The Rectory on Princess Street

The Rectory, dating from 1785 formerly served as the rectory of the nearby historic Christ Church, once the church of George Washington. Since then, it has been owned by several distinguished Virginians and has been a commercial office since the 1960’s. The 18th century English garden of the Rectory is a tranquil space complete with its iconic Magnolias. You will be inspired by the garden’s peaceful, romantic vintage feel. Located in the heart of beautiful Old Town Alexandria at 711 Princess Street, the Rectory is minutes away from the shops and restaurants of bustling King Street and is easily accessible by bus and metro. Couples love Old Town Alexandria for many reasons. English gardens, waterfront views, cobblestone streets, and ivy-covered brick buildings all make the perfect backdrop for your special memories. If you’re looking for worthy photo locations, this is it: Old Town has numerous romantic and historic hotspots, such as colorful row homes and tree lined cobblestone streets that will set the stage for a dreamy engagement announcement. Throughout Old Town you’ll find the hallmarks of our historic character, from gas lanterns to climbing ivy and wrought-iron gates, not to mention flowers in bloom if you’re here in the spring! Some great photo-ready sites include the historic brick wall lining portions of Prince Street, the exposed brick façade at Virtue Feed & Grain (once an 18th century warehouse), and the garden at the Alexandria Visitors Center. Enjoy Old Town’s playful spirit with photographs in front of historic homes with their vibrantly colored doors. From bright red hues to soft blues, these whimsical doorways make a perfect frame within the image and hint at the new phase of life you are embarking on. For that lively urban feel, look no further than Old Town’s bustling King Street, where embellished storefronts, red brick sidewalks and outdoor seating play host to a constant flow of pedestrians. The architecture of the 18th and 19th century buildings anchors the town in history! Alexandria has its own “Tunnel of Love.” The Wilkes Street Tunnel, which was originally constructed to support commerce between Alexandria and Richmond, is one of only two remaining 19th century railroad structures in the city. The ivy-covered sandstone entrance at the corner of Wilkes and South Royal streets is great for a beautifully framed photo. Old Town’s historic alleyways are like secret passages, decked with cobblestone and lined with brick walls, these intimate back streets tucked between historic buildings are your go-to spot if you want an unmistakably Alexandria image!