The beauty of nature takes center stage at the Atrium at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, VA, where couples can host their wedding year-round. An ephemeral location to celebrate lasting love, couples can dine and dance under the night sky, among a babble stream. Encircled by real plants and with a massive skylight, this venue has three walls of glass overlooking the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, bringing the outdoors inside.
Imagine rain beating against the glass panes of the skylight, making a melodic rhythm, only to dissipate and reveal the sparkle of a million stars. This is the fantastical setting of the Atrium at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. It is a location that couples and their loved ones can find comfort in while enjoying the romance of nature in all kinds of weather. This conservatory is spacious, able to host up to 200 guests, making it an ideal space for weddings. Simultaneously, with its grove-like feel, it can be suitable for smaller, more intimate gatherings.
Bringing nature inside and opening up a view to the sky, the Atrium at Meadowlark merges the earthly with the celestial. Water bubbles from the stream into the fountain, creating a calming ambience. Twinkle lights string together the 15-foot-tall Ficus trees for a dab of delicacy. Peaceful and rich in vegetation, the space provides a warm and inviting setting for nuptials. Couples can take advantage of other settings at the botanical gardens for photographs, such as Gazebos, the Lilac Pavilion, or the Bell Garden.
Cuisine can be provided through their Great Blue Heron Catering, who offers a plethora of options in their Picnic and Black Tie packages. Dishes include bacon-wrapped scallops, cheese plates, and rosemary lemon chicken, for tasty yet refined meals. Libations are also available and their food and drinks are all served by their staff, ensuring that the evening runs smoothly. For the convenience of the wedding party, they also provide a dressing room. The onsite restrooms are modern and artfully crafted, giving wedding guests comfort amidst the festivities. Chivari chairs and different sized round or rectangular tables can be rented to suit any size wedding. Lighting can be customized throughout the space as well, allowing you to create an ambience that really reflects your intended design.
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The Atrium at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens Reviews
Ryan Gaffney(other)5 out of 5 Rating
The Atrium at Meadowlark was the perfect venue location. They were very accommodating, their staff was professional and quickly responsive. The venue itself is breathtaking, with beautiful views. We were fortunate enough to have our dream outdoor wedding on the terrace (which fit our 20 person wedding party, plus bride & groom and 150 guests comfortably), in the middle of November, following an indoor/outdoor cocktail hour and reception. However, the venue was prepared to hold the entire ceremony, cocktail hour and reception in doors if needed due to the weather. Their venue coordinator, Esther was the absolute best. Esther helped us plan everything for our perfect day, including a floorplan and overall wedding day layout that we loved, assisting with dessert station decor, help selecting the perfect linens and being available for questions that we had along the way. My only cons, which may or may not be directly a responsibility of the Atrium but I would recommend that every couple does their research on the preferred vendors, as we had a very poor experience with one of their preferred wedding coordinators that we hired, solely on the basis that they were recommended. So please do your research and hire professional and capable vendors that you trust.I would also recommend communication between the staff running the winter walk of lights with the Atrium personnel, we had several guests on the night of our wedding, during normal hours, be forced to leave the winter walk of lights \"if they were part of the wedding\" and told that they were permitted from walking through the winter walk of lights in the gardens. My understanding was that this was complimentary for each guest, so we were shocked to recently be advised of this by our guests.Overall, and regardless of the two aforementioned cons, if given the opportunity, I would pick this venue again, without a doubt! Reviewed on 28-12-2023
Lauren Tindall(other)5 out of 5 Rating
We were so, so pleased with Meadowlark as a venue for our November 2023 wedding! The venue was beyond beautiful inside and outside, and we even had the Meadowlark Walk of Lights outside that added pizazz to the night! The Meadowlark staff was professional, courteous, and did a great job seeing us through the entire wedding planning process. Thank you to Esther, Wayne, and the crew for all they did every step of the way to support us--from touring us around the venue, answering questions via email and phone, and providing expert advice and support as we navigated all of the many decisions along the way.An FYI just for planning purposes: Meadowlark is technically a separate org from Great Blue Heron, the catering company. So while they partner together, for planning purposes, consider them separate vendors and email/coordinate with them as such. In addition, we had a little glitch in the NOVA Parks system and weren't receiving their automated emails--so if you don't get emails after you contract, be sure to ask in case that has happened. Reviewed on 27-12-2023
Diem Le(other)5 out of 5 Rating
My husband and I fell in love with the Atrium the moment we took a tour and nothing could have prepared us for how beautiful the venue looked on the night of our wedding. Our point of contact throughout our experience was Esther and she is a freaking rockstar. Seriously, the most welcoming and down-to-earth person I could ever have the pleasure of working with. Esther did not hesitate to offer suggestions or alternatives to questions I had and had such an enthusiastic attitude during our conversations. Reviewed on 14-11-2023
Elora Majumdar(other)5 out of 5 Rating
Amazing wedding venue!! My husband and I decided to get married here after visiting the garden to see holiday lights during one of our first date years ago. We are so happy we did! It's an absolutely stunning venue, and the garden looks beautiful in any season! Our wedding was on a rainy fall day, and although we didn't have the outdoor ceremony we were hoping for, I wouldn't change a thing. The Atrium looked so stunning for our ceremony and even more beautiful during the reception! Esther was incredibly helpful in the couple months leading up to our wedding, making sure we had our final guest list and seating chart together, and working with us and our coordinator to ensure everything was set up just as we needed. Additionally, we had a half Indian wedding with a Baraat, so it was important for us to find a venue that could accommodate this, and needless to say, the Atrium did so beautifully. It ended up being the best day in a beautiful venue that we will look back on and treasure for years to come! Reviewed on 08-11-2023
Lydia Johnson(other)5 out of 5 Rating
The Atrium is an absolutely gorgeous venue to have your wedding at. The surrounding greenery and florals as part of the Meadowlark Garden provided the majority of the scenic backdrop for our wedding and as a result, we only felt the need to add minimal additional decor. The venue coordinator, Esther Kim, is great to work with. She was super helpful answering all our emails throughout the year as we planned our wedding. At our final walkthrough, Esther helped us set our final schedule and iron out all the nitty gritty details. Our wedding day went as smoothly as we could have hoped and Esther and her staff were great throughout the night. The only feedback we have for prospective couples is that the The Atrium and Great Blue Heron (the primary caterers for NOVA parks) are separate entities even though a lot of the communication overlapped. It was definitely confusing and something to keep an eye on, but as long as you’re willing to keep on top of your emails with The Atrium/GBH, you should be fine in the end. Overall, highly recommend The Atrium as a wedding venue! Reviewed on 25-09-2023
Daniel Gregory(other)5 out of 5 Rating
Absolutely magical venue, perfect for an outdoor wedding. Would recommend late summer or spring, the venue was ideal with flowers in bloom and tons of greenery. Inside the atrium has space for a full ceremony if the weather doesn’t cooperate, beautiful decoration and plants everywhere. It’s child friendly and really safe. Esther was very conscious of our desires and accommodated pretty much all of our concerns. They were slow to respond at the start and get the contract signed, but once this was done they were really responsive and very generous with their time. They were able to accommodate our request for an unusually early taste testing for menu selection, on short notice as well. The walkthrough was thorough and really well, we talked through every moment of the day line by line and Esther gave us a good summary of what to expect form the venue, how people would flow, and time for the vendors to talk through it as well. She was also just a really kind person and great to talk to. On the day itself, setup and tear-down was phenomenally efficient and took almost no time. Esther was there the entire time throughout the wedding to help solve problems alongside the coordinator and catering captain, it showed given how smoothly the event went. Couldn’t have asked for better service. Reviewed on 19-09-2023
