For our wedding day, we had our cocktail hour at the gazebos by the rose garden and our reception in the Renaissance Court, and it was truly everything we dreamed of and more. The Norfolk Botanical Garden is absolutely stunning!! So many of our guests kept telling us how beautiful the setting was, I especially love the water by the Renaissance court. From the flowers, walkways, and the atmosphere, it felt like a fairytale.

The staff was incredible. Every single person we interacted with was friendly, kind, and so attentive. They made the entire day feel effortless and fun, and we never had to worry about a thing. Their professionalism and warmth really set the tone for the whole celebration.

We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful or memorable place to celebrate. If you’re looking for a venue that’s gorgeous, well-run, and genuinely special, the Norfolk Botanical Garden is perfect. Highly, highly recommend!

*PS! All the vendors that are required when planning a celebration are also outstanding. I was worried at first since we didn’t have any choice in certain vendors, but I couldn’t have been happier with how everything turned out!

– Caleigh Mason

Fantastic place. One could easily spend an entire day here. There are miles of walking trails, and every 50 feet or so you feel like you're in a whole new world because there is always a brand new, beautifully planned landscape before you. Nothing is fenced off or off limits, which I really appreciated, as even on a crowded day one could find a bit of peace and privacy. Kids really seem to love it as well, and we were privy to an exceptionally hilarious scene here, when this little toy John Deere golf cart rounded the corner, being driven by a literal baby, with another baby in the passenger seat! Also pretty neat having the airport next door.

One could take the whole family here and have a fantastic day out, for all ages. The only thing I thought it lacked was a little cafe, although it does look like they have a couple of food trucks open from time to time. Oh, and I seriously appreciated the young lady at the gate, for mentioning the discount programs, one of which we were actually qualified to receive. All in all it was a great day out, and even though we spent a good 3-4 hours there, I could have stayed double that and not have been bored. Would love to return!

– R. L.

Truly one of the best BG's in the country, I make every effort to visit in every one of my biannual trips to VA. From the diversity of habitats to the heart-filling colorful butterfly garden with a vast diversity of butterflies and other pollinators to the peaceful Japanese tea garden to the amazing exhibits and holiday light displays, it is top notch. Add to this the opp to be there this year during fall migration and was delighted to find many visiting songbirds including Palm Warblers and a Clay-colored Sparrow. And all of this is BEFORE the expansion that opens next Spring. My heartfelt thanks to those who have made this BG a reality. It is truly one of my happiest places and I tell every BG I visit all about it.

– P W