It’s April, which means it’s officially wedding season, and we. are. ready. That’s right, we aren’t just a regular coworking space, we’re a cool coworking space, because not only is our new rooftop at the Atrium a fab spot to get some work done al fresco, it also moonlights as a stunning venue.
So if you’re newly engaged and thinking about where to book your wedding, first of all, congrats! Secondly, here’s a closer look at why Above ALX is Old Town Alexandria’s premier rooftop venue for your most special day.
THAT VIEW
The jewel of Above ALX is undeniably the wraparound Terrace, which offers phenomenal views of Old Town, National Harbor, and DC. Facing west, the Terrace opens onto a spacious patio, which makes a lovely option for an outdoor ceremony, reception, or dance floor. Plus, you’ll find a captivating view of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, made all the more stunning at sunset.
RELAXED LUXURY
According to The Knot/WeddingWire Trends Report for 2022, couples are looking to go light on formality this year, tossing black tie and fine china for a more casual wedding experience. We fully cosign this less stressful approach and suggest keeping it relaxed on the Terrace for cocktail hour, where your guests can lounge and take in views of the twinkling Potomac and Washington Monument (or play cornhole—it’s your day). Head on indoors and you’ll find the light-filled Parlor with modern gold finishes, high ceilings, and plush contemporary furniture, perfect for an intimate ceremony that truly delivers those relaxed luxury vibes.
GUEST EXPERIENCE
Also just in from The Knot, the guest experience has become a top priority for engaged couples as they explore locations for their wedding. Located just two blocks off charming King Street in the heart of Old Town, Above ALX is a short walk to hotels, restaurants, and plenty of activities for guests to explore during their stay before or after your wedding. They can ride the free trolley down King Street to the Potomac waterfront and enjoy the new public art display, I Love You (we didn’t plan this, we swear), or head up King to the Metro and hop the Blue or Yellow lines straight to the sights of Arlington and DC. Plus, Above ALX is just a 15-minute drive from Reagan National Airport, making it super convenient for your out-of-town guests.
BACKUP OPTIONS FTW
Because our rooftop is more than just an open-air rectangle, there’s added flexibility when it comes to your wedding day vision. Put another way, if it rains, we’ve got a built-in backup plan: Meet George Washington, our corner room connected to both the Parlor and Terrace that makes a great option for a ceremony and reception; at 2,000 square feet, it can comfortably seat 80-100 guests. A bonus feature is its glass wall that fully opens right onto the patio, creating a smooth transition from inside to out (take that, rain).
FLEXIBLE CATERING
Since we’re a venue only and not a hotel or restaurant, onsite catering is just not in our wheelhouse—which also means, we don’t come with a hidden $20,000 food and beverage minimum. What we are happy to offer is a list of fabulous preferred caterers who’ve all toured Above ALX, given the stamp of approval to our catering kitchen (more to come on this), and whose food we’ve tasted and loved. Outside catering can be a huge cost-saver, largely because all of our preferred caterers allow you to bring your own alcohol, which will shave about a third off your overall food and beverage budget. To make things even easier, your caterer will not only provide a bartender, but often will offer to pick up your alcohol for you from, say, Costco, provided the purchase is in your name (Virginia Commonwealth rules and such). Easy peasy and a cost-saver to boot.
ALL OF THE AMENITIES
Beyond our smiling, dedicated hospitality team, Above ALX comes decked out with some pretty amazing perks. And because we’re talking weddings, and we know what guests really care about besides witnessing your commitment to lifelong devotion to one another, let’s talk booze. Our Parlor features a generous island that functions best as a bar and is decked out with a wine fridge, ice maker, and tons of empty cupboards for storage to keep the drinks readily available and flowing smoothly all night. Plus, there’s room on the Terrace to set up an outdoor bar (or two)—feel free to use the many tables available at no extra charge, which goes for all of our outdoor furniture.
We know how important food is as well, and are happy to inform you that our Parlor is also home to the aforementioned catering kitchen, where your caterer will love top-of-the line appliances (including a freezer that makes ice—do not underestimate the importance of ice), a microwave/convection oven, ample day-of storage room in the cupboards, and a sliding door to keep the magic hidden in the kitchen.
If you’re looking to lighten the planning load, we’re happy to offer a package at a nominal fee that includes a ceremonial arch (to frame those golden hour vows), cocktail tables, four-foot tables (great for a gift table or coffee station), lanterns for the Terrace, and timeless Mercury glass votives to enhance the indoor ambiance.
Less exciting but just as important, other amenities include onsite garage parking (no need to hire valet); three elevators for guest access from the parking garage and at ground level, plus a freight elevator for separate vendor load-in; and state-of-the-art A/V for displaying photo slideshows, a welcome message, or menu. We’re also handicap accessible thanks to a lift that goes right from our fifth floor elevator lobby to the roof.
Oh, did someone mention dogs? Why yes, we are dog-friendly, and would love to help you incorporate well-behaved Rupert into your wedding repertoire.
BUT WAIT…
Going big? We got you. Along with Above ALX, we offer our first floor, the Atrium lobby, as a venue for those looking at larger guest lists. Sunlight floods the room thanks to the sprawling glass ceiling, creating a warm and inviting space that can seat 200-250, depending on table style and layout. There’s also a small stage and a media wall for displaying photos or a message. Plus, at 6,000 square feet, you’ve got plenty of room for dancing. Or, take the party to the roof!
Whatever you choose, we’re happy to share that you have full and private access to the space that you book for your wedding day. We don’t hold more than one event per day, and will provide dedicated ALX Community team members who will coordinate with your team of vendors to ensure your day goes as smoothly as possible.
We can’t wait to celebrate your special day with you. To book a tour or for more information, please email events@alxcommunity.com.