Once that ring is on your finger it seems there are so many decisions to make. It starts with choosing the perfect wedding dress to tuxes to deciding the best flowers, food, music, etc. But before all that can happen, you need to finalize a wedding date.
For many brides and grooms, the season becomes an important element in their wedding planning. Some envision getting married on a beach with the sun shining and a warm breeze, while others love the cozy feel of a fall wedding with beautiful foliage and a crisp snap in the air as the scent of burning embers from a fireplace warms the soul. Winter weddings are popular, as well, with brides showing up in a horse driven sleigh as snow blankets the streets and let’s not forget about getting to wear a faux fur stole. Then there’s spring; flowers bloom with magnificent colors as the weather warms and strappy dresses create a romantic feel.
Love is in the air no matter what season you choose to get married. Virginia Beach offers the perfect backdrop season by season. It may seem obvious that it’s the ideal location for a summer wedding, but what many don’t know is that you can get married any time of the year in Virginia Beach at unique and beautiful venues that are sure to wow your guests.
So let’s examine the different seasons and how to pull off the perfect wedding for each.
SUMMER
Summer in Virginia Beach is notoriously beautiful. With the sun bouncing off the rolling waves that wash up on miles of shoreline. Boardwalks and the salty air spell romance, day or night. Walk-on beach weddings that do not require any equipment (arches, chairs, tents, etc.) do not require a permit, but those expecting 200 or more guests and require equipment will need one. With a permit you get exclusive use of the public beach for up to three hours which includes the setup time, the ceremony and the breakdown. Music and any amplified sound is allowed with the permit, but the city has the right to restrict noise levels at any time. The permit does not include the reception, though, since no food or alcohol is permitted on the beach.
Beach permits can be used year round, but are most popular in spring, summer, and early fall, but exclude Memorial Day Weekend, the week of 4th of July, and Labor Day Weekend. Permits are issued for the beach adjacent to Sandbridge Market as well as Oceanfront from 2nd street to 83rd Street.
Park weddings are another alternative to getting married outside but not on the beach. (See details under Fall or Spring)
Reception Venues on the Water
Hilton Garden Inn
Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Lesner Inn
Oceanaire Resort Hotel
The Mariner’s Museum and Park
The Founder’s Inn and Spa
The Governor’s Land at Two Rivers
Town Point Club
FALL
Park weddings are great for Fall especially in the early part of the season when the weather is still on the warmer side but not warm enough for the beach. Some offer the ability to have both the ceremony and reception, while others only offer access for the ceremony. Get married as the leaves fall, creating the perfect kaleidoscope of colors as the backdrop for your wedding photos.
Parks
Bayville Farms Park
City View Park
Great Neck Gazebo
Little Island Park
Mount Trashmore Park
Munden Point Park
Red Wing Park
Woodstock Park
Reception Venues
The Founders Inn and Spa
Chrysler Museum of Art
The Signature at West Neck
The Williamsburg Winery
WINTER
Winter in Virginia Beach is just as spectacular as summer. It’s not as cold as the northeast and gets a lot less snow, but it’s not as warm as Florida. The boardwalk is lit up for the holiday providing an amazing display of lights and great for photoshoots. Below is a list of reception venues that work well with a winter wedding.
Reception Venues
Colonial Williamsburg Resorts
Fort Monroe
Great Wolf Lodge
Mambo Room Cultural Event Center
SPRING
Spring is always a time that sparks romance. There’s something about everything blooming that creates the magic found in the saying of new vows. In Virginia, spring comes early and with it, warmer weather making it perfect for a park or beach wedding. Below is a list of parks for the ceremony and venues for the reception. Please note some parks allow both.
Parks
Bayville Farms Park
City View Park
Great Neck Gazebo
Little Island Park
Mount Trashmore Park
Munden Point Park
Red Wing Park
Woodstock Park
Reception Venues
Broad Bay Country Club
Cedar Point Country Club
Inner Banks Inn
Kiln Creek Golf Club and Resort
The Water Table
Two Rivers Country Club at Governor’s Land
Whether you’re planning a summer, winter, fall or spring wedding, Virginia Beach makes for the most amazing backdrop. Check out VA Bride for all your bridal needs and happy Wedding Day to you all!