Tina Zhang(other)5 out of 5 Rating
This venue is gorgeous and the staff were very helpful and on top of everything. They were easy to talk to and quick to reply to any questions. Loved this venue so much! Reviewed on 03-08-2023
Elizabeth Joseph(other)5 out of 5 Rating
I had my wedding at The Atrium and it was wonderful! The staff were very easy to work with and the venue was beautiful. They were very organized and made the planning process a breeze. They were also very accommodating to last minute requests I made. The venue is so unique and my wedding was beautiful! Reviewed on 30-07-2023
Mindy Scango(other)5 out of 5 Rating
The Atrium is the ultimate setting for a beautiful wedding.Everything from the location. staff, and catering is absolutely perfect!!You won't be disappointed. Reviewed on 24-07-2023
Margaret VC(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 04-03-2023 We absolutely loved having our wedding at the Atrium at Meadowlark! From start to finish, the team at Meadowlark was responsive, flexible, and supportive about every detail of our wedding. The venue is beautiful at any time of year and they do such a wonderful job setting up the space for both ceremony and reception. Every member of their team contributed to making our day special. I cannot recommend them enough!! Reviewed on 11-03-2023
Samantha Semach(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 05-11-2022 The Atrium at Meadowlark was perfect! The gardens are amazing, the reception area is beautiful, and the staff was fantastic. Our guests couldn't stop talking about how awesome the venue was, from the natural beauty to the delicious food. Our reception was executed exactly as we wanted it, and that wouldn't have been possible without the fantastic staff at the Atrium. We are so happy with our choice, and recommend this venue to any potential NOVA couples. Reviewed on 20-11-2022
Hanna Dillon(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 16-10-2022 Very beautiful and Green / Natural Venue I have ever seen!! This venue is incredible. My photographs came out amazing because of the view! We did our wedding on October 16th, we had the changing leaves and it was very beautiful. On my wedding day, it was not so cold so we could take our pictures outside. They change the flower and decorations each season, so you can have a seasonal wedding anytime! The workers were very kind and so nice! They will respond to you fast if you send an email than call, so be careful. My coordinator was very organized and took care of me a lot. They have their own catering service, and I highly recommend that you should use them. The catering team did an amazing job and was perfect. The bartenders worked very fast too. The foods were very delicious and all of my guests loved it. Highly recommend!!! Reviewed on 08-11-2022
Brittney Goad(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 16-09-2022 This venue stole my heart in an instant with its beauty. It’s one of a kind and made my wedding day a absolute fairytale! I wouldn’t think twice before booking a spot here to host your event. Reviewed on 27-09-2022
Rachel Maniloff(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 17-09-2022 We absolutely loved our wedding at The Atrium at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. The space is incredibly beautiful - both inside the Atrium and the surrounding gardens. Bettina and Wayne work so hard, and they did a great job ensuring everything ran smoothly both in the planning phase and day-of. The food by Great Blue Heron was delicious, and was somehow even more delicious day-of than our tasting. Everything was absolutely perfect and we couldn't recommend this venue highly enough! Reviewed on 22-09-2022
Kristine Garcia(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 25-08-2022 Absolutely loved our wedding at The Atrium at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. I highly recommend this venue! Loved the beautiful lush plants and greenery throughout the venue. In case of rainy weather, you are covered because you can still have a garden style scene inside the Atrium. Bettina, Wayne, Catering Captain and everyone were very kind & helpful throughout the whole process. The venue offers their own catering but allows outside (venue-approved) catering as well which is a bonus. There were times I was a bit worried since I was sending emails during their busy wedding season but Bettina was always there to respond as quickly as possible and always provided clear communication. For the price and beauty of the venue, this was definitely a great decision for us. Thank you everyone at Meadowlark! Reviewed on 06-09-2022
Elliana Golijov(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 17-06-2022 My husband and I absolutely loved The Atrium as our wedding venue and our guests let us know several times how happy they were with the space. We got the peaceful and inviting vibe we wanted with the indoor plants, lit up trees, and flowing water. Wayne and Bettina as the venue reps were really patient and kind as it took my husband and I 2 years to plan our wedding and they answered our many questions each step of the way. As a tip for brides, the Lilac Room is gorgeous for photos and super convenient to have your own bride bathroom or a place for nursing guests to have a private area with their babies, but I was caught off guard at our pre-wedding walk-through to find out hair and makeup couldn't be done on site there for the wedding day. Maybe it's a COVID safety policy, I'm not sure, but clarify with the venue ahead of time because I scrambled a bit at the last minute to figure out where to get ready on the day of. Reviewed on 15-08-2022
Paul Hudgins(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 30-07-2022 Our wedding was perfect! It was late July and the trees next to the ceremony area were blooming. Bettina was a pleasure to work with during planning and they accommodated all of the little details that we wanted. The food was great, and our signature drink was really well-made and a big hit. Reviewed on 07-08-2022
Ro Dewan(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 10-07-2022 It was a pleasure planning our wedding here! An Indian style wedding requires its own set of considerations and accommodations, and the team at the Atrium went above and beyond to meet all of these requirements. In particular Bettina at the Atrium went out of her way to discuss all possible vendor questions, stayed overtime during the walkthrough to talk through particular concerns some members of our family had, and took the time after making necessary accommodations to draw an accurate day-of chart with all locations mapped out. Due to this degree of planning, the wedding went smoothly, and so many of our guests gave us positive comments on how gorgeous the venue looked with its natural yet contemporary setting in the Atrium. Reviewed on 24-07-2022
Marrissa Lombardi(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 10-06-2022 We had an incredible wedding here. The whole place is absolutely gorgeous, and everyone we interacted with was wonderful. You do have to use their caterer, Great Blue Heron, so that's something to keep in mind but we enjoyed their food so it was no problem. We seriously got compliments all night long on the venue! Reviewed on 11-06-2022
Ana-Clara Caldwell(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 23-04-2022 If we could do it all over, we would pick The Atrium again and again. The venue is magical and as the sun sets, it transforms into a whole new space -- it feels like you have two reception balls! The coordinators at at the Atrium were very easy to work with and helpful while navigating COVID-19. All of our guests raved about the delicious food and the beautiful atmosphere. We were so happy to be able to hold our wedding reception here! Reviewed on 25-05-2022
Kelsey Carter(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 12-03-2022 We had the most amazing wedding at The Atrium! It was absolutely gorgeous and the team was easy to work with the whole time. The location and parking was really convenient for our friends and family too. Reviewed on 30-03-2022
Jennifer Wieboldt(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 15-01-2022 I knew Meadowlark was the venue for us (so much so that I only looked at one other). The room is already beautiful with the plants, lights, and glass exterior so it did not need much decoration. In addition, the catering and alcohol is handled in house, and the staff handles rentals from its third parties, which made our entire planning process so much easier. The team at Meadowlark was also very helpful and the wedding itself was executed flawlessly even during the pandemic. I definitely recommend Meadowlark! Reviewed on 02-02-2022
Cheryl D(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 20-11-2021 We had an exceptional experience with The Atrium and the Great Blue Heron Catering staff. They were very professional, flexible, worked as a team, had excellent communication skills and made our experience magical. We would recommend this venue to all without any reservations. Truly exceptional!! Reviewed on 23-11-2021
