The best places to tie the knot in the fall.
The Renaissance courtyard at Norfolk Botanical Garden.
Like many brides and grooms, we think fall weddings in Virginia are beautiful. And according to Christine Haines Greenburg, Richmond-based wedding coordinator for Wood Grain & Lace Events, October is by far the most popular month for weddings in Virginia. Typically dry weather, mild temperatures and the changing leaves make fall ideal for outdoor weddings specifically. Here we offer a short list of just a few of the best sites across the state for autumn vows.
For the Charm
Charlottesville
The barrel room at First Colony.
The deck at First Colony.
Sweetheart table at First Colony.
The vineyard at First Colony, early fall.
First Colony is the only winery in the U.S. with a thatched roof. In 2013, master thatcher Colin McGhee crafted the roof on the tasting house to resemble that of a 17th century northern European country farm building. Ceremonies may be held on the terrace or the lawn. Receptions flow between the Tavern Room, TastingRoom and Chanticleer loft. And the deck out back looks into a forested area that is guaranteed to offer a beautiful backdrop of fall colors. FirstColonyWinery.com
Marshall wedding on the Riverview grounds.
Photo by Katelyn Coogan
Madison Heights
The historic Riverview on the James property was originally deeded by the great-grandson of Pocahontas. The house and grounds overlook the James River, which in the autumn reflects the color of the changing leaves. Ceremonies and receptions may be held at one of four sites: the historic house, the front lawn, the corn crib or on the banks of the river. HistoricRiverview.com
For the View
The piazza at CrossKeys Vineyard.
Photos courtesy of Babak Bakhtiar
CrossKeys Vineyard.
Mt. Crawford
CrossKeys Vineyards is sited on 20 acres of vineyards, affording panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Ceremonies may be held in the courtyard or on the veranda. Receptions are held inside the Tuscan villa-style Vineyard Room and flow into the large piazza outside. The remoteness of this location means very little light pollution and a clear view of the night sky. CrossKeysVineyards.com
A classic wedding processional at the Governor’s Land.
The dining room at the Governor’s Land venue.
The view from the wedding lawn at Governor’s Land.
Williamsburg
The Governor’s Land at Two Rivers is situated on a peninsula, providing a beautiful waterfront ceremony site and long views of the James River. Receptions may be held in the River Room, Cypress Room or Governor’s Room. GovernorsLand.com
For the Space
Fishersville
Barren Ridge Vineyards affords views of the Shenandoah Valley and Allegheny Mountains. The large venue space allows for ceremonies to be held either in the vineyard meadow or on the large patio. The tasting room has a wood-burning fireplace to break the chill of autumn evenings and offers access to an outdoor seating area. Upstairs, the Audrey Blackford Room has vaulted ceilings with wood beams, another large fireplace, and direct access to the deck. BarrenRidgeVineyardsVA.com
Tented dining area at the Olde Farm in Bristol.
Bristol
The Olde Farm comprises three distinct wedding venues, including the Pavilion, Party Barn and the Clubhouse. Also on offer are three six-bedroom guest cottages on site, an executive chef and in-house wedding planner. TheOldeFarm.com
For the Foliage
Jess and Simon. Fall wedding at Norfolk Botanical Garden.
One of the gardens at Norfolk Botanical Garden.
Photo by Steven and Lily Photography
The bridge at Norfolk Botanical Garden.
Norfolk
The Norfolk Botanical Garden has 175 acres of trees and flowering plants, many of which peak during the fall. Sixteen gardens on site are designated “fall gardens” and the facilities coordination team offers 13 different site combinations for weddings. Among other options, ceremonies may be held in the Renaissance Court, Rose Garden and the Colonial Garden, and receptions may be held held in Baker Hall, the Garden Café, or the Rose Garden Hall. NorfolkBotanicalGarden.org
Early fall wedding at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.
Photo by Katelyn James
Fall wedding at the Bloemendaal House.
Photo by Steven and Lily Photography
Photo by Steven and Lily Photography
Photo by Steven and Lily Photography
Richmond
At Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, a multitude of deciduous trees ensures an autumnal setting. Ceremonies may be held in the Rose Garden, the Flagler Garden or in the Grace Arents Garden. Receptions are held respectively in the visitor center (with access to three outdoor terrace areas), the Robins Tea House and the Bloemendaal House. LewisGinter.org
