In 2018, I worked at lots of new-to-me wedding venues, and it was so fun once again traveling around Virginia celebrating my sweet couples and designing for them! Last years Where to Wed blog post was such a hit that I decided to highlight my favorites from this year! I have been to many different venues throughout the years, and I thought it would be helpful for any of my engaged readers to share my 2018 top 10 favorites (it was SO hard to choose), and features I love of each!! That way, you can use this as a guide if YOU are still searching for that perfect wedding venue for your big day! So, in no particular order, here are 10 wedding venues that are sure to impress!
1. The Salamander Resort & Spa, in Middleburg, Virginia
If you are searching for a stunning and all-inclusive venue outside the DC area, that can hold a large number of people and is full of neutral, romantic details, than the Salamander Resort & Spa would be a wonderful venue for you! The Salamander boasts an on-site spa (perfect for relaxing the day before the wedding), and has beautiful, spacious guest rooms so you can spend an entire weekend with all your guests if you wish! The Salamander is located in Middleburg, Virginia, also known as “horse country”, where you can find rolling hills, with horses grazing just past the ceremony site outside! Indoors, for the reception, guests will be wowed by the ballroom, and with it’s neutral colors and ornate details, it’s easy to customize the reception to exactly the look you want with lighting, florals, linens and more! Photography of Yasmin and Matt’s August Salamander wedding is from Anna Kardos Photography. See this beautiful wedding in our portfolio HERE!
2. Upper Shirley Vineyard, in Charles City, Virginia
If you love vineyard weddings, with a variety of photo spots (in the vines, down by the water, on the back deck, and more), and a beautiful reception room, than check out Upper Shirley Vineyard! With its sprawling back lawn, and water views, couples can opt to get married right down by the water, and then have guests head back up the oversized porch for cocktails and treats. Upper Shirley has such a clean, “blank-slate” reception area that can be transformed to fit any wedding style or color palette, and I love how couples can personalize even the outdoor aspects of the venue (for Ali and Nathan’s wedding they had a JMU flag flying outside and the horse statue had their names and wedding date personalized- how fun!) Photography of the Upper Shirley wedding is by Fowler Studios See this lovely wedding featured on our blog HERE!
3. Independence Golf Club, Midlothian, Virginia
The Independence Golf Club has such a classic, modern feel, with a beautiful gold detailed reception room and beautifully manicured golf course for the ceremony! It’s majestic exterior provides the perfect backdrop for photos, and the large balcony/patio area is perfect for enjoying drinks outside after (or before haha) the ceremony! The staff at Independence is INCREDIBLE- they make sure the bridal party and families are well taken care of, and ensure that the vendors have all they need to make the wedding day a success! They were so professional, timely and proactive, and it was a joy to work there this past June! Another of my favorite things about Independence is that the bridal party gets to ride around the property in gold carts for photo time! It’s so fun to watch 8 golf carts all scoot along the course with bridesmaids and groomsmen laughing and enjoying themselves for pictures! Photography of the Independence Golf Club wedding is by Anna Kardos Photography. See this gorgeous summer wedding in our portfolio HERE!
4. Stone Tower Winery, Leesburg, Virginia
Stone Tower Winery rests atop rolling hills about an hour outside Washington, DC, and it’s an absolutely gorgeous spot for a winery wedding! You drive up a mountain to get there, so when you arrive you are treated to some stunning views! It has a beautiful outdoor ceremony option, as well as the Barrel Room for an indoor ceremony, and I love how the neutral spaces are accented by stone detailing! The reception room has an entire wall filled with floor-to-ceiling windows, which lets in so much natural light and allows you to overlook the winery from inside! It also features a large, two-level outdoor patio area, perfect for sipping wine during cocktail hour or for taking a break from dancing and watching the sunset. Stone Tower also has a large seating capacity in its indoor spaces, which is helpful for larger weddings or even for smaller-medium sized weddings where you don’t want guests to feel cramped! Loved being here this past June for a lovely summer wedding! Photography of the Stone Tower Winery wedding is by Anna Kardos Photography. See this gorgeous summer wedding in our portfolio HERE!
