Brides, 2024 is here and if you plan on getting married this year, we have the place for you! As you embark on the exciting journey of planning your special day, consider Prince William County as the idyllic backdrop for your 2024 wedding celebration. Here are 10 reasons why this charming destination is the perfect choice for a wedding to remember:

1. Historic Elegance:

• Prince William County is the perfect destination if you’re looking to get married at a historic site. Besides the Civil War being fought on our land, we have some historic manors and properties that are perfect for your big day!

• Some Examples:

  • Rippon Lodge - Since its beginning in 1747, Rippon Lodge has never failed to be the perfect picturesque location for an intimate wedding and reception. Host up to 200 family and friends on the lodge's expansive lawns, which are dotted with colorful gardens. You and your guests will enjoy spectacular views of the Potomac River while strolling around the lush green grass and historic shade trees.
  • Old Manassas Courthouse - Step back in time with a wedding at the Old Manassas Courthouse, located within minutes of Old Town Manassas, VA. In 2001, restoration and rehabilitation were completed, and the Courthouse was reopened to the public. Upstairs visitors will find the original courtroom has been rehabilitated to an elegant ballroom, which the public can rent for meetings receptions and other special events.
  • Union Church at Brentsville Historic Centre - Nestled in the heart of historic Brentsville, the 1870s Union Church is perfect for small intimate weddings and services. Union Church may accommodate 80 people and is available year-round. Additionally, the lovely landscaped grounds at Brentsville are available for wedding receptions, birthdays, reunions and/or wedding ceremonies.

2. Scenic Beauty:

• Whether you’re looking for a water background or would rather be in the middle of the countryside, PWC has plenty of options when it comes to what backdrop you would like to say your vows in front of.

• Some Examples:

  • Leesylvania State Park - Weddings & Special events are permitted at Leesylvania State Park. From a romantic intimate wedding along a river shore or for an elaborate outdoor event with a big tent and live entertainment for your reception, Virginia State Parks offer a variety of wedding venues and services.
  • Prince William Forest Park - This National Park offers visitors 15,000+ wooded acres filled with wildlife and more than 300 years of human history. A variety of campgrounds are available for small weddings and special events and groups of 70 to 200+ can enjoy rustic cabin camping in one of the park's five historic cabin camps.
  • Effingham Manor Winery - With breath-taking views, beautifully landscaped grounds and gardens, historic and newly-constructed buildings, Effingham Manor Winery is perfect for the site of your ceremony and reception. Their event center can accommodate up to 150 guests with a dance floor, bars, and catering stations. They will work with you to utilize their vast property to give the event of your dreams, including décor, vendor selection, locations, and timing.
  • Evergreen County Club - Evergreen Country Club is a private club, nestled at the base of Bull Run Mountain in some of Northern Virginia’s most beautiful and breathtaking natural landscapes. The quiet and serene setting is a perfect backdrop for your wedding day. This venue welcomes a maximum of 200 guests for a couple’s wedding. An outdoor ceremony on the green lawn features a backdrop of mountaintops, rose bushes, lush greenery and a waist-high stone wall.

3. Venue Variety:

• Choose from a spectrum of venues that fit any want, need, and vibe you may on that vision board. From country clubs, to performing arts centers, wineries, and old barns – the choices are endless!

• Some Examples:

  • Hylton Performing Arts Center - The Hylton Performing Arts Center offers the perfect backdrop for your wedding—creating a truly memorable day! Boasting 85,000 square feet of beautiful and unique spaces, our venue is designed for any occasion: from an intimate gathering to a lavish affair and everything in between! Their blank canvas allows you to paint your picture-perfect wedding. With over six distinctive spaces, see yourself walking down the aisle in the dramatic 1,123-seat Merchant Hall, sipping champagne cocktails in the Didlake Grand Foyer and dancing the night away in the Gregory Family Theater.
  • Sweeney Barn - Introducing Sweeney Barn, a new wedding, events and music venue in Manassas, Virginia. Renovated with state-of-the art design and technology, the original dairy barn has been transformed into the perfect space for your event, whatever the occasion. Whether a private wedding, company meeting, or intimate music concert, this space has everything you need to wow your guests.
  • Bristow Manor Golf Club - Bristow Manor's Colonial Revival Manor House, coupled with the countryside charm and serenity of the grounds provide the ideal backdrop for any special occasion. Featuring an inclusive wedding facility with customizable catering packages and a variety of dining options for 20 to 250 people, the dedicated team at Bristow Manor offers personalized service and attention that will help ensure your event’s success.
  • The Winery at La Grange – The Winery at La Grange, Prince William County’s oldest established winery, is housed in an 18th century manor house surrounded by an expansive vineyard. The vineyard and winery feature year-round, seasonal events and host wine tastings in both the barrel room and manor house.

