Bowie, Md., is a town located approximately 30 minutes away from Washington, DC. The town has historic buildings such as the Belair Mansion, which can be rented out for social events. There are also more modern venues such as the Comfort Inn and West Bowie Banquet and Conference Centre to host functions.

The Belair Mansion was built in 1745 and eventually became the house of Maryland's Governor Ogle and his family. It was later purchased by the City of Bowie for a dollar in 1964 and was listed on the National Register for Historic Places in 1977. The Mansion has 34 rooms, not all of which are open to the public, and it functions as a museum. Nonetheless, the City of Bowie makes it available for rent but not on federal holidays or before 3 p.m. on the weekends. A maximum of 75 guests are allowed, and the rate is $75 per hour during the week. On the weekends, Bowie residents pay $900 for six-hour events, while nonresidents must pay $1,200 for six hours.

Belair Mansion 2614 Kenhill Dr. Bowie, MD 20715 301-262-6200 cityofbowie.org

With 3,000 square feet of space, this banquet hall typically hosts weddings, conferences and other social functions. The space can seat 300 people comfortably. The owners are very flexible and although the premises has its own kitchen and catering staff, clients can bring their own caterer or food. The hall has a high-definition projector, high-definition television service, a portable stage and a podium. A 50 percent deposit is required when the rental contract is signed. The location is typically rented for seven hours at a time, and the cost can range from $1,400 to $2,600.

West Bowie Banquet and Conference Centre 13711 Annapolis Rd. Bowie, MD 20720 301-850-1405 westbowievillagehall.com

The hotel has 7,500 square feet of banquet space that is ideal for weddings, corporate events, reunions and other social events. The space can hold up to 500 guests for a seated event or 650 standing guests at a reception. The hotel offers free high-speed wireless Internet service. Staff will assist in the creation of a unique menu, which will be prepared in the hotel's kitchen.

Comfort Inn Conference Center, Bowie 4500 Crain Highway Bowie, MD 20716 301-464-0089 bowiemdhotel.com

This location hosts weddings, receptions, banquets and even corporate events. The hall can hold as little as 50 people and as many as 300 people. Boswell Hall boasts of a Columbia Room, which is ideal for weddings, and the Cardinal Room, which has a 1,440-square-foot dance floor. The hall is conveniently located near hotels and has adequate, and free, parking for guests. The hall also provides full catering services.

Boswell Hall 6111 Columbian Way Bowie, MD 20716 301-352-6141 boswellhall.com