Jackie Taboada(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 18-09-2021 Looking for a wedding venue can be stressful, especially if you are someone like me who struggles with decorating and having a \"vision\" for the big day. When we walked into the Meadowlark, I knew this was the venue for us. The room is surrounded with a variety of plants and streams. There are string lights hanging over the dance floor. 80% of the decorations are handled for you just by booking the space. The staff, Bettina and Wayne, were so easy to work with (even through a pandemic!) and the catering is right on site. It makes the planning so much easier when you have a team like that behind you! I would 100% recommend this venue and wish I could have a party there every year :) Thank you Meadowlark!! Reviewed on 05-10-2021
Cheryl Homer-Wilson(other)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 26-08-2021 This is \"The Place\"! Beautiful surroundings both inside and out! During the event, the garden is available for photos and your guest are also allowed to discover the beauty of this setting!The staff was professional, knowledgeable and friendly! They ensured that every detail of the plans were flawlessly executed. The ceremony was scheduled to take place in the Atrium Garden, however, when it became apparent that it would be too hot and uncomfortable, The Captain made the call to have the ceremony indoors to everyones comfort and delight!We were able to make arrangements that fit our requirements! The food was excellent! We were very happy with this venue and our guests were very impressed! Reviewed on 31-08-2021
Mandy Garrett(other)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 15-08-2021 In booking process, all of our questions were answered and was easy to work with being flexible and prompt. The Atrium was beautiful place, we didn't really need to decorate that much. Everything was provided. Event captain was wonderful helping in every way, being on top of things. Reviewed on 19-08-2021
Corie Ugalde(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 09-12-2020 Bettina was excellent to work with on such short notice. She made the planning effortless. The staff was excellent and the food was amazing. Its a beautiful place and my wedding was amazing even during Covid! Reviewed on 18-12-2020
Jocelyn Golden(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 14-11-2020 The entire crew at Meadowlark created the most magical day for us! We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful venue (with Christmas lights and winter decor!!), the staff was so helpful and the food amazing! It’s one thing to have a gorgeous venue, but the amazing staff was the cherry on top! We had so many guest comment on the beauty of the venue, the delicious food and the amazing staff. Bettina, Wayne and Bianca are the dream team! They run a well-oiled machine and know what they are doing... it was worth every penny!! It was the most magical and special day thanks to Meadowlark! Friends and family told me that something would go wrong and thanks to the staff at Meadowlark, everything was flawless and nothing ever went wrong! So smooth and so so beautiful. Reviewed on 19-11-2020
Camille Baroni(parent)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 17-07-2021 The Atrium was the perfect venue for our Engagement Party event. The space was light, bright, and very comfortable despite cooler temperatures. We had a great area to distance socially within our covid constraints, and all our vendors were able to manage well within the space. Wayne and Bettina made utilizing the venue easy and hassle-free. We'd highly recommend it's use. Reviewed on 03-11-2020
Ilan Nathanson(groom)1 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 09-10-2020 My fiancé and I were supposed to get married at the Atrium on 9 October 2020. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March, we immediately reached out to the Atrium to express our concerns about our ability to proceed with the wedding. The Atrium responded that they would reach out once they had determined their COVID-19 policy. After four months of no contact, we again reached out to the Atrium to find out what was going on. We did not feel safe having our planned 100 person wedding at the Atrium given that the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in Virginia was on the rise. Furthermore, the Atrium’s lack of communication and failure to provide us with any information on our catering service with the Atrium, despite multiple requests for information, suggested the Atrium could no longer manage our wedding. The Atrium responded that it could only host 50 people if it followed the Governor’s Executive Order, but would allow us to have a wedding up to 137 people in direct violation of the mandatory social distancing guidelines. The Atrium stated it had hosted a few weddings since COVID with more than 50 guests in attendance where guests violated the social distancing requirements. My fiancé and I no longer felt comfortable having our wedding at a location that blatantly disregarded the legally mandated social distancing guidelines. We did not want to break the law ourselves, and we did not want to put our family and friends’ lives at risk. Given the Atrium’s disregard for the Governor’s Executive Order, we had no confidence that the Atrium was abiding by other requirements such as properly sanitizing the space and ensuring that the food service was safe. Furthermore, the Atrium staff was utterly unavailable and unable to work with us in a timely manner on wedding planning and catering. Less than three weeks from when we were supposed to pay the remaining amount on our wedding contract, we still did not have the catering menu. We requested a refund of our deposit from the Atrium and were denied. The Atrium instead attempted to pressure us to rebook the date. We did not feel comfortable doing so given that by the Atrium’s own statements, the Atrium intended to violate the legally mandated social distancing requirements. We understand that the Atrium as a business has suffered from the COVID-19 pandemic, and so we are wiling to work with the Atrium to come to a mutually beneficial solution that does not place us in a position where we are hosting our wedding at a place that is violating the Governor’s Order.For those considering the Atrium for their wedding who are also concerned about the risk of COVID-19, we do not recommend the Atrium given their lack of compassion during the COVID-19 pandemic and willingness to not abide by legally mandated social distancing guidelines. Reviewed on 30-08-2020
Kate Ludin(bride)4 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 13-04-2019 The Atrium at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna was such a lovely venue for our wedding. The venue has an in-house caterer, who works closely with the rest of the facility. This made coordination for our event much easier as we only had to deal with our main representative, Kelli. She handled all of our catering needs, coordinated with our wedding planner, and Wayne (also from the Atrium) on the logistics and timeline. They also offer complimentary use of extra lights, special champagne flutes, and a specific server for the evening. The wedding itself ran smoothly, the food was excellent, and my husband and I never had to get up for a drink or food. The level of hospitality and customer service was excellent. We would definitely recommend this venue to others looking for an indoor wedding, without a ‘ballroom’ look. It was perfect!! Reviewed on 20-04-2020
Bethany Moberley(other)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 16-11-2019 The Atrium at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens set the stage for my client's beautiful November 2019 wedding. I am a wedding planner and fully enjoyed my experience with the Gardens as a wedding venue. Their staff were very positive and accommodating throughout the entire process of planning and execution. They were easy to work with and despite the wedding being just at the end of busy season for weddings, the staff were so helpful and kind. Reviewed on 26-11-2019
Lindsey Frederick(bride)4 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 17-05-2019 Meadowlark Botanical Gardens Atrium is a beautiful venue for a wedding and their venue prices can't be beat in the NOVA area. The garden setting provides a beautiful outdoor backdrop and place for guests to stroll during cocktail hour. And the live plants, lit trees, and darling river inside the venue are almost all the reception decorations you'll need. The venue has it's own in-house caterer, and charges a fee if you want to bring in your own caterer. (And any outdoor caterers do not have access to the kitchen, so you're essentially locked in to using the in-house caterer—however the food was great!). The venue staff is friendly, but not super responsive and you'll have to stay on top of contract details, especially if you make any last-minute changes. All-in-all they came through for a great event. If you're a low-fuss bride who's on top of details and is looking for a unique and beautiful venue that is cost effective, this place is for you! Reviewed on 03-06-2019
Katherine Reicher-Hatfield(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 16-02-2019 We had our ceremony and reception at the Atrium in February and it was beautiful! The transition between the 2 events was quick and flawless. They have a bridal \"lilac room\" which was helpful and served as a quiet place to touch down. The bathrooms are able to accommodate multiple guests and, most importantly, clean. They clearly do this all of the time, total pros, so trust them. They are also very responsive via email Reviewed on 22-02-2019
