The River View

Frequently Asked Questions

MAY I HOLD A DATE AND IS THERE A FEE FOR DOING SO?

You may hold a date free of charge for 7 days with our rental reservation form.

WHAT IS THE BOOKING PROCESS?

After the hold process, you may proceed to contract. Upon contract signing, half (50%) of the rental plus 6% sales tax is due. The remainder of your rental and tax, plus a refundable security deposit of $1,000, is due 30 days before your event.

WHAT IS THE SECURITY DEPOSIT?

The security deposit is $1,000 and is fully refundable after the event if there are no contractual violations.

WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?

In the event that the renter cancels the reservation 12 months or more prior to the rental date, the entire deposit is refundable, less a $250 administrative fee. In the event that the Renter cancels the reservation less than 12 months prior to the rental date, all payments are forfeited with the exception of the security deposit ($1,000). If the canceled rental date is rebooked, all deposits will be refunded, less a $250 administrative fee provided that the rebooking is at the same rate. If the rebooking is for a lower rental rate, then the refund will be equivalent to the lesser of the two rates.

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

Your rental includes an 8-hour minimum block of time. Rental times include a minimum 2-hour set up and a minimum 1-hour breakdown for your caterer and other vendors. Your rental also includes tables, inside chairs, outside chairs (for use on ceremony green), ample parking, rehearsal (subject to availability), guidance through the planning process, Hospitality Suite with private restrooms, and the historic Scale House cottage (only with evening rentals).

WHEN CAN ADDITIONAL HOURS BE ADDED?

You can add hours when you sign your contract or at the latest with your final venue payment, which is due a month before your event. Additional hours are subject to staffing charges with Great Blue Heron.

WHAT ARE “IN JURISDICTION” AND “NON JURISDICTION”?

“In Jurisdiction” refers to clients that reside within NOVA Parks Jurisdictions and are therefore eligible for a 10% discount. Jurisdictions include Arlington, Fairfax & Loudoun Counties; Cities of Alexandria, Fairfax & Falls Church. “Non Jurisdiction” refers to clients who reside outside of NOVA Parks Jurisdictions and are not eligible for a discount.

ARE THERE ANY OTHER DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE?

Special discounts are offered throughout the year. Please check in with The River View staff for further details.

WHAT ARE THE CATERING OPTIONS? ARE THERE CATERING MINIMUMS?

All catering arrangements are handled by Liz Gearhart from Great Blue Heron Catering (NOVA Parks) at (703) 359-4610 or LGearhart@nvrpa.org. Yes, there are catering minimums and they are determined by day of the week.

ARE OUTSIDE CATERERS ALLOWED?

There is a pass-through drop-off package available. Your preferred caterer can drop off prepared food to the River View and our catering team will staff and serve the event. This package includes setup/breakdown, service staff, assorted china, flatware, and glassware for $45++/adult and $15++/child.

DOES THE RIVER VIEW ALLOW STORAGE BEFORE OR AFTER MY EVENT?

The River View does not permit storage of any kind before or after your event.

WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM CAPACITY?

The River View can accommodate approximately 350 seated guests with minimal decor/items in the room. The capacity includes area for a DJ, bar, plated dinner service, gift table, place card table, and cake table. However, The River View can accommodate a higher number of guests, as capacity varies depending upon the event setup.

WHAT ARE THE AVAILABLE TIME BLOCKS?

All evening rentals are 8 hours, including 2 hour set up and 1 hour breakdown. Evening rental time block is 4pm-12am (guest time from 6pm-11pm) ask us about shifting your event time. Extra hours are available for purchase subject to availability based on event schedule. Morning rental time block is ONLY 7am-3pm, no earlier access than 7am and includes 2 hours of set up and 1 hour of breakdown (guest time from 9am-2pm). Catering staff begins their set up at the beginning of the rental time block.

WHERE ARE CEREMONIES PERMITTED?

Ceremony locations are on the ceremony lawn, the rooftop patio, and inside The River View.

WHAT HAPPENS IN CASES OF INCLEMENT WEATHER?

Any activities planned to take place outside would be moved inside The River view. There are several options and a specific back-up plan will be predetermined prior to the event at your final walkthrough meeting.

WHAT IS THE BRICK KILN? CAN WE GO INSIDE?

The brick kiln is the last of nine large beehive brick kilns in the area. It was used by prisoners at the start of the 20th century to create red bricks for many Northern Virginia and DC buildings. As the 100 year old historic structure is a preserved site, guests can explore the area around the kiln, but access inside is prohibited.

ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS ON ALCOHOL?

Alcohol is permitted within your rental area only. There are no restrictions on the types of alcohol permitted. The renter agrees to obtain all alcohol service and product through Great Blue Heron Catering.

ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS ON MUSIC?

Amplified sound is not permitted outdoors (with the exception of ceremony music). All amplified sound must end by 1:00 am.

ARE CANDLES PERMITTED?

Votive candles and candles enclosed in glass (such as a votive and hurricane) are permitted indoors. Candles are permitted outdoors ONLY for ceremonial purposes.

ARE CEREMONY REHEARSALS INCLUDED IN YOUR RENTAL?

Ceremony rehearsals are subject to availability based on event schedule. Rehearsals will be scheduled, if needed, at the final walkthrough. The River View staff do not facilitate rehearsals.

DO YOU HAVE A DAY OF COORDINATOR?

The River View does not include a day of coordinator for your event. A Catering Captain will be onsite for the entirety of your event to account for the safety of building occupants, the premises, as well as the catering staff. If you are interested in employing an event planner or a “day of coordinator”, our team is happy to provide a list of trusted, suggested planner partners that are familiar with the venue.