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1. Grand Garden
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond, Virginia, has expertly paired its ceremony and reception sites. Vows under a pavilion can precede a tearoom meal; rose garden "I dos" go with a ballroom bash in the visitors center. The scenery includes a lake, sundial and pretty perennials. The garden’s exclusive caterer will create a menu for 250 guests. (804) 262-9887 x345, LewisGinter.org
2. Breezy Bay
Enjoy the majestic Chesapeake at Celebrations at the Bay in Pasadena, Maryland. The Tented Vista Ballroom holds 240 guests and is on the beachfront. If you opt for the Chesapeake Ballroom, which seats 140, guests can gaze down at the lapping waves from its deck. Stroll along the wooden pier for sand-free photo ops. An exclusive caterer owns the venue, so you’re guaranteed an expertly crafted menu. (410) 437-5711, CelebrationsattheBay.com
3. Presidential Plaza
Make a little history of your own! Wed at the Ronald Reagan Building’s Woodrow Wilson Plaza in DC. The museum-style façade and the courtyard’s standing sculptures echo the nostalgia of historic events that have taken place there. The plaza provides catering and can hold more than 500 guests for your presidential ball, er, wedding. (202) 312-1300, ITCDC.com
4. Old-School Station
Formerly a train station, the Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond, Virginia, hosts weddings for up to 1,500 people in its Garner Pavilion. Make sure to use the area beneath the old platform and tracks, which gives you limitless options for decorating. The museum has a list of approved caterers for you to use, or you can bring your own. (800) 659-1727, SMV.org
5. Historic Manor
Built in 1818, the historic Decatur House sits on Lafayette Square one block from the White House. Its carriage house opens up to a brick courtyard that seats 220 guests. With its pretty flowers and twinkle-lit trees, the stately space offers a secluded escape from downtown DC. Here, you can use a preapproved caterer for your alfresco affair. (202) 842-0917, DecaturHouse.org
6. Divine Vineyard
Want the feel of Napa without leaving the area? Veritas Vineyard & Winery in Afton, Virginia, has acres of grapevines and a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Its lawns can seat 250, and catering is provided by the winery. Tents can be set up on the tasting room lawns, and a ballroom is also available in case the weather doesn’t hold up! (540) 456-8000, VeritasWines.com
7. Natural Hideaway
Nestled in Chevy Chase, Maryland, the Woodend Sanctuary is perfect for a luxurious woodland wedding. Forest views, Greek-style columns and elegant entryways are just a few of the highlights of the lush estate. Host your reception for up to 170 guests on its tented terrace, and choose from a list of approved caterers. (301) 652-9188 x38, AudubonNaturalist.org
8. Elegant Estate
Transport guests back to the Gilded Age at Maymont estate in Richmond, Virginia. For your ceremony, choose between the Italian Garden, which houses a wedding dome and pergola, or the Japanese Garden, featuring tranquil landscaping and a gorgeous waterfall. Then have a reception for up to 250 in the Nature Center or 150 in the Garden Hall. Work with one of the estate’s preferred caterers for your menu. (804) 358-7166, Maymont.org
9. Patriotic Inn
The Founders Inn and Spa in Virginia Beach, Virginia, named for our country’s founding fathers, is a Georgian-style estate surrounded by meticulously landscaped colonial gardens. Hold the inn-catered reception meal beneath a tent that accommodates 250 guests. Be sure to visit the spa for some postmatrimonial pampering. (800) 926-4466 x309, FoundersInn.com
10. Political Patio
The Meridian International Center in DC isn’t just for foreign affairs—its outdoor pebble grove is accented with crisp gardens. Towering walls surround the garden area, which holds 200. Imagine the drama as you make your entrance along a linden tree-lined path! Stately ballrooms are also available, and the house has a list of preferred caterers. (202) 939-5592, Meridian.org