These 13 Spots Showcase the Variety of Virginia Beach Wedding Venues
Virginia Beach offers miles of sand and sea surf to accommodate couples who want to host their big day on the beach. But this coastal locale hosts more than just beach weddings. In addition to oceanfront hotels, the area also provides venues that overlook the Chesapeake Bay or the shopping and restaurant-filled Town Center district. From country clubs to grand estates, nature refuges to golf resorts, Virginia Beach is replete with a diversity of locations to say "I do."
But for those dreaming of a perfect oceanfront wedding, make sure to talk with the wedding planner about a few beach-related variables, including accessibility, weather and sound. Many of the area's oceanfront venues are attached to hotels, which have plentiful parking, but some are centered near remote shorelines that might be more difficult to reach. You'll also want to create a plan for helping guests with mobility issues since they might have some trouble reaching ceremony seats on the sand.
As coasts typically receive more wind and rain than other locations inland, it's smart to use decor that can be tied down and to create a Plan B in the case of inclement weather. When it comes to exchanging vows, couples will want to book a sound system strong enough to be heard over the crashing of the Atlantic Ocean waves.
Brides and grooms who aren't finding quite what they're looking for in Virginia Beach can check out The Knot Marketplace for event venues in the nearby waterfront locales of Newport News, Norfolk, Hampton Roads, or Sandbridge.
Lesner Inn in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Located at the confluence of the Chesapeake Bay and Lynnhaven River, The Lesner Inn offers couples gorgeous waterfront views in almost every direction. Large events of up to 200 people for a sit-down reception or 300 for a cocktail reception can spread out in the Lesner Hall and Sunset Deck, while the smaller Waterside Deck accommodates smaller guest lists alongside the bay.
Kellam Estate in Virginia Beach, Virginia
For a Southern manor wedding just 30 minutes from the shore, the Kellam Estate might be the wedding venue for you. The family-owned property has wedding packages to accommodate events that range from intimate elopements to guest lists of up to 350 people. The grounds, which are filled with mature trees, also contain historic buildings such as a schoolhouse, barn and stables that make for great photo ops.
The Founders Inn and Spa in Virginia Beach, Virginia
The manicured Colonial English gardens of the Founders Inn and Spa in Virginia Beach make a dreamy backdrop for an outdoor wedding ceremony. Its ballrooms, which can accommodate up to 1,000, play host to receptions. The hotel also specializes in other wedding-related events, including bridal showers, elopements, engagement parties and rehearsal dinners.
Broad Bay Country Club in Virginia Beach, Virginia
The Broad Bay Country Club, nestled near Virginia Beach's Broad Bay, accommodates weddings of up to 250 guests for a cocktail-style reception underneath an elegant tent or up to 150 guests in its Chesapeake Room. Outdoor wedding ceremonies overlook the country club's rolling green golf course and the various holes provide scenic spots for gorgeous photos.
Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront in Virginia Beach, Virginia
The Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront hosts beach wedding ceremonies on a grassy knoll just steps away from the sand and sea. Couples can say "I do" as the waves from the Atlantic Ocean roll onto shore. This wedding venue can accommodate wedding receptions of more than 1,000 in its grand ballroom, while a private room and terrace complete with waterfront views can host smaller affairs of up to 400.
Country Villa Inn Weddings and Events in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Sprawling out over four acres in Virginia Beach, Country Villa Inn Weddings and Events specializes in outdoor weddings. With trees as a backdrop, couples say "I do" on an altar that rests on a stone platform. Receptions are held underneath a pavilion with drop-down walls should it rain. A handful of spots, including a bridge, archway, altar and a rope swing, serve as picturesque spots to get wedding photos.
The Venue at Denali Jean Ranch in Virginia Beach, Virginia
A short drive from the Virginia Beach oceanfront, The Venue at Denali Jean Ranch offers couples a pastoral wedding day. From the crepe myrtle-lined driveway to the event tent that rises up between three ponds spurting with fountains, this venue in southern Virginia Beach gives couples a country setting for their special day.
The Gala 417 in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Perched on Long Bay Point Marina, The Gala 417 offers all-inclusive packages which makes wedding planning easy. In addition to dinner and beverage catering, the reception venue's contemporary and romantic aesthetic (think exposed beams, a green wall and chandeliers) are complemented by everything from an elegant gold-and-white china setting to wooden Chiavari chairs, not to mention gorgeous waterfront views.
Fair Winds Farm in Virginia Beach, Virginia
A working horse farm located on Knotts Island, Fair Winds Farm neighbors the idyllic Back Bay Wildlife Refuge, which is frequented by egrets, herons and even bald eagles. This Virginia Beach wedding venue plays host to both engagement parties, weddings and photography sessions. With its waterfront views and mature trees, this wedding venue is a favorite among photographers and videographers.
Sheraton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Located right off the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, the Sheraton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel can accommodate wedding receptions of up to 400 guests across its flexible meeting spaces. Couples can also host their ceremony in front of the hotel's floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the Atlantic.
Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront in Virginia Beach, Virginia
The Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront offers couples several venue options for hosting their special day. From a grand ballroom with windows that overlook the ocean to a rooftop event space rising 20 floors above the waves, this hotel can accommodate an array of wedding day visions.
Virginia Beach Convention Center in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Offering a variety of wedding packages, the Virginia Beach Convention Center makes planning a wedding reception easy. In preparing the wedding menu, the convention center's chef uses herbs and ingredients sourced from the on-site garden. When it comes to wedding photos, the contemporary design of the eco-friendly convention center provides an interesting backdrop.
The Westin Virginia Beach Town Center in Virginia Beach, Virginia
The Westin Virginia Beach Town Center's new multi-million dollar renovation breathed new life into its wedding reception spaces, which can accommodate up to 600 guests. Plus its location in the heart of the restaurant-filled Town Center of Virginia Beach means that rehearsal dinner spots are just a stone's throw away.