Lakeside Hall Wedding Venue | Highfield-Cascade, MD
Historic Lakefront Venue at Fort Ritchie (Up to 150 Guests)
Lakeside Hall at Fort Ritchie
http://www.eventsatlakesidehall.com
14324 Lake Royer Dr, Highfield-Cascade, MD
Lakeside Hall at Fort Ritchie
Lakeside Hall is a historic wedding venue located at 14324 Lake Royer Drive in Highfield-Cascade, Maryland, within the former Fort Ritchie property in Washington County.
Originally built in 1927 as the Officers’ Club for the Maryland National Guard and later used by the U.S. Army, the building sits directly along Lake Royer with panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The restored stone structure features a large lakefront deck, a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, and original American Chestnut beams.
The venue hosts one event per day.
Guest Capacity
Lakeside Hall accommodates:
Up to 150 guests in the Dining Hall
Separate bar area included
Spacious deck overlooking the lake
This venue is best suited for small to mid-size weddings rather than large 200+ guest celebrations.
Wedding Package Pricing
2026 Saturday Rental
$7,000
2027 Saturday Rental
$7,500
Wedding Package Includes:
Friday access (3:00 PM – 7:00 PM) for decorating and rehearsal
Saturday venue access (9:00 AM – 11:00 PM)
Seating arrangements set up for the ceremony and dining
White or green tablecloth linens
Champagne or green table runners, chair sashes, and napkins
Centerpieces (lanterns, greenery, candles)
Staff on-site to direct vendors, assist with service, and clean
Music and events conclude at 11:00 PM.
Ceremony Options
Outdoor Ceremony
Lakefront ceremony space overlooking Lake Royer with mountain views and century-old architecture as a backdrop.
Indoor Ceremony Backup
Smaller weddings may transition inside Lakeside Hall in case of inclement weather.
For larger weddings, ceremonies may move to the historic church located on the Fort Ritchie property.
The Dining Hall
The main reception space features:
Floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace
High ceilings with exposed beams
Wooden floors
Separate bar area
Large lakefront deck
Climate control (heat & AC)
The deck offers panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Two Ice Lakes.
Catering Policy
Outside catering is permitted
Caterers must remain on-site to serve, bus tables, and clean
Preferred caterer list available upon request
The venue does not operate as an all-inclusive catering facility.
Alcohol Policy
Alcohol is permitted.
Beer and wine allowed
Up to two signature cocktails recommended
Professional service required
Open-flame candles and fireworks are not permitted due to Maryland fire code regulations. Battery-operated candles are allowed.
Getting Ready & Amenities
Dedicated handicap parking
ADA entrance and interior ramps
Ample parking directly in front of the building
One event per day
On-site venue management
Liability insurance required
On-site lodging is available within Fort Ritchie through nearby Airbnbs, including:
Lieutenant’s Lodge
Barrick’s Bungalow
Colonel’s Quarters
Additional nearby lodging is available in Waynesboro.
Historic Significance
Lakeside Hall is part of the historic Fort Ritchie property, originally established in the late 1800s as an ice harvesting site before becoming a military installation.
During World War II, the internationally known Ritchie Boys trained at Fort Ritchie. The property later supported communications operations for the White House and Pentagon until its closure in 1998.
Today, Lakeside Hall serves as a restored event venue contributing to the revitalization of the historic property.
Why Couples Choose Lakeside Hall
Historic 1927 stone architecture
Direct lakefront ceremony views
Mountain backdrop
150-guest capacity
Weekend access package
Included décor and linens
One-event-per-day exclusivity
Scenic Blue Ridge setting
Planning a Wedding at Lakeside Hall?
Because the venue blends indoor reception space with outdoor lakefront ceremony options, couples should plan clear ceremony-to-cocktail transitions and confirm weather backup logistics early.
Thoughtful sound planning ensures guests on the deck and indoors remain fully engaged.