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Weddings

About

River Farm is a historic mansion wedding venue located in Alexandria, Virginia. This stunning 25-acre property is home to a plethora of flowering gardens, sprawling woodlands, well-maintained lawns, and a regal manor house. Dating back to the 1600s, this property was once owned by George Washington and now serves as the headquarters of the American Horticultural Society. Couples can watch their dream wedding bloom into life among the serene surroundings of this idyllic venue.

Facilities and Capacity

River Farm provides ample indoor and outdoor spaces for wedding parties of up to 240 guests. Couples can enjoy a woodland wedding sheltered by shading trees and natural foliage or bask in the bright sunshine on the luscious green lawns. The meticulously manicured gardens provide a picturesque platform for an intimate ceremony. A waterside event is also possible, giving couples and their guests the opportunity to enjoy scenic views of the Potomac River. The spacious slate patio offers an ideal location for an outdoor cocktail hour or wedding reception. It provides views of both the river and the natural surroundings, with space for up to 240 seated guests. This area is covered from April to November, allowing your party to enjoy the outdoors regardless of the weather. For larger groups wishing to utilize this space, a dedicated wedding tent is available which features glittering chandeliers, bistro lighting, and elegant liners. Individually controlled fans and adjustable window siding allow couples to set the perfect temperature and ambiance for their event. For more intimate indoor gatherings, the elegant ballroom, located within the historic manor home, is perfect for a seated reception of up to 50 guests. The Parlor provides a charming location for after-dinner relaxation or a quiet moment alone for the couple of honor.

Services Offered

The hospitable team at River Farm is happy to welcome outside vendors of your choice to serve your special day. Your catering team can enjoy the use of the fully equipped country kitchen on site, as well as both indoor and outdoor prep areas. A get-ready suite is available, allowing convenient day-of preparations and offering comfort and style for the entire wedding party. Parking for up to 80 cars is easily accessible, and the venue is happy to welcome your furry friends to help complete your special day.

Location

This scenic venue transports wedding parties back in time while still being conveniently close to many wonderful locations. Guests can enjoy visiting Old Town Alexandria a short distance away, and Washington DC is accessible within a half-hour drive. This location is also ideal for out-of-town guests, conveniently located twenty minutes from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

What You'll Love About River Farm - American Horticultural Society

Couples love the many areas of natural beauty surrounding the venue, providing little need for decor provided by florists. The events team is flexible and happy to accommodate various requests. Read through the venue's rave reviews to see what past clients have said about their experience here.

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Frequently asked questions

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during peak season?

$3,900

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during off-peak season?

$2,400

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during peak season?

$500

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during off-peak season?

$500

Which of the following are included in starting site fee?

Bridal Suite
Parking

What is the minimum number of guests required to book your venue?

2

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

4

Describe your venue:

Ballroom
Farm/Ranch
Garden
Historic Building
Mansion
Waterfront

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
Covered Outdoor
Uncovered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party
Elopements
Rehearsal Dinner

What event services do you offer?

Get Ready Rooms
Outside Vendors
Pet Friendly
Wifi

What event items are available?

Tents

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Wheelchair Access

What months are included in your peak season?

April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November

What months are included in your off-peak season?

January
February
March
December

Reviews of River Farm - American Horticultural Society

This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Review summary

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River Farm is a picturesque wedding venue with stunning gardens and a historic feel, located by the Potomac River. The staff, particularly Leslie and Glenna, are highly praised for their enthusiasm, flexibility, and organization, ensuring a smooth and perfect event. The venue offers options for outdoor and indoor setups, including a beautiful tent with crystal chandeliers, and accommodates last-minute decisions seamlessly. Guests appreciate the zen vibe, beautiful backdrop for photos, and helpful vendor suggestions provided by the staff, making it an ideal choice for a dream wedding or special event.

Review summary

Powered by AI
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

River Farm is a picturesque wedding venue with stunning gardens and a historic feel, located by the Potomac River. The staff, particularly Leslie and Glenna, are highly praised for their enthusiasm, flexibility, and organization, ensuring a smooth and perfect event. The venue offers options for outdoor and indoor setups, including a beautiful tent with crystal chandeliers, and accommodates last-minute decisions seamlessly. Guests appreciate the zen vibe, beautiful backdrop for photos, and helpful vendor suggestions provided by the staff, making it an ideal choice for a dream wedding or special event.

