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Weddings

About

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, the tent will be the backup plan. 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 from spring through fall, and 120 guests during. Small shuttles and minibusses 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 detailed 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, and soft drinks, but you can supply your own alcohol and the caterer provides the bartenders 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.

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Frequently asked questions

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during peak season?

$7,000

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during off-peak season?

$5,300

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

Yes

Which of the following are included in the starting site fee?

Bridal Suite
Clean Up
Parking
Set Up

Which of the following are included in the cost of wedding catering?

Cake Cutting
Dessert
Server(s)

What is the minimum number of guests required to book your venue?

20

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

4

Describe your venue:

Garden
Historic Building
Mansion

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
Covered Outdoor
Uncovered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Engagement Party
Elopements
Rehearsal Dinner

What event services do you offer?

Clean Up
Get Ready Rooms
Outside Vendors
Wifi

What catering services do you offer?

Buffet
Cocktail Reception
Dessert
Family Style
French Service
Hors d'oeuvres
Outside Cake
Plated
Server(s)
Stations
Tastings

What bar services do you provide?

Bartender(s)

What event items are available?

Dance Floor
Tents
Tent Accessories

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Wheelchair Access

What months are included in your peak season?

April
May
June
September
October

What months are included in your off-peak season?

January
February
March
July
August
November
December

Reviews of Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion

This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Review summary

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Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion blends a historic mansion with lush grounds for magical indoor or outdoor ceremonies, with a reliable tent backup. Staff are responsive and helpful; required vendor lists and some rules (no candles, petals) are common trade-offs. Overall highly recommended for scenery, value, and mission.

Review summary

Powered by AI
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion blends a historic mansion with lush grounds for magical indoor or outdoor ceremonies, with a reliable tent backup. Staff are responsive and helpful; required vendor lists and some rules (no candles, petals) are common trade-offs. Overall highly recommended for scenery, value, and mission.

J
Jenny Sent on 11/20/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Incredible venue

My wife and I got married at Woodend on 10/28/2022. This venue is absolutely incredible. We visited several venues in the area, and none compared. Woodend itself is stunning. The property is large and well kept; the natural beauty, including the flowers, trees, and surrounding forest, made it feel peaceful and grand. The mansion is also beautiful and well-kept; we really didn't need any extra decorations beyond flowers because the space is so decorative in and of itself. The tented terrace is also such a great space. Woodend is very close to DC, which is where we live and where all of our guests were staying, yet it feels so quiet, private, and secluded; truly the best of both worlds! Beatriz Engel is a pro. She was organized, straight-forward, kind, and responsive. She clearly laid out all rules and expectations, so there were no surprises on our end. Our guests were obsessed with the venue, and could not stop talking about it. We HIGHLY recommend Woodend!
S
Sylvia Sent on 05/26/2026
5 out of 5 rating

The Perfect Blend of Nature and Elegance

Woodend was the perfect venue for our daughter’s wedding reception. The combination of elegance and natural beauty created exactly the atmosphere the bride and groom envisioned. It’s remarkable that such a peaceful, secluded setting exists inside the Beltway — with no traffic noise and stunning scenery everywhere you look.

The grounds photographed beautifully, and guests continually commented on how unique and special the venue felt. We especially appreciated how the layout allowed guests to enjoy both the lively celebration and quieter moments throughout the evening.

The planning process was smooth and well organized. Beatriz, the rental manager, was responsive, professional, and wonderful to work with, and the venue’s excellent online resources made planning especially easy. Everything about Woodend reflects thoughtful care and professionalism.

While Woodend is certainly a premium venue, the experience absolutely justified it. We would recommend it without hesitation to any couple looking for an elegant wedding in a truly beautiful natural setting.
S
Stephanie Sent on 10/12/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Dreamy natural venue

Woodend was an absolutely magical place to get married! The ceremony space in the hemlock grove made for a perfect backdrop; our florist’s lovely display just served to amplify the natural beauty already present in the woods and meadow. It’s rare to find a venue where you can feel like you’re out in nature, with plenty of peace and quiet for an outdoor ceremony, while still being a 5-minute drive from the downtown amenities of a place like Bethesda. The mansion also provided some of that old-school charm when it came to the reception and the dance floor—cozy without feeling cramped. Beatriz was very helpful in coordinating with our other vendors and making sure we had a backup plan in case of weather issues. While it’s true that the catering options are limited here, we actually found that to be a benefit as we had a predefined list of companies to pick from; we did not have to skimp on quality to meet the venue’s requirements in any way. Finally, it was nice to know that our venue dollars were supporting an environmentally conscious and queer-friendly nonprofit! Would definitely recommend!
Casey
Casey Sent on 01/22/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Perfect Venue for nature lovers

We had our wedding at Woodend Sanctuary and Mansion in Chevy Chase, MD, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. The venue is a perfect combination of an elegant historic mansion surrounded by lush woods and a stunning nature preserve. The natural beauty of the property is unmatched, and it created the most magical atmosphere for our special day.

