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion for wedding events is known for:
Garden
Historic Building
Mansion
What kind of indoor/outdoor options are available at Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion for wedding events?
Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
Indoor
Covered Outdoor
Uncovered Outdoor
Scenic Views
What kind of wedding events does Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion offer?
Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion offers the following types of wedding events:
Ceremony
Reception
Engagement Party
Elopements
Rehearsal Dinner
What services does Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion offer for wedding events?
Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion offers the following services for wedding events:
Clean Up
Get Ready Rooms
Outside Vendors
Set Up
Wifi
What furniture and decorations does Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion have available for wedding events?
Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion offers the following furniture and decor items for weddings:
Altar/Arch
Dance Floor
Tents
Tent Accessories
What percentage of users recommend Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion and which are the most valued aspects of their wedding services?
Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion is recommended by 96% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 4.7 out of 5 with the following breakdown: 4.8 in quality of service, 4.8 in average response time, 4.8 in professionalism, 4.7 in value and 4.4 in flexibility.
