weddings away

As the motto goes, “Virginia is for Lovers”—so gather

your nearest and dearest, and head to one of Ameri-

ca’s original 13 colonies to celebrate your union. With

miles of Atlantic Coast shoreline, historic mansions

and lush vineyards, there are plenty of scenic spots in this

southern state at which to get hitched.

Inn At WArner HALLHistory rules at this romantic, 11-room inn in the southeast

tidewater area. not only is the hotel located on acres of water-

front property developed in 1642 by George Washington’s

great-grandfather (set a short drive from Colonial Williamsburg

and key historic sites), but the beautifully restored mansion is

also listed on the national register of Historic Places. Here,

couples tie the knot on the West river Lawn (backed by views

of the Severn river and a stand of ancient pecan trees), under

the majestic silver maple tree in the Front Circle or on the stun-

ning Front Hall Staircase. the Inn can accommodate weddings

for up to 175 guests; buyouts are required for any event with

more than 10 guests. Most couples opt to do everything from

the rehearsal dinner to the day-after brunch on-site. In addition

to the history and the lovely setting, a big draw here is the atten-

tive staff that makes each couple feel like a VIP. they’ve

arranged bespoke touches including an on-site “carnival”

rehearsal dinner (complete with games and food stands), pre-

ceremony skydiving, bonfres, scavenger hunts and a getaway

boat to whisk the happy couple away after the vows. reception

meals can include chef favorites like sweet potato biscuits with

ham and apple butter, Chesapeake Bay crab cakes, and spin-

ach- and goat cheese-stuffed quail (buyout rates start at $5,000

and include use of house and grounds, on-site coordinator,

some decor and more. Ceremony fees are $350. reception

packages start at about $40 per person; warnerhall.com).

In every issue, we scout a spot that’s perfect for tying the knot away from home. by Sandra Ramani

>> bridalguide.com Explore more of the most romantic wedding destinations at bridalguide.com/destinations

BArBourSVILLe VIneyArdSViews of the Blue ridge Mountains, award-winning wine, and a

mansion designed by thomas Jefferson—you can’t get more

Virginia than that. Positioned along the plateaus and foothills of

the Southwest Mountains in the Virginia Piedmont region, Bar-

boursville produces a number of notable wines on land that

belonged to James Barbour, one-time Governor of Virginia. the

900-acre grounds now also hold the intimate the 1804 Inn, as

well as three cottages and a three-suite farmhouse. Governor

Barbour’s friend and neighbor, thomas Jefferson—himself a

winemaker—designed the property’s original home, and today

the picture-perfect grounds around the mansion’s ruins are by

far the top pick for ceremonies. other favorites for vows include

the gardens behind the Inn, the octagon Barrel room, the PH

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Lorien Hotel & Spa.

The bucolic Barboursville Vineyards.

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Virginia Continued from page 170

123-room Kimpton brand hotel has become a popular wedding

pick both for the elevated cuisine and the varied location choic-

es. Ceremonies with as few as 10 guests have been held in the

Presidential Suite, while up to 90 can celebrate on the rooftop

terraces and up to 50 can watch the vow exchange on the Free-

dom Terrace, a private courtyard with an ivy-covered trellis and

exposed brick backdrop. From there, many parties head to the

Lorien Living Room for cocktail hour, before going into the Lib-

erty Room for the reception. The hotel earns raves for its ser-

vice and dedicated events team. Then, of course, there’s the

food: fresh, seasonal, gourmet dishes prepared by the same

kitchen as the lauded restaurant Brabo by Robert Wiedmaier.

Chefs are happy to customize menus. Fun past add-ons have

included a street food-themed reception and coffee or lemon-

ade bars where you guests can spike drinks with flavored

liqueurs (dinner wedding packages start at $93 per person and

include passed hors d’oeuvres, a champagne toast, a wedding

night suite and more; lorienhotelandspa.com). �

terrace of the Piedmont Arcades Banquet Room, Library 1821,

featuring historical artifacts, a terrace and views of the vine-

yards and Shenandoah National Park. Receptions can be held

on the Palladio Restaurant’s terrace (for up to 22 guests), in the

Main Restaurant (for 23-42 guests), in the Banquet Room (up to

200 guests) or in a tent on Governor Barbour’s Racetrack, once

the front lawn of the mansion. The in-house events team can

organize unusual touches (couples have incorporated camels

and horses into their festivities), and set up group events.

Reception meals are prepared at the on-site Palladio restau-

rant, which specializes in Northern Italian-inspired fare using

local seasonal ingredients (reception packages start at $75 per

person and include some canapés and a three-course meal.

Location rental fees start at $1,500; bbvwine.com).

LORIEN HOTEL & SPASet on a brick-lined street in the

heart of Old Town Alexandria, the

Lorien Hotel & Spa offers the best

of both worlds: a city setting that’s

surrounded by boutiques and gal-

leries and close to major area

attractions, as well as easy access

to Virginia horse country and all its

scenic glory. Known for its beautiful

spa and destination dining, this

Marriage licenses are required to wed in Virginia.

There is no waiting period and the license is val-

id for 60 days. Prices vary from county to county,

but are limited to no more than $50. Applications

must be made in person at the local circuit court.

Couples should furnish, if applicable, any divorce

decrees or death certificates. Some applicants

may be asked for proof of age.

Legally Wedded

Inn at Warner Hall.