There’s no question that planning a wedding right now with social distancing in mind presents some unique challenges, but it’s led us to fall in love all over again with the idea of intimate gatherings and outdoor celebrations!

If fresh air, vineyards, and the beautiful natural backdrop of the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains suit your style, these four Virginia countryside venues all hold amazing possibilities.

Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards // North Garden, VA

*Named one of the best wedding venues in America by BRIDES MAGAZINE.

Top event planner Lynn Easton of Easton Events owns this venue along with her husband, so you can be sure it’s picture perfect and no detail left untouched.   It’s “a classic winery and culinary vineyard in the hills outside of Charlottesville, a place they love. A place that reflects their combined passions: for estate wines and exciting cuisine, for upscale events and warm hospitality, for an authentic celebration of people and place.”

Goodstone Inn // Middleburg, VA

“The Goodstone Inn & Restaurant is a privately owned 265-acre property situated on the outskirts of the charming town of Middleburg, Virginia.  It is located less than ten minutes from the center of town and offers numerous activities, lodging accommodations, and dining.”  The property is super unique because there are historic houses and outbuildings scattered across the property, each which houses a few rooms and has a slightly different feel.  An entire family can occupy one house, or a couple can rent one room in it.  It has a residential and homey feel, with top notch services and amentities.  Smaller events can be hosted at the main manor house for a smaller fee, whereas larger weddings require a full weekend buyout and tenting in the field.  There is also a beautiful glass restaurant which can be used for rehearsal dinner, brunch or a smaller wedding dinner.

Keswick Hall // Charlottesville, VA

“Keswick Hall has been an icon of the Virginia countryside for over one hundred years.  Set amid a backdrop of Virginia’s natural splendor, our recently reimagined resort invites guests and locals to discover a sense of discrete luxury.”  The upscale hotel feels like a Mediterranean resort in the middle of wine and hunt country, with several pools, golf, etc.  You can utilize the indoor ballroom or the tenting opportunities are endless on the flagstone patio, with stunning views.

Salamander Resort & Spa // Middleburg, VA

“Whatever your dream, Salamander Resort & Spa can provide a picturesque backdrop that brings your special day to life.”  This is the largest hotel/resort option in the Middleburg area with top notch cuisine, equestrian facilities, cooking school and world-class spa.  The rooms are plush with gas fireplaces, oversized soaking tubs, exquisite bedding in a subtle equestrian theme.

Envision an alfresco ceremony and cocktail hour with dinner in the large ballroom or tented outside.  The stables is also a fun place for hosting a rehearsal dinner.

What you need to know:  Virginia Countryside Wedding Venues

Ceremony/Reception space: Each venue can accommodate both ceremonies and receptions, as well as rehearsal dinners.

Capacities vary for each space at each different venue; there are options for intimate weddings and grand affairs at all 4.

Accommodations:

• Goodstone Inn, Keswick Hall and Salamander Resort & Spa each offer lovely on-site accommodations.
• Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards is within driving distance of several fabulous hotels in nearby Charlottesville, and there are multiple professional transportation services in the area that may be hired to bring guests back and forth from the city to the farm.

Time of Year:  All 4 venues offer beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces, with the option to tent the outdoor areas, and are stunning locations year-round.

Cost: Wedding package starting costs vary by venue.

Sources: Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards, Goodstone Inn, Keswick Hall, Salamander Resort & Spa, Horse & Style Magazine, Ashley Cox Photography, Elisa Bricker, Emily Blumberg, visitloudoun.com, Forbes Travel Magazine, Southern Bride Magazine, Laura Gordon Photography, Rachel May Photography