4. Culinary Delights:

• Treat your guests to a culinary feast by partnering with local caterers that are unique to the PWC area. While of course you’re free to choose whatever food you’d like, we thought we’d let you in on some local favorites:

• Some Examples:

  • Bella Vita Restaurant - The Italian phrase "Bella Vita" translates to "The Good Life". You see, in Italy most of life's memorable moments surround the Kitchen table and encompass Family, Friends, Laughter and Good food. Really, what more could you ask for in life but to be surrounded by the people you care about most, eating good food and enjoying good wine.
  • Dixie Jones BBQ – Dixie Bones opened in Woodbridge, VA on January 2, 1996.  The next day, a record breaking snowstorm closed us down.  We reopened two days later & have been serving traditional Southern barbeque, sides, desserts, & brewed sweet iced tea ever since.  Our dine-in, takeout & catering continue to be the way the DMV does BBQ. What makes Dixie Bones authentic? It’s the people who cook our food, serve our guests, and keep our place clean.
  • Layla’s Lebanese Restaurant - Layla’s Lebanese Restaurant is dedicated to excellence in preparation of their dishes, presentation, and quality of service. Guests can count on receiving the freshest ingredients and dishes that are made with care from scratch. It is important to them that you are provided with a truly wonderful experience and welcomed as if you were a guest sitting at our family dinner table.
  • The Black Sheep Restaurant - We are committed to promoting locally sourced cooking and in supporting our local farms and farmers. We strive to procure only the freshest ingredients grown locally. The Black Sheep: whiskey + wine + noshery, will offer seating for 215+ with 2 full-service bars (inside and outside) as well as multiple private dining spaces.

5. Local Flair:

• Weddings can be expensive and a lot of the decoration you’re looking at comes from warehouses where no love is being put into the items. Why not buy local and get quality products from people you trust?

• Some Examples:

  • Gift & Gather - Gift & Gather was launched to connect DC Metro area makers and assist in promoting and shocasing their products and brands to our local community and visitors. The shop is also a flagship store of Pure Palette, soy candle company. These candles are made right there in Occoquan, Virginia.
  • Hitchcock Paper Company - Hitchcock Paper Co. is a boutique stationery shop overlooking the river in historic Occoquan, Virginia. We present beautiful and high-quality paper products from a wide selection of artists, small businesses, and favorite brands. In addition to cards and stationery, we carry a curated selection of journals, calendars, gift wrap, craft supplies, calligraphy supplies, planners, calligraphy supplies, pens, and artwork. We also carry seasonal paper-based jewelry, wreaths made from book pages, candles, and other carefully curated gifts.

6. Convenient Accommodations:

• Ensure your guests have a comfortable stay at nearby accommodations anywhere in PWC with quick access to I-95 or I-66.

• Some Examples:

