River Farm - American Horticultural Society

River Farm is a historic wedding venue situated in Alexandria, VA. Guests can immerse themselves in the rich American history behind this venue while enjoying the vibrant colors of the expansive gardens. The bucolic country estate sits just outside of the Washington, DC metro area, combining a convenient location with an idyllic aesthetic. Serving as headquarters to the American Horticultural Society since 1973, this manor-style building’s proud history stretches back over 250 years. In 1757, a small brick house was built on the land now known as River Farm. The property and the dwelling were sold to George Washington in 1760 and so River Farm took its place as the northernmost of Washington's five farms. The property still boasts beautiful Kentucky coffee trees, descendants of seeds germinated by Washington after his trip to the Ohio River. A permanent fixture of this landscape, the Osage orange tree is believed to have been a gift to Washington from Thomas Jefferson in 1806. These iconic plants bring the history of this venue to life while the property itself shows the passage of time gone by. In 1919, Malcolm Matheson took over the estate and converted it into the elegant mansion it is today. In 1971, the Soviet Embassy offered to buy the property to utilize in the Cold War. However, citizens of the United States objected strongly to their first president's farm belonging to the Soviet Union. Matheson did not sell, and instead, the land was purchased by the American Horticultural Society who continue to maintain the American heritage of the land. Surrounding the property, guests are sure to enjoy River farm’s expansive woodlands, views of the Potomac River, and the vivid floral arrangements. This property features a calming garden, an enchanting orchard, and a wildlife garden, home to goldfish, frogs, and turtles. Couples can choose an indoor or outdoor venue to celebrate their special day. The serene gardens create an idyllic backdrop for romantic wedding pictures while the enchanting forests provide a fairytale-style setting for an intimate ceremony. Guests can spend their evening relaxing outdoors on the cozy patio or on the rolling lawns overlooking the meandering river. In the winter, wedding events can be celebrated under the winter tent which features magnificent chandeliers and elegant decor. For smaller events, the extravagant ballroom inside the charming estate can seat up to 50 guests. River Farm has a beautiful country kitchen on site, filled with modern equipment, which is open to any outside vendors serving couples on their wedding day. The doors of this traditional mansion are always open to beloved pets on the big day, meaning no members of the family need miss out. Get-ready rooms are featured on site to allow couples a private space to prepare for their event.