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About

**Chosen as a TOP WEDDING VENDOR by Virginia Living Magazine for 2021**

The Athenaeum is a beautifully preserved building, now serving as an art gallery. One of only two remaining examples of Neoclassical Greek Revival architecture in Alexandria, its exterior features an impressive portico supported by soaring Doric columns. Oversized windows bring natural light to the main gallery rooms, which boast 24-foot ceilings, wonderful woodwork, and exposed granite walls lined with rotating art exhibits. Your ceremony can be held in the sweet, private courtyard. This quaint, romantic space has a “secret garden” feel, sheltered from the street by high, vine-covered red brick walls.

Please note wheelchair access is available only on the main floor.

A/V equipment is available but limited.

Viewing the Athenaeum

The Athenaeum is available for viewing during gallery hours or by appointment. Gallery hours are Thursday-Sunday from 12:00 pm-4:00 pm. The Athenaeum is closed on holidays. Advance notice for viewing the Athenaeum is appreciated.

Reserving the Athenaeum

  • Rental Fee: The venue rental fee is $275/hour Monday–Thursday, $445/hour Friday & Sunday, $545/hour on Saturday, and $600/hour on federal holidays. A minimum of 4 hours is required for a rental, and 6 hours for Saturday evenings.
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  • An additional $150 cleaning fee and Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association (NVFAA) membership (at the Supporter level [$100] or above) are required for all single-date rentals.

Capacity

  • Seated Dinner: 80

  • Seated Dinner with Dance Floor: 60

  • Courtyard: 50 Standing

  • Courtyard: 50 Seated Ceremony

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Frequently asked questions

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

No

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

No

Which of the following are included in starting site fee?

Chairs
Tables

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

3

Describe your venue:

Art Gallery
Historic Building
Museum

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
Uncovered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party
Rehearsal Dinner

What event services do you offer?

Event Planner
Event Rentals
Wifi

What event items are available?

Audio Equipment
Chairs

What transportation and access is available?

Wheelchair Access

What months are included in your peak season?

April
October

What months are included in your off-peak season?

January
February
March
July
August
December
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4.9 out of 5 rating
13 Reviews
  • Quality of service
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    4.9 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    4.9 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    4.9 out of 5 rating
100% Recommended by couples
E
Emily R. Sent on 11/26/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Beautiful, Affordable Venue in Old Town

We hosted a 50 guest wedding ceremony and reception at the Anthenaeum in September 2022 and had a wonderful experience! It is such a beautiful setting. We used the gorgeous back courtyard for our cocktail hour at sunset and it felt truly magical. The staff are wonderful to work with and it is in the heart of Old Town near hotels, shops and restaurants which is perfect if you have a lot of guests flying in like we did. The art adds a fun, modern element and we loved the artists featured the month of our wedding. We are so happy we chose the Anthenaeum - highly recommend!
Paige
Paige Sent on 05/27/2020
5 out of 5 rating

Great venue

We wanted a historic venue that felt intimate and unique and the Athenaeum was a great fit! It's awesome to be able to support a community non-profit that supports the arts too. Our wedding was in the winter so we had the ceremony and reception inside. The staff recommended a great caterer and tent company so we were able to flip the space quickly during the cocktail hour. It was a little crowded in the courtyard during the cocktail hour but overall it was a great experience. The price is reasonable and the building is beautiful. The staff was also easy to work with, kind, and flexible. Thanks!
Meg
Meg Sent on 02/07/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Would highly recommend!

We held our welcome party here the night before our wedding and it was absolutely amazing. The Anthenaeum is truly an iconic Old Town building -- and it is situated right in the heart of downtown. If you're looking for a unique and intimate venue for any of your wedding events, this is it!
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Awards

13

Real Weddings

Erin & Osama
39 photos · 09/19/2020

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