Lorien Hotel and Spa in Alexandria is a great local spot for a gay wedding. (Photo courtesy Kimpton Hotels)
Virginia started recognizing same-sex marriage last October. The list of fabulous places to have a ceremony is equally as exciting. From churches to hotels, finding the perfect place to make that lifetime commitment is easier than you might think.
Christ Church (118 N. Washington St., Alexandria, Va.) is a great place to make those vows with a historic twist. The church has been open since 1773 and has that classic Georgian architecture to make any wedding feel special. The Episcopal church is great for anyone looking for a more traditional ceremony. historicalcchristchurch.org.
The Falls Church Episcopal Church (115 E Fairfax St., Falls Church, Va.) is another good option for a church wedding. The church’s small size makes it the perfect place for an intimate wedding with close friends and family. thefallschurch.org.
The Metropolitan Community Church of Northern Virginia (10383 Democracy Lane, Fairfax, Va.) is a nice church for anyone who is looking for a Christian and LGBT-friendly place to wed. The church proclaims it has a “specific outreach to queer and queer-friendly people seeking authentic spirituality and renewal.” It serves the community in other areas throughout Maryland and D.C. as well. mccnova.com.
Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington (4444 Arlington Blvd., Arlington, Va.) prides itself on being “a dynamic community of individuals who share a liberal spiritual journey.” The church offers two reception halls for an after ceremony celebration in the form of a sit-down dinner or dancing. There is also a commercial kitchen available for a caterer and the church also provides professional musicians to accompany the ceremony and its surrounding gardens are available for photos. uucava.org.
Lorien Hotel and Spa (1600 King St., Alexandria, Va.) is a gorgeous venue for an elaborate ceremony and reception. Its amenities include cocktail receptions for up to 125 guests, wedding receptions and dinner for up to 100 guests and a private terrace reception on the top floor for up to 80 guests. It also includes a complimentary guest room for the wedding couple. The venue, a part of Kimpton hotels and restaurants, also specializes in LGBT weddings and is TAG approved (i.e. LGBT friendly as determined by Community Marketing, Inc.). It also has had a score of 100 on the HRC index for over 10 years. lorienhotelandspa.com.
Sheraton Reston Hotel (11810 Sunrise Valley Dr., Reston, Va.) is another hotel to help make a wedding special. This same-sex marriage friendly venue offers an array of customized wedding packages to create the exact wedding you want. The hotel offers a complimentary wedding night suite, menu tasting for up to four guests and even complimentary shuttle service for overnight guests to and from Dulles Airport. Sheratonreston.com.
Hilton Alexandria Old Town (1767 King St., Alexandria, Va.) is an option for those who want a larger wedding party. Its space can accommodate up to 500 people. Their on-site wedding consultants are available to help plan every detail from large to minor. Don’t stress about a caterer since Hilton provides food and beverage in its wedding packages. 3.hilton.com.
Falls Church Marriott (3111 Fairview Park Dr., Falls Church, Va.) is located near Tyson’s Corner for a convenient place to shop and entertain for guests. The venue gives a complimentary room to the wedding couple, complimentary parking for the couple and their guests, white glove butler service, a custom wedding cake and much more. marriott.com.
Athenaeum (201 Prince St., Alexandria, Va.) is a neo-Classical Greek Revival temple that is great for those concerned with the aesthetic of their wedding. The space can accommodate 110 people for a cocktail reception and a seated dinner for 80. Its main gallery includes 22-foot coved ceilings and large windows. There is also a secluded garden on the grounds. nvfaa.org.
Stonewall Golf Club (15601 Turtle Point Dr., Gainesville, Va.) is for those who want a scenic view to make the day extra memorable. Located alongside Lake Manassas and on a golf course, the spectacular views are endless. There are also water fountains and floor to ceiling windows for up to 150 guests to enjoy. stonewallgolfclub.com.
