A visit to Rockville, Maryland’s Glenview Mansion is like stepping back in time. This unique 1926 building sits on 28 acres of mature grounds, hidden away inside the 153-acre Rockville Civic Center Park.
Its Neo-Classical Revival architecture features a white, columned portico flanked by two symmetrical stone wings. The combination of the crisp white central facade with the rugged brown stone is both stately and unexpected.
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
History of Glenview Mansion
This property was originally the home of Richard Johns Bowie, local judge and farmer. It was purchased in 1917 by wealthy couple Irene and William Smith, who hired high-end architects from Washington, DC to turn it into a country estate. Bowie's original farmhouse was actually incorporated into the center of the new mansion!
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
In 1936, the owners had a “small” playhouse built for their daughter, Betsy. It’s since been converted to The Cottage, complete with sunroom and stone fireplace. Some playhouse!
The venue is now the property of the City of Rockville, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007.
Glenview Mansion Weddings
Glenview Mansion is one of our favorite venues in Rockville. Both the indoor and outdoor spaces are simply stunning, from the formal gardens to the marble-floored conservatory.
Ceremonies can be held in the Front Mall, Bowling Green, or level 2 of the Formal Gardens. The Mall and Bowling Green can each seat up to 200 guests, while the Formal Gardens can seat 150. The Formal Gardens is our favorite space, shaded by mature trees and ringed by lovely stone walls.
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
Photo by Photography By Brea
Couples can also have smaller wedding ceremonies inside the mansion’s Conservatory. The Conservatory features a blue/green marble floor and huge windows, and can seat up to 75 guests.
For receptions, the Front Mall can be tented to fit up to 200 guests for dinner. Some couples have also split up their reception, holding dinner in the tent and dancing inside the Conservatory where it’s cooler.
Photo by Photography By Brea
The mansion’s dining room is another dining option for more intimate weddings. The room has floor-to-ceiling arched windows and handsome paneled walls for a reception of up to 50 people.
During the reception, the 2nd floor Glenview Mansion Art Gallery will be open to your guests. They can wander about and enjoy the exhibits when they need a few minutes to cool down from the dance party below.
Although this historic venue seems like it would be buttoned up, it’s actually pretty welcoming to the party crowd — event contracts can go all the way until 1:00 AM! So make sure to hire a long-haul DJ for your wedding at Glenview Mansion. You don’t want the music to flag before you’re ready!
Contact us today to talk about our availability for your Glenview Mansion wedding!
Header photo by Photography By Brea
Published on:
Monday, August 10, 2020
