Clear Top Tent Wedding at the U.S. National Arboretum | Pilar & Alex

Review from the Bride

The Arboretum Is Magic, Even In The Rain!!!!!

The National Arboretum has held a special place in my and my husband’s hearts since before we got engaged. It was a place of refuge for us and our friends during the pandemic, and so when we found out that they did weddings, it was my one bridezilla moment where I knew that there was simply no other choice—we had to get married there!

The venue of course speaks for itself in its beauty, but its uniqueness doesn’t not stop there! Natalie from MTG Hospitality and her trusted team of Arboretum staff and grounds people are a beacon of professionalism and support—a couple’s absolute dream on the biggest day of their lives. Natalie was quick to answer every single one of our questions with clarity and respect for our wishes, as well as respect for the beautiful land she stewards. Every step of the way, whenever my now husband and I were feeling under water, we would pause and reflect on how grateful we were to have her as a partner in this process.

On the day of our wedding, it actually did rain, which is par for the course of DC late summer/early fall weather I guess. But I must say: It brought a new sense of magic to everything about the day. For example, for our couples portraits, at Natalie’s encouragement, we ventured off into the vast property and took our couples photos under tree cover and in lush gardens. It felt like we had the Arboretum all to ourselves! Then when it came time for our ceremony, the beautiful North Terrace provided a lovely backdrop for our ceremony and reception in the clear-top tent. Our guests were happy to be dry, which meant they brought the energy to the dancefloor! Even the visitors center was a surprisingly nice base camp for cocktail hour (by then the rain had paused, allowing folks to peek out into the grounds).

I just wanted to share that part of our story. Because of Natalie and her team’s professionalism, what could’ve been a damper on our day ended up being something we barely noticed because everyone flowed so seamlessly into our rain plan. I can’t wait to visit the Arboretum again and have it always be that special place in my heart.

Book the Arboretum, and book it early!!! Literally even if it rains, you will not regret it!!!