National Arboretum wedding: the garden wedding of your dreams!
Couples looking for a pristine and effortlessly elegant garden wedding, say no more. Today I’m going to do my best to convince you to have a National Arboretum wedding. Why? I have three words: national capital sophistication.
Well, I suppose I have a few more words. Let’s get into it and get you started on your DC wedding!
A word about its history
The U.S. National Arboretum, located in Washington, D.C., is an institute for botanical research that spans 446 acres. In its botanical library and herbarium reside more than 650,000 different kinds of preserved dried plants. However, the real beauty of this institute lies within the land’s vegetation.
More than 7,000 kinds of plants live in this gorgeous venue, from special collections of azaleas, slow-growing conifer, and bonsai to camellias, hollies, and apple trees. So impressive is this venue, it’s frequented by over 500,000 visitors per year.
Ceremony and reception locations to die for
What I love most about this DC wedding venue is it’s a living museum. Every setting is an awe-inspiring sight to see. For either your ceremony or reception (of up to 300 guests, love that!), you have a choice between the Aquatic Pond Patio, Grove of State Trees, the Meadow, Theme Herb Garden, and the North Terrace.
My favorite spot is the Theme Herb Garden, the largest designed herb garden in the U.S. It includes herbs and plants from cultures all around the globe in four “rooms”: the Entrance Garden, the Knot Garden, the Historic and Species Rose Garden, and the Theme Garden. Each spot is a romantic destination for your nuptials, with a natural, alluring fragrance to boot!
Seasoned experts to create your wildest dreams
The arboretum partners with MTG Hospitality to bring couples expert support with event design, logistics, program development, vendor coordination, VIP concierge services, and on-site management. That means you gain access to the best of the best in event management.
I’ve seen the most remarkable wedding ideas come to life with a National Arboretum wedding simply due to their network of seasoned professionals–ideas fit for royalty. We’re talking sprawling tents with billowing linens that feature bronze fountains at the ceremony’s center stage. I mean, imagine a 40-yard-long botanical archway as the backdrop to your vows! Not satisfied yet? How about cocktail hour nestled against their tranquil pond patio.
The photo opportunities are unlike any other venue
Three more words for you: National Capitol Columns. Never heard of them? They’re the new backdrop to your first look photos. These regal, stately columns were originally sited in the East Portico of the Capitol Building in 1828. Quarried from sandstone in Virginia, they rest on a foundation made from steps that were also once located on the east side of the U.S. Capitol.
This kind of history is unheard of when it comes to wedding venues, and the steps are just one of many historically rich spots at your disposal. It makes a National Arboretum wedding that much more special.
Let’s get you married!
So, you’ve decided to have a National Arboretum wedding. I must say, I wouldn’t have a DC wedding anywhere else. Now it’s time to choose your vendors. While I know this part is a bit tedious, it’s so important to make sure you hire vendors you can trust–especially when it comes to your photographer. That’s where I come in. I’m a seasoned DC photographer who knows this venue in and out, and I am the best choice to capture the memories of the biggest day of your life. Ready to get started? I am so glad! Let’s connect today.
Other things I love about a National Arboretum wedding? It’s seriously whatever YOU want it to be! You can have a gorgeous garden wedding or make it a ritzy black tie affair! You have a large amount of scenic outdoor space at your disposal and you’re still right in the middle of Washington D.C.!
Looking for more information on Washington D.C. wedding venues? Check out these super informative blog posts below! I’ve been shooting weddings in the area for over eight years now and I have the inside scoop to share with you!
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i'm danielle
I'm a Virginia-based wedding & portrait photographer capturing photos that look like actual ART.
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