Virginia Wedding Venues | Wedding Wednesday Post One
September 5, 2018
This is the first post in my new blog series called “Wedding Wednesdays.” Today will focus on Virginia wedding venues, but will also have a personal twist! Enjoy!
As a business owner and entrepreneur, I think goal setting is one of the most important aspects of business planning. Goal setting allows us to set definable markers for growth. More importantly, it allows us to learn within our field and continuing to learn and gain experience is so valuable.
I decided to blog about a few of my dream venues to photograph at, in hopes that a few years from now, I can look back and think about how much I learned at each venue. I picked each of these venues for a variety of reasons, but one there is one thing they each have in common- they all showcase the beauty of Virginia! I think the landscape and seasons in Virginia can play a huge role in the overall theme and setting at each wedding. These venues can provide the perfect backdrop for a rustic summer wedding, all the way to a cozy and romantic winter wedding! So, without further adieu, here are my dream wedding venues to work at. They are in no particular order and I also linked their websites in case anyone is planning a VA wedding and wants to check them out!
Morais Vineyards & Winery- One of my favorite VA venues!
Pippin Hill
I am pretty sure that Pippin Hill is on most photographer’s dream venue lists. Many people know Pippin Hill for their wine, because it is a winery. However, it should be noted that this venue has been named one of the top venues in the United States for the past 6 years. That says a lot! The designer of this venue actually designed it with weddings in mind, even though it is a winery. It would be an honor to document a wedding at this venue!
Shadow Creek
Shadow Creek just seems to be a gem of a venue in Northern, VA. I have not been here, but it nevertheless looks to be a wonderful spot to get married at! Every time I see photos of weddings held here, I am in awe of the awesome barn where the receptions take place. This venue is big, so for weddings with more guests it is perfect. The barn seems like it is super cozy, even though there is room for up to 300 people! Lastly, this venue has a unique mobile bar service- the “Hitched Bar” is a converted horse trailer and can be used at other venues, not just Shadow Creek! I think this is such a fun option!
https://weddingsatshadowcreek.com
King Family Vineyard
Back in 2015, I attended a great fall wedding at this venue. The mountain views are amazing and the barns and reception space create a very idyllic setting. While I was not shooting weddings in 2015, I couldn’t help but notice all the great backdrops for photos. King Family Vineyard is such a classic venue, and I highly encourage you to take a peek at their website!
https://www.kingfamilyvineyards.com
Walden Hall
I visited this venue earlier this year, and it is hands down one of the most unique venues I have been to. The owners and managers at Walden Hall thought of just about everything for a bride and groom to have their dream wedding weekend with all of their close friends and family. From the arcade, to the AMAZING getting ready space, this venue should be on every wedding photographers list to check out!
Big Spring Farm
Located outside of Lexington, VA, this venue just seems like the perfect spot to have a rustic, peaceful wedding. While I personally have never been to a wedding here, every single photograph I see paints the most beautiful picture of the great landscape Virginia has. The photo opportunities look endless at this venue. Additionally, the barn looks to be a great space to have a wonderful reception with family and friends. In a way, this could be like a destination wedding since it is located about two hours away.
Rixey Manor
This is a super special venue because this is where I will be getting married! <3 I could probably write pages about what makes this wedding venue amazing, but for this post, I will try to keep it short and sweet. First and foremost, the owners/planners are the most wonderful people you will meet, and they truly treat their clients like family. Anyone who books their wedding there will be in caring hands, and will certainly have the wedding of their dreams. Rixey Manor is a historic manor style home, surrounded by rolling hills and spectacular mountain views. The rooms in the home are decorated in such a way that is welcoming, cozy and professional. No matter the theme of your wedding, it will look amazing at Rixey! The ballroom is full of big windows with a ton of natural light. The rooftop patio (or ceremony spot!) is probably my favorite part of the whole venue. A new patio was also recently installed behind the manor and will be an excellent spot for a tented reception space, cocktail hour, or a ceremony! Engaged couples: GO check Rixey Manor out! I promise you will love it!
Alturia Farm
I stumbled upon this venue when reading a fellow photographer’s blog. Alturia Farm looks like a charming space, and it’s an all-inclusive venue. There is a getting ready space for the bride and bridesmaids, one for the groom and groomsmen, a fire pit, full kitchen for catering, a carriage barn, and gazebo! I love venues that have wonderful indoor and outdoor ceremony options in case of unfavorable weather, and this venue definitely has excellent options for both! This venue is located in Manquin, VA and I would love to photograph a wedding here!
