Gunston Hall, completed in 1759, was the plantation home of George Mason, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Mason wrote the Virginia Constitution and the Virginia Declaration of Rights on which the U.S. Bill of Rights was based. His home is an outstanding example of Georgian architecture and is highly regarded for its elegant interiors. The elaborate interior carvings, designed by indentured servant William Buckland and carved by William Bernard Sears, provide an impressive representation of the 18th century plantation household. In 2024, Gunston Hall opened its newly restored historic garden that contains heritage plants, is certified butterfly friendly and has pathways that lead you to views of the Potomac River. Visitors may pass along the same garden paths, including Magnolia Way, where Mason walked, wrapped in meditation, as he considered how to create democratic governments for Virginia and the new nation.

The ceremony and reception will be held in the newly restored Riverside Garden. 

The garden is located behind the house, or on the southern side. The garden was grown above a man-made level platform where there used to be a hill, and is exactly one acre in area. A gravel path runs from the back of the house to the southern edge, surrounded by boxwoods that are over 250 years old. The path ends in an overlook extending out from the steep edge of the garden where you can get a glimpse of the Potomac river!

The Visitors Center at Gunston Hall is open to all guests to tour between 8 AM and 4 PM on Saturday! Please note, no food or drink is allowed inside!

Restrooms are located in the Visitors Center building on the first floor and in the basement.