Nicole Abdullah(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 19-01-2019 Absolutely beautiful venue! The staff was nice and responsive, the atrium is well-maintained and the in-house catering is absolutely phenomenal. The outdoor pictures spots are perfect and the indoor reception atmosphere is formal, romantic and still enough space to have fun. We had 175 guests. It was cozy but still enough space to dance. Reviewed on 13-02-2019
Claire Brown(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 17-11-2018 Meadowlark was even better than I imagined! We scheduled our wedding to take advantage of their holiday decorations and Walk of Lights, and I am so glad we did. The extra holiday decor in the Atrium was beautiful, and our guests really enjoyed taking a break to view the Walk of Lights. Day-of went incredibly smoothly, as did planning prior to our event. Wayne the Atrium manager and Kelli the new catering manager were wonderful and really easy to work with. Reviewed on 03-12-2018
Hilary Warnock(parent)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 26-10-2018 This is such beautiful setting for a night wedding. It rained the day of the wedding and we had to move the wedding indoors...no problem and none of the guest were wiser. The staff was outstanding! Reviewed on 14-11-2018
Virginia Humud(bride)4 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 09-09-2018 I would say things went pretty smoothly for my wedding at the Atrium. There were some hiccups that were fortunately addressed and resolved. 1) After we had given our info to reserve the venue and noted the appropriate contact information, we did not hear back from them. More than 7 days went by and it turns out they had given another couple our date to reserve. Apparently they reached out to us via email to an email that WAS NOT LISTED on the contact sheet and called a number that WAS NOT LISTED on the contact sheet. I do not know how they got these other emails and numbers, but fortunately the other couple didn't make a move on our date, and we were able to book it.2) Like another reviewer mentioned, It was not clear that no one from the venue was going to be there for the rehearsal. I think I was under the false impression that there would be someone to help coordinate and direct the way things were going to go on the day of the wedding. We showed up and the place was empty save for 1 person. After realizing that no one was going to step up, we roped in the staff member to tell us how things usually go and address last minute items. He was very informative, obliging and helpful. After the wedding, I went through all the paperwork Meadowlark had given us, and there is no mention of complimentary planner or coordinator, so this was a misunderstanding.Other than those items, everything went fine. Staff was courteous and responsive. We did not have any issues on the day of the wedding. They set up and they helped us break down (we had also brought in our own tablecloths, decorations, and centerpieces). We had planned to have our wedding outdoors but due to the rain we had to move everything indoors without problems. Reviewed on 14-10-2018
Amanda Rebovich(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 01-09-2018 It was the perfect place for us. They are super responsive, flexible and just down right amazing. the grounds are gorgeous and I can't believe that I've lived in Virginia for 20 years of my life and didn't know they existed. If they're open for a day you're good with, don't hesitate with booking them. Their caterer is delicious (We didn't get to eat much, but our guests couldn't stop telling us how delicious it was) and you really don't need a day of person when working with them. they are just awesome ^_^ Reviewed on 17-09-2018
Jacquelyn Thich(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 07-07-2018 The set up was amazing and the venue was so beautiful. Even with a lot of DIY and self made instructions, the tables and ceremony set up were done perfectly Reviewed on 21-07-2018
Kimberly Sabol(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 23-06-2018 We held our reception at The Atrium last month, and it was absolutely gorgeous! The event staff was awesome all the way through the planning process and the day of. Ilka was extremely responsive and helpful up to the last minute with changes! We had multiple guests ask us for information for their own future events/weddings. Thanks, Atrium, for a perfect party! Reviewed on 17-07-2018
Eedo Kernus Kernus(bride)2 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 23-03-2018 Overall the venue was gorgeous but the customer service and venue staff was a big disappointment. The day of the rehearsal (a Thursday) we showed up and no one was there. They had left the door unlocked but there was no staff member from the venue to tell us where to line up, where to walk, etc. We had to figure it out based on the information Wayne told us at the 30 day walk through. The day of the wedding we had a similar experience. I showed up at 3:00 with my bridal party and there was no one there to greet us or to tell us how anything was going. I was specifically told staff would be there to help with set-up. Luckily my friends came early to set-up but they ended up doing everything. They moved tables, set-up tablecoths (we bought ours instead of renting as it was $600+ to rent), set up all of our centerpieces. Even my florist was surprised no one was there to help direct. The catering staff were the only people I saw. At the end of the night one of them came and told me we had to tear everything down. I was shocked as again I was told they would do that. My friends who set everything up quickly stepped in and boxed everything up for me. My DJ was basically a planner as he directed the catering staff on what to do and when and a friend of mine had to direct the processional and tell them when to begin walking for the ceremony. Without my friends I truly believe nothing would have been set-up the way it was intended and our day would have been incredibly stressful for me. I briefly saw Wayne (like he walked by me and I said hi) but again no one from the venue appeared to be there to help and no one greeted me, the bride, or the groom when we arrived. Without a coordinator or a group of friends like I had, I would not recommend this venue to anyone. Yes it is gorgeous but for a wedding venue, I can't believe the lack of service on the day of the wedding! Reviewed on 19-05-2018
Amanda C(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 14-01-2018 We had our wedding here on 1/14/18, and it was lovely! Meadowlark has beautiful grounds that we didn't use, but the Atrium is great for a mid-winter wedding if you want to feel like you're in a garden. We also took advantage of (white) holiday decor, and off-peak rental rates. The staff was very responsive throughout the process, and let us visit many times. The day-of coordinator (Carson) was great, and we got many compliments on the venue (one room used for both ceremony and reception). Great Blue Heron Catering was also great, and everyone loved the food and open bar service. Melissa, Ilka, Wayne, Jason, Carson and others were patient with my many calls, emails and questions. It is not the cheapest option, but we liked that our money was going to a state park. We had about 85 guests which felt good in the space. Overall very pleased with the venue and their caterer! Reviewed on 20-01-2018
Laura Roberson(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 30-09-2017 This was the perfect wedding venue for our wedding! The Atrium and botanical gardens are a beautiful facility for a wedding and the staff was so helpful from start to finish in planning and execution. They helped us with the wedding day agenda, seating chart, and were able to provide a lot of the detail items needed for a wedding. They also made sure we were well taken care of day of and I could not have asked for more! We opted for the on site catering as well and many guests commented it was the best food they had ever had at a wedding. HIGHLY recommend!! Reviewed on 04-10-2017
Laurie Thenedy(bride)1 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 10-07-2016 DONT EVEN BOTHER!!!I cannot believe I dished out that sort of money for CRAP SERVICE!! 1. Was told I needed to meet with the \"whole team\" and that they could only meet on weekdays. I took a day off of work, only to find out that their team couldnt make it-so instead of letting me know, they didnt tell me until I got there. I only met with the venue coordinator. Thats it. No team, no nothing. Thanks for making me waste my time. The venue coordinator made a terrible table floorplan layout, so the caterer had to email me to say I chose a bad layout. I don't think he understood the staff member didnt know how to arrange tables.2. The tasting was NOT the food served- we sampled amazing citrus chicken, the chicken that was served at the event was plain with some seasonings on it, and they were all chicken thighs--which was not what I agreed on.3. I was told the package came with various things such as microphone equipment, and a screen projector. When I followed up with the venue to have them on the day of my wedding, they said the equipment didn't work so I would have to get my own.4. They said the package also came with a \"day of coordinator\". Well, there was NO COORDINATOR that showed up. No one. 5. I told the venue coordinator I wanted my husband and my plate pre-dished. We gave her the exact items we wanted on our plate from the buffet-- no one even gave us our food, and we had to go through the line ourselves.6. Staff ripped one of my large tablecloths while cleaning up-didnt even apologize. Reviewed on 03-07-2017
