Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

When it comes to truly breathtaking wedding destinations, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is a truly beautiful location. The 95-acre botanical gardens are an oasis of tranquillity and look fantastic all year round, making them the perfect destination for those couples looking for a stunning backdrop to their big day.

Interested in choosing Meadowlark Botanical Gardens for your wedding? We thought we would take a closer look at this popular wedding venue.

A Brief History of Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

While nowadays it might be one of the most popular wedding destinations in Virginia, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens began life as a farm. In 1935, Harvard economist Gardiner Means and social historian Caroline Ware bought the then 74-acre farm, spending the next 50 years farming wheat, raising sheepdogs, and planting flower gardens.

In 1980, the duo entrusted their beloved farm to the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NVRPA) with just one request, “to create a permanence in the land… so the farm could remain a haven for trees, shrubs, and flowers.”

In keeping with this request, the NVRPA purchased an additional 21 acres and began planning a new public garden. In the mid-1980s, three beautiful lakes were added, alongside new walking trails and gardens, before Meadowlark officially opened in April 1987. Further additions came in 1992 with the opening of the Visitor Center, ahead of the spectacular Atrium events facility being launched in 1998.

The 2000s saw the incredible log cabin, which dates back to 1755, open to the public, alongside a new wooden bridge to connect the Lake Gardiner islands.

Any Noteworthy Features?

When it comes to hosting your big day, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is a fantastic choice. The glass-walled Atrium is a truly incredible venue, offering spectacular views over gardens and providing enough space to sit up to 230 guests, or 300 standing.

Protected and operated by NOVA Parks, the public gardens are actively maintained by a team of staff and volunteers, keeping them looking fantastic throughout the year. The Atrium is the main event space, being named one of the top three event venues in the Washingtonian Magazine in 2003.

The multiple gardens feature a host of unique attractions, from idyllic ponds and gazebos to stunning islands. They are also host to a range of cherry trees, aquatic plants, ferns, herbs, lilac, perennials, and more, helping to create a stunning blend of colors and aromas.   

Accommodations for Ceremonies and Receptions

Alongside the exposed brick walls and glass cathedral ceiling, couples can also take advantage of the grounds for their wedding photography. There are also more intimate options for wedding venues, including the 50-120 guest Wedding Gazebos, 200 guest open-air Lilac Pavilion, and the unique Korean Bell Garden, which provides an incredible backdrop to your ceremony.

To help give you complete peace of mind, the experienced team at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens can help you plan every aspect of your special ceremony. They even have full on-site catering to help ensure you are your guests can enjoy a delicious dinner service.

You can check out a 360 tour of the Atrium and other event spaces at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens here.

Pricing and/or Collections

Pricing to hire Meadowlark Botanical Gardens and the Atrium for your wedding day will depend on the size of your wedding party and the dates that you would like to get married.

While they do not currently list their prices online, the Garden does often run special promotions. Over the winter of 2022, they offered a 50% discount, while they are currently offering a 25% discount and free Beer and Wine Bar upgrade to guests who book any remaining dates in July and August 2022.