Dreaming of a wedding that feels like a countryside château, an English manor, or a historic European estate, but don’t want to plan a destination wedding? The DMV region (Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia) has some truly stunning options! As destination wedding planners ourselves, we have seen some gorgeous venues abroad, and some of these below truly give them a run for their money. From grand mansions and formal gardens to vineyard estates with European flair, these venues offer the romance, history, and architectural beauty we all love about Europe, but don’t require a passport or long airport lines.

Why Choose a European-Inspired Venue in the DMV

European-style venues offer:

• Timeless architecture that needs minimal décor
  
• Built-in elegance and romance
  
• A sense of history and permanence

The DMV is able to offer these experiences without the complexity of international travel — making it possible to host a wedding that feels transported, elevated, and unforgettable.

Great Marsh Estate | Bealeton, VA

Georgian • Formal • Timeless

With its grand Georgian architecture and stately symmetry, Great Marsh Estate evokes the elegance of European country estates. The mansion, terraces, and expansive lawns provide a formal backdrop ideal for classic wedding designs. Fun fact, Great Marsh Estate was the chosen wedding venue on season 7 of Netflix’s Love Is Blind!

Why it feels European:

• Georgian architectural style
  
• Formal estate grounds
  
• Perfect canvas for black-tie or classic weddings
  

Best for: Couples seeking a traditional, old-world estate feel with room for elevated design.

Strong Mansion | Sugarloaf Mountain, MD

English Manor • Romantic • Secluded

Tucked into the hills of Sugarloaf Mountain, Strong Mansion feels like an English country estate straight out of a period drama. Stone architecture, rolling lawns, and sweeping countryside views create an intimate yet refined atmosphere.

Why it feels European:

• Stone manor house with historic interiors
  
• Lush gardens and pastoral surroundings
  
• Secluded, destination-style setting
  

Best for: Couples who love the feel of an English countryside wedding with a quiet, romantic ambiance.

Carlyle House | Old Town Alexandria, VA

Historic • Colonial European • Garden-Centric

One of the most iconic historic homes in Northern Virginia, Carlyle House blends European-inspired colonial architecture with manicured gardens in the heart of Old Town Alexandria.

Why it feels European:

• 18th-century stone architecture
  
• Formal garden spaces reminiscent of European courtyards
  
• Intimate, historic setting
  

Best for: Couples wanting a refined garden wedding with European charm in an urban, walkable location.

Airlie | Warrenton, VA

Romantic • Countryside • Garden Estate

Set across hundreds of acres, Airlie offers rolling hills, garden paths, and estate buildings that feel reminiscent of European countryside retreats. Its natural beauty and serene setting make it a favorite for romantic, weekend-long celebrations. Click here to view more pictures from our latest wedding at Airlie!

Why it feels European:

• Sweeping landscapes and gardens
  
• Estate-style grounds
  
• Destination-style experience without travel
  

Best for: Couples drawn to soft, romantic countryside weddings inspired by European estates.

Morais Vineyards | Bealeton, VA

Mediterranean • Vineyard • Grand

With its symmetrical design, vineyard rows, and elegant interior spaces, Morais Vineyards channels the feel of a Mediterranean wine estate. The grand ballroom and outdoor ceremony spaces elevate the experience beyond a traditional winery.

Why it feels European:

• Vineyard setting similar to Portugal, Italy, or Spain
  
• Grand architecture and formal layout
  
• Strong indoor/outdoor flow
  

Best for: Couples dreaming of a vineyard wedding with a polished, European aesthetic.

Dumbarton House | Georgetown, DC

Federal-Style • Garden Estate • Refined

Located in Georgetown, Dumbarton House offers historic elegance paired with intimate garden spaces. Its refined architecture and manicured grounds give the feel of a European townhouse estate. You can find more images from this featured wedding by clicking here.

Why it feels European:

• Formal garden courtyard
  
• Historic mansion architecture
  
• Elegant, understated sophistication
  

Best for: Couples wanting a classic garden wedding with European influence in the heart of Washington, DC.

St Regis | Washington, DC

Old World Feel • Dramatic • Italian Renaissance-Inspired

Just steps away from the White House, the Astor Ballroom at the St. Regis has Palladian-style arched windows, 18-foot hand-painted ceilings, and decorative motifs that draw inspiration from Italian Renaissance and Old World traditions often seen in grand European palaces. Click here to view more stunning pictures from our most recent wedding at the St Regis!

Why it feels European:

• Ornate fountain in the Astor Courtyard
  
• Floor-to-ceiling arched windows
  
• Rich wood finishes
  

Best for: Couples who want the historic European ballroom feel with the modern conveniences of a hotel in the city.

Perry Belmont House | Washington, DC

Gilded Age • Grand • Parisian-Inspired

Inspired by French architecture, the Perry Belmont House is one of DC’s most opulent venues. With ornate interiors, sweeping staircases, and gilded details, it feels straight out of Paris.

Why it feels European:

• Beaux-Arts architecture
  
• Lavish interiors and historic grandeur
  
• Embassy-style elegance
  

Best for: Couples planning a formal, black-tie wedding with true European grandeur.

Larz Anderson House | Washington, DC

Italian Renaissance • Formal • Museum-Level Elegance

Modeled after Italian Renaissance villas, Larz Anderson House offers unmatched architectural drama. Its marble interiors, grand staircases, and formal rooms feel distinctly European.

Why it feels European:

• Italian Renaissance–inspired design
  
• Museum-quality interiors
  
• Formal, old-world elegance
  

Best for: Couples who want a refined, art-forward wedding with a distinctly European sensibility.

St. Francis Hall | Washington, DC

Italian Villa • Romantic • Intimate

Located at the Franciscan Monastery, St. Francis Hall is inspired by 13th-century Italian architecture. Cloisters, arches, and gardens transport guests straight to Italy.

Why it feels European:

• Italian monastery design
  
• Arched walkways and courtyards
  
• Romantic, serene atmosphere
  

Best for: Couples seeking an intimate, old-world wedding inspired by Italy.

Parting Thoughts

If you’re drawn to European design, historic estates, and old-world romance, these DMV venues offer stunning backdrops for a wedding that feels both elevated and deeply personal — without ever leaving the country. Venues with strong architecture often require less décor, allowing you to focus your budget on florals, lighting, and guest experience rather than transforming the entire space. Planning a wedding with a European aesthetic requires thoughtful curation, from venue to vendor team to design details. If all of this sounds like we grabbed inspo right off your Pinterest board, Fete du Jour Events happens to be a team of DC wedding planners who specialize in weddings with European touches, so schedule a consultation and see if we are the wedding planner for you!