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 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
Janice
· Married on 10/26/2019
5.0
Quality of service:
5.0
Responsiveness:
5.0
Value:
5.0
Flexibility:
5.0
Professionalism:
5.0
Perfect, gorgeous venue
This venue was PERFECT for our morning fall wedding. We wanted to choose a venue that had great fall color potential, enough space to host a larger wedding, was less than 1 hour from where our families lived, and aligned with our passions and values. Beatriz was so kind, understanding, and experienced. The leaves behind the Hemlock Grove ceremony location turned a beautiful golden yellow for our late October wedding. The beautiful mansion has character due to being the headquarters of the Audubon Naturalist Society. And we loved the ability for our guests to hang out in separate rooms or outside if they didn't want to dance. The balcony in the bridal room is terrific for photos. My only regret is that I didn't try to rent the venue for the entire day and night so we could enjoy it longer!
Sent on 12/08/2019
Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion's reply:
Thank you, Janice! You were a joy to work with, and we are so glad you a wonderful fall wedding!!!
We greatly appreciate your business and your kind words.
Happy Holidays!
Kate Raulin
· Married on 10/05/2019
5.0
Quality of service:
5.0
Responsiveness:
5.0
Value:
5.0
Flexibility:
5.0
Professionalism:
5.0
Perfect Venue!
Woodend was a perfect venue! We wanted a place that had access to outdoors, needed minimal decorations, had a separate area for cocktail hour. It was also important all our guests could eat and gather in the same place, which made the tent such an attractive option. The dance floor was connected to the tent, making everyone still feel together, but disconnected enough to allow guests to sit for conversations/rest from dancing. Such a beautiful and welcoming venue--highly recommend! Beatriz and staff all very professional and great to work with.
Sent on 10/27/2019
Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion's reply:
Kate,
Thank you so much for your review and your kind words.
We greatly appreciate that you chose Woodend for your wedding.
We wish you guys all the best!
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!
