15 Incredibly Cinematic Wedding Venues in the DC Area

What makes a cinematic wedding venue?

When choosing a wedding venue, there are the typical factors: overall aesthetic and style, the look and feel of the venue, options offered for catering and coordination, how many guests can be accommodated, and more.

But there are also factors that will influence how your photos and video will look too.

In other words, how beautiful the venue will look on camera.

So what are some factors that go into a venue that looks cinematic and stunning in photos and video?

First, indoor vs outdoor makes a big difference. Both are good - but you should know which look you are going for.

Indoor venues can be beautiful - as long as they are well-lit. A dark, dimly lit reception ballroom won’t make for the best photos. On the other hand, a room with large windows like the St. Regis hotel (#8 on the list below) can make for beautiful lighting.

Another consideration is location and scenery outdoors. Are there beautiful nature scapes surrounding the venue? Or maybe it’s tucked away in a beautiful garden area, such as Meadowlark Gardens (#5).

And if drone videography is important to you, you’ll want to pick a venue outside of most major cities and away from any airports, as these will be a no-fly zone for drones.

Before booking a venue

It’s great to talk to your planner as well as photographer and videographer before booking your venue. You can often get feedback as many vendors may have worked with some of these venues in the past. Often, vendors can share their experiences or their photography or video of the weddings they’ve done at the venue you are considering.

If you already booked the venue, no worries - your wedding team will still be able to talk with you about your venue! (Although if you already have a venue, I’m not sure why you are reading this particular post)… 😅

Top 13 Cinematic Wedding Venues in the DC, Maryland, & Northern Virginia Areas

1. Lansdowne Resort + Spa

Lansdowne is a beautiful resort and country club tucked away in the Leesburg, VA region. The venue is the perfect secluded getaway that offers everything you might need for a gorgeous country wedding.

See more information on their weddings page.

2. The Fairmont Washington, D.C.

We love filming here! This hotel is luxurious to the smallest details.

The hotel has accessible parking for guests, making for a good guest experience. It also features a beautifully lit open entrance area.

Learn more and take a virtual tour on their weddings page.

3. The Sequoia

From their website: “Newly renovated Sequoia provides an exquisite setting and the finest of American cuisine, perfect for your Special Event.”

View their website here, or view their impressive Weddings PDF.

4. Regency at Dominion Valley

Regency is a venue with a beautiful surrounding landscape and very nicely lit indoor rooms as well.

Located less than an hour outside DC, in Haymarket VA, Regency makes for an exquisite country wedding location.

They can accommodate anywhere from 10 to 240 guests.

Learn more by visiting their site here.

5. Manor Country Club

Located in Rockville, MD, just a short drive from downtown DC, Manor Country Club has everything you need for a beautiful and cinematic wedding experience.

View their weddings page to see more.

6. Glen Ellen Farm

This one is a bit further from DC, in Frederick MD. But it’s well worth the drive, as it makes for beautiful outdoor weddings.

We shot Dianne and Brian’s wedding here, and we love how it turned out! The experience was wonderful for guests and vendors alike.

7. St. Regis Washington

The St. Regis is a high-end venue in the heart of DC, and can accommodate the most luxurious of weddings.

Open for up to 300 guests, the meeting rooms here are quite beautiful as well.

Learn more on Marriott’s website.

8. The Hotel Washington

Also located in downtown DC, the Hotel Washington is another luxury wedding venue.

According to their website, they offer three magnificent wedding venues as well as a dedicated wedding specialist.

Your guests will be sure to have a good time, and the architecture makes for beautiful photos and video.

9. Snowy Owl Farm

Snowy Owl Farm is a newer venue that recently opened. We had the privilege of filming a wedding here back in October alongside wonderful photographers Chelsea and Andrew of Chelsea Diane Photography.

It’s a beautiful venue and an excellent spot for drone footage!

10. Meadowlark Gardens

Meadowlark, located in the Tysons VA area, has beautiful sprawling gardens that make for wonderful formals.

It also offers an incredible atrium with huge windows that make for amazing lighting for photography and video.

11. Cambria Hotel Washington D.C. Capitol Riverfront

This is another venue with a beautiful view of the Riverfront in downtown DC.

They offer a range of event packages and a delightful experience for guests.

See their website for more photos and info on the hotel.

12. Conrad Washington DC

The Conrad, also a newer DC hotel and wedding venue, offers several high-end event spaces — including a rooftop event terrace with a view of the Capitol.

View their website to see more.

13. Monte Ventoso

A beautiful venue the middle of VA, this one is a bit further from DC, but has so many amenities for a perfect wedding.

See more info and photos on their weddings page.

14. Whistling Wren Farm

Located in Keedysville MD, this beautiful farmhouse venue was the location of a recent fall wedding we filmed.

We loved filming the beautiful scenery here and had a great time doing it.

See more on their website here.

15. Historic Tuckahoe Plantation

Historic Tuckahoe Plantation can accommodate even up to 500 guests.

You can find many examples of beautiful outdoor weddings here through their website.

Summary

Whatever your vision for your wedding, we hope this list helps give you ideas and inspiration to help you along the wedding planning journey.

We’d love to come alongside you and provide more personalized help too - feel free to reach out to us via the Contact page.