Intimate and Timeless: Catholic Church Micro Wedding & Restaurant Reception in DC, Maryland, or Virginia
Micro weddings are a growing trend, especially in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area, where couples are embracing smaller, more intentional celebrations. Pairing a Catholic Church ceremony with a restaurant reception is a timeless way to blend tradition with modern elegance while keeping your guest list intimate.
As a documentary-style wedding photographer, I specialize in capturing the candid moments that make your wedding day unforgettable, ensuring every laugh, tear, and meaningful glance is preserved. Let’s explore why the DMV is the perfect backdrop for a micro wedding and how you can create a celebration that’s uniquely yours.
View other blog posts to get inspired for your wedding reception or ceremony.
Pictured: St Thomas Becket Catholic Church & Lake Anne Coffee House
The Charm of Catholic Church Weddings in the DMV
The DMV area is home to a variety of stunning Catholic Churches, each offering a unique blend of history, tradition, and beauty. Whether it’s the breathtaking St. Matthew’s Cathedral in Washington, DC, the serene Shrine of St. Anthony in Maryland, or the picturesque St. James Catholic Church in Virginia, the region provides endless options for a meaningful ceremony.
A Catholic Church wedding brings a sense of reverence and intimacy, especially with a smaller guest list. The stunning architecture, intricate details, and warm lighting create the perfect setting for your vows—and an unforgettable photo gallery. With fewer people, your ceremony feels personal, allowing you and your guests to connect deeply with the sacred experience.
Restaurant Receptions: Intimate Celebrations with Local Flair
After the ceremony, transitioning to a restaurant for your reception keeps the celebration intimate and hassle-free. The DMV area is known for its world-class dining, offering everything from upscale, Michelin-starred establishments to cozy, locally-loved spots.
• DC Favorites: Host your reception at Fiola Mare for waterfront views and Italian-inspired elegance or at The Hamilton Live for a modern twist on fine dining with live music.
• Maryland Gems: Consider The Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michaels for a luxurious yet intimate setting or Woodberry Kitchen in Baltimore for a farm-to-table experience with rustic charm.
• Virginia Venues: For a more relaxed yet sophisticated vibe, Trummer’s in Clifton or The Ashby Inn in Paris offer exquisite dining and private event spaces perfect for small groups.
Restaurant receptions make it easy to focus on what matters: celebrating with your closest loved ones. With exceptional cuisine and a cozy ambiance, your guests will feel like family as they toast to your love story.
Capturing Your Micro Wedding
As a documentary and candid-style wedding photographer based in the DMV area, I specialize in preserving the real moments that define your day. From the quiet prayers before the ceremony to the laughter shared over dinner, I’ll ensure every fleeting moment is beautifully documented.
Hosting a micro wedding also allows for more time to capture stunning portraits. Imagine stepping outside your church to take photos with the iconic monuments of DC, the waterfront views of Annapolis, or the rolling hills of Virginia as your backdrop. These locations, paired with the authentic emotions of your day, create timeless images you’ll treasure forever.
Why Micro Weddings Are Perfect for DMV Couples
Micro weddings in DC, Maryland, and Virginia are more than just a trend—they’re an intentional way to celebrate love. By focusing on fewer guests, you can invest in the details that truly matter, from meaningful venues to personalized decor. Plus, the DMV’s unique combination of historic charm and modern elegance offers countless options for creating a day that reflects your personality as a couple.
Ready to Plan Your Perfect Day?
If you’re planning a micro wedding in the DMV area, I’d love to help you capture every candid, heartfelt moment. Whether you’re exchanging vows in a historic Catholic Church or celebrating with an intimate reception at a local restaurant, I’ll ensure your love story is documented authentically and beautifully.
Reach out to me today to learn more about my documentary-style wedding photography services in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Let’s make your micro wedding unforgettable!
Vendors
Day of Coordinator & Wedding Planner: Genevieve Haralson with Days And Eves Events
Church: St Thomas Becket
Florist: Betsy Coffey
Catering / Restaurant: Lake Anne Coffee House
Baker: Heidelberg Bakery
View other blog posts to get inspired for your wedding reception or ceremony.
Let’s Discuss Your Day!
Looking for a documentary wedding photographer in the DC, MD, or VA area to capture your wedding? Click below. Sheridan Mangold has also traveled to many destinations throughout the US, the Caribbean, and Europe.