From the moment we stepped onto the grounds of Reitano Vineyards (RV) in March 2024, knew we had found our dream wedding venue, even though it was still under construction. The breathtaking panorama, with Shenandoah National Park on one side and the rolling vineyards on the other, was exactly what we had in mind when thinking about where we wanted to get married. The newly built wedding barn is a masterpiece of modern rustic design, thoughtfully crafted with every wedding detail in mind. The spacious bridal suite, the catering kitchen, and the inviting covered porches, which were ideal for our welcome “sip” and our cocktail reception, were perfect to begin our celebration!
We opted for the weekend package, and it was the best decision we made. Having the entire property to ourselves was truly special. It allowed us to savor every moment without the distraction of winery patrons or other events. The included four-bedroom "Honeymoon House" was a dream come true. The "getting ready room" was nothing short of perfect, providing ample space for my bridal party, makeup artist and hair stylist, and even accommodated our 35-person rehearsal dinner. The joy of waking up on my wedding day steps from the ceremony site and reception venue, surrounded by my bridesmaids, was a priceless, stress-free experience.
It's important to note that when we were married in 2024, RV was a venue rental, and not a full-service wedding venue. We were responsible for bringing in our own vendors. While this allowed for complete customization, I wholeheartedly recommend hiring a full-service wedding planner unless you are an experienced project manager/planner. A day-of coordinator is also essential to manage the logistics of multiple vendors on-site. Thankfully, RV's event manager, Courtney, was incredibly supportive throughout the planning process. She was always available to answer our questions and facilitated multiple site visits with my vendors and my day-of-coordinator. Courtney also provided a list of vendors familiar with the property, whom she has working relationship with as she has been a local event manager for years, which was invaluable.
Beyond the venue itself, the winery owner’s hospitality extended to providing exceptional accommodations for our guests. Their collection of Airbnb properties and a boutique motor lodge, all just minutes away, were easily booked with the owner’s assistance. A charming add-on cottage on the property itself was perfect for one of my bridesmaid’s families. While RV feels like a secluded country retreat, it’s conveniently located near chain hotels and essential amenities in Front Royal.
The convenience of RV being just a short drive from our home was a significant bonus. But beyond that, we know that Reitano Vineyards will become a world-class destination for weddings and events, attracting couples from the DC area and beyond, and are lucky to have been one of the first couples married here. The combination of its stunning natural beauty, thoughtfully designed facilities, located in a cute little mountain town just over an hour from the DC area makes RV a truly exceptional venue. We are so grateful for the magical weekend we shared at Reitano Vineyards with our family and friends, and highly recommend it to anyone seeking a truly unforgettable wedding experience.
