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Virtual Wedding Show- Glen Echo Park

Photo Emily Chastain

Glen Echo Park was first developed in 1891 as a National Chautauqua Assembly, which taught the sciences, arts, languages, and literature. The Chautauqua lasted for just one season, and by the early 1900s, the site had become Glen Echo Amusement Park — the premier amusement park serving the Washington area until 1968, when it closed.

Photos Glen Echo Website

In 1971, after the federal government obtained the land, the National Park Service began managing a new park on the site. The National Park Service collaborated with artists and arts organizations to create a rich arts program in the spirit of the original Chautauqua movement. Today the park is managed by the nonprofit Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture, Inc. on behalf of Montgomery County, Maryland.

Weddings at Glen Echo Park are truly a unique and fun experience!  With the mid-century neon lights, the original park structures such as the Spanish Ballroom and Bumper Car Pavilion, and sloping park greenery – create the perfect backdrop for fun couples who think out of the box!  

Photo Emily Chastain
Photo Emily Chastain

Most of our couples choose the grassy circle with its lush tree grove for their vows.  With a slight slope toward the original antique Dentzel Carousel from 1921, it highlights the whimsical nature of this remarkable park.

The Cuddle Up is a popular option for your cocktail hour!  Originally a theater for children’s shows, it is a fanciful and fun option with bright colors, open space, and raised stage.  

The Bumper Car Pavilion is an absolutely fantastic space for your reception.  Featuring the original bumper car flooring, open floorplan, and great views of the park – this space is truly a remarkable experience for your guests!  The space is open-air, but is able to be both heated and cooled depending on the season.  The white walls and beams are perfect for uplighting to make the space distinctive to your look and feel.

Photo Meredith Muldoon
Photo Meredith Muldoon

Your guests are invited to wander about the magical space throughout your wedding to enjoy the neon lights when the sun sets and perhaps a ride on the carousel if you book in advance!  Talk about a photo opportunity!

Glen Echo’s unique style allows for some truly creative menu items. On this occasion, the bride and groom opted for a raw bar complete with oyster shucker! If you aren’t looking for a raw bar station, these items translate well into passed or individual portions. Cocktail shrimp in shot glasses or passed oysters on the half shell are both options instead of a full raw bar setup. 

Photo Meredith Muldoon
Wide Open Eats

One of our favorite partners both at Glen Echo – and beyond! – is Bryan George Music!  His merry band of DJs are the best in town and we have such an amazing time working with them to make your wedding a PARTY!  His services are completely customizable, including lighting, photo booths, and string ensembles for your ceremony.  He is a thoughtful Master Of Ceremonies and will create a unique experience specific to the feel you want.  Don’t take our word for it, though – click here for testimonials!

Photo Supplied by Bryan George Music
Photos Provided by Bryan George Music
Photo Provided by Bryan George Music
posted by: Simply Fresh Events in: Uncategorized
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