Nestled in Vienna, VA just outside DC, there is a 95-acre sanctuary full of seasonal blooms, picturesque ponds, and Asian-inspired garden structures. As a DC documentary photographer, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens engagement photos always feel like a breath of fresh air – a step into nature away from the concrete jungle, and a chance to run through fields without abandon. If you’re a newly engaged couple, soon-to-be-engaged couple, and couple currently planning a wedding at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, then I hope this guide can help you!
Images featured in this blog were taken at a Meadowlark Botanical Gardens engagement session on digital and 35mm film.
About Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is a botanical garden and event/wedding venue located in Vienna, Virginia. They are open daily from 10:00 am – 6:30 pm, and during the winter they feature a maze of extravagant lights to adventure through. There is a large parking lot, a visitor center with a small gift shop, and public restrooms available.
Meadowlark does charge admission fees for all guests visiting the gardens regardless of reason. If you find you’re a frequent visitor, annual passes are also available. Standard admission rates are:
| Ages 5 & under | Free |
| Age 6 – 17 | $4.00 |
| Age 18 – 59 | $8.00 |
| Age 60 and over | $4.00 |
The Group Rate (20+ people) is available Monday-Friday only, and must be reserved in advance:
| Ages 18-59 | $5.00 |
| Ages 6-17 and Ages 60+ | $2.00 |
Photography and Permit Policy
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens does require a photography permit, but it’s relatively easy to obtain. Permits are $50 and are good for 2 consecutive hours within the gardens. The cost of the permit does not include the cost of admission to the gardens. Permits can be reserved online through NOVA Parks, and reservations can be made 90 days in advanced.
It’s important to note that if you wish to wear wedding specific attire, then you need to contact atrium@nvrpa.org as all wedding related photography permits are obtained differently. Sorry, I don’t make the rules but I do try and follow them!!
A full list of photography related rules and guidelines can be found here.
Why do Engagement Photos at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens?
Diversity, beauty, tranquility, adventure. The reasons are countless – but as a photographer, I love working at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens because it is meticulously up-kept, and there is such a wide variety of areas for us to use. We can select from vibrant blooms, to winding paths through the woods, to tall uncut grass, to small orchards where you can lounge beneath the trees – there is bound to be something that matches your preference.
I always encourage couples to bring an outfit change for Meadowlark Botanical Gardens engagement photos to further increase the variety of photos they will get throughout the session.
Tips for Meadowlark Botanical Gardens Engagement Photos
- Reserve your permit ahead of time. Remember to check in at the front desk and let them know you have a permit. They will provide you with something to display at all times.
- Come prepared to walk. Uphill, and downhill, through grass and on pavement. In order to access 99% of Meadowark’s features, we need to walk to them. If this means you need to bring an extra pair of shoes, please do so.
- Bring water. See above – we will be walking a lot. While there is plenty of shade throughout the gardens, there is also a lot of space that is not shady at all. In the same vein, bring a towel and facewipes if you are concerned about a lot of sweat.
- Wear bug spray if mosquittos and gnatts bother you. There are beautiful ponds scattered through the gardens, but still water combined with the DC area weather means there will be lots of flying critters. If you’re down to embrace them, I am too. The photos are always worth it!
- As far as clothing advice goes – I think flowing fabrics and seasonally fitting colors always work best here. During the summer, yellows, pinks, and whites shine beautifully, and during the fall a more natural and warm hue adds to the fall foliage perfectly. Remember, no wedding attire is allowed unless previous arrangements were made with the Attrium!
Have any more questions on how to prepare for your Meadowlark Botanical Gardens engagement photos? Reach out – I’d love to chat!
More Images from this Engagement Session at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
Photographer: Jalisa Roslyn Photo
Location: Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
Meet Jalisa
DC Film Wedding Photographer
Jalisa is a documentary wedding photographer who passionately preserves weddings on digital and film.
Serving Washington, DC, Baltimore, Maryland, and beyond.
