In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about planning or attending a destination wedding in Virginia.
Weddings in Virginia: What You Need To Know
While Virginia may not be the first state that comes to mind when planning a destination wedding, it has a lot to offer.
For one thing, Virginia is home to a variety of picturesque landscapes, from the sandy beaches of the coast to the rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
In addition, Virginia also has a rich history and culture, making it a great place to host a wedding that is both unique and memorable.
The state also has a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to charming bed and breakfast inns, and can easily accommodate even the most specific wedding plans.
And of course, Virginia is home to some of the best wines in the country, making it the perfect place to toast to the new Mr. and Mrs.!
There are many historical sites and locations of natural beauty that would make an ideal backdrop for wedding photos.
Whether you are looking for a traditional Southern wedding or something more unique, Virginia is sure to have the perfect setting for your special day.
But first: you need to know where in the world Virginia is…
Where is Virginia?
Virginia is a state located in the southeast of the United States. It borders Maryland to the northeast, North Carolina and Tennessee to the south, Kentucky to the west, and West Virginia to the northwest. The Atlantic Ocean lies to the southeast.
Area: 42,775 sq mi (110,787 sq km), Population: (2020) 8,631,393, Capital: Richmond.
Virginia Facts To Know:
- Language: English
- Currency: U.S. dollar (USD)
- Airports: Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Richmond International Airport (RIC)
- Official Tourism Website: https://www.virginia.org/
- Driving side: Right
Below you will find some more useful information about visiting Virginia for your special day:
4 Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding in Virginia
Planning a wedding can be stressful. Planning a destination wedding can be even more stressful!
But it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips and things you need to know for planning a destination wedding in Virginia:
1. Choose a date that works for both you and your guests
Choosing a wedding date can be a daunting task, whether you are planning on getting married in Virginia or closer to home.
You want to make sure that you pick a date that works for both you and your guests.
Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect wedding date:
- How To Pick A Date For A Wedding?
- When To Send Out Save The Date For Wedding?
- How To Write Date On Wedding Invitation?
2. Decide on a budget
When it comes to having a Virginia wedding, there are a lot of different factors that come into play – from the guest list to the venue.
But one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how much you’re willing to spend.
Here are some tips on how to decide on a budget for your wedding:
- How To Plan A Wedding On A Budget?
- What Is A Good Wedding Budget?
- How To Decorate A Wedding Reception Hall On A Budget?
3. Find a venue that fits your vision and budget
No one ever said wedding planning was easy. In fact, it can often feel downright daunting.
Here’s some useful resources for finding a wedding venue in Virginia:
4. Hire a wedding planner to take care of the details
A wedding planner can take care of everything for you, from booking vendors to creating a timeline for the day.
Here are some tips on how to find and hire the right planner for your big day in Virginia
Virginia Weddings: Key Information
Getting married abroad is a big decision. There’s a lot of things you need to be aware of if you want your big day to run smoothly.
To help, we have put together some useful information about getting married in Virginia:
- What is the average cost of a wedding in Virginia?
- What are the marriage requirements for Virginia?
- What is the weather like in Virginia?
- What should you pack for a trip to Virginia?
- What things are there to do in Virginia?
- What are the best Virginia wedding venues?
Read on to find out more:
How Much Does a Wedding in Virginia Cost?
Marriage license cost in Virginia is $30.
Both parties must come in person and present proof of identity – a picture ID with date of birth like a driver’s license, state ID card, or valid passport.
Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Virginia
- To apply for a marriage license, one must be at least 18 years old.
- At least one witness is needed at the ceremony, who must be at least 18 years old.
- The license is valid for 60 calendar days from the issue date, and there is no waiting period.
- A marriage license cannot be obtained without the presence of both parties.
- When applying for a marriage license, you will need to provide a photo identification that proves your identity and age.
- Blood tests are not required.
- There is no restriction for foreign people marrying in Virginia, provided that they are in the country legally and get the proper marriage license.
- All additional documents (like a certified copy of your birth certificate) need to be translated into English.
Before making any wedding or travel preparations, make sure you have all the paperwork needed for your marriage to be recognized in your home country by checking with the local county clerk or marriage official where you intend to marry.
What you need to have in your possession before leaving the country is a legal document that can confirm that your marriage is legitimate and has been registered – the marriage certificate.
What Is The Weather Like in Virginia?
In order to escape the cold of winter and the heat of summer, the months of April and May and mid-September to mid-October are the ideal time to plan a trip to Virginia.
You may appreciate the magnificent hues of the trees shedding their leaves in autumn (typically around late October), the phenomenon called fall foliage.
What should you pack for your trip?
Dress warmly if you plan on going during the winter months, and pack long sleeves and pants (and also tights to wear under your jeans). Wearing layers and putting on a hat or scarf will help you stay warm and comfortable.
Also, if you happen to be visiting Virginia in the spring or autumn, keep in mind that the state often has days that begin in the fall, reach their height in the summer, and end in the winter. Bring layers that are simple to take off and put on again if necessary. A light jacket is a great choice.
If you’re visiting during the summer, pack some nice and comfortable shorts, t-shirts, and short-sleeved blouses, as well as some tank tops and sleeveless tees, since temperatures may reach the 90s with heat indexes considerably higher.