Kay Aguenza(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 02-07-2016 The Atrium at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is AMAZING! We held our wedding on the terrace and had our reception inside the atrium. The venue is beautiful! All the staff was great to work with, but Wayne and Ilka were incredible. They were easy to communicate with; quickly responding to my emails. They were very professional and organized and they simply eased my mind about how everything would turn out on my big day. And Great Blue Heron (catering) was great. The food was incredible! Reviewed on 28-01-2017
Christina Martinez(bride)3 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 23-07-2016 This place is beautiful. The air conditioning did break on the hottest day of the summer while we had our wedding, but the staff that works for the Atrium was great. The only complaint I have is with the catering company that they work with. The head chef was extremely RUDE if i knew how rude he was from the beginning I would have brought in a different company to cater my wedding. Reviewed on 14-11-2016
Natalie Donahue(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 10-09-2016 We held our wedding here a few weeks ago (September 2016) and absolutely loved it. We worked with a few folks at the Atrium and enjoyed everyone we worked with. The venue speaks for itself - we chose it because the wedding will be beautiful outdoors or if the weather doesn't cooperate (which it didn't for us) you can have the wedding indoors.The best part about having your wedding at the Atrium is that you get Great Blue Heron as your caterer. So not only do you not have to go looking for a caterer on top of the 700 other things you need to do for your wedding, but you're getting the BEST food EVER in the history of eating. Three weeks later, we're still fielding questions/comments on how amazing the food was. Seriously. It's amazing. And, just like the Atrium staff, the Great Blue Heron staff doesn't disappoint. Everyone was amazing - very professional. When they say that they will take care of things, they will. We didn't have to worry about one thing during our wedding as they took care of it - which is how it should be.We woke up the next morning planning our 5-year anniversary party at the Atrium. Tons of fun, amazing food, great staff, beautiful locale. Our wedding night was absolutely perfect and we'd do everything over again in a heartbeat. We couldn't recommend the Atrium highly enough Reviewed on 01-10-2016
Allison Gray-Mendes(bride)4 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 31-07-2016 The venue day of gets more than 5 stars, it was breath taking and our guests were very complimentary. They easily transition the spaces and provide plenty of help and additional decorations to help make the most of the space. The furniture is also included which meant one less vendor! However, in the planning leading up to our wedding there was a change in staffing. There was no communication about our point of contact changing and the new staff didn't seem as thrilled to be helping with our big day as the person we initially had our walkthrough with. I would still get married there over again, however, the customer service experience is not the best. Reviewed on 30-09-2016
Anonymous (groom)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 26-08-2017 The Atrium was the perfect place for our wedding reception and the Garden Gazebo was a beautiful location for our ceremony. The Staff were extremely attentive to our needs and desires and helped make our wedding fantastic. They had no problems working with a gay couple and made us feel extremely comfortable and welcomed. We could not be more pleased. The surroundings are just amazingly beautiful and so well kept. It was like a wedding in paradise. Reviewed on 26-06-2016
Elizabeth Schmitt(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 14-11-2015 This is one seriously gorgeous and unique venue. With all the plants, the stream, and the twinkly lights, you cannot beat the ambiance. What's more - our wedding was during the Winter Walk of Lights, so everything was decorated for the holidays and our guests were able to step outside to enjoy the light displays and some hot cocoa. \r\rWe were so pleased with this venue. The staff is very flexible and works closely with Great Blue Heron Catering. Highly recommend. Reviewed on 07-12-2015
Vanessa Romero(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 22-08-2015 The only word that comes to mind to describe the Atrium as a wedding venue is \"outstanding\"! We visited several possible venues, and as soon as we saw the Atrium, we knew we had found the perfect venue for our garden wedding and reception. We immediately booked a date (1year in advance) and from that point on the staff could not have been more helpful, particularly Wayne Hager. Although we had thought through our own wedding plans, Wayne’s advice and suggestions, based on his years of experience, were exceptionally helpful. He was the consummate professional in every sense. As our plans progressed and new ideas surfaced, Wayne and the staff could not have been more accommodating and their attention to detail was amazing. They adapted to our ideas and offered others that had not occurred to us, and incorporated major logistical changes up until the last minute. They were absolutely unflappable, whereas we were nervous wrecks! As an outside wedding on the terrace, the scenery of the botanical garden provided a beautiful backdrop. The settings for the ceremony and reception were awesome. Consequently, it was the\rwedding/reception of our dreams. \r Reviewed on 28-10-2015
Christy Close Hanlon(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 16-10-2015 The Atrium at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is simply stunning. We did the Ceremony on the balcony and then the Reception in The Atrium (they give you a packaged deal). While they seem, upfront, rather disorganized they really do throw together a wonderful wedding. I would not have been able to do so without the help of my wedding planner because she really coordinated the event. They provide some lighting (backdrop to the DJ and lights in the trees). The buffet is held in a separate room (if you choose that). The set up is one and a half hours and the take down is about 30min. Very beautiful and the fall time period is gorgeous - especially with the sun setting behind the ceremony. Reviewed on 25-10-2015
Becky Moye(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 23-11-2014 We had our wedding the first weekend of their winter season, which meant that we received a 25% discount on venue fees, and had access to their winter walk of lights during the reception. The staff was wonderful to work and plan with. The Christmas decorations ended up working perfectly with our color scheme and made everything just a little more special. I can't recommend them highly enough. The service, quality and value were all top notch and I hope if you use this venue that you will have just as great of an experience. We also used their catering service (Great Blue Heron) which I have reviewed separately... but in a nutshell, the food was fantastic, the staff was professional, and the head chef made all of the small details count! Reviewed on 16-02-2015
Anonymous (parent)1 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 19-10-2014 We sorely regret holding our daughter's wedding at the Atrium. The food was served cold. That was the number one complaint we received from all of our guests. We had a five-star tasting months before yet the food at the wedding did not rise to one star. The dinner service took more than 45 minutes and tables were only half served, with the first half served almost done with their meal, while the other people sat with empty chargers. The wait staff was under numbered, unprofessional and amateurish. There was no beverage service as requested. Waiters did not pour or refresh wine, champagne or water to everyone. The bride and groom did not have champagne for the toast. People complained they had to walk to the bar to get a glass of water with dinner. The butler coffee service, for which we paid an extra $5 per person, consisted of the wait staff running back and forth across the Atrium to retrieve one cup of coffee at a time for each guest. Sugar and plastic single-serve containers of cream were thrown into a bowl and dumped on the tables. This is what I would have expected at an IHOP restaurant. No one was in charge on the day of our event. And it showed in every aspect of the staff's performance. When we complained, our integrity was called into question because guests did not request to have their dinners reheated (although the host certainly did). Our event lacked the professionalism and elegance that we had been promised. My advice: run, don't walk, to another venue.\r \r Reviewed on 07-11-2014
