Torpedo Factory Art Center

Ride off into Happily Ever After Through Torpedo Factory Art Center Wedding Venue In DC!

Had it not been Disney, who would know what fairytale is and how it looks like. Cinderella, Snowwhite, Rapunzel, Elsa, Jasmine, and other fairy tale ladies got their prince in the end and lived happily ever after. Such stories typically feature dwarfs, dragons, elves, fairies, giants, gnomes, goblins, griffins, mermaids, talking animals, trolls, unicorns, or witches, and usually magic or enchantments. But as far as we all know these entities don’t exist in the real world. And if you would think that fairy tale is not what it is without these entities then by now you might have realized that they do happen at least once in everyone’s life. The butterflies fluttering in your stomach when you first met him were like nothing that you felt on all the other dates in your life. This time they were special... clicking you that he is the one! Since that moment, the whole world seems different- the sun shines brighter and you feel like singing all day. And confident enough, one fine day he brought everything open and above board with a gorgeous ring in hand and those beautiful words between his lips- “Will you marry me?” Yes, you are living your fairy tale since the first moment you spent with him! While every day since then is adding a new chapter to your love story, the day when you are going to enter your happily-ever-after is not an end of your love story but a beautiful sequel continuing the story with some more characters added. Since it’s the beginning of a story that sets the tone for everything that will happen next, it should be perfect. And Torpedo Factory Art Center in Washington DC documents love stories wonderfully like none other!

If you are a hopeless romantic at heart you would fall in love with DC’s Torpedo Factory Art Center (TFAC) for the beauty and elegance it holds in its modern-industrial, creative, and versatile event spaces. With contemporary art and quaint Old Town Alexandria as your backdrop, host an unforgettable wedding at this gorgeous DC wedding venue.

The world-famous Torpedo Factory Art Center sits in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, and is one of the few Potomac River waterfront wedding venues that boasts a rich, illustrious history with awe-inspiring views of the Potomac River and our Nation’s Capital. True to its name, the Torpedo Factory Art Center once was an actual torpedo factory! The Mark XIV green torpedo currently in the main hall was produced here in 1945 and has since been photographed with thousands of brides and grooms. In 1974, the Torpedo Factory Art Center opened to the public. For forty years, artists have worked by day to create one of a kind pieces in their studios and by night they transform their three-tiered, industrial facility to create one of a kind special events and weddings that reflect couples’ unique vision.

Let’s plunge into History

Yes, the Torpedo Factory Art Center once was an actual torpedo factory! It all began the day after Armistice Day, November 12, 1918, marking the official end of World War I. Ironically, on that day, the U.S. Navy began construction on the original building, the U.S. Naval Torpedo Station. Once fully operational, it was responsible for the manufacture and maintenance of Mark III torpedoes for the next five years (The silver torpedo by the Riverfront Entrance is a Mark III, but it was not manufactured in Alexandria).

Work stopped in 1923 and the facility served as a munitions storage area until 1937 when production on the Mark XIV began leading up to WWII. Over time, the complex grew to 16 buildings and 5,000 employees. Workers were not segregated, which was uncommon in Virginia at this time. The Mark XIV green torpedo, currently displayed in the main hall, was produced here in 1945. It was painted bright green so that the Navy could find it in the water when it was tested at Piney Point, MD.

After the war ended in 1945, the complex briefly manufactured parts for rocket engines before shuttering permanently in 1946. By 1950, it was converted to the Federal Records Center in Alexandria. It stored congressional documents, dinosaur bones, German war films, and Nuremberg War Crimes trial records.

In 1969, the City of Alexandria bought the buildings from the Federal Government for USD1.6 million. The U.S. General Services Administration agreed to a five-year deadline to empty all of the contents. In 1973, The Art League had a lease at 315 Cameron Street that was expiring. James W. Coldsmith, the editor of the Alexandria Journal and chair of the Alexandria Bicentennial Commission, suggested to The Art League’s President Marian Van Landingham, who was also part of the Commission, that they consider the expansive old torpedo plant for a new location. She pitched the idea as a three-year pilot to Mayor Charles Beatley Jr. and it passed City Council on May 7, 1974. Work began that spring. City workers used fire hoses to power-wash the building’s interior, which had been neglected since 1969. There were 40 dump trucks of debris. The City of Alexandria hired Van Landingham to be the first director.