The staff at Woodend was absolutely incredible to work with. Beatrice, in particular, was so informative and patient, answering all of our questions and ensuring that every detail was considered during the planning process. They were excellent at helping us bring our vision to life while ensuring the property protocols were followed. On the wedding day, the day-of staff went above and beyond to make sure everything ran smoothly, giving us peace of mind to fully enjoy our celebration.

We got married in October, and the greenery and landscaping were simply perfect. Our ceremony took place in the grove, with the meadow serving as a breathtaking backdrop. It was a scene straight out of a dream. The layout of the venue was also a standout feature—it allowed our guests to take a journey through the mansion, experiencing its charm and elegance at every turn.

Woodend Sanctuary and Mansion is truly a one-of-a-kind venue, and we couldn’t have imagined a more perfect place to say “I do.” If you’re looking for a wedding venue that combines natural beauty, historic elegance, and outstanding service, this is the place. We’re so grateful for the incredible memories we created here!
Ben
Ben F. Sent on 10/29/2024
5 out of 5 rating

A Gorgeous fall wedding venue

Woodend is a beautiful fall wedding venue! The staff were super friendly, professional, and efficient with planning logistics. When we booked with Woodend, they introduce us to a variety of vendor options (from caterers and florists to DJs and wedding planning/coordinators) that really reduced the challenges of planning my partner Paroma and I's wedding. The final venue price value for the location was incredible. We would absolutely recommend booking your wedding here.
Olivia
Olivia Sent on 06/15/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Perfect venue!


Woodend was the PERFECT venue for our wedding! The grove and mansion are beautiful spaces, you really don’t need a lot of decor to make them look nice. The tent offered the perfect indoor-outdoor experience and piece of mind as a backup plan. The location is wonderful - it feels like the house is secluded and private, but you are only about 8 minutes from a wide range of hotel options in Bethesda for guests.

Beatriz was great to work with, she answered all our questions and was very communicative.

Not only did Woodend fit our wedding vision, but we also loved that we could support a good cause at the same time.

There are some restrictions to consider, but they were very upfront about them and none were dealbreakers for us. I would also note you have to choose from their list of partner caterers - we went with Corcoran and loved their food and service! Overall, we would highly recommend Woodend Sanctuary for a wedding.
C
Cait Sent on 06/10/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Highly professional & elegant

My husband and I had a great experience with Woodend, from our initial tour to the day of the wedding. Beatriz, the space manager, was highly communicative and reassuring throughout the process and I felt like we were in very good hands. The grounds and sun the day of the wedding (late May) made for beautiful photos and a lovely cocktail reception outdoors. Would highly recommend!
Sarah
Sarah Sent on 06/04/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Beautiful & Charming

Woodend is such a lovely venue - we had a fantastic time there for our reception. Even though it rained (heavily), the tent held up admirably, and it was really quite peaceful and relaxing. The coordinator and director are very easy to work with, and our wedding went off without a hitch.
A
Allison Sent on 11/16/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Highly Recommend

We highly recommend Woodend Mansion and Sanctuary to anyone planning a wedding or any event!
We held our wedding reception at Woodend, and the space was perfect. The Woodend staff was so easy
to work with. With both indoor and outdoor options adjustable day-of, Woodend made planning a fall
wedding as stress-free as possible. We couldn’t imagine a better venue for our wedding day.
E
Eva Sent on 07/26/2023
5 out of 5 rating

amazing venue and team

Woodend was an amazing venue, perfect for a dreamy summer wedding. Beatriz was a dream to work with!
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.

Awards

174
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2024 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2023 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2020 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2019 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2018 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2017 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2016 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2015 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2013 Winner

Professional Network & Endorsements

8 Endorsements
Erin Kelleher Photography Erin Kelleher Photography Wedding Photographers

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!

Catering by Seasons Catering by Seasons Wedding Caterers

We always enjoy catering at Woodend!

Flowers by Suzann Flowers by Suzann Wedding Florists

Woodend is a favorite venue of wildlife and nature lovers. Their beautiful hemlock grove is a wonderful place for a ceremony.

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Map

Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion frequently asked questions

Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Bridal Suite
  • Clean Up
  • Parking
  • Set Up
Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion includes the following items and services in its wedding catering costs:
  • Cake Cutting
  • Dessert
  • Server(s)
The space offered by Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion for wedding events is known for:
  • Garden
  • Historic Building
  • Mansion
Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Indoor
  • Covered Outdoor
  • Uncovered Outdoor
Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Engagement Party
  • Elopements
  • Rehearsal Dinner
Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Clean Up
  • Get Ready Rooms
  • Outside Vendors
  • Wifi
Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion offers the following furniture and decor items for weddings:
  • Dance Floor
  • Tents
  • Tent Accessories
Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion is recommended by 94% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 4.7 out of 5 with the following breakdown: 4.9 in professionalism, 4.8 in quality of service, 4.8 in average response time, 4.7 in value and 4.4 in flexibility.
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