University of  Virginia's Blandy Experimental Farm The State Arboretum of Virginia WEDDING POLICY Reservations Wedding ceremonies are permitted in two designated areas of the Arboretum: the Margaret Byrd Stimpson Amphitheater and the grassy area near the upper section of the Woodland portion of the Nancy Larrick Crosby Native Plant Trail.  RECEPTIONS ARE NOT PERMITTED.  Wedding reservations are taken up to one year to the month in advance of the event.  Reservations are made on a first-come basis.  Note: Certain dates and times may not be available due to either Blandy or Arboretum events. The fees are $500 plus a $200 cleaning/damage deposit that may be returned one-week after the event if no additional staff time is required to return the area to its pre-event status.  The fees cover two hours for the wedding ceremony and one hour for the rehearsal. Payment A non-refundable reservation deposit of $150 is due within 10 days after the reservation is made in order to confirm your reservation. Checks should be made payable to Blandy Experimental Farm and mailed to 400 Blandy Farm Lane, Boyce VA  22620. The rental balance of $350 is due 90 days prior to the wedding date. A separate check for the $200 cleaning/damage deposit is due 30 days prior to the wedding date. If the reservation is made within 90 days of the event, the entire rental amount plus the damage deposit is due within 10 days. Cancellation NO INDOOR WEDDING FACILITIES ARE AVAILABLE IN CASE OF RAIN; RAIN DATES ARE NOT AVAILABLE. Blandy Farm must receive written notice of cancellation of paid reservations at least 90 days in advance of the wedding date in order to receive a partial refund. No part of the $150 reservation fee will be refunded. If full payment has been made prior to 90 days of the rental date, users will receive a $250 refund. Cancellations within 90 days of the wedding date are not eligible for a refund. Regulations Lecterns, tents and chairs may be used in the designated areas but they must be set-up by Blandy sanctioned rental service companies. Night lighting on grounds is limited. All wedding participants and guests must depart the grounds within 30 minutes after sunset. No microphones, speakers, or other amplification is allowed. The throwing of birdseed is acceptable and may be purchased at Our Shop as a substitute for rice or confetti. No other objects, animals, or insects may be thrown or released. All litter, flowers, chairs, etc. must be removed prior to the end of the reservation period. Decorations cannot be attached to any tree, plant, stone wall, or structure. No alcoholic beverages are allowed. Vehicles, except that of the rental service, are not allowed on service roads. Each party must supply a parking attendant whose responsibility it is to direct wedding attendees to the event parking area; parking is not allowed along roadsides. Receptions are not permitted. Failure to comply with any of the above regulations will result in a forfeiture of the cleaning/damage deposit. Additional Information The Amphitheater can seat 200-300 people; the Native Plant Trail Area can seat 50-70. The wedding party and guests may use the public restrooms in the Quarters building.  For more information contact the Facilities Use Coordinator at (540) 837-1758 Ext 223 or email questions to heo5z@virginia.edu. Return to Main Page Revised: 4/22/08   3,711