Blue Course Weddings

How has this idea enhanced your club's operation, etc.?

This year brought about many changes and one of those changes felt by many across the country was the inability to host the large wedding that little girls dream of. New challenges bring forth new solutions, and while we’ve never in recorded history held a wedding on either of Congressional’ s Golf Courses, we did this year! Even though our Championship Course (Blue Course) was under renovation construction, we were able to use the newly completed 16th green (to the side of it) for a gorgeous ceremony site. What made this even more special and unique was how we were able to use the historic Chapel right outside Club property. From a distance the Chapel appears to be on property, and it made for the perfect wedding ceremony backdrop.

How was this idea implemented, and what have been the club members' reactions?

The team decorated the bride and groom’s cart, Fathers of the brides were radioed up to announce their arrival with the daughters, a tented water station was available for guests and for a bit of whimsy white umbrellas were given for shade. One wedding had champagne toasts on course as soon as the newlyweds were officially announced, and another wedding had the entire party make a pitstop at the halfway house for cocktails before heading back to the Clubhouse. There were so many special moments with our very few weddings, and each of them led back to the Ballroom Terrace outside for their outdoor receptions. While we know that outdoor weddings are common, we breached a brand new concept at the club for our brides in 2020.