Having a European-inspired wedding starts with the venue. You are looking for a place with character, charm, and grounds that combine nature and architecture. European style wedding venues have sophistication and vintage details, and play into this romantic and timeless trend. If you’re planning a VA wedding and need European style wedding venues in Virginia to look at, here are 5 that we love.
1. Swannanoa
Built in rural Virginia, this castle is an Italian Renaissance revival villa. Set beside the Blue Ridge Parkway, its design was partially based on the buildings in the Villa Medici of Rome. If you love architecture, this is a must-see property! Fully crafted out of Georgian marble with Italian marble on the inside, this 23,000 sq. ft. venue is saturated in history. James Dooley built this venue for his wife, Sally, and her image is forever instated at the venue in a stained glass at the top of the palace. As a result, this venue is the perfect backdrop for an outdoor ceremony. The back of the property has a stately patio and garden to host cocktail hour. Additionally, the indoor space has plenty of room for a reception for your guests.
Imagine exchanging your vows on the grand staircase or out back by the blue marbled fountain. The beautiful Tiffany stained window as you open the main door is so luxe. There are so many beautiful options at this gorgeous European style wedding venue!
2. Morais Vineyards & Winery
This Portuguese-inspired winery is referred to as the Palacio. This Virginia wedding venue is the perfect backdrop if you want some European vibes on your wedding day. Some key highlights are the incredible bridal suite, Portuguese facade, winding staircase, and vintage glass atrium. On top of that, this European style wedding venue offers both indoor and outdoor wedding locations. This includes a private chapel for smaller, more intimate weddings. And we can’t forget to mention the wine! You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Italy. Perfetto!
3. Virginia House
Decorated with English and Spanish antiques, this romantic English Tudor manor house overlooks the James River. Virginia House is just outside of the city, tucked away, making it the perfect spot for those looking for an intimate European inspired wedding. This Virginia wedding venue is the perfect blend of natural beauty and historic elegance with old world charm. Your guests will be in awe of the impressive architecture among the elegant and manicured English gardens and sweeping hilly views.
4. Dover Hall
This luxurious English Tudor revival estate will make you feel like you’ve stepped away to the English countryside. Dover Hall is a turnkey venue that has both catering and accommodations. This means you can host your day from getting ready to reception with everything you need on-site. Popular outdoor ceremony options at Dover Hall are the Reflecting Pool, Bluestone Terrace, and Two-Tiered Garden. This gives you options to celebrate with up to 400 people. If you’re having a smaller ceremony, you have amazing options, too, from the Rose Garden to the Cobblestone Courtyard. The stunning indoor ballroom has floor to ceiling windows, wooden floors, velvet red curtains, elegant wrought-iron chandeliers, and more stunning architectural & decor details. Our very own associate planner Leigh had her wedding at Dover Hall, so it holds a special place in our hearts!
5. Monte Ventoso
Located in Madison, VA, this Italian-style villa pairs exceptionally well with its backdrop, the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains. With well-manicured lawns, terra cotta walkways, stucco walls, tile roof, arched doorways, and the balconies, it feels like you’ve stepped into another world. We love the climbing rose trellis at the far end of the back lawn and that they just put in a heated pool! Using inspiration from the movie “A Good Year,” owner Jennifer clearly designed every aspect of this property with such thought and care.
Make sure you are paying attention to the details when making your decision about which of these European style wedding venues to choose. The stonework and structure like columns, crown molding, and vintage rugs are the details that create an old-world atmosphere. When it comes to design for your wedding, it’s easy to enhance the overall ambiance. This can be done by using flowing fabrics, loose organic florals, vintage touches, stylish chairs, and gilded table settings, with a balance between chic and elegance.
Regardless of which Virginia wedding venue you go with, we’d love to help you bring your European-inspired wedding to life!
