What does it mean to be an inclusive wedding venue in Northern Virginia?

Before the first bouquet is arranged or the first guest is seated, there’s a quiet moment that happens on almost every venue tour here at Rixey Manor. Sometimes it’s a deep breath. Sometimes it’s a tear. But almost always, there’s this quiet sense of, “Okay. We’re safe here.”

That feeling—that release—is the true heart of inclusivity.

Years ago, I came across Madeline Stuart—an Australian model with Down syndrome—and something in me just lit up. I didn’t wait for her team to reach out. I contacted them myself. I didn’t fully understand what I was stepping into, I just knew it mattered. I couldn’t find anyone who had represented her in the way she deserved. So I offered Rixey Manor. Not for the press or attention, but because everyone should be seen, and no one else seemed to be stepping forward.

That shoot went viral, featured in People, Refinery29, and The Independent. But more than that, it shaped the way I think about weddings—and about this venue. It reminded me that inclusivity is not just about saying yes. It’s about reaching out first. It’s about making space before someone even asks.

A lot of venues say they’re inclusive. Fewer show it. For us, it’s not about checking a box—it’s about removing the weight people carry when they walk through the door wondering if they’ll be judged, ignored, or treated like an exception.

At Rixey Manor, we don’t just accept your story—we advocate for it. We uplift it. We make space for it before you even arrive.

We welcome:

• LGBTQ+ couples, including same-sex, nonbinary, and trans individuals who want to feel fully seen without having to explain their love.

• Interfaith and multicultural couples, whether that means a Sikh-Jewish fusion ceremony, a baraat on the back lawn, or bilingual vows.

• People of all body types and abilities, with thoughtful accessibility throughout the property—not just ADA-compliant, but genuinely comfortable.

• Neurodiverse couples and families, where we’re open to sensory considerations, flexible timelines, and planning in a way that fits you—not the other way around.

Inclusivity means we’re not waiting passively for you to ask permission. We’re already preparing the space with you in mind. Because your story deserves to be anticipated—not accommodated as an afterthought.

Some of the most meaningful weddings we’ve hosted have been the ones that didn’t fit the mold—and weren’t trying to. One beautiful lesbian couple planned a traditional Jewish ceremony, complete with a stunning chuppah, wrapped tallit, and the breaking of the glass. They told me afterward they felt a sense of calm here they hadn’t found anywhere else.

Another couple blended South Indian rituals with Western aesthetics, inviting their families to a weekend that honored both sets of traditions. We helped them configure the lawn layout to accommodate a vibrant baraat processional, and made sure their guests had access to everything from chai to chardonnay.

You’ll See It in Our Reviews, Not Just Our Policies

We’re often people’s first tour because of what they’ve read—not in our brochure, but in our reviews:

“As a same-sex couple, Rixey Manor made us feel completely accepted and celebrated our love.” – Monica G. 

“We were looking for a venue with a relaxed, inclusive vibe, and Rixey Manor fit our vision perfectly.” – Laura T. 

“Our furry family members were part of our wedding day. We couldn’t have asked for a more inclusive venue.” – Susan L.

That’s the energy you’ll find here. Not flashy. Not scripted. Just real.

So What Should You Look for in an Inclusive Venue?

Here’s what I always encourage couples to ask—because the answers matter:

• “Have you hosted weddings like ours before?”

• “Can we bring our own vendors, food, or officiants?”

• “Do you have staff trained in working with LGBTQ+ or multicultural clients?”

• “Is the venue easily accessible for mobility-impaired or neurodivergent guests?”

• “Will we be the only event happening that day?”

  
  

If you’re met with hesitation—or if you see no diversity in their gallery—that’s a red flag. You shouldn’t have to wonder if you’ll be treated like an inconvenience.

Inclusivity Feels Like Ease—Because It’s Advocacy in Practice

At Rixey Manor, we don’t just allow different kinds of weddings—we build our entire approach around celebrating them.

We’re not here to merely say “yes” when you ask. We’re here to say, “We already made space for you.”

We don’t just accept. We advocate.

If that sounds like the kind of energy you want on your wedding day, I hope you’ll come see it in person.