Destination: “I Do” in Culpeper, VA Part One
December 7, 2023 Weddings
The vast majority of weddings held at these Culpeper properties are destination weddings. Indeed the Washington D.C. metro elite have fallen in love with all that sweet Culpeper, Virginia has to offer, and we believe you will, too. From historic homes and gardens to farms and downtown convenience, there is surely the perfect place for your nuptials among the variety offered here.
In part one of “Destination: ‘I Do’ in Culpeper,” rustic chic and historic elegance were the themes of the venues. Today, explore more of the great outdoors and a glitzy downtown establishment as possible venues for your big day.
Memorable Landscapes
Wollam Gardens is a nursery known for their rare Icelandic Poppies. Those in the know appreciate cut flowers from Wollam, but their wedding pavilion is still something of a secret.
Imagine your spring or summer wedding surrounded by flowers of all kinds. In fact, your venue package at Wollam Gardens includes flowers for your day. The pavilion is crafted from storm-fell trees and includes a catering kitchen and beautiful cedar staircase leading to a loft area. It’s the perfect place from which to toss your bouquet.
As if the hand-hewn pavilion weren’t unique enough, there is yet an additional aspect to it that those who’ve already used it have loved: the skylight. One end of the pavilion has been left open with nothing between you and sunshine except clear acrylic. Large trees loom high above offering shade in the heat of summer while still providing an extra “outdoors-in” opportunity.
Need more room to spread out? There are 22 acres at your disposal, as well as the 1819 farmhouse. In fact, two nights’ stay are included with your Wollam Gardens wedding.
A lake with a beautiful fountain and island large enough to accommodate a ceremony of 200 people are the focal points at Old House Vineyards, voted the Best Virginia Winery for Weddings by readers of Virginia Wine Lover Magazine in 2012.
A long lane of grapevines serve as an aisle for the bride’s procession to the island where her groom and guests are waiting. It’s a long walk perfect for those last father-daughter sentiments to be shared. The custom designed pergola is the centerpiece of the island, complete with an old wine barrel, should you choose to use it. A unique aspect of Old House Lake is the love locks bridge. Many couples incorporate the locking and tossing of the key into the lake into their ceremony. The staff at Old House engraves a lock with your names and wedding date as part of your day.
After “I Do,” the reception pavilion is waiting. Covered and with the ability to be tented, the pavilion has a caterer’s prep area and access to restrooms. Opposite the pavilion is a large stone patio with an outdoor fireplace. It’s the ideal space for a cocktail hour and/or cigar bar prior to a dinner.
Intimate Countryside
A comfortably secluded bed and breakfast is a special wedding destination, especially when said bed and breakfast is Walden Hall. The sprawling home is perfect for your wedding party, and the four-room bridal suite is swoon-worthy with a fireplace, huge shower, dressing room, and parlor. The bride and her attendants may not be eager to get on with the show when they’re in luxury like “The Walt Whitman Grande.”
Gentlemen have their place to play as well. The entire downstairs of the home is known as “The Club” and has a movie theater, arcade room, billiards, fireplace lounge, and bar. They certainly won’t be bored and may also have a problem making it to the ceremony on time.
For your guests, the wrap-around veranda is a great place for rocking, enjoying a drink, and taking in the pastoral views. It’s also a great place for a small rehearsal dinner or bridal luncheon.
Venues at Walden Hall include a garden, two-acre pond, banquet barn, and outdoor pool. Picture cocktails by the pool, dinner in the garden, a pond-side ceremony, and dance reception in the barn. Or flip that anyway you like it to fit your needs; the possibilities are only limited by imagination.
The big white barn and covered pavilion at Rock Hill Farm are ideal for a couple who envisions a barn wedding with well-appointed amenities immediately available.
At Rock Hill Farm, the bride’s and groom’s suites are attached to the barn and are well-outfitted for the day. The bride’s suite has a kitchenette and spacious bathroom, while the groom’s suite has an equally spacious bathroom. Satellite television is available in both spaces as well.
The renovated 19th century barn is wide open, boasting a bar area, tables, chairs, and lights. Both ends of the barn open up to let the outdoors in. The attached pavilion provides overflow from the barn, though I dare argue that the ceremony could be held there as well. Some brides have chosen the old tree nearby as their place to exchange vows. Indeed, you’ll find inspiration and the perfect place to pledge your love with one visit to Rock Hill Farm.
Downtown Glitz
For many couples, a central location is essential. The ability to have a ready-made “Great Gatsby” inspired wedding is also a perk for some couples. At Culpeper Center & Suites in downtown Culpeper, that’s just what you get: an art deco, Roaring ‘20’s, classy vibe right on Main Street. The Culpeper Center can be your wedding or reception venue, or both. The event planners can offer layouts for a ballroom ceremony that transitions for the reception while your guests enjoy a cocktail hour in the beautifully-appointed Gatsby and Chaplain rooms.
The state-of-the-art LED lighting system is a popular option in the banquet ballroom. Having the ability to change the mood or indirectly change the flow of moments during your wedding is quite appealing. With one touch of the button, the atmosphere can go from dinner to party mode. Another perk is setting the lighting to match your wedding color scheme. It’s like magic.
Of course you’ll want to utilize the delicious on-site catering by the same culinary team that dishes up the incredible delights at Flavor on Main, the restaurant within the Culpeper Center & Suites. The staff will even serve a custom cocktail of your choice at the multiple bars. Consider “The Bee’s Knees,” a gin, honey, orange juice, and lemon number that truly is the bee’s knees.
The bridal suite is yours for the day to prepare and for the evening to unwind and enjoy your first moments of wedded bliss. It’s a well-appointed boutique suite with a spacious bedroom and walk-in closet, bathroom, and living room/kitchenette with fireplace.
Explore more whimsical wedding venues in Culpeper, Virginia HERE.
