Affordable Outdoor Venue in DC

cantusavis

I'm new to this board.  I just got engaged last Thursday while on vacation in New Mexico, and it was a huge suprise! I am so excited, but also starting to feel a little lost.  My fiance and I decided we want to have our wedding in September 2010 for a few reasons; it has special meaning to us, my sister is in medical school and that's the only month she can be sure she's available (and not having her isn't an option), and we don't want to wait a year and a half for Sept 2011. 

So...that said, I started to call around for a venue as soon as I got home.  Another hitch on top of our time frame is our budget.  We're paying for the wedding ourselves, and don't want to spend over $2000-$3000 for the venue, max.  We want to have an outdoor ceremony and reception at the same location (ideally).  We have about 75-100 people, and would prefer if it were a venue in northern Virginia.  The more I call around the more I'm panicking about finding a venue that I like that fits our budget and has openings in September.  So...any recommendations on facilities to check out would be VERY helpful. Thanks in advance!  

2dBride

First off, you may want to check out the St. Anthony's Bridal Web site.  Although their specific services are limited to couples with an overall reception budget of less than $3,000, their site has everything from $150 wedding gowns to tips on inexpensive places in the area to get married.

Have you checked out Northern Virginia Parks Authority?  You can reserve spaces at one of their shelters.  This would allow you to have an outdoor wedding, but still have back-up in case of rain.

beachk

check out westfields marriott and state parks do you want something outdoors?

snydera

A couple of other options to consider would be get married on a Friday evening or Sunday and have a cocktail reception instead of a dinner.  The Mark Center Hilton off of Seminary has an outdoor space where they hold wedding ceremonies.

lizzi97

Check out the prices at the Omni Shoreham on Connecticut Ave. They have a gorgeous outdoor setting overlooking Rock Creek Park and back up space inside.

cantusavis

Thank you for all the great suggestions! We actually just booked with Fairfax County Parks Authority, in one of their historic properties.  We will be getting married on Sept 11! They had a Saturday in September, the price was right, and they have a gorgeous outdoor space for us to get married.  T

Jas7

Which historic property did you end up picking if you don't mind me asking?

We are also looking for an outdoor ceremony+wedding, affordable in Northern VA. Thanks!