If you’re planning a micro wedding in the DMV area, you have come to the right place! My name is Laura, and I’m an Annapolis-based wedding photographer specializing in intimate celebrations with fewer than 50 guests. And this blog is your go-to guide for micro wedding venues in the DMV area that are packed with personality and charm.  

But first, what is a micro wedding? 

A micro wedding is a wedding celebration with only 10 to 50 guests. Micro weddings emerged during the Covid-19 pandemic, when couples were forced to trim their guest lists. And it turns out that a lot of couples really loved it! Micro weddings remove a lot of the pressure around wedding planning. With a small guest list, you can invite only the people you actually want, be present with your guests on your wedding day, and spend more of your budget on fun experiences (instead of food for 300 people). 

As a vendor, micro weddings give us a chance to really get to know you and integrate into your wedding day. These smaller celebrations are often more focused on connection and fun—two words that should define every wedding day experience. I believe that celebrations should be designed around the people celebrating, which is why I’m a huge fan of breaking tradition and doing whatever the hell you want for your wedding. And at these micro wedding venues, you can create an unforgettable celebration that feels true to you! Want to learn more about micro weddings (and why I’m so obsessed with them)? Read this blog comparing micro weddings to traditional weddings! 

Unforgettable Micro Wedding Venues in the DMV Area 

L’Auberge Chez Francios in Great Falls, Virginia 

L’Auberge Chez Francios isn’t just an award-winning French restaurant; it’s also a romantic venue for small weddings and events. You can choose between three indoor ceremony locations or tie the knot in the gorgeous white tent in the courtyard. If you’re looking for something eclectic and romantic, L’Auberge Chez Francios is a great option. And you know the food will be good, too! 

Garten in Severna Park, Maryland

Garten is a far cry from the typical wedding venue… but that’s kind of the point. I shot a wedding reception here and loved every moment of it! This wine and beer garden is a popular place for friends to gather, and its relaxed atmosphere makes it a perfect place for a reception dinner with friends and family. 

Chase Court in Baltimore

Located in the heart of downtown Baltimore, Chase Court is a stunning, Gothic-style micro wedding venue. And, despite its urban location, Chase Court has a beautiful private garden that’s bursting with life and greenery. I’ve had the honor of second-shooting a wedding here, so I’m already familiar with the ins and outs of this venue and am ready to help any couple navigate the busy Baltimore streets to get all the photos they want. Read more about my previous Chase Court wedding here! 

Swann House at Ulysses Hotel in Baltimore, Maryland

If you’ve been searching for a micro wedding venue that feels moody and luxurious, you’re looking for the Swann House. Owned and operated by the Ulysses Hotel, the Swann House is a historic home that has been transformed into a lavish dining room. And it is perfect for weddings.

Good Neighbor, Baltimore

Good Neighbor is one of Baltimore’s most popular coffee houses, but it is also a private event space! If you want your wedding to feel earthy and grounded, you can get married in the shop, on the patio, or in the guest house. With lots of customizable options and a convenient location, Good Neighbor is a little-known but highly recommended micro wedding venue. 

Mess Hall DC in Washington, DC 

Looking for a micro wedding venue that’s edgy, industrial, and focused on experience? Mess Hall DC is a converted warehouse with 18-foot ceilings, multiple rooms, and an open floor industrial kitchen. You can truly make this space whatever you want it to be. 

Sonny’s Pizza in Washington, DC

When I found out you could get married at Sonny’s Pizza, I almost lost my mind. I mean, talk about a completely unique, memorable, down-to-earth venue! Sonny’s Pizza is connected to a cafe, called Doubles, and a bar, No Kisses, by a shared patio. You can rent this patio out for your wedding and have full access to the bar for your celebration! 

Pinstripes in Georgetown, Washington, D.C. 

Food. Marriage. Bowling. Pinstripes might be my favorite micro wedding venue on this whole list. Located only a mile from the White House, Pinstripes is a restaurant, bowling alley, and bar all in one. And if you hear “bowling alley” and think dingy and dirty, think again. Pinstripes is clean, classy, and unforgettable. There’s nothing else like it in the DMV area, and it’s perfect for small celebrations! 

Maryland Center for History and Culture in Baltimore

The Maryland Center for History and Culture in Baltimore is a simply stunning venue for weddings of all sizes. The building itself is a piece of art, but the best part of getting married here (at least in my opinion) is the option to have one of the galleries open for your guests during cocktail hour! The Maryland Center for History and Culture is home to some incredible exhibitions that will add an artistic and elegant touch to your wedding. 

American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore

The American Visionary Art Museum, more affectionately known as AVAM, is one of my favorite places to visit in Baltimore. AVAM is known for its unique exhibits that immerse guests in the thematic meaning of each room. This industrial warehouse has been transformed into a home for colorful art with rich cultural significance, and provides an out-of-the-box location for art lovers to get married! 

Clyde’s of Gallery Place in Washington, DC

Clyde’s is a local D.C. chain with all kinds of restaurants, but my favorite is Clyde’s of Gallery Place. Picture dark woods, heavy drapes, and stunning art on all the walls. If you’re looking for a micro wedding venue that feels classic with good drinks and even better conversation, Clyde’s is a great place to start! 

Baltimore Museum of Art in Baltimore, Maryland 

Do you want your wedding to feel timeless, elegant, and romantic? Yeah, the Baltimore Museum of Art is the place for you. The BMA has four distinct rooms for your wedding, each more stunning than the last. While hosting a traditional wedding at the BMA might get expensive, hosting a micro wedding is a more affordable option that still allows you to enjoy the beautiful spaces and exhibits at the museum. 

Graduate Annapolis

Graduate Annapolis is a Hilton Hotel grounded in the culture of Annapolis—aka, Navy traditions! If you’re local to Annapolis, or the Naval Academy has played a big role in your life (like it has for mine!) Graduate Annapolis is the perfect place to celebrate your marriage. The best part of having a micro wedding here is the option of having all your guests stay on site!  

Micro Wedding Photographer 

There are so many stunning micro wedding venues in the DMV area. Seriously, this list only holds a few of the beautiful locations you can host intimate ceremonies and receptions. Your love deserves to be celebrated in a way that feels authentic, not forced. So, if you want to skip the obligatory traditions, avoid the stressful guest list conversations, and actually enjoy planning your wedding, consider hosting a micro wedding. And if you want a photographer who knows how to navigate intimate events without getting in the way, we should definitely chat. Explore my wedding photography packages to learn more, and reach out to take the next step!