Linda
Linda Sent on 05/07/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Bridal Shower

I hosted my daughter’s bridal shower at River Farm. The setting set the tone for a perfect event. Being the end of April, the landscape was lush green with blossoming plants as far as the eye could see and the Potomac River as the backdrop. It rained the day before. It was too cold and wet to be outside. I was pleased with River Farm’s flexibility to allow for last minute decisions such as having the event indoors in the ballroom or outdoors under their tented patio. The ballroom with its colorful paintings by local artists was ideal. The room seated 30 people comfortably and would have been fine for more guests. We decorated the marble fireplace and mantle with flowers. It was the perfect backdrop for photos. I rented their tables and chairs which was more cost effective than the caterer. The foyer, living room and parlor were a pretty space for drinks and hors d’hoeuvres. The beauty and history of River Farm will make any special event even more special.
Franziska
Franziska Sent on 10/11/2011
5 out of 5 rating
River Farm was such a beautiful venue to have our ceremony/reception. I closely worked with Susan, who was very accommodating and responsive to any of my inquires/emails.
We had the ceremony in the garden, which is simply magnificent and the reception in the tent, which is set up between April and October and included in the rental price. Dancing was in the ball room, which a lot of our guests loved, because those who weren't necessarily into dancing, could stay in the tent/garden area and would not be bothered by the music. My husband and I especially liked that we were able to bring our own liquor and any other vendors (we didn't have to choose from their preferred vendor list). The venue is simply gorgeous.
Only negative point is that in case of rain, sides for the tent will need to get rented (not included in rental price).
L
Latisha Sent on 12/31/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Lovely gardens, draped tent, historic home

In spite of the threat of rain, the gardens at River Farm were lovely, the draped tent was gorgeous and having the ballroom as a Plan B was exactly what we needed. Our manager Leslie was reassuring and had lots of ideas about how to handle the weather. The house is historic from the 1700s and still has a historic feel to it. It’s also on the Potomac River and the views are amazing. And the vendors Leslie suggested were excellent. Our wedding was perfect!
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Awards

64
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2023 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2019 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2017 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2015 Winner
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Professional Network & Endorsements

6 Endorsements
Bloom Fresh Flowers Bloom Fresh Flowers Wedding Florists

River Farm is a very beautiful venue.

Documentary Associates Photography Documentary Associates Photography Wedding Photographers

River Farm is an amazing place to shoot, and the staff is super helpful! A lovely venue, we always look forward tow working there!

jan michele photography jan michele photography Wedding Photographers

River Farm is a stunning location for weddings - any time of the year. I've photographed weddings here from January through November and every one is gorgeous! Truly a top venue in the Washington DC area with a little bit of everything from history, to gardens, to meadows, to the estate house. Home of the American Horticultural Society, the grounds are always beautifully maintained with lots of colorful flowers. Before becoming a full time wedding photographer 10 years ago, River Farm was already on my list of hidden gems in the DC area. In addition, it's conveniently located just south of Old Town Alexandria on the Potomac River so any couples who don't get ready at River Farm can use a hotel in Old Town. I'm always thrilled to photograph a wedding a River Farm!

Preferred Vendors
Bloom Fresh Flowers
4.9 out of 5 rating , 28 reviews
· Wedding Florists

Map

River Farm - American Horticultural Society frequently asked questions

River Farm - American Horticultural Society includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Bridal Suite
  • Parking
The space offered by River Farm - American Horticultural Society for wedding events is known for:
  • Ballroom
  • Farm/Ranch
  • Garden
  • Historic Building
  • Mansion
  • Waterfront
River Farm - American Horticultural Society offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Indoor
  • Covered Outdoor
  • Uncovered Outdoor
River Farm - American Horticultural Society offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Bridal Shower
  • Engagement Party
  • Elopements
  • Rehearsal Dinner
River Farm - American Horticultural Society offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Get Ready Rooms
  • Outside Vendors
  • Pet Friendly
  • Wifi
River Farm - American Horticultural Society offers the following furniture and decor items for weddings:
  • Tents
River Farm - American Horticultural Society is recommended by 92% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 4.6 out of 5 with the following breakdown: 4.7 in quality of service, 4.7 in professionalism, 4.6 in average response time, 4.5 in value and 4.4 in flexibility.

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