5. Inn at Westwood Farm, in Orange, Virginia
The Inn at Westwood Farm is the cutest Bed & Breakfast in the Charlottesville area of Virginia! This spot is so cozy and perfect for an intimate wedding, with its outside ceremony spot and inside barn for receptions or you also have the option to set the reception tables up outside like Stephanie and Tom did! They had the most romantic string lights set up, and then danced the night away in the barn! I love how versatile this property is- with several options for ceremony/reception set ups, and it’s also home to the cutest animals, including an adorable fuzzy donkey, horses and chickens!! The inn-keepers are also so attentive and helpful! This spot is a must-see if you’re envisioning a cozy wedding in the Charlottesville area. Photography of the Inn at Westwood Farm wedding is by Corrin Jasinski Photography. See this lovely spring wedding in our portfolio HERE!
6. Westover Plantation, in Charles City, Virginia
Westover Plantation is an absolutely stunning southern venue, located about 40 minutes outside of Richmond! The Plantation has so much historical significance, (it’s a National Historic Landmark built by the Byrd family in the mid-eighteenth century), and it’s the perfect spot for a natural outdoor wedding! It overlooks the James River, and there are many options for the ceremony location throughout the property, including the waterfront. Tented receptions are so beautiful here, and with so many tent options available through vendor partners, Westover Plantation really does offer so much versatility and the ability to design your wedding from the “ground up” – literally! Andrea, the owner, who lives with her family at Westover, is SO helpful during the planning process and so much experience and event knowledge to share with her couples, and they work tirelessly along with your vendor team the day of the wedding to ensure everything is flawless! Photography of the Westover Plantation wedding is by Molly Scott Photography. See this lovely spring wedding in our portfolio HERE!
7. Ashton Creek Vineyard, Chester, Virginia
If you are drawn to natural and rustic vineyards, than you will love Ashton Creek Vineyard, in Chester near Richmond, Virginia! With its beautiful interior design, wooden beams, and romantic chandeliers, it strikes the perfect balance between a classic vineyard and a natural barn. Its ceremony space outside is beautiful too- there is a water feature, with the vineyard rows being an option as a backdrop, and a lovely wooden arbor! There is so much variety in backdrop options throughout the property for photos, and the owners are so accommodating and helpful! Photography from Ashton Creek Vineyard wedding by We are the Mitchells. See this romantic fall wedding featured in our portfolio HERE!
8. Cavalier Golf and Yacht Club, Virginia Beach, Virginia
The Cavalier Golf and Yacht Club is the perfect waterfront spot for a a wedding! With its sprawling back lawn, and waterfront views, couples can opt to get married right down by the water, and then have guests head to the patio for drinks! Then the tented reception right there by the water provides a blank slate for couples to design as they wish, but I envision this as a great spot for a southern or low-country inspired wedding with its proximity to the water! With lawn games, string lights and a relaxed vibe, the Cavalier is the perfect place for a couple who just wants their guests to enjoy the Virginia Beach weather and spend time outside celebrating! Photography of the Cavalier Golf & Yacht Club wedding is by Molly Scott Photography, and this lovely wedding will be featured here soon!
9. Early Mountain Vineyard, in Madison, Virginia
If you are a bride who loves vineyard weddings with an organic, natural and cozy look, with the option for a beautiful indoor OR outdoor ceremony (you never know how the weather can behave), then Early Mountain Vineyards in Madison, might be for you! With its romantic roaring fireplaces on either side of its large reception space, Early Mountain has lovely natural indoor details, like mahogany chivari chairs, long wooden tables, large windows, and more! Photography from Early Mountain Vineyard wedding by Bethany Snyder Photography. See this romantic early spring wedding HERE!
10. Big Spring Farm, Lexington, Virginia
If you love breathtaking mountain views, with scenery, a ceremony with a waterfront view, and a barn-style reception, then you may love Big Spring Farms, located in Lexington, Virginia! With an abundance of lovely portrait locations and rolling hills, the property is perfect for lots of outdoor photos, and the reception space is so beautifully designed, with weathered wood accents and big barn doors that can be opened or shut to allow the breeze in as you’re enjoying the reception! Bonus points for the gorgeous on-site property that the bride can get ready in as well! Photography from Big Spring Farm wedding by Alisandra Photography. See this beautiful wedding on our blog, HERE!
Thanks for reading and being a part of our community! If you have questions about any of these venues that I could possibly help with, shoot me an email at courtney@courtneyinghram.com and I’ll be happy to chat with you! Happy Wedding Planning! 🙂