The building was renovated in 1982 and 1983. In May 1983, the Navy Seabees delivered the 3,000-pound, 21-foot-long, green MarkXIV torpedo case as a housewarming present. By the re-opening celebrations on May 21, 1983, there were 225 artists at the Art Center, including a harpsichord maker. The following year, for the 10th anniversary, the Spiral Staircase was unveiled. Shortly thereafter, artist Matthew Harwood founded Target Gallery in 1987 as a way to bring artists in from beyond the Art Center’s walls. Today, the Torpedo Factory Art Center is home to the nation’s largest collection of publicly accessible working artist studios under one roof. More than 165 artists work, exhibit, and sell their art across three floors. It is the creative engine for the region.

Torpedo Factory Art Center Today

Photographers’ delight, the Torpedo Events Factory wedding venue offers endless photo opportunities and is sure to attract couples who want a one-of-a-kind space to host their wedding day. Originally founded in 1918 to produce torpedoes, this three-story building artfully combines a historic industrial feel with breathtaking views to create a truly distinct venue. Towering ceilings including a breathtaking two-story atrium surrounded by a mezzanine with catwalks create an unrivaled sense of drama contrasted by the coarse elements of the space. Exposed pipes, ductwork, and smokestack add a distinct edge to this stunning wedding venue in Washington DC. The versatile open floor plan allows you to host seated receptions for up to 220 guests and heavy cocktail receptions of up to 1000 guests.

This Old Town landmark is an everlasting special event favorite because the building hosts the works of the most wonderful national and international artisans from all mediums. Every aspect of the Torpedo Factory Art Center is as remarkable as the artists and their creations. With cylindrical columns, canary yellow hanging lights, electric blue weaved steel railings, and a dramatic two-story atrium that can be overlooked by a balcony and two catwalks, this art studio-cum-wedding venue is also a bona fide piece of art. The spacious main hall is an ideal location for events and can comfortably host up to 220 seated guests, 700 standing, and 400 for lecture seating (without tables). The striking three-story building retains its identity in daylight as a former factory with exposed pipes, ductwork, and a smokestack, but by night the building becomes the guest’s canvas and transforms into their artistic vision. The walls and unusual mushroom-shaped columns remain white. While new railings combine blue paint and steel, bright yellow lighting fixtures are industrial-style, and studio doors are painted in playful colors. The building includes a dramatic two-story atrium surrounded with a balcony and divided by two catwalks. These overlook the main hall which measures approximately 150-by-25-feet.

Couples and our Washington DC wedding photographers love the factory alike for the industrial feel that it offers juxtaposed with the gorgeous lighting and ambiance that transforms the space into a wedding venue. The Torpedo Factory has tons of space making a wedding of 100 feel very comfortable and evenly spread out. Being a bit of an offbeat ceremony space where modern meets rustic, it will bring a unique vibe to your wedding ceremony, which you will absolutely love.

After the ceremony

After your vows are exchanged, it’s worth exploring the building, which offers endless photo opportunities, with our Washington DC wedding photographers for stunning couple photography and photos with your bridesmaids and groomsmen. After having all the essential wedding shots stored in the cameras of our pro digital artists for your wedding album, reunite with your wedding guests as per the wedding timeline on the lovely outdoor brick patio behind the Torpedo Factory Art Center for an enchanting cocktail party under the stars. You can have the patio tented and decorated with lush greenery and vintage furniture for a cozy dazzling cocktail hour. It’s a great way to get people excited for the rest of the evening. Your near and dear ones are sure to swoon over the breathtaking views of the Potomac River as well before heading indoors for the classic wedding reception. Click here for unique ideas to make your reception a night to remember! 

Cocktail hour is a great opportunity for our DC wedding photographers to capture guests mingling and sipping on the signature cocktails. Typically, you and your wedding party are snapping your group shots at this time, which is a good reason for having more than one wedding photographer at your event! You might want to know these hashtag ideas to collect guests' wedding photos! Also, make sure you get a picture with each table before everyone starts getting up to dance. We definitely recommend that you do that. The day flies by and you may not get a chance to speak to everyone individually. Be sure to take that moment to speak to each person and make sure you have a picture with each guest. 

