DC/VA cheap venue suggestions - banquet halls, Chinese restaurants, VFW, Moose Lodges

Check with the halls and see if you can request brands of wine for them to have available. Ours told us that was an option during our meeting!

Oh! Thank you for the tip. Have you already picked out your venue? We've procrastinated for so long!

Hi Nicole. We have lots of DC/VA brides on the forum but you might get more responses if you change your avatar to something besides the double rings. That way we know you are not a troll/spammer. Here's how you do it:

Make this a photo of you, something unique to you, your wedding or something you love. This makes it easier for other members to remember who you are as you make new connections. (Settings > Profile and Privacy Settings > Account Image > Change Image > Upload > Update Profile Settings) This is editable on desktop only! If you need assistance send your photo to community@weddingwire.com.

My venue is Ida Lee Park in Leesburg. It's a bit of a drive from Rosslyn, but it's a bare bones reception hall, where you can bring in whatever vendors you want. No liquor allowed in the banquet hall, but beer and wine are welcome to be served between 5pm and 10pm.

Hi Staci, thank you for the instructions. I have changed my avatar!

Hi Zelda, thank you for your suggestion. I will be looking into Ida Lee Park. Bare bones reception hall works well for us!

What about non-traditional venues like museums, parks etc? Anything that already has catering will probably not allow you to bring in alcohol.

ETA: Nice! I see the new avatar. Welcome to Wedding Wire.

Hi Nicole! Have you had a chance to try the Venues tab on WeddingWire? You can search by location, and narrow it down by capacity and by what style of venue you're looking for, so you'd get more of the retro-style that you're looking for, and ensure they'll be big enough for your family.

Thank you Staci and WWJo! I will look into museums and parks and rec centers.

I was originally discouraged by the Venues tab on WeddingWire as many results are country clubs and estates, which are all very beautiful...but not our style.

If any DC locals know of run-down spots with 70's/80's character, please pass along! Haha I know it's very specific but again I thank all of you for your suggestions!

We did a VFW that let us bring in our own alcohol (we had to apply for a liquor license) in Virginia, but not the area you are looking at. The bar is usually in another seperate location for the VFW members. Our VFW had its own wet bar in the banquet hall to use as well which was really nice! Might be worth checking a few out. It was definitely afforable.

-There is Rust Manor in Leesburg. It's owned by Nova Regional Park Authority.

https://www.novaparks.com/weddings-meetings/rust-manor-house

-Check out the historic building rentals by Fairfax Park Authority.

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/hprs/

You might check out Adelphi Mill:

http://history.pgparks.com/sites_and_museums/Adelphi_Mill/History.htm

Historic structure, scenic area, allows you to bring in your own caterer and alcohol.