Jenny Saperstone(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 11-10-2014 I have to start by saying that the Atrium was perfect the day of the wedding. The venue was beautiful, everyone was where they needed to be when, and April (our catering captain), was extremely helpful. Guests loved the venue. It rained in the morning of the wedding day, and the Atrium said we didn't have to make a final decision about inside / outside until 30 minutes before the ceremony, which was really nice. Luckily, we ended up being able to hold the ceremony outside. \rThe only place I would have liked a bit more support from the Atrium was during the planning process. Wayne did not always respond to emails - I often found that I needed to call and email in order to get a response. Staff seemed to turnover a bit, so I never quite knew who to get in contact with as well. But ultimately, even though I didn't feel like they were the most responsive, I did end up with a great experience there. Reviewed on 30-10-2014
Shannon (bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 01-10-2014 Meadowlark wasn't my first choice for a wedding venue, but I'm so glad we had our ceremony and reception there. The location is beautiful: there are trees and a little river inside! We got so many comments from guests on how pretty it was inside the Atrium and also what a nice backdrop the grounds made for the ceremony. The staff was a pleasure to work with: very responsive and so accommodating. The Atrium staff as well as Blue Heron catering made our wedding day flow seemingly effortlessly. Reviewed on 27-10-2014
Karen Lesh(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 06-09-2014 We hired The Atrium 14 months prior to my wedding and was overall very happy with the staff leading to the event. My (now) mother in law recommended Meadowlark and I loved it the first time I visited. To rent The Atrium (which is a separate building from the Welcome Center of the NVRPA), it costs less than $9000 for Fairfax County residents, but is more for non-residents. With the rental, all tables, chairs, (some) votive candles, and circular tabletop mirrors for centerpieces are included. \r\rWhat I liked most about the staff was that they were very accommodating leading up to my reception, but I received some negative feedback from my guests afterwards. The feedback was mostly about The Atrium's in house catering company, Great Blue Heron. I would recommend The Atrium to future brides and grooms Reviewed on 21-10-2014
Porcia Adu(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 05-09-2014 Gorgeous venue! Does not require a lot of decoration to transform the space into your dream wedding venue no matter what it may be. Reviewed on 22-09-2014
Annie Fullenkamp(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 07-06-2014 Wayne was very good about responding to emails and answering questions. We chose this vendor because the location is absolutely gorgeous and they provide their own equipment (chairs, tables, etc.) You do need to rent your own linens but the in-house caterer (Great Blue Heron) took care of those details for us. I gave a 4 for the quality because I provided detailed pictures of how I wanted the entry/gift tables set up and my instrutions weren't really followed, which for a type-A planner like me resulted in a little undue stress on the day of. However, I am thrilled with our overall experience at Meadowlark and recommend the Atrium to any bride. It really was a gorgeous day. Reviewed on 02-07-2014
Carrie Schenkel(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 01-02-2014 We stumbled upon Meadowlark through an online search, and visited when we found their \"February special\" - as February is their low month, Meadowlark was offering half off venue rental and catering, making our large guest list much more affordable and avoiding a fight with the inlaws over numbers. \r\rFrom our first visit, the Meadowlark event staff were friendly, accommodating and professional - we could tell they'd done this before! They worked with us through every step of the process, suggesting layouts for the tables, timelines for the event and offering customized catering options.\r\rA few of the highlights:\r-The food was AMAZING. People are still talking about it. We had chicken stuffed with cherries and goat cheese that was to die for. We paired it with a steak - it was no more expensive to dual-plate than to make people choose and then have to keep track of who ordered what. \r\r-They provided a coordinator who made sure we were on schedule and that we had everything we needed. Because we had her, we were able to avoid hiring a separate day-of wedding coordinator. \r\r-They already have chevari chairs, so we didn't have to rent any tables, chairs, dishes, silverware... all that was included. We rented linens only.\r\r-They let us set up a fire pit outside. Need I say more? :)\r\rOur wedding was perfect - I am so happy that we had our wedding at Meadowlark. Reviewed on 29-04-2014
Kristen Pryor(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 29-03-2014 It was grey and drizzling on my wedding day, but the garden atmosphere was alive inside the atrium. The staff were helpful and easy to work with, and we've been told by several people the blue heron catering (atrium's in house) was the best \"Wedding food\" they've had. The chef took an active role in checking to make sure things were going well, and my husband (also a chef) noticed and appreciated it. Reviewed on 17-04-2014
Lisa Mankowsky(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 23-03-2014 As soon as we walked into The Atrium we knew we we wanted to get married there. The ambiance is beautiful and fun. We loved the stream and they let me put bride and groom rubber duckies in it on our big day (I have a thing for duckies). They were like that with everything, very accommodating to our requests and helpful in making the wedding our own. We had our dog at the ceremony which was really important to us. Our wedding was at the end of March and it was still pretty cold, so we decided at the last minute to do everything inside. The transition was seamless. Ceremony began at 4pm so we got the good natural light to begin with and through dinner and the first dances, the sunset, and the beautiful lights in the indoor trees when it got dark. The whole night was unforgettable. Reviewed on 10-04-2014
Katherine Gillespie(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 05-10-2013 The Atrium was an absolutely gorgeous venue for our late summer wedding (September 7). All of our guests raved about it. The gardens were lush and provided a very romantic setting. The service was fantastic. Reviewed on 11-11-2013
Heather Boehm(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 27-07-2013 We loved the staff and reception area here. It was all wonderful! Reviewed on 04-10-2013
Julie Shebat(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 14-07-2013 When we decided to get married, the venue was the first item on my list to stress out about. Even though we didn't get engaged until Easter, we wanted to get married before the kids returned to school from summer break. After a number of options were considered, we selected the Atrium at Meadowlark Gardens. While the cost was out of our price range, it was well worth it, just for the setting. The 95+ acres of beautiful gardens were just the tip of the iceberg. The staff, while low key, were extremely friendly and professional. They were accommodating in all kinds of ways; from scheduling walk thru's and tastings at times that accommodated our schedule (we live in Pittsburgh and were in town only at odd days and times) to flexible payment schedules. While we primarily worked with Wayne on the venue and Liz on the catering, everyone of their team was professional and accommodating; both prior to the event as well as during our special day. They made sure that everything went smoothly while ensuring every guest was comfortable. \r\rAgain, they made my day beautiful. Reviewed on 27-07-2013
Leslie Donoghue(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 21-09-2012 The Atrium was so accommodating. Renee was my wedding coordinator and was extremely helpful, creative, and flexible. She was a great liaison between me and the caterer. She gave us great ideas and recommendations for decor and other vendors. Heads-up, most discussions were done via email, which was convenient for me. If you are the kind of bride/groom that prefers phone calls, be prepared for leaving a few voice mails.\r\rThe gardens were a great spot for pictures during the wedding. The 95 acres have limitless potential for wedding worthy \"Kodak\" moments. \r\rMy husband and I were married on the patio just outside the Atrium, but there are other ceremony options (i.e., outdoor gazebos, inside the Atrium). It was a great night and I couldn't be more please with the venue, its offerings, and personnel. Reviewed on 11-10-2012
Diane Waldman(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 07-09-2012 The atrium is a beautiful wedding venue. It’s all glass and they put up tea lights in the windows and twinkle lights in the trees making it look magical. A downside it’s a little pricy in the high season and very difficult to get a date. And even though the staff was tough to contact at times (email was the preferred method) they were very flexible and professional. All in all it was a great place to have a wedding. Reviewed on 01-10-2012
Emily Colegrove(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 23-09-2012 If I had to describe the dream wedding venue it would probably have been the Atrium! It was gorgeous, and the staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. We had almost no decorations besides the floral arrangements because the venue itself was so beautiful. Our wedding was fairly small, with around 100 people so the Atrium was the perfect size, and the pictures we took around the garden were stunning! Loved it! Reviewed on 01-10-2012