  • Candlewood Suites - The Brand New Candlewood Suites Dumfries - Quantico is located just 3 miles North of Quantico Marine Base in Dumfries, Virginia. Nicely located just off I-95 at Exit 152B, we are conveniently located just North of the Marine Base and 4 miles South of Potomac Mills Mall which host over 150+ stores and several chain restaurants as well.
  • Hilton Garden Inn Haymarket - Your group will have historic stay in Haymarket! Just a minute down the road from the Haymarket Museum, our hotel is six miles from Manassas National Battlefield Park. With quick access to Interstate 66, Dulles International Airport is a thirty-minute drive. Washington, D.C. is forty miles away. The Blue Ridge Parkway North Entrance is two hours away. Enjoy a bite to eat at our Red House Tavern.
  • Springhill Suites Potomac Mills - Conveniently located right off of I-95, just two miles away from Potomac Mills Shopping Center and Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center. 24 minutes south of Washington, DC, provides easy access to many top attractions and government offices. Quantico Marine Corps Base & Museum, Historic Occoquan, Fort Belvoir, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and Dulles International Airport are all at your fingertips.
  • Inn at Evergreen - This 11-bedroom Inn, that was once a Civil War Era mansion, offers the perfect blend of modern amenities, historic charm and a first-class getaway. Conveniently located in Haymarket, VA, the Inn serves as the centerpiece to Evergreen Country Club

7. Adventure Awaits:

• Your wedding weekend doesn’t have to be just focused on your wedding. Have options for things to do either before or after your big day is ideal so guests can not only experience your love, but experience the location you’re saying “I do” in!

• Some Examples:

  • Autobahn Indoor Speedway - Experience a thrill like no other! Speed-lovers, be prepared for the newest attraction in the Manassas, VA / Washington, DC area; European style indoor go-karting! Our 40,000 square feet state-of-the-art facility is completely indoors for perfect racing conditions every day. We provide everything you need to race on our Grand Prix style indoor track. You will be racing in our unique, high speed electric Italian pro-karts.
  • Prince William Forest Park - Prince William Forest Park protects the largest piedmont forest in the national park system and the largest green space in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. The park gives area residents and visitors a unique opportunity to camp in, hike through and explore 15,000 wooded acres filled with wildlife and more than 300 years of human history.
  • Manassas National Battlefield - Begin your visit to the Park at the Henry Hill Visitor Center. Here, you can pick up a park brochure, trail guide, or learn about the daily schedule of interpretive programs. A museum features artifacts related to the First Battle of Manassas and the Second Battles of Manassas as well as a 6-minute electronic map of the troop movements of the First Battle.
  • National Museum of the Marine Corps - This state-of-the-art facility honors, preserves and narrates America's story through the eyes of U.S. Marines. Its magnificent architectural design features a dramatic 210-foot tilted steel mast and glass atrium inspired by the flag raisings at Iwo Jima, Inside, a massive "Leatherneck Gallery" and surrounding era galleries take visitors through the history of the Marine Corps, divided into "theaters" or chapters depicting pivotal conflicts and battles and other vital contributions to the preservation of America's freedom.

8. All-Season Appeal:

• Virginia is a four-season state and Prince William County is the perfect place to witness the best out of each season. From the cherry blossoms in the spring all the way to gorgeous foliage in the fall, there is never a bad time of year to plan your wedding in this wonderful area!

9. Dedicated Wedding Professionals:

• Whether you need flowers, decorations, photographers, or even your wedding dress—the professionals throughout PWC are here to make your day easy so you can sit back and enjoy.

• Some Examples:

  • Melanie’s Florist - For the best and freshest flowers in Haymarket, Melanie's Florist has exactly what you’re looking for! Owned by Melanie Ruiz, with the invaluable help of her daughter Brittany, our team is dedicated to bringing beauty and joy to your life through our floral creations.
  • LaBella Bridal Shop - Labella Bridal is the premier boutique for wedding dresses and special occasion gowns in Northern Virginia. The boutique has continued to top lists as one of the best businesses in Prince William County. As the best bridal boutique in Northern Virginia, Labella Bridal has excelled at delivering the trendiest gowns at the best prices for our clients. No matter what you’re searching for, Labella has something perfect for whatever the occasion.

10. Community Spirit:

• Experience the warmth and hospitality of Prince William County through the support of local businesses and feel the genuine community spirit on your wedding day. Just because we’re close to DC doesn’t mean you have to feel far from home. This community will welcome you and your party with open arms on your big day.

Choosing Prince William County as your 2024 wedding destination promises an unforgettable experience, where your love story becomes woven into the rich tapestry of this charming Virginia community. Cheers to a lifetime of happiness, starting your journey in the heart of Prince William County!