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Get hitched in splendor

Region offers everything from big, grand spaces to small, cozy rooms

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wedding venues DC area, gay news, Washington Blade

The Jefferson Hotel has several options for cozy, small-room weddings such as this book room. (Photo courtesy the Jefferson)

Spring is in the air and so is wedding season. While many couples are preparing for their spring and summer weddings this year, it’s not too late to start getting some inspiration of your own. These Washington-area venues have options from small, intimate ceremonies to elaborate, party-driven affairs. Whether it’s a historic mansion, on board a cruise or inside a luxury hotel, there’s a venue waiting for your save the date.

The Oaks Waterfront Inn (25876 Royal Oak Rd., Royal Oak, Md.) is ideal for the couple that wants a destination wedding close to home. Located minutes away from the Eastern Shore town of St. Michaels on a secluded cove, the special day will include private use of the waterside estate and grounds. Saturday wedding packages allow the couple use of all activities including canoes,  putting green, shuffle board and badminton. the-oaks.com.

Reston Parks and Recreation’s the Lake House (11450 Baron Cameron Ave., Reston, Va.) offers an intimate space overlooking Lake Newport. The Lakeside Room accommodates 50-75 guests and the Lake View Room offers a natural light-filled space with a fireplace for up to 95 guests. The venue also offers rentals for larger groups of up to 145 guests. reston.org.

Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center (1300 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.) has both indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception options. Celebrate the big day outside in a reception on the Woodrow Wilson Plaza against granite cobblestones and sculptures on a landscaped courtyard. For an indoor affair, take advantage of the 1,550 maximum occupancy of the Atrium or for a smaller gathering of 200-1,000 guests utilize the Atrium ballroom. itcdc.com/event-spaces.

wedding venues DC area, gay news, Washington Blade

The Ronald Reagan Building has both indoor and outdoor wedding venue options. (Photo by Lisa Boggs Photography; courtesy the Regan Building)

Odyssey Cruises (600 Water St., S.W.) gives a nautical touch to any special event. Enjoy views of the skyline and monuments while traveling down the Potomac River while celebrating the union. Odyssey Cruises’ wedding planners can help curate entertainment, dining and beverage packages to make the day tailored to the couple’s taste. The cruise line also does engagement parties and luncheons before the date. odyssesycruises.com.

The Line Hotel (1770 Euclid St., N.W.), located inside a 110-year-old historic church, offers 10,000 square feet of event space, a rooftop terrace and a grand ballroom for guests of up to 700 people. Spike Gjerde, a James Beard Award winner, will create a banquet menu filled with food and drink to mark the special event. Watch the sun set with a panoramic view of D.C., including a view of the Washington Monument, on the Vela Rooftop Terrace. The Banneker Ballroom can also be transformed into three separate spaces to suit any wedding day need. thelinehotel.com.

The Howard Theatre (620 T St., N.W.) is the ultimate entertainment venue for the wedding party that wants to dance the night away. The main floor can accommodate up to 500 guests and the Mezzanine, popular for a cocktail hour lounge, accommodates up to 300 people. Multiple bars are located in the space as well as a full-service kitchen. There is a large stage, state-of-the-art sound, lighting and on-site production engineers to get any party started. thehowardtheatre.com.

Cherry Hill Park Ballroom (9800 Cherry Hill Rd., College Park, Md.) offers a classic ballroom wedding experience. The 3,600-square-foot space can hold up to 180 people. A fully equipped commercial kitchen and bar are available for a caterer of the couple’s choice. Smaller weddings can also benefit from the space with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the pre-function room before the ceremony is held in one of the space’s meeting rooms. cherryhillballroom.com.

Stonewall Golf Club (15601 Turtle Point Dr., Gainesville, Va.) is located on a golf course alongside Lake Manassas with floor-to-ceiling windows offering views that make a stunning backdrop for wedding photos. The space can accommodate up to 150 people to witness the big day. stonewallgolfclub.com.

Kentlands Mansion (320 Kent Square Rd., Gathersburg, Md.) is the wedding venue choice for the couple that wants old school charm. The mansion, built in the early 1900s, features dark wood paneling, polished hardwood floors, 22-foot ceilings and crystal chandeliers. One-hundred-fifty guests can be accommodated for a cocktail reception and 110 for a seated event. With eight rooms and an outdoor space, there are plenty of ways to customize a historical wedding day. gathersburgmd.gov/about/gathersburg/city-facilities.

