Shenandoah National Park wedding with bride and groom standing on a mountains top kissing with the valley behind them captured by Virginia wedding photographer

Debbie Perez

Exploring Virginia: A Guide to Diverse Wedding and Elopement Venues

May 7, 2023

elope in Virginia with Charlottesville wedding photographer with Shenandoah wedding venues and locations

Virginia Wedding and Elopement Venues

Virginia, with its picturesque landscapes and rich historical charm, offers a wide range of stunning venues for weddings and elopements. Whether you dream of saying your vows in the midst of nature or in an elegant historical setting, Virginia has something for everyone. From the scenic beauty of Shenandoah National Park to the urban charm of Richmond, this state provides a diverse selection of venues to suit different preferences and styles.

Let’s dive into the world of Virginia wedding and elopement venues and explore the various options available to couples looking to make their special day truly unforgettable.

Popular Wedding Venues in Virginia

If you’re looking for a breathtaking natural backdrop, Shenandoah National Park is an ideal choice. With its sweeping valleys, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests, the park offers a truly enchanting setting for a wedding. One of the standout locations within the park is Raven’s Roost, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Imagine exchanging your vows with the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains as your backdrop.

For those who prefer an urban setting, Richmond boasts a plethora of wedding venue options. The city’s unique blend of history and modernity provides a charming atmosphere for tying the knot. From historic buildings and museums to chic downtown spaces, Richmond offers a range of venues that can accommodate any style or theme.

If you’re seeking a rustic and charming ambiance, barns and farms in Virginia make for unforgettable wedding venues. Picture yourself surrounded by rolling hills, towering oak trees, and the warm glow of string lights. Barn wedding venues exude a cozy and laid-back atmosphere that is perfect for couples who want a rustic and intimate celebration. Farms, on the other hand, offer scenic settings with sprawling fields and picturesque landscapes. These venues allow you to embrace the beauty of nature while celebrating your love.

Great Falls Park is another popular choice for couples seeking a natural and scenic venue. Located just outside of Washington D.C., the park offers stunning vistas of the Potomac River as it cascades over the rocks. The park’s picturesque views and numerous photo opportunities provide a magical backdrop for your special day.

If you’re a nature lover, consider the Virginia Blue Ridge Parkways, where you can find picturesque views and wedding venues nestled along the winding roads. The parkways offer a scenic drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains, with plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the breathtaking vistas. Whether you choose to have your ceremony at an overlook or at a venue tucked away in the mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkways will leave you and your guests in awe of Virginia’s natural beauty.

For couples looking for a truly unique wedding experience, Grayson Highlands State Park is a hidden gem. Located in southwestern Virginia, the park is known for its unique mountainous landscapes and wild ponies. Imagine saying your vows with the backdrop of rolling hills and the sound of nature surrounding you. Grayson Highlands State Park offers a one-of-a-kind experience that you and your guests will never forget.

Virginia Beach offers the allure of a coastal wedding, with its beachfront venues and stunning ocean views. Imagine the sound of crashing waves and the soft sand beneath your feet as you exchange your vows. The beachfront venues in Virginia Beach provide a romantic and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for couples who want a destination wedding without leaving the country.

For couples seeking a touch of history, Manassas Battlefield State Park offers a significant backdrop for your special day. The park is steeped in history, as it was the site of two major Civil War battles. The historical significance adds a sense of grandeur and significance to your wedding ceremony. Imagine exchanging your vows on the hallowed grounds where soldiers once fought for their beliefs.

Vineyards and wineries in Virginia offer a charming and intimate setting for weddings. The rolling hills, lush vineyards, and the opportunity to savor exquisite wines create a romantic ambiance for your celebration. Virginia is known for its wine production, and many vineyards and wineries offer wedding packages that include wine tastings and vineyard tours. These venues allow you to celebrate your love in a picturesque setting while indulging in the flavors of Virginia.

Historical manor houses and gardens are also available for those who desire an elegant and timeless atmosphere. These venues showcase the architectural beauty and historical significance of Virginia, creating a magical backdrop for your wedding day. Imagine wandering through manicured gardens, hand-in-hand with your partner, surrounded by the scent of blooming flowers and the beauty of nature. Historical manor houses provide a sense of old-world charm and sophistication, making them perfect for couples who want a wedding that is both timeless and elegant.