Jessica Fols(bride)4 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 25-08-2012 My husband and I had our wedding at reception at the Atrium at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens on August 25th. We began planning with the Atrium 13 months before the wedding, and the entire time, every person involved was prompt and able to answer all of my questions. \r\rWe not only utilized their facilities for our ceremony and reception, but we also used their in-house catering service, and the food was beyond amazing. They were so helpful when dealing with food allergies, children's meals, and making sure our bar was stocked with the drinks we wanted, and continued to stock it as the night went on. \r\rFor most of the day, our ceremony location was up in the air. The rain was not cooperating, and it looked like our outdoor terrace ceremony wasn't going to be able to happen. We waited until the very last possible moment to call it, and then had the staff begin setting up inside. Not 15 minutes later, the Atrium's coordinator came in and said that the sun was shinning down, and if I was okay with the possibility of running 5 minutes late, they would set up outside AGAIN! It was beautiful, they were quick and not in anyone's way, and we started right on time. I don't know how so many people can work so quickly and without much direction. It was fabulous. Reviewed on 17-09-2012
Janice Michaels(bride)4 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 10-08-2012 This venue was gorgeous and completely met and even exceeded our expectations in most ways. The only complaint is communication. We had a lot of trouble with emails/voicemails being replied to in an organized manner. There was one email address for a contact and you were not sure who would reply (if anyone!) If you called, nearly 100% of the time voicemail would pick up and you would not get a return call, therefore requiring you to send an email!\r \rThe most frustrating part was catering. We loved Great Blue Heron (the caterers attached with Meadowlark) amazing chef- amazing food, but here again the coordination of the tasting, menu pricing, contracts etc. was disorganized. It became very frustrating. \r\rIf you pick this venue, just be ready to patient and to keep good records of your emails and receipts.\r \rHowever you will not be disappointed by how beautiful your wedding will be! And that night, the staff worked really hard to make everything go smoothly. Reviewed on 14-09-2012
Catie Scudera(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 06-07-2012 The Atrium was a truly spectacular location for our wedding reception. The on-site manager was in control and everything happened flawlessly. The website's pictures speak for themselves...it was the perfect venue for 175 people. Everyone raved about how gorgeous it was.\r\rTheir affiliated caterer, Great Blue Heron, was also fantastic and the food was amazing. It had a huge menu and was endlessly customizable. \r\rThe venue rental cost wasn't cheap, but it is one of the nicer indoor, non-hotel venues in the state. Communication with Atrium staff was somewhat unreliable during the process...several days often elapsed between emails. Also, the weekend before our wedding the DC/Metro area lost power because of a crazy storm. We didn't hear from the Atrium until we finally got through the Tuesday before a Friday wedding. They did not keep us informed as to their power status and inclement weather plans.\r\rAll in all, it was a magical location and one of the most memorable aspects of our wedding. We highly recommend the Atrium. Reviewed on 10-08-2012
Bri Lappan(parent)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 20-07-2012 I cannot rave enough about this venue. Not only is it stunningly beautiful, with large windows overlooking the gardens, pre-lit indoor trees, and even a babbling brook (!), but the staff is top-notch. Renee and Wayne were fabulous throughout the planning process (as was Liz of Great Blue Heron Catering, the in-house caterer) and always prompt in responding to email inquiries. They walked us through all the details [regarding our daughter’s wedding] at our final meeting a month prior to the event and were extremely accommodating in all ways…from placement of favors and votive candles, to helping us establish our timeline and discussing table and dance-floor placements.\r\rOur guests are still raving about the food (a great value)—from inventive and delicious appetizers to wonderful entrée options, garnished with perfectly-cooked vegetables and edible orchids. The head chef, Bryan, even thoughtfully arranged for a platter of fruits and cheeses to be available in the Lilac room for the bridal party prior to the event and then followed up with individually plated appetizers for the couple, so they would not miss this aspect of their meal! And he graciously acknowledged the newly-wedded couple in person during the evening, to offer his personal congratulations. \r\rBianca and the wait-staff the night of our event deserve special mention, too. Our daughter and her fiancé planned for the ceremony to be held on the terrace, which was elegantly arranged, complete with the facility’s own arbor. When the weather became threatening, the staff did not rush us in making the [ultimate] decision to move indoors…even setting up for the contingency, while leaving the outdoor option available until five minutes before the start of the ceremony. At that point, the staff miraculously dismantled the outdoor setting in short order, so that photos would not be impacted! Happily, we were able to enjoy cocktails on the terrace immediately following the ceremony, but the indoor service was just lovely and should not be viewed as a disappointing fallback for future brides and grooms. During dinner and thereafter, the staff remained unfailingly attentive and anticipated the needs of our guests in ways which continue to filter out a week later, as we speak with those who attended. \r\rThank you, Atrium, for making our first effort at throwing a wedding/reception such a great experience! Your attention to detail was noted in many ways and most probably overlooked in others, as the process flowed so effortlessly. As far as we’re concerned, there is no need for a wedding coordinator with these folks on your side!\r Reviewed on 28-07-2012
L K(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 30-03-2008 This park is a hidden jewel in the Tysons Corner area. Its a beautiful place and the Atrium allows you to feel like you are outside, but actually inside. The lights dim at night and the place is lit up by lights in th trees and votives. Its not dark, but romantic an cozy after sunset. We were lucky and everything was in bloom in March, which made pictures even better. The place came with everything, I didn't have to rent anything additional except linens. We had our wedding on a Friday and used their on-site caterer (excellent too). We found it was a great value compared to all the other venues. The rental came with everything we needed. The event coordinator we worked with was great and so easy to work with. She set things up for on on the day of the wedding and handing things over to a coordinator for that evening. As we took pictures prior to the ceremony, my mother was watching them set up and commented how meticulous they were in setting up. We asked for a small TV for the kids in the dressing room and it wasn't hooked up because we had been in that room getting dressed, but when we asked they got it right away for us. When they saw my mother come in from the church with some flowers they took them from her right away and set them on the table from her. Everything went smoothly and we had an absolutely beautiful night!! Reviewed on 25-04-2012
Jamee Abbruscato(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 12-11-2011 They were flexible up to the last hour on whether to host the ceremony indoors or out. They coordinated with all of our vendors beautifully. Their on-site caterers are outstanding. Reviewed on 29-11-2011
Neona Toenjes(bride)1 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 13-09-2011 Our actual wedding ceremony was out of town and our children couldn't make it, so we thought this woudl be a perfect place for us to have professional pictures taken of all of us together in our wedding outfits! The gardens are beautiful, but if you ever want to take pictures there, be prepared!!!! There is NO inclement weather policy, and after paying $362 for 2 hours of the ability to take photos in their garden, when it decided to snow, we were kicked out of their Atrium after 45 minutes!!!! There was apparently a wedding to take place later that day and they needed to set up early for it. No one cared that we had paid for 2 hours, and that we had 2 kids under 5 years old and that it was under 32 degrees out, and snowing, they still rudely asked us to leave. We had originally reserved a slot to take pictures from 10 am to 12 pm to take pictures in their Atrium, which was supposed to open at 10:00, but the person who had the keys to open the Atrium lived 20 miles away and didn't even arrive until 10:45, so the COOK was nice enough to let us in to get changed. The one bathroom we found that was open was filthy!!! We were able to get changed there, but had a heck of a time turning on any of the lights in order to take pictures in the atrium since the sun wasn't out and (again) it was snowing. After we were asked to leave by the staff setting up for the wedding, we expressed our concerns to the staff member on duty at the Atrium who just argued with us about why nothing was guarenteed and why we didn't know that when we agreed to pay the $362 originally!!!! In summary, the staff was 45 minutes late for our 10:00 shoot time, the facility was filthy, we were out $362, the staff was extremley rude, we were asked to leave an hour before our time was up, they refused to admit there was a problem and argued with us!!! It's a great place to visit, but I will NEVER give another dime to this facility!!!!!!!! Reviewed on 04-11-2011
