There’s a lot that goes into planning the perfect wedding. Many people start months, or even years in advance. A significant number of women start when they’re still young girls, usually with a scrap book, though these days, Pinterest is the planning tool of choice. It’s a great way to quickly collect an ocean of ideas all in one place.
Some elements are easy. Finding the perfect dress and the right shoes usually happens fairly early on in the process, though it might change some over time, but finding the perfect place…the right venue can be a much trickier proposition.
If you’re struggling with finding the perfect location, may we suggest Blue Valley? Winery weddings near Washington DC have become increasingly popular in recent years, and we’ve hosted a fair number of them.
Haven’t heard of Blue Valley? We’re among the best kept secrets in the state of Virginia! We opened our winery more than twenty years ago when we purchased a significant portion of an estate that was once owned by the fourth Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, John Marshall.
One of only a handful of family owned wineries in the state, we’ve lovingly cultivated the land and carefully crafted a number of exceptional venue spaces that are ideal for winery weddings near Washington DC, corporate retreats or exclusive social gatherings.
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Blue Valley offers unforgettable views and a storybook setting in an area that’s steeped in history and cultural significance.
Of course, location alone doesn’t make the perfect venue. The facilities have to be sumptuously appointed and have the aesthetic you’re looking for. Here’s a brief overview of the venue spaces we have to offer:
The Celebrations Room
This is our largest room, capable of accommodating more than 200 people, and serves as our main wine tasting room when it’s not booked to fulfill other roles. It boasts two different bars, both hand-crafted from two-hundred-year-old oak harvested from the estate itself, and then hand crafted into the functional works of art you see on display in the room.
The two bars are complimented by Bistro lights, high ceilings with exposed wooden beams and a cozy fireplace. The room also offers a trio of large flat screen TVs in case you want to show your guests a memorable video or two of you and your intended, and on top of that, its large windows offer stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
This is a fantastic option for large wedding parties, and if you need even more space, the Loft—which we’ll talk about next—is a good choice to book in tandem with this room, since the Loft looks down into the Celebration Room.
The Loft
Overlooking the Celebration Room, the Loft is another splendid venue option that features an even more spectacular view of the Blue Ridge Mountains on one side, while providing a view down into the Celebration room on the other.
It’s also graced with chandeliers that are both unique and beautiful and has a gorgeous marble fireplace that’s gives the room a character all its own. With a capacity of 120, it’s the space to host a winery wedding near Washington DC, but if you have an exceptionally large reception planned, you may want to consider booking both the Celebration room and the Loft.
The Traditions Room
With a private bar, high ceilings and access to our spacious veranda, this venue is a fantastic option for people who want to give their guests the option of taking the fun either indoors or out, weather permitting. The room features a large number of windows which gives it a bright, airy feel while providing picturesque views of the vineyard itself. It’s large enough to accommodate up to 80 guests.
The Heritage Room
This space has a little something for everyone. It offers a sweeping view of our winery on one side, breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains on the other, high ceilings with skylights and beautiful chandeliers overhead and a big, cozy stone fireplace.
In addition to that, the room offers access to the Sunset Terrace, giving you the option to move things outdoors if the weather permits and the mood strikes. This space can accommodate up to sixty guests, so if you’re planning a large wedding, it may not be enough space, but for small to medium-sized events, it’s absolutely perfect.
The Cave
One of our most unique venue spaces, The Cave is one part time machine and one part magical, unforgettable event space. It’s our smallest room, only capable of accommodating up to 40 guests, so this one won’t be for everyone, but if you want a themed wedding and are looking for a space that will make you and your guests feel as though you’ve been transported back to Medieval times, this room belongs on your short list for consideration.
It offers a gorgeous blending of farm tables, candle-draped chandeliers and wine barrels that combine with the hand laid stonework to create an unbelievably beautiful and interesting aesthetic. If you’re planning a small, intimate winery wedding near Washington DC, this room belongs on your short list for consideration.
The Barrel Room
The Barrel Room is a wonderfully rustic option capable of accommodating up to 120 guests. The room, like the Cave, described above, transports you to another age when you step into it. The centerpiece is, of course, the rows of American and French barrels that grace the room, and the overall aesthetic is enhanced by hand-cut stonework on the walls, made all the more remarkable by the fact that all the stone was taken from the property itself.
The Bridal Suite
Your special day is a time of joy, but the day itself can also be filled with chaos and unpredictability. That’s exactly why we developed the Bridal Suite. It gives brides to be a perfect place to escape the chaos for a while and prepare for the ceremony itself, while remaining close enough to the action that she can plug back in as needed.
Spacious and comfortable, you can relax with a glass of wine and gaze out at the Blue Ridge Mountains to help calm your mind and center yourself in preparation for your future. No matter which of the venues you choose, this is an excellent complimentary choice.
These descriptions, though helpful, probably aren’t enough to make a final decision. The best way to know for sure if one of these spaces is perfect for your special day is to grab a few of your closest friends and come spend the day with us, enjoying a wine tasting and touring our facilities.
Although we are open during most holidays, please note that we are closed on both Christmas and New Year’s Day.
If you’d like to enjoy some great music while you’re here, you should know that we regularly host a variety of local and regional musicians, so be sure to check our event calendar before scheduling your trip to see us.
Since we first opened our doors, we’ve hosted scores of memorable parties, corporate retreats and winery weddings near Washington DC, and we’d love to help bring your special day to life. If you fall in love with the estate and if one of our event spaces sparks your imagination, we’d be honored to be a part of your upcoming wedding.
Our goal is to ensure your wedding is one for the books, and one that your guests will be talking about for years to come. If you have any questions or concerns prior to scheduling your trip to spend the day with us, just give us a call. We look forward to speaking with you!