Madison is a beautiful pastoral county in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Located about halfway between Culpeper and Charlottesville and bordered by the Shenandoah National Park, the county is home to some of the most beautiful mountain views in the state. Madison caters to the outdoor enthusiast with plenty of room for hiking, kayaking, apple picking, trout fishing and horseback riding. In recent years the addition of several great wineries and a brewery have made the county a popular tourist destination. All this plus hospitable, experienced wedding professionals make Madison a great place for a destination wedding. In this article we highlight some of the businesses that would be perfect choices for your special day.
Venues
DuCard Vineyards
Visiting DuCard Vineyards for this article is at the top of my How-Much-Fun-Can-You-Have-At-Work list. First of all, it’s spectacularly beautiful. Located in Gibson Hollow in Etlan, Virginia, it is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and close to the Shenandoah National Park. DuCard is a boutique vineyard, making small batches of excellent wine and only selling it onsite.
Renback Barn
Renback Barn is an exciting addition to Madison County’s list of wedding venues. Katelynn and David Falk built the 6000 square foot barn on 27 acres adjacent to the Falk family’s farm. Think country barn wedding with modern amenities!
The Barns of Madison County
If you are looking for an authentic rustic barn wedding venue with stunning views, you’ve found the perfect location in The Barns of Madison County in Etlan, Virginia. Two 1800’s red barns have been transformed into a charming reception space while keeping the original wood and open beam construction. String lights wind around massive beams to give the reception area a cozy feeling.
Early Mountain Vineyards
Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Madison County, Early Mountain Vineyards is an award-winning winery on the Monticello Wine Trail as well as a popular wedding venue. They have an ambience described as “rustic yet refined” and stunning views of the mountains.
Prince Michel Vineyards
Established in 1982, Prince Michel is one of the oldest and largest wineries in Virginia. Their convenient location on Route 29 in Leon, Virginia, beautiful views and an elegant facility make Prince Michel a great choice for a destination wedding.
Graves Mountain Lodge
The Graves’ family have been innkeepers in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains near Syria, Virginia, for more than 140 years, spanning five generations. Graves Mountain Lodge has been a Madison County destination for locals and tourists as long as anyone can remember. Their Apple Festivals, Bluegrass Festivals and fireworks display draw crowds in the thousands.
The Greenhouse Venue
If you are looking for something different in a wedding venue, why not have a Garden Wedding in a Greenhouse? Brent and Heidi Lohr, the longtime owners of Greenscapes Nursery & Garden Shoppe have taken their passion for plants to the next level and transformed one of their greenhouses into a unique wedding reception venue.
Rose River Farm
Planning on having a small to medium-sized wedding? If you are looking for a stunning location Rose River Farm could be just the venue you are looking for. This farm is gorgeous!
La Bella Terra
Described as a “Country Garden B & B” La Bella Terra would be lovely option for a small wedding (maximum 30 people). Located in Reva, Virginia, in Madison County, the front lawn has a sweeping view of the Blue Ridge Mountains—perfect for a sunset ceremony and feast on the lawn.
Catering
The Bavarian Chef
The Bavarian Chef is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving authentic German food to hungry travelers and locals in Madison, Virginia, since 1974.
Cakes
Sugar on Top Cakes & Sweets
Sugar on Top Cakes & Sweets is the collaborative effort of Brittany Meeks-Carr and her husband Tim. Originally from Madison, Virginia, Brittany began baking in high school, making pound cakes for the holiday season.
Cake Krums
After leaving corporate America, Merri Woodward of Cake Krums was looking for some extra income to supplement her job at Madison Emergency Services. She started baking cakes for friends and family out of her home.
Florists
Southern Blooms
Southern Blooms has been in business for over 30 years—and their experience shows! Owners Pat Roberts and her daughter Sherry Spencer have grown their nationally acclaimed floral and event design business by providing stunning floral pieces to some of the most elegant weddings in the area.
The Posey Detail
The Posey Detail (along with owner Alyssa Helmick) have quickly made a name for themselves in the wedding business by providing gorgeous floral arrangements and bouquets for area celebrations.
Hey Alexandra, very helpful blog! Thank you so much for sharing information about wedding venues, florist and cakes. The venues that you have shared with us are very beautiful and perfect for a destination wedding. Keep posting!
Hi Alexandra, I find your blog really impressive. Thanks for sharing your experiences on Madison, Virginia destination Wedding. All the Venues in Virginia look really nice. I will surely suggest Virginia to all my friends and relatives as their wedding location.