Cathy Helgason(bride)1 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 10-09-2011 My husband and I had an intimate ceremony, just he, I an officiant and a photographer. We called ahead and were told we could use the property by just paying the $5 admission since it was a public park and we would have to pay a @$20 photographer fee. I went a day before to verify it was all good and find a beautiful spot to have our ceremony which there werent many beautiful spots and no colorful flowers. Might be prettier in the spring but not much to see in early september. When we arrived to have our small ceremony we were told we could not have it because there couldnt be 2 people on the property in white dresses and there was another wedding happening indoors at the atrium. The man at the desk was extremly rude and called me a liar when I had called 2 months ahead to check that it was ok. I even checked the day before that everything was a go. They told us we had 15 mins to complete our ceremony which was being done over a mile from where the other wedding was happening indoors and the park was still open to the public. The guests at the other wedding that overheard the hard time the guy was giving us was telling the guy to shut up and let us in. It was horrible and we ended up doing most of our photo shoot elsewhere at (great falls, VA) because we didnt want all our memories of our special day tainted by that horrible place! I would not recommend Meadowlark to anyone! Its ugly, bad service and over priced!!! Reviewed on 15-10-2011
dilara urey(bride)4 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 31-12-2010 While the venue could not be more spectacular and gorgeous, the staff who manage this wonderful venue are not very responsive to questions and emails, and some of them are difficult to deal with. Nevertheless, they did deliver fantastic service on the day of the event. Reviewed on 18-01-2011
Malea Glick(bride)4 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 20-08-2010 Meadowlark was an absolutely amazing locations for my wedding. The staff can be challenging to get a hold of, particularly as there was multiple staff overturn while we were working with them. But if you stick through it, the results are absolutely beautiful! It's hard to do wrong with a place as stunning as Meadowlark. Reviewed on 19-09-2010
Korin Hudson(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 10-04-2010 We could not have asked for more! The beautiful terrace, gorgeous gardens, and amazing atrium made the perfect setting for our spring wedding.\r\rThat said, it was the staff who really made the day perfect. Scott Boger (catering manager) goes all out to make sure that every detail is perfect.\r\rIt may seem a little expensive, but there is so much included in the rental price: tables/chairs, place settings, waitstaff, and Scott will even act as a \"day of\" event planner if you need him to. Compare all this to any other venue you are considering, and given how special this venue is, at any time of year, it will make a fabulous setting for any event.\r\rEven months later, our friends and family are still raving about how wonderful this setting was for our special day. Reviewed on 10-08-2010
Rachel Webb(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 01-07-2010 Meadowlark was a beautiful location for my garden wedding...especially because it didn't rain! It was clean, well-groomed, and very picturesque. We were very pleased with the friendliness, flexibility, and helpfulness of the staff, even though we had a weekday wedding (drastically cheaper than a weekend wedding...actually, half the price!). Everything went very smoothly and they were very accomodating...and patient (I emailed / called them practially every day for 2 months). Reviewed on 09-08-2010
a member (bride)5 out of 5 Rating
Beautiful location and fantastic staff. We couldn't have asked for anything more.\r\rThey book early- so go visit and reserve your date ASAP. The rental cost is a little higher than some venues- but if you use the in-house caterer, you don't have to pay extra for tables/chairs/place settings etc. \r\rIt is an outdoor setting with indoor conveniences (all weather) and it is so gorgeous you really need almost nothing for decorations.\r\rThe cost is absolutely worth it for this amazing venue. Reviewed on 29-06-2010
Joleen Finn(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 19-09-2009 This was a gorgeous site and well worth the money. Bernadette and Wayne were unbelievably helpful and offered great advice throughout the process. We ended up having a gorgeous day but even if we hadn't we still would have a fabulous reception with all the plants and flowers inside it was exactly what I had envisioned! The team there is great when working your contracts, down payments and even getting your security deposit back to you in less than a few days after the wedding! The woman who worked the venue from meadowlark the day of the wedding was great too. She helped direct everyone where they need to be and helped with the set up as well. Reviewed on 29-06-2010
Mollie Helton(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 23-10-2004 We chose Meadowlark because it was so ridiculously beautiful! We knew there was a chance of rain, so we wanted a place that would be just as gorgeous for an inside ceremony as an outside one. Everything looked beautiful and I have absolutely no regrets about booking there. I recommend Meadowlark to everyone and I'd go there again in a heartbeat! Reviewed on 10-05-2010
Chanda Yarborough(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 11-04-2008 The site was located in a botanical garden so the scenery was wonderful. We were able to use both indoor and outdoor space for the cocktail reception. The staff is knowledge and very easy to work with.;Facilities for getting ready before the event are limited. There is only one room available which the bride used. The groom and the groomsmen had to hang out in the garden before the ceremony. Reviewed on 10-05-2010
Katherine Daubenspeck(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 01-11-2008 For my November wedding the atrium at Meadowlark Gardens brought the outdoor beauty of the fall season indoors. The high ceilings beautiful natural light and indoor plants and streams made it a amazing weatherproof location!;Although they tell you that the capacity is 175 it really fits 150 comfortably. In order to actually fit 175 some people have to sit behind a stream and plants which is awkward. Reviewed on 22-02-2009
Cameron Rosboschil(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 09-05-2008 It was beautiful! The Atrium was so fantastic with all the flowers and water inside and outside. It was just beautiful!;Some of the staff was rude to us about taking pictures in the actual garden after it closed but we were still at the atrium during our rented hours. The park ended up giving us a gift for being mistreated by staff though. Reviewed on 04-09-2008
Polly Misra(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 14-05-2006 It was indoor and outdoor venue. Atrium was comfortable air conditioned room w/ exposure to outdoors and easy access to outdoor veranda.;Accoustics were not great for music. Reviewed on 01-10-2007
Dotty Agan(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 13-05-2005 Our Wedding itself was held on the gazebo on the lake in Meadowlark Gardens and theh the reception was in the Atrium. The location was perfect and the lighting, and gorgeous flowers were a spectacular backdrop. The lighted trees, indoor brook and the large open feel of a glass room made it seem as though you were outdoors on a perfect magic night.;The people at Meadowlark were wonderful and so helpful. It's important though to be very specific about what you want. Reviewed on 28-08-2007
Rebecca Rotem(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 20-08-2006 The Atrium is beautiful with its views of the garden and trees and stream inside. All of the guests loved it too. We felt like we could save money on decorating the reception site because it was already beautifully decorated! Both my husband and I loved our summer, garden-themed wedding. Reviewed on 27-08-2007
Desiree Davis(bride)5 out of 5 Rating Wedding Date 08-06-2007 It was a beautiful setting, so many great places to take pictures, the guest were able to talk around the gardens as they pleases.;Preselect the area you'd like to have pictures and don't stray from that. You'll be out there for hours if you don't have certain locations in mind. It's too beautiful! Reviewed on 25-08-2007
91 Reviews, with a Rating of 4.64 out of 5.0
Contact Info for The Atrium at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens