Close to our nation’s capital and known for an array of landscapes, a Northern VA Wedding is sure to be just as luxurious as it is convenient. Whether looking for chic city vibes or elegant southern charm, NoVA has what every couple needs for their wedding. Northern Virginia has the perfect mix of skilled planners, fantastic photographers, amazing florists, and picturesque venues. I am here to give you the best tips for planning the best Northern Virginia Wedding. So, grab your popcorn and open your Pinterest; we are going to have fun with this guide to Northern VA Weddings.
About NoVa
If you are from Virginia, you know that Northern Virginia is the perfect mixing pot of cultures, lifestyles, and styles. This is why a Northern VA Wedding is ideal for just about everyone. It is accommodating to many different styles. While having both a cityscape, access to rural venues, and everything in between, there is plenty to choose from.
There are many areas of Northern Virginia to choose from. If you are looking for a more urban area, Old Town Alexandria is a must. Right outside of DC, this area provides just the right amount of chic with accessibility to city-like amenities.
Guests can explore the capital pre and post-wedding. Because it is a short drive or metro ride away, guests can make a whole weekend out of the event. Undoubtedly one of my favorite things to do in the city is to visit the Smithsonian museums. Nevertheless, if venturing isn’t anyone’s style, Old Town Alexandria has quite the restaurant scene that can keep everyone who comes into town for your Northern VA wedding happy.
Alternatively, city life may not be the vibe you are going for. This is where venturing out from the main parts of Northern Virginia would be ideal for you. My favorite area for weddings is right in the town of Leesburg. Quaint and unassuming, this town is quite the wedding capital of NoVA. Particularly because there are a variety of venues and a plethora of places to eat and sleep, if it is not on your list of considerations for a Northern VA wedding, Leesburg should be placed at the top!
Weather for a Northern VA Wedding
Located in the middle of the East Coast, Virginia is a state that deals with odd weather. Especially in the shoulder months, you may not know what you will be getting. On the other hand, many months of the year have perfect weather and make for perfect wedding days. Below I will break down the year weather-wise for this state and how it is experienced in Northern Virginia!
Spring
If you are a lover of flowers and greenery, this is the perfect time frame to hold your wedding! The peak season for some wedding flower favorites, such as Peonies and Anemones, means lower floral costs for these iconic staple florals. Weather can be a little crazy, though, so always have an indoor ceremony plan just in case you get rained on! Temperatures are ideal during this time as well. Averaging in the 60s and 70s, spring weddings keep the sweat and shivers away. A word of warning, March is a hit-or-miss month. Coupled with the possibility of rain, temperatures can drop so low that you may find yourself covered in snow. A Northern VA wedding is even more subject to this craziness the further west you go. I recommend weddings held in April and May.
Summer
While summer in Virginia is full of fun and a variety of activities, it is important to note the weather. Northern VA weddings can get HOT. With an average in the 80s and a lot of days in the 90s, having AC access is key. For those wanting an outdoor ceremony and bright summer colors, this is the season for you! While an occasional summer storm makes its way, most days are dry. The need for the regulated indoors comes during the times surrounding ceremony time. Make sure your getting-ready location has AC so that you do not sweat off your makeup before ever walking down the aisle. Additionally, if your ceremony is early in the day, consider having an indoor reception so that guests can comfortably get down and boogie!
Fall
As a fall bride myself, I come from a place of bias when I say this may be the best season to get married. Similar to spring, a fall wedding brings averages of the 60s and 70s (especially towards October). Unlike spring, fall has significantly less rain which means the burden of actually executing a rain plan is small (though you should always have one). While I am a big fan of the greens that nature brings, fall brings gorgeous color as well. Florals are still available, though those spring florals are going to come at a higher price tag.
Winter
Winter is the least popular season for northern VA weddings . The greens of the year will die off and leave you with bare trees. It can average around 40 degrees and get even colder. The big pull towards winter weddings is a) snow and b) a smaller price tag. On the note of snow, do not bank on a white wedding day! Snow tends to be a rare sight in Virginia. When it does come, it may be less than an inch. If you do opt for a winter wedding, choose a venue that keeps up with its grounds all year long. Keep an eye out for those evergreens as well, as they will add color back to your portraits.
Northern VA Wedding Venues
Virginia is home to MANY gorgeous wedding venues. Northern Virginia has its own treasure chest as well. Whether you are looking for an estate, white barn, winery, or even a gorgeous property with a mountain view, Northern Virginia is the best place to look!
Rust Manor House
Rust Manor House is an all-time favorite of mine located in Leesburg, Virginia. This charming historical home can host a plethora of different types of weddings. They have several different parts of the property that can be used to create the perfect wedding day.
The main house just recently went through a renovation which made it into the perfect modern manor house with a historical touch. There are several rooms to use during wedding prep. My favorite, the toile room, is typically used as the bridal suite. They also have the navy room and the library for the groom to get ready in. Cocktail hour and a small reception could happen inside as well.
Outside, the grounds for this venue are gorgeous all year long. With multiple ceremony site locations, the possibilities are endless. During the majority of the year, Rust Manor has a large white tent outside to host your reception. Rust Manor is the perfect place to host your Northern VA wedding.
Shadow Creek
If you are looking for a barn-esque venue that feels high-end, Shadow Creek is the place to go! Northern VA weddings at this venue are always gorgeous. This barn is an equestrian-style barn that provides the perfect blank slate for any wedding day. With an indoor barn, outdoor ceremony site, and covered porch, you can plan to know that your wedding day has every backup plan needed.
Morias Vineyard
If you are looking for a winery wedding, look no further than Morias. This Northern VA wedding venue has multiple ceremony locations that are indoor and outdoor. Not to mention, anytime you choose a winery for your wedding, you get gorgeous vineyards!
Choosing Your Northern VA Wedding Photographer
If you are looking for the perfect Northern Va wedding photographer, I would love to be considered! My name is Rachael, and I have been serving the DMV area for over three years. I currently reside outside of Richmond with my husband and two dogs. Documenting wedding days and the love that is shown during them is a passion of mine.
My photography style is light, true-to-color, with a touch of film inspiration. I say that I set the scene for my couples and photograph what comes out of that. My goal is to create a relaxed experience that leaves you excited for your wedding day. I believe your wedding photos should be timeless and beautiful to look at for generations to come.
Finally, if you are looking for more northern VA wedding content, check out the blogs below!
