River Farm Venue Rental FAQs

Enjoy magnificent year-round views of the Potomac River from our spacious slate patio. The canopied patio accommodates up to 160 seated guests. A second, identical but smaller tent may be used to expand the capacity up to 240 seated guests seamlessly.
Our elegant tent features stylish chandeliers and perimeter bistro lights against a backdrop of classic fabric liners. Side walls with Palladian windows can slide open or close depending on your preference and the weather. Individually controlled and adjustable-position fans are included.
The Chandeliered Ballroom can accommodate 80 guests seated theater-style or 55 guests at round tables, while our parlor is a welcoming and elegantly comfortable space for up to 25 guests.
Use of the venue grounds for the ceremony and the Manor balcony for private photos.
Indoor ceremony plan for inclement weather.
Private, separate spaces for the bride & groom to get ready.
Complimentary ceremony rehearsal based on availability.
Easy access for vendor load-in and load-out.
A generous indoor and outdoor prep area for your caterer is available.
Plenty of parking on site!

What is included?

Clients have access to the Manor House, including the Foyer, Parlor, Dining Room, Ballroom, Butler’s Pantry, the grounds, including the Portico, Pergola, gardens, and area around the House, including the standard and extended tent(s) over the slated event patio. Clients typically have access to the manor house at 1:00 p.m. on the day of their contracted event.

What is the maximum capacity?

Maximum capacity depends on whether the event is planned as an indoor, outdoor, or a combination indoor/outdoor event. Clients are guaranteed access to all outdoor spaces. A standard rental contract includes the use of the on-site outdoor tent, which comfortably seats 160 (1) guests. An expanded tent can also be added, increasing the maximum guest capacity to 240 (2) guests. If an indoor event is planned, our Manor House ballroom has a table seating capacity of 55 guests.

What is the event time block for the rental?

Your Wedding rental time block includes set-up and clean-up time for all vendors. Music must end by 10:30 p.m., and all event activities, including clean-up, must be finished by midnight (3). Event time blocks are generally 1:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. but may begin before 1:00 p.m. with prior written approval from AHS.

May I hold a date, and is there a fee for doing so?

You may place a complimentary hold on a date for 30 days. We will automatically remove the hold if we do not hear from you. In case of interest from another party, you have the right of first refusal. We will notify you and give you 48 hours to secure the date by signing a contract along with a 50% deposit. If you don’t commit to signing an agreement within the 48 hours, we will release the date to the other party.

What is the booking process?

You may sign a contract at the time of your tour or at any time during the hold process. Half (50%) of the rental fee is due upon signing the contract, which is non-refundable. The remainder of the total rental amount is due 90 days prior to your event.

What is the cancellation policy?

In the event that the renter cancels the reservation any time prior to the rental date, the entire deposit is non-refundable. If we are able to secure a wedding rental for the newly opened date, we will refund 50% of your deposit.

Do I need a full-time, part-time planner or day-of-coordinator?

Yes, we require a licensed and insured professional planner. While we highly recommend that the planner be engaged in a full-time or part-time capacity, we allow a day-of coordinator to manage and plan activities, coordinate with vendors, and organize and place décor items. The AHS staff will be present to have the house and grounds ready for your event, but we cannot fill the role of wedding coordinator. An AHS employee will be on-site during the entire event and will complete a Post-Event Checklist with the Coordinator/Wedding Planner and Caterers to ensure that the house and grounds have been returned to their original, pre-event condition. Planners are not allowed to leave the property until all contracted vendors have exited the premises.

What are the catering options?

Our clients choose their preferred caterers, wedding planners, and other vendors at a price point that meets their budget, aesthetic, and religious considerations. River Farm has a list of Preferred Vendors, which we are happy to share with our clients.

What happens in cases of inclement weather?

In the event of severe weather during outdoor scheduled events, activities can be moved inside the Manor House (4). Alternatively, the tent has closable side walls that can withstand inclement weather, allowing festivities to continue. Wedding ceremonies for up to 80 people can take place in the Manor House and, for more than that, in the tent. We advise our clients to work closely with their wedding planners on a contingency rain plan since River Farm has limited indoor space.

Do you allow me to store personal items before or after my event?

Yes, we have the space available. Schedule your drop-off day and time with the event manager within 30 days of your event’s start date. Storage is limited, but we can generally accommodate storing your items for a few days before your scheduled event.

Are dogs allowed at River Farm?

Yes, dogs are allowed on the premises. They must be leashed, always supervised, and kept after.

Are there any restrictions on alcohol?

Alcohol is permitted within the River Farm premises, both indoors and outdoors. Your caterer must provide written proof, no later than 30 days before the scheduled event, of a license to serve alcohol on the day of your event.

Are there any restrictions on music?

Music must comply with Fairfax County noise ordinances, and all entertainment and amplified sound must be kept at a reasonable decibel level (5). River Farm is situated in a residential area, and we strive to be good neighbors.

What is not permitted at River Farm Grounds?

River Farm is a historic public garden property with multiple restrictions enforced by Fairfax County. These restrictions include: no candles or other open flames, no sparklers, no balloons, no artificial confetti or petals, and no throwing rice or seeds. A complete list of restrictions is clearly stated on the signed contract.

Can I have my rehearsal at River Farm the day before my event?

Yes, based on availability, we generally allow access to the grounds for a rehearsal one or two days prior to your event, typically before 12:00 p.m. Please note that if an event is scheduled on the day following your event, the other party may choose to hold their rehearsal at River Farm on the same day. Please coordinate with the River Farm Events and Rentals Manager to ensure that all parties have an opportunity to rehearse at the venue.

Notes

Seating capacity varies and may be affected by the reception setup (band, dance floor, etc.). Inquire about details with AHS staff.
Seating capacity varies and may be affected by the reception setup (band, dance floor, etc.). Inquire about details with AHS staff.
Inquire with AHS staff about weekday vs. weekend event hours.
Capacity for inclement weather is reduced. Inquire about details with AHS staff.
Subjects such as event hours, music, parking, and others are as per Fairfax County Regulations.

Need further assistance?
Contact River Farm Rentals
Call 703.768.5700 ext. 138
Email rentals@ahsgardening.org