Virginia Weather By Month
Below you will find some useful information and handy tables of weather information to help you pick the best month to visit Virginia:
Average Temperatures in Virginia
The table below shows the average temperatures in Virginia each month:
| Month | Min (°C) | Max (°C) | Mean (°C) | Min (°F) | Max (°F) | Mean (°F) |
| January | -0.2 | 10.2 | 5 | 32 | 50 | 41 |
| February | 0.4 | 11.4 | 6.1 | 33 | 53 | 42.9 |
| March | 3.8 | 14.8 | 9.3 | 39 | 59 | 48.8 |
| April | 8.7 | 20.3 | 14.5 | 48 | 69 | 58.2 |
| May | 13.5 | 24.2 | 18.8 | 56 | 76 | 65.9 |
| June | 18.6 | 28.5 | 23.6 | 66 | 83 | 74.4 |
| July | 21.3 | 30.8 | 26 | 70 | 87 | 78.8 |
| August | 20.6 | 29.7 | 25.1 | 69 | 85 | 77.2 |
| September | 17.8 | 26.6 | 22.2 | 64 | 80 | 72 |
| October | 11.5 | 21.8 | 16.6 | 53 | 71 | 62 |
| November | 5.3 | 16.3 | 10.8 | 42 | 61 | 51.4 |
| December | 1.9 | 12.2 | 7.1 | 35 | 54 | 44.7 |
| Year | 10.3 | 20.6 | 15.45 | 50.6 | 69.1 | 60 |
Average Rainfall in Virginia
The table below shows the average rainfall in Virginia each month:
| Month | Millimeters | Inches | Days |
| January | 80 | 3.1 | 10 |
| February | 70 | 2.8 | 10 |
| March | 90 | 3.5 | 11 |
| April | 85 | 3.3 | 10 |
| May | 95 | 3.7 | 11 |
| June | 105 | 4.1 | 10 |
| July | 145 | 5.7 | 12 |
| August | 130 | 5.1 | 11 |
| September | 115 | 4.5 | 8 |
| October | 105 | 4.1 | 8 |
| November | 80 | 3.1 | 9 |
| December | 85 | 3.3 | 19 |
| Year | 1185 | 46.7 | 122 |
Sunshine Hours in Virginia
The table below shows the average sunshine hours in Virginia each month:
| Month | Average | Total |
| January | 5.5 | 170 |
| February | 6.5 | 175 |
| March | 7.5 | 230 |
| April | 8.5 | 255 |
| May | 9 | 270 |
| June | 9.5 | 280 |
| July | 9 | 280 |
| August | 8.5 | 260 |
| September | 7.5 | 230 |
| October | 6.5 | 210 |
| November | 6 | 175 |
| December | 5 | 160 |
| Year | 7.4 | 2695 |
Sea Temperatures in Virginia
The table below shows the average sea temperatures in Virginia each month:
| Month | Celsius (°C) | Fahrenheit (°F) |
| January | 12.5 | 55 |
| February | 12 | 53 |
| March | 12.5 | 54 |
| April | 14.5 | 58 |
| May | 18.5 | 65 |
| June | 22.5 | 73 |
| July | 26 | 79 |
| August | 26.5 | 80 |
| September | 24.5 | 76 |
| October | 21 | 70 |
| November | 17.5 | 63 |
| December | 14.5 | 58 |
| Year | 18.6 | 65.4 |
What To Wear in Virginia? (Packing Tips)
It can be difficult to know what to pack for your vacation. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when preparing for your trip.
We’ve put together some tips on what to wear in Virginia so that you can make the most of your time there.
- The weather in the summer can be quite hot and humid, so it’s important to pack light, breathable clothing.
- Beachwear: since much of the state is located near the coast, it’s a good idea to pack swimwear and sunscreen.
- Insect repellent is a necessity as mosquitoes and other bugs can be a problem in certain areas.
- Comfortable shoes: You’ll also need comfortable shoes for walking, as there are many scenic areas to explore.
- Sunscreen: If you are planning on doing any hiking, outdoor activities or going to the beach, make sure to pack sunscreen.
- Hat and sunglasses: A hat and sunglasses will help you in the hot Virginia sunshine.
- Camera: don’t forget your camera! Virginia is full of beautiful scenery, from the Appalachian Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay.
- First-aid kit: It is also a good idea to pack a first-aid kit, in case of any minor injuries, and also any essential medications.
- Passport: Other essential items to pack include a valid passport and any necessary visas.
- Travel insurance: Make sure you have travel insurance that will cover you in case of any medical emergencies or lost baggage.
- Chargers: Also, be sure to bring along any chargers and travel power adapters you’ll need for your electronic devices.
Things to Do in Virginia
There are many different things to do in Virginia, no matter what time of year you visit.
Here is a list of some of the top activities to enjoy during your stay:
- Virginia Beach Boardwalk
- Colonial Williamsburg
- Maymont
- Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
- Historic Jamestowne
- Arlington National Cemetery
- Monticello
- Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
- Shenandoah National Park
- Mount Vernon
- Luray Caverns
- Natural Bridge State Park
- Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
Best Virginia Wedding Venues & Hotels
With so many stunning locations to choose from, how do you know which is the best wedding venue in Virginia?
Here are our picks for the top spots to tie the knot, as well as hotels to stay in:
Wedding Venues in Virginia
- Windsor Castle Park in Smithfield
- Bryant’s Cidery & Brewery in Roseland
- Due Sorelle Farm in Ruckersville
- The John Marshall Ballrooms in Richmond
- Rust Manor House in Leesburg
- Tuckahoe Plantation in Richmond
- The Retreat at Cool Spring in Bluemont
- The Georges in Lexington
- Hermitage Hill Farm and Stables in Waynesboro
- Dover Hall Estate in Manakin-Sabot
- Walden Hall in Reva
Hotels in Virginia
- Hampton Inn Danville
- Hyatt Place Harrisonburg
- Hampton Inn & Suites Richmond
- The Bee Hotel – Danville
- Comfort Inn & Suites – Winchester
- Tru By Hilton Lynchburg
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Abingdon
- Tru By Hilton Manassas
- Homewood Suites By Hilton Reston
- stayAPT Suites Alexandria
