This post is all about several Northern Neck wedding venue options. What is the Northern Neck? It’s the top peninsula of Virginia, between the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers. I grew up there. There’s SO MUCH history around it- I think 3 of the founding fathers were born within 20 minutes of my childhood home. I started my business there too, so it’s always a joy to get to go back up there and photograph a wedding or engagement session.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Carolyn Berry, a local {Essex County} officiant who also manages three wedding venues: Caret Cellars, Rivah Vineyards at the Grove, and Rock Spring. She is also planning the first ever Northern Neck Wedding Expo! You can view more information about that at the bottom of the post, or visit the expo website here.

Anyway, Carolyn has been gracious enough to provide me with some insight on these three wedding venues and what they have to offer. So let’s dive right in to our run down of [the] wedding venues by starting with Caret Cellars.

Caret Cellars is a family and veteran owned vineyard just about an hour northeast of Richmond (military brides and grooms would get a discount!). The owners planted the vineyard in 2007, and aim to provide a relaxing and friendly environment for anyone who stops in. They have a lovely selection of wines, and are even planning a wine club for those who are interested in scheduled wine deliveries every quarter. As for anyone looking to host their wedding there, all couples would have exclusive use of the venue. Their wedding packages typically only include a wedding and a reception- but if you wanted to plan bigger, don’t hesitate to ask! They are more than able to accommodate an entire weekend of festivities. The venue is working on its own bride and groom suites, but in the meantime they offer an Airbnb package with two Airbnb’s in the area, which includes an overnight stay and a brunch for two in town. How romantic! As for your food and drink, we would obviously suggest the wine, and you would be free to use your own catering company. Just keep in mind that there is no kitchen area, but there is a designated catering space. If you are planning a wedding with more than 60 guests- you will have to plan on hosting your festivities outside under the sky on the 40 acres of land the vineyard sits on. Of course you’re welcome to rent a tent for a seated reception. You can view more about Caret Cellars at their website.

Next up is Rivah Vineyards at the Grove. This is a fun, historic, and beautiful vineyard at Horn Point on the Yeocomico River in Kinsale. If you have a boat, you can just take your boat over to the vineyard during the day for a quick tasting. If you were to host your wedding here, there is private space for getting ready, ample room for a large wedding, and a large kitchen available to the caterer of your choice. There is no set-up or breakdown staff available here, so I would plan on hiring a good planning team to execute your day flawlessly. I would recommend that regardless, but it seems necessary when there isn’t a group available at you choice venue! That said, there are plenty of ways this venue could help make your wedding dreams reality- in particular you could arrive on the scene in a 1936 Packard. Vintage cars always make such a statement on your wedding day! You can plan on 170 guests inside the reception hall, and an unlimited number of guests outdoors. Plan away, and make sure you sign us up to photograph you in that car. You can learn more about Rivah Vineyards here.

Rivah Vineyards is where the wedding expo will be held in March!

Lastly there is Rock Spring. Rock Spring specializes in intimate weddings and elopements for up to 20 people. It is a rustic farm setting. I’m imaging a welcome picnic, an intimate ceremony, followed by a light sparkling cider reception with cake, and some dancing beneath the stars… I’m already in love. It’s too bad Mark and I could never do an intimate wedding for ourselves- they are some of my favorite to photograph! If you’re planning your wedding here, definitely include us in those plans. We offer special pricing for intimate weddings! Feel free to check out more about Rock Spring on their website!

As I mentioned before, Carolyn herself is a wedding officiant based in[Essex County]. Visit her page to learn more about what she offers, and also be sure to check out more information on the wedding expo! There will be a styled shoot for photographers, swag bags and early admission for pre-registered guests, and wine tastings available for guests who are of age.

As always, if you are planning your wedding and are in need of a wedding photographer, get in touch. We would love to be there for you on your big day. Thanks for stopping in and reading all about Northern Neck wedding venues. If you want to read on, check out these posts for more information on venues in Virginia.