The Start of Forever at Blandy Experimental Farm and the State Arboretum of Virginia

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If you’ve always dreamed of an outdoor wedding, where you and your spouse-to-be are immersed in nature, come celebrate your special day at Blandy Experimental Farm and the State Arboretum of Virginia. With a backdrop of breathtaking gardens, majestic trees, rolling landscapes, wandering trails, and historic architecture, Blandy is the perfect place to say “I do.”

Blandy’s picturesque views and wonderfully open spaces offer a unique and beautiful setting, with several venues we’re certain will fulfill your dreams for your wedding day.

For your wedding, the naturally stunning Margaret Byrd Stimpson Amphitheater is located northwest of the main Quarters building and is our largest outdoor venue, accommodating groups of up to 200. The amphitheater is surrounded by gorgeous, handcrafted stone walls and shielded by an evergreen forest. This venue is our most popular site for weddings.

Another option for your wedding is the blissfully serene Nancy Larrick Crosby Native Plant Trail, nestled southeast of the Quarters building, next to our romantic Dogwood Lane. This venue is an open grassy area near the upper section of the woodland portion of the Native Plant Trail, accommodating as many as 75 people. This garden setting is perfect for intimate weddings.

For your reception, the Quarters Courtyard is ideal. The area is surrounded by the historic brick Quarters building, built in the 1800s with additions in the early 1900s, offering a scenic view of the terraced landscape near Lake Georgette beyond the center of the grounds. This venue is used for tented wedding receptions. (Limited electricity is available.)

Because environmental researchers and students are onsite during the summer months, no weddings are scheduled from May through mid-August.

Wedding packages start at $1,500 and can include the ceremony only, the reception only, or the combined ceremony and reception. No indoor wedding facilities are available at this time; however, a VIP suite is included for the bridal party prior to the wedding.

Please contact us for more information about scheduling your very special day at Blandy Experimental Farm. Call 540-837-1758 ext 221 or email rcardillo@virginia.edu.

Begin your new life together, alongside your family and friends, as you celebrate your love at Blandy Experimental Farm and the State Arboretum.

Slideshow photos by Aaron Riddle.