Old Town Alexandria wedding days hold a special place in my heart. I am very proud to call myself an Alexandria Wedding photographer. This historic town has it all – from cobble stone streets to colorful row houses. It’s the perfect romantic location to say “I do!”
I had the honor of capturing Caroline and Sean’s wedding day as a second shooter last year. Their wedding was like a tour of Old Town Alexandria! The day started at the bride’s suite at the Hotel Indigo on S Union Street, then continued for the Ceremony at The Rectory on Princess Street. Using a darling street car, the wedding party met us at The Rectory for Caroline and Sean’s vows. This brick-laid historic building and outdoor garden ceremony space made for a charming contrast to Hotel Indigo’s modern, riverside aesthetic.
A Wedding Ceremony at The Rectory on Princess Street
The Rectory on Princess Street is an elegant, historic home venue that makes for a perfect setting for smaller or intimate events. Their packages range from elopement style to full wedding packages for up to 50 guests. This makes it a great spot to go all out for a dreamy wedding day surrounded by your closest friends and family. For any history buff brides and grooms, you’ll be pleased to learn this 1785 building stays true to its Colonial roots both inside and out, making it a charming spot for romantic wedding day portraits or a great location for Groom’s Getting Ready documentation.
The gardens behind the house are private and beautifully maintained, surrounded by the white washed brick walls and manicured boxwoods. Just a short walk from Captains Row and just blocks from popular King Street attractions, The Rectory gives a true taste of an Old Town Alexandria Wedding.
Where to Take Wedding Portraits in Old Town Alexandria
Old Town Alexandria weddings offer so much variety for wedding portraits. Brides and grooms have options on brick or cobblestone paths and streets, historic and colorful homes, waterfront views, urban crosswalks, or hidden gardens. No matter where your venue is in Old Town, some of my favorite spots to take a newlywed couple include:
- Carlyle House and its garden behind it (N Fairfax St)
- Captain’s Row (S Lee St)
- Wales Alley (Prince St)
- Shipyard Park (near Wolfe St)
- Founders Park and Old Town Alexandria Harbor (accessible anywhere between Queen and Oronoco St)
Here are some of the portraits we took before the reception at Hotel Indigo, mainly on Princess Street just a block from The Rectory!
And then back to The Rectory for bridal party portraits!!
Hotel Indigo Wedding Reception
After getting copious amounts of newlywed portraits and bridal party portraits, we headed back to Hotel Indigo to get the party started for Caroline and Sean’s reception. Their guests were already there, mingling over the open bar and signing their guestbook. Just before introductions, I did happen to catch a glimpse at the newlyweds stealing a cuddly moment in the lobby over a drink before they entered to greet their guests – HOW SWEET!!
After that, it was party time! The Hotel Indigo was a modern contrast to The Rectory’s historic aesthetic. The lobby was a refreshing waterfront feel, and the reception was held mainly at The Hummingbird restaurant inside the hotel. The restaurant includes an outdoor patio with an alleyway that led straight to the pier on the Potomac river.
My mom has always told me that if I ever wanted an intimate wedding reception, we would go through with the ceremony with 15-20 of our closest friends and family then book out a restaurant to enjoy the rest of the evening. Well, that’s sort of what it felt like at Caroline and Sean’s wedding – the entire Hummingbird restaurant was theirs to host their guests, and everyone danced through the night on the outside patio. It was so warm and perfect. And of course we snuck them away for a few waterfront photos…
Thanks for swooning at Caroline and Sean’s Old Town Alexandria wedding with me! For more weddings and favorite local venues, check out my other blog posts below!
