Tying the Knot in Staunton – National Wedding Planning Day
If you have a partner and a promise, but don’t yet have a plan, National Wedding Planning Day on March 1 can give you the push you need to get started. If you’re already feeling overwhelmed, know that the average American couple spends about a year planning a wedding. It’s a lot of decision-making, but at least you can take your time doing it. And hey, you’ve already made two big decisions: whom to marry, and to have your wedding in Staunton. Let us help you plan the wedding of your dreams with our picks for venues, florists, photographers, and more.
Wedding Venues
Location is everything in real estate. We think that’s true of weddings, too!
Batten Green
Just minutes from downtown Staunton, Batten Green is the ideal backdrop for the fairytale wedding you’ve been dreaming of your whole life! This secluded getaway on 12 acres boasts mountain views, rolling green lawns, and a gazebo. There are multiple indoor and outdoor spaces to host the ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, dancing, and more. The Overlook reception space can host up to 250 guests in a 60×80’ tent and boasts a non-slip surface for dancing. The intimate Solarium is the perfect setting for small sit-down wedding parties, while the Manor House Terrace and Great Lawn have romantic cafe lighting and are ideal for cocktail hour. Batten Green has a dedicated bridal suite and groomsmen area and convenient weekend packages with overnight lodging for up to 28 guests.
Gaie Lea
The name Gaie Lea means Happy Meadows, and it’s a perfect name for this 200-acre farm and event space that promises to be an exquisite background for your vows and your photos. The setting is private, yet convenient to downtown Staunton and the interstate. Known for its Southern charm, the space can accommodate up to 250 guests. Enjoy cocktails among the English boxwood garden, bourbon and cigars on the porch, and a reception in the covered pavilion overlooking the lake. The spacious estate home sleeps 15, so it’s perfect for the wedding party to share an extended weekend.
Hotel 24 South
Located in downtown Staunton, Hotel 24 South can help you host an elegant wedding in a historic and convenient setting. Virginia Living Magazine’s pick as the Best Wedding Venue in the Shenandoah Valley for the past 5 years has two ballrooms and can accommodate small groups or those as large as 300. Make sure to tour the magnificent Colonnade Ballroom that boasts wonderful natural light, views of the city, and access to an outside patio. Hotel 24 South offers wedding planning and packages, custom catering, parking services, and 124 guest rooms and suites.
Barren Ridge Vineyards
Imagine holding your ceremony in a grassy meadow with a mountain backdrop surrounded by acres of Barren Ridge Vineyards grape vines. Follow that with a cocktail hour in the tasting room and on the patio under a show-stopping sunset. And then, how about a reception and dancing for 50-130 guests in the second-floor ballroom that’s complete with more incredible views, adjustable lighting, an in-house audio system, and a balcony with steps leading to the patio? Barren Ridge Vineyard offers several different spaces to hold your big event as well as a caterer’s kitchen and a private dressing room for the bride.
The American Hotel Banquet Room
Enjoy timeless elegance and architectural charm when you host your wedding for up to 200 guests at The American Hotel Banquet Room. Conveniently located in Staunton’s vibrant downtown, the venue offers a historic sanctuary for saying your vows and a grand banquet hall for dining and dancing. Mid 19th century design features include exposed brick, chandelier lighting, hardwood floors, and a cobblestone grand entrance. Modern elegance includes a bridal suite and groom’s room, a catering prep room with a cooler, and numerous photo sites to memorialize the happy day.
The Blackburn Inn
The Blackburn Inn, built in the 1820s, is rich in history, beauty, and romance. If you’re envisioning something classic, designed by an architect who rubbed elbows with Thomas Jefferson, schedule a tour. Choose from an array of locations and set the festivities against 80 landscaped acres, which offer willow trees, red brick with white trim, columns and too many other spectacular photo spots to count. The boutique hotel offers 49 rooms and suites, so there’s plenty of space for guests to stay onsite. There are even pet-friendly accommodations if you have a fur baby or two in the wedding party. On-site spa and beauty services help the wedding party relax and get ready in style. The Inn has indoor spaces to seat up to 300 guests, while tented and untented outdoor weddings can also accommodate large parties. The Inn has a number of wedding packages available and can suggest a list of preferred wedding venues. A venue manager and events team can help with attention to detail on the big day. There’s a customizable wedding menu, and in-house bartenders can provide libations.
Vendors
Check with your event space to see if they have preferred vendors and what their policies are on bringing your own before you pin down any services.
Hair and Makeup
Look your best on the big day.
Bridal Fashion
Say “yes” to your perfect dress.
Photography
Don’t take a chance on missing even a single special moment when these Staunton-area photographers immortalize your special day.
- Kate Simon Photography
- Grow Explore Photography
- Tiffany Hanlon Photography
- Photography by Jo
- Mill Pond Photography
Floral Design:
Flowers have the power to set the mood of your wedding. From traditional and formal to laid back and unique, your floral designer can help you decorate your space.
DJ Services
Get the party started with a professional DJ.
Rehearsal Dinner Venue
Looking for a restaurant serving excellent food with room to feed a big group?
Catering
Admit it: you attend a wedding for the food. Why not make yours one that folks will praise for months?
The Cake
End your reception on a sweet, sweet note!
We hope this guide will help you finalize details or give you a place to start while planning your Staunton wedding.
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