Planning a wedding is exciting—and overwhelming. Every couple wants their big day to be perfect! Wineries and vineyards are ideal locations for wedding ceremonies and receptions, providing tons of options and flexibility for every wedding style.
Here are 8 reasons why you’ll love hosting a winery or vineyard wedding on the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail:
1) Wineries are romantic! Nothing pairs better with love than wine. In a previous blog post, Romance on the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail, we shared all the reasons why Virginia is for Lovers, especially wine lovers. From charming small towns in the rural Northern Neck to fun photo opps alongside VA’s iconic “LOVEworks” love signs (two of which can be found at Trail wineries Ingleside Vineyards and Monroe Bay Winery.)
2) Any Wedding Style / Decor. Rustic, sophisticated, elegant, relaxed, chic or shabby chic–every wedding style can be accommodated on the Trail. Several Trail wineries have onsite wedding coordinators who can help design the wedding of your dreams, incorporating every aspect of the day into the theme of your choosing.
3) Inside, Outside or Both! Depending on the size of your guest list, Trail wineries can accommodate outdoor weddings, al fresco or under / inside a tent (heated if necessary); indoor weddings in Tasting Rooms, special event rooms, or Manor Houses; or both, such as an intimate wedding ceremony in a wine cellar, larger reception in a Tasting Room.
4) Breathtaking Views = Stunning Wedding Photos. Vineyards and wineries are stunningly picturesque. Imagine the backdrop of lush vines, majestic trees, sparkling waterfronts, quaint towns, historic buildings, wraparound porches, gardens, courtyards, wood beams and barn doors, fireplaces, wine barrels, and more.
5) One site for the entire wedding. In addition to providing special event space, some Trail members can also accommodate overnight guests, including a bridal suite and lodging for the wedding night, honeymoon and overnight guests. An abundance of off-site lodging, from rustic to luxurious, is also available in the areas surrounding the Trail.
6) Destination Weddings. The Northern Neck, where nearly all Trail wineries are located, offers a wealth of activities for those planning a weekend destination wedding with out of town guests. The region is especially known for its rich history and maritime culture. Quaint and charming towns along the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail offer historical and colonial architecture, access to nature and outdoor activities, beaches and watersports, events, culinary delights, shopping, antiques, art and much more.
7) Mouthwatering Eats & Wines. An endless supply of a variety of wines is a benefit of a winery or vineyard wedding; but what’s paired with the wine is almost as important as the vino itself. Some Trail wineries have in-house food service, while others can recommended caterers with whom they have established relationships. The Trail’s location in the rural Northern Neck ensures that couples have access to high quality, locally-sourced, farm fresh ingredients for their reception, including regional favorites such as oysters and other seafood directly from local waters.
8) Wedding Favors. Nothing is easier than allowing a guest to choose their favorite bottle of wine from your wedding venue as a wedding favor. Or branded merchandise from the winery’s gift shop, where you can also pick up more personalized gifts for the wedding party and VIPs.
Whatever your wedding style or budget, there’s a Trail winery for you! Contact the nine Trail wineries below to learn more about their special event capabilities.
- Featuring an Italian-inspired Tasting Room, Caret Cellars specializes in non-traditional weddings, elopements and micro weddings with up to 40 guests. Affordable DIY and inclusive packages, wedding planning services, and free content creation. A “getting ready” suite doubles as a place a couple may spend their wedding night.
- From just the two of you to hundreds of family and friends, the lawn, Manor House, and water’s edge can be used for weddings, rehearsals or accommodations at Ditchley Cider Works. Use of the houses for lodging and event preparation, and catering with farm raised products and locally procured specialties.
- Get married on the front steps, at the grand staircase, or in the whimsical garden of The Dog and Oyster’s romantic Hope & Glory Inn. Formal plated, casual food stations, oyster or seafood bars for up to 75 guests in the restaurant, on the grounds, or by the pool. Exclusive floral designer and officiant on staff.
- Step back in time and say “I do” in General’s Ridge Vineyard’s historic Manor House, Carriage House, or against the breathtaking backdrop of the vineyard. A full service wedding facility for up to 150 guests, offering catering, wedding cakes, entertainment, photographers, equipment rental, florists, limo service, on site hair dressers and lodging.
- Good Luck Cellars boasts 4,500 sq. ft of cozy indoor space (including a cupola with 360 degree views of the estate), 3,000 sq. ft. of covered, wraparound porch overlooking the vineyards, and surrounding acreage for weddings.
- A European-style courtyard with fountain, romantic Barrel Room, indoor/outdoor Pavilion, Bridal Salon with waiting area, and dedicated wedding staff are just a few reasons Ingleside Vineyards is an award-winning wedding venue for up to 150 guests.
- Up to 250 guests can arrive by car or boat to Jacey Vineyards for weddings in wooded forests, along a one-mile stretch of waterfront, or among lush vineyards, on 150 private and tranquil acres.
- Monroe Bay Winery’s Straw Bale Barn and Event Center provides a rustic, yet elegant setting, on acres of wooded, waterfront lawn and vines, with “LOVE” shimmering in stained glass crafted from recycled wine bottles.
- Exchange your vows in your choice of romantic settings at Rivah Vineyards at the Grove: outdoors among undulating rows of grape vines or a woodsy setting with a view of the Yeocomico River. Or transform the inviting main hall into the wedding of your dreams for up to 100 guests. “Getting ready” rooms for the couple and their wedding party.