Why You Should Plan a Destination Wedding in Wine Country
Why You Should Plan a Destination Wedding in Wine Country
There are so many reasons to plan a destination wedding. It’s a memorable way to say “I do” among family and friends in a beautiful setting. Some may think a “destination wedding” means planning a wedding abroad, but there are so many beautiful destinations stateside with the added benefit of not having to worry about travel restrictions. Perhaps it’s time you considered our very own back vineyard.
Hunt Country is home to DC’s wine country and has breathtaking venues and accommodations. It consists of several counties including Loudoun County, Fauquier, Loudon, Rappahannock, and Clarke Counties. “The beautiful rolling hills and variety of outdoor landscapes makes Loudoun one of the most scenic and romantic places to host your wedding,” says Stephanie Dasch of Diamond Events.
If you are an adventuresome couple and enjoy the great outdoors, look for a venue that offers the opportunity to have an epic experience. “The Blue Ridge Mountains offer spectacular natural beauty and provide the perfect place to take your vows,” says Sally Anne Andrew of LeFay Cottage at Little Washington. She believes that a diversity of attractions offers you the flexibility of different experiences; from farm-to-table dining, boutique vineyards, hiking, biking, hot air ballooning, skydiving or even just a romantic picnic with a great bottle of wine from a local winery. “You know you’ve made a great decision when you not only fulfill your dream of a romantic wedding in horse and wine country, but that you can continue to have epic experiences that will create memories that you will have forever.”
Whether you’re planning a large destination wedding, or an elopement getaway, there are plenty of options for couples in Hunt Country. Hidden View Bed & Breakfast will soon provide couples with wedding packages that support the growing need for small intimate events, according to Cherri Shields of Hidden View Bed & Breakfast. In addition to these packages, the B&B’s must-see views and luxury overnight accommodations, make it a great location for a weekend wedding, from rehearsals, to ceremony, reception and farewell breakfast.
Suzanne Cragon Lauer, owner of Tranquility Farm, has seen rising demand in weekend weddings. “We have seen increasing interest in weekend experiences that enable couples to host all events on one property, with plenty of outdoor spaces for staying safe, as well as accommodations. They can relax and spend quality time with family and friends over the course of 48 hours,” says Suzanne.
The George Washington Hotel specializes in destination weddings. Amy E. VanMeter, Catering Sales Manager at The George Washington Hotel says “weekends are our specialty. From our beautifully appointed guest rooms, to our elegant banquet spaces for rehearsal dinners, weddings, and farewell brunches, to our onsite spa, and nearby restaurants, shops and activities, our hotel truly is a full-service wedding destination.”
Riverside on the Potomac, adjacent to the Potomac River and with views of Sugarloaf Mountain, offers 80 acres of intimate and yet spacious pastoral venue spaces for weddings and receptions. It also has historic barn accommodations with 40-foot ceilings and spacious barn doors that open and let the outdoors in. “Our Waterfall Terrace, charming gardens, and historic Reception Barn are all included for couples looking to celebrate a destination wedding in Loudoun County,” says Suzanne W. Worsham of Riverside on the Potomac.
Riverside on the Potomac
So, if you’re planning a destination wedding in Hunt Country, here’s what you should consider:
- Where to start – Start by checking out our directory of wedding specialists. Hunt Country Celebrations is a collective of highly-vetted wedding professionals in Northern Virginia, ranging from wedding photographers, to caterers, to accommodations and everything in between. We represent a range of impressive wedding venues so begin your search here. If you would like more information about the destination, also check out Visit Loudoun, the Loudoun County visitor information center. They provide free visitors guides for you and your guests, along with other complimentary services.
- Stop by for a visit – Early into the wedding planning process, plan a trip to Hunt Country to make sure it’s the perfect place for your wedding. While you’re here you can tour our wedding venues. “It’s important to see different wedding venues and compare all the options they can offer you. There are so many beautiful places and all have something different to offer couples. We are always happy to offer safe tours here at our venue,” states Ann Fortin, Owner of Kalero Vineyard. Just make sure to schedule your visit ahead of time.
- Work with local specialists – A local wedding planner and travel agent can help you with all your logistical needs. A local wedding planner makes it so much easier to plan a wedding from afar, and a travel agent will take care of any travel needs you or your guests may have.
- Think of transportation ahead of time – For the day of the wedding, consider transportation options for your guests. For larger weddings, we recommend hiring a shuttle service to make sure they arrive to your big day on time.
- Plan a fun itinerary – Not only are your guests attending your wedding, it’s also like a mini-vacation for them as well so why not make it a fun, multi-day event. The day before your wedding, plan a tour and wine tasting at a local winery. Then schedule a post wedding day brunch.
Overall, Hunt Country is the perfect place for a destination wedding. Check out our wedding venue and accommodations members below.
Accommodations
Wedding Venues
- 48 Fields Farms
- Birkby House
- Cana Vineyards & Winery
- Hidden View Bed & Breakfast
- Kalero Vineyard
- L’Auberage Provencale
- Le Fay Cottage at Little Washington
- Oatlands Historic House & Gardens
- Riverside on the Potomac
- Rust Manor House
- The George Washington Hotel
- The Inn at Mount Vernon
- Tranquility Farm
- Whitehall Estate