The Jefferson Hotel (1200 16th St., N.W.) has accommodations for smaller ceremonies in its cozy rooms. Exchange vows in the Book Room among book shelves and a crackling fireplace or have a celebratory three-course dinner in the hotel’s Private Wine Cellar. A 60-minute cocktail reception will follow the ceremony. The hotel also offers spa services at the Petite Spa, located in the hotel, for the couple and members of the wedding party. Overnight stays are encouraged, especially in the Martha Jefferson Bridal suite. jeffersondc.com/tie-the-knot.

wedding venues DC area, gay news, Washington Blade

The Jefferson Hotel has several options for cozy, small-room weddings such as this book room. (Photo courtesy the Jefferson)

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Bars & Parties

Support HIV research with a drag show

Tara Hoot, Evry Pleasure, TrevHER to perform

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Tara Hoot performs at Cherry Sundays on Sunday, April 7 at 11 a.m. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

El Techo will host, in partnership with Cherry Fund, a special edition of “Cherry Sundays” on Sunday, April 7 at 11 a.m. 

This event is a one-day fundraising bottomless brunch. There will be performances by Evry Pleasure, Tara Hoot and TrevHER, with DJ Lemz. All tequila shot purchases will be donated to the Cherry Fund.

The Cherry Fund raises money for LGBTQ non-profits whose primary goal is to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS with prevention, treatment and education, and mental health services.

The event costs $45, inclusive of bottomless brunch on margaritas, mimosas, Bloody Marys and Tecates.

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Bars & Parties

MAL kicks off Jan. 11 with Bootcamp

Mid-Atlantic Leather begins with party at Bunker

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MAL Weekend kicks off next week. (Image courtesy of Bunker)

Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend arrives next week with a kickoff event Thursday, Jan. 11 from 10 p.m.-3 a.m. at Bunker. Organizers at Kinetic promise a surprise drill sergeant who will whip you into shape. Joshua Ruiz DJs the event. This event is for VIP pass holders only; visit kineticpresents.com for details.

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Bars & Parties

A roundup of New Year’s Eve parties in D.C.

Celebrate the start of 2024 in style

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Xavier Entertainment LLC will host the seventh annual Times Square NYE Celebration at 10 p.m. at Ivy City Smokehouse. Tickets start at $20 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

New Year’s Eve 2024 at Lost Society will be at 7 p.m. at Lost Society. There will be unique entertainment all night along with a journey of the senses through captivating light shows and LED displays, music, and bottle service presentations throughout the evening. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Busboys and Poets will host New Year’s Eve Open Mic and Party at 10 p.m. at 2021 14th St., N.W. This will be an evening of poetry, live DJ, dancing, food, and good company in a vibrant atmosphere where local artists take the stage, showcasing their talents in various genres. The night will be hosted by the talented Charity Blackwell and will feature award-winning poet Black Chakra. Dyanna Monet will deejay. Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased on Eventbrite

QueerTalk DC will host Sapphic New Year’s Celebration at 8 p.m. at FigLeaf Bar & Lounge. The event will celebrate Sapphic, trans, and non-binary communities and feature complimentary hors D’oeuvres, a Champagne toast and DJ sets by DJ Clamazon and DJ Q. For more details, visit Eventbrite

The Queers Upstairs will host Heels & Ties: A Queer New Years Eve Surprise at 9 p.m. at Aliceanna Social Club. This evening will be an unforgettable LGBTQ New Year’s Eve party where you can sip your favorite cocktails and enjoy small bites while dancing the night away with music from DJ Rosie & DJ Missy. Tickets start at $30 and can purchased on Eventbrite

BuffBoyzz Gay-Friendly Male Strip Clubs will host a male revue that caters to men and women at 8 p.m. at Buffboyzz Male Strippers. The event will be an exciting, entertaining and sexy show of exotic male dancers in that will entertain your pants off. Tickets start at $10 and can be purchased on Eventbrite

International Events Washington DC will host the 2024 Black Tie New Year’s Eve Gala at 7:30 p.m. at the Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C. There will be free-flowing Champagne, an open bar, a spectacular balloon drop in the Euro Discotheque Ballroom and live bands and DJs. For dinner, guests can choose from an elegant sit-down, three-course dinner with Champagne or a dinner buffet of international cuisine. Tickets start at $189 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Social Architects will host the 12th Annual New Year’s Eve Casino Night at 8 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Arlington, Va. There will be six rooms of entertainment spread across three floors. The DJs will spin hip hop, R&B, salsa, Afrobeats and old school music. Tickets start at $60 and can be purchased on Eventbrite

Pitchers and A League of Her Own will host a NYE party with complimentary Champagne toast at midnight, party favors, and a DJ all night long.

Shaker’s plans a drag extravaganza with Tatianna and Crystal Edge among others starting at 10:30 p.m.; the $10 cover includes a glass of Champagne. 

Bunker hosts a 12-hour masquerade ball with several DJs, including Joe Gauthreaux. The party starts at 9 p.m. and goes until 9 a.m. on Jan. 1. Tickets start at $45 and are available at bunkerdc.com.

DJ Alex Love spins NYE at Dirty Goose with drink specials at midnight.

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