I’m back… with a venue selection!
Hi all! I know it’s been a while since I first announced my big news, but we’ve been busy with tastings, meetings and contracts so that we can relax over the holidays. Now I’ll have to catch you up on my plans!
When it came to picking a location, I have to say that it was an easy choice for us. As a wedding planner, I’m pretty familiar with most of the DC area’s venues, and there are some amazing options. But our choice was just PERFECT for us.
A few months ago, I went to go see a children’s theater production at Glen Echo Park with a friend. I fell in love with both the park and the carefree feeling I got as I walked around. What surprised me the most is that I’ve somehow lived in the DC area for seven years before visiting this hidden gem that’s INSIDE the beltway! My fiancé and I try not to take anything too seriously and love being outdoors. So when I brought him back to this old art-deco amusement park with a running carousel, he was sold as quickly as I was. It’s the perfect backdrop for a chic and whimsical wedding with some very personal vintage flair. We’re confident that our guests will be comfortable just being themselves (no tuxes or sequins required!) and will remember the day long after the last dance. Some of our longtime blog followers might remember that we did a venue spotlight on Glen Echo Park way back when Wish Special Events was Soiree Special Events! Here is the sign at the front entrance to the park, which overlooks an old trolley that is parked there, seemingly freezing a moment in time.
Weather permitting, our ceremony will be held outside on a grassy tree-lined grove in the center of the park. But in the event that it’s raining or too sunny, we will be married underneath this Cuddle Up Pavilion, which is the structure that used to house the Tilt a Whirl! 
Guests will be able to explore the park and take a ride on the carousel in between the ceremony and reception. I’m not a carousel expert or anything, but I have to say that this carousel is beautifully restored and is sure to make any rider feel as happy as John and I will be on that day. This gorgeous night shot of the indoor carousel is courtesy of Michelle Lindsay Photography. 
When the fun begins, we will be in the Bumper Car Pavilion… a covered structure with fantastic hard wood floors that used to house the… you guessed it… bumper cars! That’s a coincidental nod to my fiance’s love of all things with wheels. He’s more in to the motorcycle, truck and racecar variety… but since we couldn’t (read: wouldn’t) get married at a racetrack, this is a pretty good compromise. This photo is courtesy of Documentary Associates, who were the photographers that worked with Rebecca on Hailey & Matt’s Glen Echo wedding in July 2009.
This park has a LOT of history to it and the friendly park rangers are more than happy to give tours and share this history with anyone that’s interested. Here’s a picture of the Bumper Car Pavilion when it housed the Dodgem Scooters:
A few other points about this park that makes it perfect for us:
1.) At one point, this was considered a branch of the Chautauqua Institution. The original Chautauqua Institution still exists, is one of my favorite places to visit and served as my home for two summers that I worked at its theater company. Since I’m hugely into the arts (studied voice in college) and Glen Echo still serves as a home to many artists, I feel a particular connection to the park.
2.) The park only allows wine, beer and champagne… no liquor. While some might see this as a downfall, I embraced it as a budget-friendly way to offer adult beverages all night. Plus, our quick mental review of our guest list proved that most are beer or wine drinkers anyways.
3.) We chose August 2010… both because of availability and because we’ll receive off-season rates. I know what you’re thinking: an outdoor August wedding in DC? Are you crazy? Well, maybe a little bit, but we’re also smart. We’ve having the wedding later in the day after the sun goes down so it won’t be unbearable. And if it’s a little warm, guests will dress accordingly and we’ll still celebrate just the same. Let’s face it: it doesn’t matter what time of year you choose, if you’re having an outdoor wedding in DC, you’re at the mercy of some of the most unpredictable weather I’ve ever experienced. So you might as well do it at a lower rate when possible!
That’s all for today. I’ll be back soon with posts on building a wedding website and our DIY Save the Dates! I’ll leave you with one more shot from Blink Photography of a couple dancing in the Bumper Car Pavilion. I L-O-V-E the hard wood floors, the geometric patterns in the ceiling and the natural light shining through!
Be back soon!
Tags: cristin, Cristin Gets Married!, glen echo park, md, venue, venue spotlight
January 14th, 2010 at 2:21 pm
Hello – we are getting married at the bumper car pavilion in October and are so excited! Have you looked into the caterers yet? We were thinking about Capital Q because we love BBQ, but they are not a full service caterer. Any advice as you go through the approved caterer list would be great! Thanks!