From a hotel's Grand Ballroom to a unique Historic Home, Northern Virginia, locally referred to as NoVA, has the perfect backdrop to create an unforgettable wedding day. So close to D.C., yet bursting with its own culture and style, the bride and groom will have no problem finding the ideal setting to say "I Do." The state motto says it all "Virginia is for Lovers".
As an experienced team offering Northern Virginia wedding hair and makeup, we know all about weddings in this area. Keep reading to find out our best tips for planning your perfect wedding in Northern Virginia.
The best time of year to get married in Northern Virginia
The best time of year to get married in Northern Virginia is during the spring or fall. The temperatures during these seasons are mild and comfortable, and the weather is typically pleasant. The average temperatures during the spring range from highs in the low 60s to lows in the mid-40s, while fall temperatures average out to highs in the low 70s and lows in the mid-50s.
Choosing the best wedding Venue in NoVA
The venue's location, setting, and atmosphere can all play a role in setting the tone for your big day. Northern Virginia is home to many beautiful venues. However, many of these popular spots fill up quickly, so starting your search early is essential. In addition, having a budget and number of guests in mind can help narrow down the field.
NoVA hosts many unique places to get married
Northern Virginia has a host of wedding venues, whether you are looking for an outdoor garden or indoor ballroom. With the Potomac River creating its northern border, Virginia is rich in history and scenic views from vineyards to mountains. Every couple can find the perfect place to say "I Do." Whether you're looking for a grand ballroom or a quaint garden setting
Some of the most popular places to get married in NoVA include:
Alexandria - The largest city in the region, Alexandria is home to many stately mansions and popular wedding venues. River Farm provides a perfect backdrop for any wedding. The 25-acre property is home to gardens, woodlands, lawns, and a grand manor house. The venue dates back to the 1600s when George Washington owned it.
Arlington - The site of many national monuments, Arlington is a beautiful place to get married. Top of the Town is a rooftop wedding venue in Arlington, VA, that provides couples with stunning views of the Potomac River and iconic Washington D.C. landscapes of monuments. The modern charm of the setting is perfect for couples who want a sophisticated and unique wedding near the nation's capital.
Vienna - A small town with a lot of charm, Vienna is a popular place to get married. Host your wedding or event amidst live plants and flowers in a beautiful glass-walled atrium. The Atrium at Medowlark overlooks the Medowlark Botanical Gardens, making it a perfect place for an outdoor wedding.
Fair Fax City - A historic city with a small-town feel, Fairfax is the perfect place to have an intimate wedding. The Country Club of Fairfax, nestled upon 156 acres of ideal Virginia scenery, offers the perfect setting to host your wedding.
Additionally, Northern Virginia can offer something to all brides-to-be looking to create the dream day. Whether you're looking for a place to have an indoor or outdoor ceremony, NovA offers many barns, riverfront properties, historic buildings, swanky clubs, and hotels.
Country Plantation Wedding Venue
Brides looking for vast scenic visages with an abundance of character and natural beauty will find several perfect venues. The rustic elegance of a country plantation can provide the perfect setting for an unforgettable wedding day. The following are a few of the most popular country plantation wedding venues in NoVA:
If you are looking for a unique and elegant venue, look no further than The Middleburg Barn at Fox Place. Its barn features beautiful Southern Yellow Pine post and beam timbers and 35-foot majestic ceilings with custom ambient lighting juxtaposed with Swarovski crystal chandeliers.
Sitting high on a hill, surrounded by endless views, The Barn at Willow Brook boasts a stunning white wedding barn sure to captivate any bride. Its scenic views and classic elegance make it the perfect setting to host your wedding.
You can pose with a beautifully groomed horse at Shadow Creek, which has an actual working barn. Boasting over 200 acres of enchanting meadows, rolling hills, and manicured landscapes, this enchanting location is where rustic charm meets refined elegance, providing couples with an unforgettable setting for their weddings.
Wistful Water Wedding Venues
The Potomac River is Virginia's northern border, providing many beautiful waterfront views. Sunset light dancing on the water is a romantic addition to any wedding. Say your vows while surrounded by the gentle flow of the Potomac River at one of these beautiful venues.
With an all-season, historic barn Riverside on the Potomac provides a stunning backdrop with sweeping views of the Potomac River valley and river. The rustic elegance of the barn is perfect for an unforgettable indoor/outdoor wedding.
A modern waterfront venue, The River View at Occoquan Regional Park is perfect for your Northern Virginia wedding on the water. The historic buildings and foliage throughout the scenic park allow for photo opportunities at any time of day.
Stately Manor Wedding Venues
White columns and marble floors come to mind when you think of a manor wedding. Large ballrooms with high ceilings and plenty of room for a dance floor are perfect for celebrating your special day. So say "I Do" at one of these beautiful manor venues:
Impressive Jeffersonian architecture, elegantly appointed ballrooms, and crystal chandeliers offer the ideal wedding atmosphere. The Rose Hill Manor in Leesburg, VA, is the perfect backdrop to create memories that will last a lifetime. With three other locations, The Manors offer brides multiple stately venues.
Historic Wedding Venues in Northern Virginia
Where better to create so of your own history than in a place that has seen some of the most defining moments in American History. With historic architecture and scenic views, historical sites make the perfect place for brides to create memories to last a lifetime. If you are looking for a venue with character and charm, look no further than these historic venues:
Built between 1755 and 1759 as the primary residence of the Founding Father George Mason, Gunston Hall is a National Historic Landmark that provides a stunning backdrop for weddings. The formal gardens and scenic views of the Potomac River make it the perfect place to make your own history.
The Winery at Bull Run is a rustic and charming venue that offers history and elegance. With stunning panoramic views of the vineyard and neighboring horse farm, chic reclaimed wood and wine barrel decor, and the romantic stone ruins of Hillwood Mansion, The Winery at Bull Run is the perfect place for your wedding.
Start planning and booking your vendors early.
Finding a venue that meets all of your needs can be one of the most challenging things. Plan to book your wedding venue 12 to 18 months in advance if you want to get married on a Saturday night in a prime month. If you're flexible on the date and time, you can book 8 to 12 months in advance. And if your venue doesn't offer on-site catering, prioritize your food service vendor to ensure everything else (e.g., place setting rentals, floral design, cake size) lines up. If you want to book premium hair and makeup services, it is wise to get them to book at this time rather than later since they book up quickly.
You can plan the NoVA Wedding of your dreams
No matter your wedding style, a perfect venue in Northern Virginia is waiting for you. If you're looking for a grand setting, consider one of the many historic buildings in the area. If you prefer something more intimate, there are plenty of charming inns and gardens. And no matter your budget, you'll be able to find a venue that fits your needs. So start planning your dream wedding today, and let Northern Virginia show you just how magical it can be!
