May 27, 2025
If you’re in the early stages of planning and searching for a wedding venue that feels like you – elegant, relaxed, and full of charm, you’re in the right place.
As a wedding planner based in Northern Virginia, I’ve had the joy of visiting and working at some of the area’s most thoughtfully designed venues. These aren’t just pretty places (though they are stunning), they’re spaces where your story can unfold in a way that feels natural, personal, and unforgettable.
Here are five of my favorite unique wedding venues in Northern Virginia; each offering something beautifully different for couples who want a wedding that’s more than just a party.
If you’re dreaming of a boutique destination wedding tucked into Virginia wine country, Goodstone Inn & Restaurant is a treasure. The property spans 265 acres of rolling hills, ivy-covered walls, and lush gardens, and yet still feels deeply intimate. With 18 beautifully appointed rooms spread within a mile of one another, it’s the kind of place where your closest friends and family can truly settle in for the weekend.
Your ceremony location options are endless! Say your vows under the ivy wall (green and lush year-round), beside the pool, or in the quiet elegance of the Woodsy garden. You can dine al fresco under the stars or tent the garden for a romantic, weatherproof experience. And if you’re a sunset lover? The silo side of the property is known for stunning golden hour skies (and the occasional rainbow).
Everything here – from the farm-to-table dining, to the antique-filled cottages, to the organic produce grown onsite – feels curated, intentional, and rich with charm. It’s one of the most customizable properties I’ve visited, and it offers something new and breathtaking around every corner. Seriously, I didn’t want to leave!
For couples seeking a weekend wedding experience that feels elevated, intentional, and deeply personal, The Manor at Airmont is pure magic. Tucked in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this private estate combines old-world charm with thoughtful, high-touch hospitality.
After booking, couples are treated to a signature experience with the Manor’s required in-house culinary team: a complimentary 17-course tasting that serves as the foundation for building a completely custom wedding menu. It’s not just a meal—it’s an immersive, two-and-a-half-hour tasting designed to help you craft a menu that reflects your style, palate, and story.
Weekend packages include overnight accommodations for up to 15 guests, along with thoughtful additions like a light welcome dinner, Saturday lunch, and Sunday brunch. With wraparound porches, curated interiors, and garden views at every turn, the property is designed to feel like a true home away from home.
While The Manor at Airmont exclusively partners with their in-house catering team, couples receive an exceptional level of service and care from the moment they book. As an exclusive planning partner of the Manor, I’m deeply familiar with the property, the flow of a weekend wedding there, and the high standards they uphold, ensuring that every detail is thoughtfully executed and tailored to your vision. It’s also where I got married, which means I don’t just know this venue professionally. I know it personally.
For couples who want to celebrate in style, slow down the pace, and offer their guests a full weekend of connection and comfort, The Manor at Airmont delivers something truly special.
Tucked just outside of downtown Middleburg, Greenhill Vineyards offers a serene, sophisticated setting for couples seeking an intimate celebration in the heart of Virginia wine country. Best suited for micro weddings, welcome parties, and rehearsal dinners, this boutique property combines natural beauty with a refined, European-inspired atmosphere.
For smaller weddings of up to 75 guests, the Barrel Room is a standout space. Fully customizable and effortlessly charming, the room features warm wood tones, elegant wine barrels, and the flexibility to design a space that’s entirely your own. Couples often bring in bistro lights, greenery, or floral installations to transform the space into something truly personal and picturesque. If you’re planning a standing cocktail-style event, the Tasting Room and adjoining terrace can accommodate up to 130–150 guests, making it an ideal option for a welcome party or a relaxed reception with wine, small bites, and beautiful views.
And speaking of wine – I’ve tried it, and it’s delicious. Whether you’re serving it at your event or simply enjoying a glass during your visit, the vineyard’s curated selection adds something special to the experience.
Greenhill offers a peaceful retreat with breath-taking views, and the staff is as attentive as the scenery is stunning. For couples who appreciate thoughtful details, natural beauty, and a boutique experience, Greenhill is a gem of a venue that makes intimate celebrations feel incredibly special.
For couples who want a more modern take on a wedding venue without sacrificing beauty, 2941 Restaurant is a standout. Tucked just minutes from Washington, D.C., this location offers sleek architecture, stunning views, and culinary excellence, all in one place.
The outdoor terrace provides a scenic spot for ceremonies, complete with a koi pond, waterfalls, and beautifully designed landscaping. Inside, you’ll find a range of reception spaces – each designed with a clean, contemporary aesthetic. Whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner in the Waterfall Room or a larger celebration in the grand banquet room (which accommodates 180 guests with a dance floor), 2941 offers flexible layouts that flow effortlessly from ceremony to reception.
And the food? While I haven’t tried it yet, the reviews speak for themselves. Their in-house culinary team creates thoughtfully plated meals with attentive service, creating a dining experience that feels both elegant and effortless. It’s a wonderful option for the couple who appreciates simplicity, style, and a restaurant-quality experience in a wedding setting.
River Farm is one of those places that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a secret garden on the edge of the city. With sweeping Potomac River views, historic charm, and beautifully maintained grounds, it’s ideal for couples who want to keep things relaxed, natural, and deeply personal.
Rather than offering a fixed list of ceremony sites, River Farm gives couples the freedom to say their vows just about anywhere on the property – from under the historic Osage tree grown from seed to the lawn overlooking the Potomac River. You can truly make the space your own.
The main tent (included in your rental) features bistro lights, chandeliers, and a slate patio that’s perfect for dining and dancing under the stars. Indoors, the parlor is a lovely space for cocktail hour, with cozy furniture and a piano that adds to the atmosphere. Throughout the property, you’ll find thoughtful details like sliding pocket doors, golden-hour photo spots, and charming garden paths that feel pulled from a storybook.
What I love most about River Farm is its flexibility. You’re welcome to work with their preferred vendors or bring in your own dream team. There’s ample parking, ADA-accessible pathways, and even a complimentary pre-wedding photo session included at booking – a sweet touch that gives you the opportunity to enjoy the property before the big day.
If you’re dreaming of a peaceful, garden-inspired backdrop that can be tailored to your style, River Farm is a true hidden gem.
Finding the right venue isn’t just about the space, it’s about the experience. Each of these venues offers something distinctive, whether it’s a boutique feel, a culinary edge, or the charm of a garden in full bloom.
If you’re looking for a planner to help you navigate all the details and design a wedding that reflects your story with beauty and meaning, I’d love to help.
Reach out here, or explore my wedding planning services to see how we can make your celebration feel effortless and unforgettable.
Chelsea is a wedding planner specializing in elevated, thoughtfully curated celebrations for couples in Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Charlottesville.
Thoughtfully created for brides ready to get organized, this step-by-step wedding timeline checklist is simple, straightforward, and designed to walk you through every major milestone. From booking your dream venue to managing the final details, it gives you a clear picture of what’s ahead—and when to handle each task.
Download your complimentary copy to kick off your planning with confidence. And when you're ready to pass off the to-dos, I’ll be here to take your checklist and turn it into the wedding you’ve been dreaming of.