When A River Farm Alexandria Virginia Wedding Fits Just Right
What is it about a place that makes it just right for you? Is it the location, the grounds, the amenities, the indoor design, or simply how it makes you feel? When it comes to selecting your wedding day venue, there isn’t a required checklist. You decide the components that matter most so you can choose the destination that checks those off! Here’s why River Farm in Alexandria, Virginia may be just the right venue for your day.
Why Couples Choose River Farm in Alexandria Virginia
The River Farm in Alexandria, Virginia offers so many features that are surprising to find within a single location. River Farm offers a 27-acre historic estate that doubles as both a waterfront location and a garden wedding venue.
Positioned along the Potomac River, the site boasts of an expansive green landscape that overlooks the water. This provides so much variety for your wedding portrait photography as well as spaces for all the wedding timeline events.
The venue is found just ten minutes outside of Old Town Alexandria making it an oasis in between this city and Washington, DC. This makes it so convenient for out-of-town wedding guests to find a place to stay or to even turn the trip into a vacation!
One of the venue’s main sites is the historic Manor House which has options for outdoor wedding ceremonies in the Grande Forecourt that can host up to 250 seated guests. That is the spot this couple chose for their day due to its view of the river! The venue actually has many options for both ceremonies and receptions.
River Farm Alexandria Virginia Locations
- The River View: overlook of the Potomac River beside a black walnut tree hosting up to 500 guests seated or standing.
- The Parlor: room filled with natural light and a stunning vista of the Potomac River that can be used as a getting-ready suite for either wedding party.
- The Ballroom: can work for ceremonies, receptions, and cocktail hour while also accommodating dancing and dessert stations. The space holds up to 50 guests at seated tables, 60 seated theater-style or 80 standing.
- The Slated Patio (what this couple used for their reception with 136 guests): outdoor seating under a climate-controlled tent (can be used for most of the year) with chandeliers, bistro lighting and adjustable windows. Seats up to 160 guests or 240 with expansion.
- Garden Walk: with a brick pathway that goes to a trellis pergola found within a sea of seasonal plants. This can be used for both wedding and elopement ceremonies with up to 250 seated guests.
The following is also included in your rental of the River Farm in Alexandria, Virginia:
- The site allows for vendor flexibility allowing you to bring in your own catering and other wedding vendors while also providing a list of recommendations.
- Full exclusive access to the gardens, grounds, and the Manor House.
- Standard chairs are available to rent.
- Pets are allowed.
- Rain Plan: the Slated Patio tent or inside of the Manor House. Bring clear umbrellas as a backup for portraits on the grounds. That way we can utilize the gorgeous property even in the rain!
There are many destination options for a ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception on the property, so each couple can really make it uniquely their own. Spaces are also adaptable to reflect larger or more intimate weddings. My couples just love the colorful gardens and waterfront views!
Making The Best of a Warm Day at the River Farm in Alexandria, Virginia
Even though Nicole and Crist’s wedding took place in early September, the weather was still warm. Yes, in the DC Metro area it can be very warm this time of year!
The couple provided cute colorful paper umbrellas for their guests to create some shade whose colors brought out the garden vibes! We strategized the couple’s portraits by utilizing shaded areas earlier in the day to keep them cool. Later, at sunset, it was possible to venture into the open lawn with river views.
The newlyweds wanted to be present for all of their day which included attending the entire cocktail hour. That meant we took the majority of the couple’s photos, wedding party photos, and the family portrait photography before the ceremony. We then strategically captured sunset photography while guests transitioned to the tent for the reception.
First look photos between the bride and her dad as well as her brother just happened to occur naturally and it was so sweet! This is why I like to give breathing room in the wedding photography timeline. You never know what candid moments you’ll be able to capture when you are more flexible with the time.
When a Couple Incorporates Their Favorite Things
I could not get over how this couple’s decor transformed a rustic spot like River Farm in Alexandria, Virginia! There were so many colors and thoughtful details that showcased the garden. I loved the wedding invitation suite with its watercolor painting of the venue utilizing the various blush shades and textures of the bridesmaids’ dresses.
Family from both sides were involved and so present for the big day! Nicole and Crist were also very intentional with the wedding details including honoring the bride’s mother who had passed.
The final touch was a hoppin’ dance floor where the bride wore an incredible reception dress! They also had an oyster station which was amazing! I can’t say enough of how perfectly a day can flow when a couple’s style and heart matches the venue itself. It was seriously the best pairing on so many levels!
Wedding Vendors
Venue | River Farm
Photographer | Shelly Pate Photography
Catering & Rentals | Main Event Caterers
Coordinator | Cherry Blossom Weddings & Events
Florist | The Rosy Posy
Hair & Makeup | Isabella Vabre Beauty
Signage | Live Life Lettered
Entertainment | DJ Aaron Platt
Photo Booth | Dan Goldman Events
Lighting | Frost DC Event Lighting and Production
Rentals (Dance Floor) | Sammy’s Rental
Donuts | Just Fine Donuts
Transportation | Point to Point Limousines
Hotel Block | Hotel Indigo
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