As one of several wedding photographers in Washington, DC, I’m thrilled to recommend beautiful historic manor houses as great wedding venue options that are within an hour away from DC, like Rust Manor House.

Why Wedding Photographers in Washington DC Like Rust Manor House

• Location – Rust Manor House is located in Leesburg, Virginia, only about 42 miles from the heart of Washington, DC. Out-of-town wedding guests can enjoy the sights of DC during their visit. There is a vast array of hotel accommodations in Northern Virginia near Dulles Airport as well of course, in DC.
• The venue offers both indoor and outdoor locations. There is a wonderful outdoor garden space with English countryside “Secret Garden” vibes for your ceremony. Cocktail hour is typically held inside the lower level of the mansion and receptions are held in a tent on the property.
• The event tent comes as part of the total wedding package, saving couples the hassle of seeking out wedding tent rentals.
• I LOVE the bridal suite that is filled with amazing natural window light. The antique blue toile wallpaper, chandelier, and period furnishings make for stunning bridal portraits.
• The sage green-colored library downstairs has wall-to-wall glass wood bookshelves that make for unique groom and couple portraits.
• Rust Manor House provides a catering service – Great Blue Heron Catering, for appetizers, drinks, and dinner.

Claire and Kevin’s Wedding

Claire and Kevin’s wedding photos at Rust Manor House are the perfect illustration of why this historic manor is a venue favorite for wedding photographers in DC.

To give you an idea on the size of the bridal suite; it was big enough to accommodate hair and makeup artists for Claire, her sister who was her maid-of-honor, and her two bridesmaids. The adjoining bathroom had a funky fun vibe. There is a tall and wide mirror on one side of the suite and a counter with mirrors on the other wall. The light in this suite is soft and romantic which is a dream come true for photographers who want to create beautiful getting ready photos and bridal portraits.

Claire had a special gift for her Mom so the window seat was great for those photos also.

As a wedding photographer, I wish every venue had dramatic window light like the one streaming from the second floor landing. It was wonderful to document some of Claire’s wedding details there and to catch her on the way downstairs to meet Kevin for their first look.

After Kevin and his groomsmen were dressed, we used the esthetic of the library room for portraits.

Claire and Kevin did their first look and private vow reading in the back gardens. Then I used the house’s back circular stone steps for their wedding party photos before their outdoor ceremony.

The outdoor reception tent that is just a few short steps from the Manor House and the outdoor ceremony space. When the time was right, it was easy to step away for golden hour portraits.

There’s just something magical about the garden light at this venue…