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Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion

Up to 170 guests
Availability
Responds within 24 hours

Trending now

Highly recommended

Pricing Information

These prices are available for the months of Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct. These prices are available for the months of Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec.
Reception
$5,900 starting price
Ceremony
$5,900 starting price
Reception
$4,900 starting price
Ceremony
$4,900 starting price

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About

On WeddingWire since 2008

>> NEW: we hear you! As of 2020, from June through September, Woodend provides complimentary air conditioning in our tented terrace, in addition to the existing fans, tented heaters, and chandeliers. Woodend's tent is dressed up with drapes and ceiling liner, so it's always elegant, whether you want all panels open with plenty of fresh air, or with all clear panels closed. <<

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.

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?

$5,900

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

$4,900

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

Yes

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

$5,900

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

$4,900

Which of the following are included in 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
December
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160 Reviews

Write a review
Rated
4.7
out of 5.0
Recommended by 94% of couples
  • Quality of service
    4.8 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    4.8 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    4.8 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    4.7 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    4.4 out of 5 rating

73 User photos

  • J
    Jen F. Married on 04/08/2023
    5 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Responsiveness
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      5.0 out of 5 rating

    We loved Woodend!

    We have a special connection to Woodend and are so happy we got married there! It’s a beautiful outdoorsy place yet close to hotels and the city. We especially loved how we could have our ceremony outside but with a easy backup plan with the tent. The tent space is very large and has beautiful views. Highly recommend Woodend!

    Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion's reply:

    Thank you for your review, Jen.
    We greatly appreciate your support of our environmental mission by having your wedding at Woodend.
    We wish you and Eric all the best!
  • M
    M. Federline Married on 03/25/2023
    5 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Responsiveness
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      5.0 out of 5 rating

    You don't even have to do anything to make it gorgeous

    We had a hiccup in our wedding planning process where the venue we originally had was flooded three months prior to our wedding. We were so devastated and didn't know if we could find a good one, but honestly, it was such a blessing in disguise. The mansion didn't feel old, but timeless because it was beautifully maintained. I loved how it made our wedding feel like welcoming guests to our own home. The tented terrace didn't even feel like a tent because of the chandelier inside and being surrounded by nature gave it a wonderful indoor/outdoor experience. There was plenty of parking for guests, and because it is on its own little hilltop, even though it's within 7 minutes of downtown Bethesda, it had a calm and private atmosphere. We were planning to take our photos outside, but it rained all day, so we switched to taking photos indoors, and they all turned out stunning. Last but not least, Beatriz was so lovely to work with. She was extremely responsive and thorough, and she met with us numerous times to ensure that we had our perfect day. I can see us visiting Woodend for our future anniversaries to relive our special day. It was truly one of the best decisions we made to start our new life together.
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Awards

160
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

Real Weddings

Mary & Dominic
59 photos · 07/18/2020
Christopher & Joshua
30 photos · 07/21/2015

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.

Preferred Vendors

MSE Productions
5.0 out of 5 rating , 144 Reviews
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Bialek's Music
4.9 out of 5 rating , 1,606 Reviews
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Occasions Caterers
4.9 out of 5 rating , 77 Reviews
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Roberts & Co. Events
4.9 out of 5 rating , 116 Reviews
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4.9 out of 5 rating , 322 Reviews
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Windows Catering
4.6 out of 5 rating , 133 Reviews
· Wedding Caterers

Map

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8940 Jones Mill Road Chevy Chase, MD, 20815
301-652-9188 (38)
Location of (Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion)

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: 4.8 in quality of service, 4.8 in average response time, 4.8 in professionalism, 4.7 in value and 4.4 in flexibility.

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