Shenandoah Elopements and Small Weddings

Virginia wedding and elopement photography | Raven's Roost Overlook | Blue Ridge Parkway | Charlottesville wedding Photographer
Photo by Debbie Elisa Photography | Virginia wedding and elopement photographer | Raven’s Roost

Shenandoah National Park has no shortage of perfect wedding ceremony locations, whether you’re looking for popular vistas or totally private mountaintop nooks. Some of my favorite easy hikes in Shenandoah put together by an adventure couple, Megan & Aram, lead to the best places to elope in the entire park. One that have just have to mention is Raven’s Roost. This probably is one of the few that does not require any hiking or trail walks. The overlook has a decent size parking lot and is just a few literal steps away from the overlook. A gorgeous view! A beautiful and breathtaking moment. Plenty of room to walk around and move around with ease. I will help make sure you have everything you need for the day.

SHENANDOAH: SKYLINE DRIVE OVERLOOKS

  • Hazel Mountain
  • Jewell Hollow
  • Thorofare Mountain
  • Spitler Knoll
  • Franklin Cliffs
  • The Point Overlook
  • Mary’s Rock Tunnel**
Charlottesville wedding photographer captures bride and groom dancing at sunset together surrounded by their white roses for an outdoor wedding
Photo by Debbie Elisa Photography | Virginia wedding and elopement photographer | Virginia Vineyards

Virginia Vineyards

Virginia’s wineries offer the perfect setting if you’re planning a small, intimate wedding. With beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah Mountains, and scenic vineyards. When you elope in Virginia, you’ll find plenty of photo opportunities for your wedding album.

A few places I have photographed small weddings were:

  • Kalero Vineyard – Purcellville
  • Showalter’s Orchard – Timberville
  • Fleetwood Farm Winery (doesn’t have many views of the mountains but the vineyard is lovely) – Leesburg
  • King Family Vineyards – Crozet
  • Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyard – North Garden
  • Faithbrooke Barn &Vineyards – Luray
  • Ingleside Vineyards – Oak Grove
outdoor engagement photos with Charlottesville wedding photographer, man and woman holding hands and kissing while standing in a field at sunset
Photo by Debbie Elisa Photography | Virginia wedding and elopement photographer | The Oak Barn at Loyalty

Virginia Rustic Venues

You can’t go wrong with a rustic wedding in a barn, on a farm, or on top of a ridge overlooking Virginia’s beautiful countryside. These gorgeous venues provide the perfect backdrop to your celebration with their laid-back style, vintage charm, and scenic vistas.

A few places I have photographed small weddings were:

  • The Barn at Timber Creek – Farmville
  • The Oak Barn at Loyalty – Leesburg
  • The Barns of Madison County – Etlan
  • Lydia Mountain Lodge (entire venue is outdoor in the woods, very rustic) – Standardsville
  • Swan Harbor Farm – Havre De Grace (Maryland)
  • Mt. Defiance Cider Barn – Middleburg
  • Bowood Barn – Louisa
outdoor engagement photos in a courtyard garden with man and woman embracing and kissing each other photographed by Charlottesville wedding photographer
Photo by Debbie Elisa Photography | Virginia wedding and elopement photographer | Oatlands Historic House and Gardens

Historical Homes and Gardens

Some adventures are mild and don’t require anything except beautiful scenery. Most couples do opt in for a two person elopement or small gathering of family and friends for their small intimate wedding. These are mostly done a beautiful historical homes in a city, countryside, or at some of the places already mentioned above. It’s not just a home, or manor house or even a mansion, but its the entire landscapes of fields, wooded areas, small lakes/streams, and gardens. Some also come with beaches which is an amazing aspect to have.

You will see in the list below a few listing for Maryland. This is because these locations are lovely and I have had Virginia couples drive out to Maryland for a more rustic feel and historical aspect of homes with land.

A few places I have photographed small weddings were:

  • Rosemont Manor – Berryville
  • Gramercy Mansion – Stevenson (Maryland)
  • Historic St. Mary’s City – St. Mary’s City (Maryland)
  • Earlyhouse – Louisa
  • Belle Garden Estate – Wirtz
  • Carlyle House – Alexandria
  • Stonebridge Events – Cumberland, (Maryland)
  • Oatlands Historic House and Gardens – Leesburg
  • Rawlings Conservatory – Baltimore
  • Brookeside Gardens – Wheaton (Maryland)
  • Chatham Manor – Fredericksburg
  • Historic London Town & Gardens – Edgewater (Maryland)
  • Sotterely Plantation – Hollywood (Maryland)
  • The Pavilion at Weatherly – Newburg (Maryland)

HOW TO ELOPE IN VIRGINIA WITH ME

Easy peasy, just click HERE and you can fill out the form to schedule a chat with me. Once we have our chat, and I learn more about your vision, I will send out a contract, invoice, and payment details. Once your 25% non0refundable retainer is made, then we can start the planning process.

I can’t wait to start working with you and help you create a magical experience filled with love, butterflies, and happy moments.

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