weddings away

virginiA Inn at Warner Hall. In every issue, we scout a spot that’s perfect for tying the knot away from home. by Sandra Ramani

s the motto goes, “Virginia is for Lovers”—so gather your nearest and dearest, and head to one of Ameri- Aca’s original 13 colonies to celebrate your union. With miles of Atlantic Coast shoreline, historic mansions and lush vineyards, there are plenty of scenic spots in this Barboursville Vineyards. southern state at which to get hitched.

Inn At WArner HALL Lorien Hotel & Spa. History rules at this romantic, 11-room inn in the southeast tidewater area. not only is the hotel located on acres of water- front property developed in 1642 by George Washington’s great-grandfather (set a short drive from Colonial Williamsburg and key historic sites), but the beautifully restored mansion is also listed on the national register of Historic Places. Here, couples tie the knot on the West river Lawn (backed by views of the Severn river and a stand of ancient pecan trees), under

the majestic silver maple tree in the Front Circle or on the stun- The bucolic ning Front Hall Staircase. the Inn can accommodate weddings Barboursville Vineyards. for up to 175 guests; buyouts are required for any event with more than 10 guests. Most couples opt to do everything from BArBourSVILLe VIneyArdS the rehearsal dinner to the day-after brunch on-site. In addition Views of the Blue ridge Mountains, award-winning wine, and a

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to the history and the lovely setting, a big draw here is the atten- mansion designed by thomas Jefferson—you can’t get more C . rd S A ro

tive staff that makes each couple feel like a VIP. they’ve Virginia than that. Positioned along the plateaus and foothills of G rd n ney A I I P

arranged bespoke touches including an on-site “carnival” the Southwest Mountains in the Virginia Piedmont region, Bar- M e V ney I u J ) e V VILL

rehearsal dinner (complete with games and food stands), pre- boursville produces a number of notable wines on land that P S to VILL S

ceremony skydiving, bonfres, scavenger hunts and a getaway belonged to James Barbour, one-time Governor of Virginia. the M our B ro r our F boat to whisk the happy couple away after the vows. reception 900-acre grounds now also hold the intimate the 1804 Inn, as A B e r y B IS A S

meals can include chef favorites like sweet potato biscuits with well as three cottages and a three-suite farmhouse. Governor W k y B C S

ham and apple butter, Chesapeake Bay crab cakes, and spin- Barbour’s friend and neighbor, thomas Jefferson—himself a o L C

ach- and goat cheese-stuffed quail (buyout rates start at $5,000 winemaker—designed the property’s original home, and today y: ( Courte y; H H P P t; Courte t; and include use of house and grounds, on-site coordinator, the picture-perfect grounds around the mansion’s ruins are by A A H r r G G some decor and more. Ceremony fees are $350. reception far the top pick for ceremonies. other favorites for vows include IC oto oto H H

packages start at about $40 per person; warnerhall.com). the gardens behind the Inn, the octagon Barrel room, the ➺ P P Fred L

>> bridalguide.com Explore more of the most romantic wedding destinations at bridalguide.com/destinations

BG01J060_061 WedAway.indd 1 10/8/15 8:57 PM spa and destination dining, this this dining, destination and spa glory.scenic beautiful its Known for Virginiato horse country and all its well as attractions, access easy as leries and close tomajor area surrounded by boutiques and gal- bothof worlds: a city setting that’s Lorien Hotel & Spa Oldheart of Town Alexandria, the Set on a brick-lined street in the SPA & LORIEN HOTEL rentalLocation $1,500; bbvwine.com). at start fees three-course a and canapés some include and person meal. ingredients seasonal local (reception $75 per at start packages Italian-inspired Northern in rant,which specializes fare using Reception meals are prepared Palladio atthe on-site restau- andhorses into their festivities), andset up group events. organize unusual touches (couples have incorporated camels frontthe The mansion. the lawn of can team events in-house Barbour’s Governor on or tent ina 200 guests) once Racetrack, to (up Room Banquet inthe guests), 23-42 (for Main Restaurant Palladio the Restaurant’son the in 22guests), to up terrace(for yards held be can Park. Receptions Shenandoah and National featuring historical artifacts, a terrace and views the vine- of terrace the Piedmont of Arcades Banquet Room, Library 1821, Continued from page 170 Virginia

offers thebest Inn atWarner Hall. night suite and more; and suite night lorienhotelandspa.com). include passed hors d’oeuvres, achampagne toast, a wedding liqueurs (dinner wedding packages start at $93 perperson and ade bars where you guests can spike drinks withflavored included a street food-themed reception and coffee or lemon- Chefs are happy tocustomize menus. Fun past have add-ons restaurant lauded as kitchen the Brabo by Wiedmaier.Robert fresh,food: prepared dishes gourmet seasonal, same the by team. events dedicated course, there’sThen, and vice of the the for ertyRoom reception. raves its ser- for The earns hotel Lorien Living Room for cocktail hour, before going into the Lib- exposedbrick backdrop. Fromthere, many partiesto the head dom Terrace, a private courtyardwith an ivy-covered trellis and terracesand up 50 to can watch the vow exchangeonFree-the Presidential Suite, while up to 90 cancelebrate onthe rooftop es. Ceremonies with as few as 10 guests have been held in the pick both for the elevated cuisine and the varied location choic- 123-room wedding popular a become has brand hotel Kimpton Legally Wedded Marriagelicenses arerequired wedto in Virginia. may beasked forproof of age. Some applicants decreesdeath or certificates. Couples should furnish, if applicable, anydivorce court. circuit be inlocal the made person at must Applications than $50. no to more limited but are id for 60 days. Prices vary from county to county, val- periodandlicense is the nowaiting is There

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PHOTOGRAPHY: CR-JUMPING ROCKS PHOTOGRAPHY