While the second DC wedding photographer is saving all in-the-moment pictures and blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments, you would want to sneak out to the dock boasting spectacular views of the Potomac River and spend some intimate moments with your soulmate. Kiss at sunset and freeze forever in the gorgeous golden hour photos. Sun, water, and skies do wonders for your wedding photography. So whether it’s golden hour couple photography under the setting or rising sun or underwater wedding photography under the sea and in the pool, pose unapologetically for magical couple portraits!

The entire building is so spectacular and offers the perfect setting to create a memorable wedding. Offering ideal options for both indoor and outdoor events, the striking setting not only provides you with everything you desire to create the wedding of your dreams but also wedding photographs that you will love to treasure for a lifetime. The mezzanine upstairs allows your guests to spread out to watch your ‘first dance’ from above and lets our wedding photographers capture all your spins and moves with your sweetheart in the most romantic frames, which is SO COOL! There are so many wedding venues out there that just want to take your money and run. I must say, the Torpedo Factory is not that. They are well worth every penny and even lets you benefit from their offers. This Old Town Alexandria wedding venue is sure to sweep you off your feet with its old-world charm and exceptional services.

Event Locations

Located right on the water, the Torpedo Factory Art Center is a quiet and serene wedding venue. The surreal water views in the background lend an incredible backdrop for a magical wedding photography session! Regardless of your palette, this awe-inspiring DC wedding venue creates the perfect canvas with wedding planning that puts the ‘ease in easel’. By looking at the art-filled event spaces and unparalleled service, you will know why most DC couples prefer Torpedo Factory Art Center to tie the knot over hundreds of thousands of wedding venues in Washington DC. So all couples who are fans of art and obviously romantic (art-lovers are!) gets the variety of gorgeous event spaces to choose from- 

Art League Gallery: The guest capacity of 100

Main Hall: Seated: 220, Theater-style seating: 400, Standing: 700

First Floor: Maximum guest capacity: 770, most suited to your large guest lists

Mezzanine: Commonly used in addition to the Main Hall functioning as space for cocktail hour or overflow

Third Floor: Seated: 25-50, Theater-style seating: 60, Standing: 200

Terrace or Patio: Outdoor venue space with maximum capacity to accommodate 300 people

The beautiful settings will surely take your intimate wedding notches higher. Our talented wedding photographers in Washington DC suburbs would love to incorporate the artistic elements in your Torpedo Factory Art Center wedding ceremony photographs to create the alluring keepsakes to cherish later.

Our team of professional wedding photographers from Washington and nearby areas has documented various weddings here organized in the past! And again it will be a treat for our- George Street Photo & Video wedding photographers to capture your special day here in the best of frames!

Trust TFAC for your Big Day!

Nationally recognized as one of America's Top Art Places, with a "backbone of creative culture that is exceptionally successful at combining art, artists, and venues for creativity and expression” has made the Torpedo Factory Arts Center one of the most sought-after special event venues. In addition to the lore and celebrated art for special events to enjoy, it easily partners with outside vendors (décor, lighting, catering sound, DJ, bands) wireless Internet, restrooms on each floor, and parking that is wheelchair accessible and can accommodate a shuttle van.

We know since you were daddy’s little girl, this is how you have always envisioned your wedding day! So, now that your wedding day is quickly approaching, one of the things on your to-do list is to find the wedding venue of your dreams! Being the capital of the states, Washington D.C. is sprinkled with endless elegant, and beautiful wedding venues. With a plethora of options available, there is always that one wedding venue that tops the chart of the best wedding venues in Washington D.C.. And one such incredible D.C. wedding venue is the TFAC! A one-stop-shop for the ceremony, food, beverages, wedding cake, photographer, DJ, and so much more! And the best part is they offer three special packages for 10, 25, and 50 guests! What else one needs to have a perfect wedding. This fantastic Washington DC wedding venue is every bride’s dream wedding destination for her special day! Be it micro-weddings, elopements, small or short-term weddings, or grand weddings, hand your wedding ideas over to Torpedo Factory Art Center and watch them come true!