Welcome to the Katherine Blair Journal! We're Katherine and Mark, husband and wife wedding photography team, and we strive to your story in an artful and evocative way. Our blog is here to help you find the perfect wedding venue, help with wedding planning, and get to know us better. Grab a glass of your favorite, sit down, and enjoy!

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Richmond Wedding Venues, Wedding Venues

Stunning Venue | Early Mountain Vineyards Wedding

I would like for you to imagine rolling hills filled with rows and rows of grape vines, the Blue Ridge Mountains in the background with morning fog lifting off of them. You’ve just had the most incredible wedding at Early Mountain Vineyards the night before, and you were able to retire to the vineyard cottage after all was said and done. You and your new spouse can enjoy your leisurely morning taking in the views and reflecting on the best day yet.

aerial shot of vineyard property

This could be reality for you! If you’re thinking about having an Early Mountain Vineyards wedding, this post is here to help answer all of your questions. I was able to interview Ms. Aileen Sevier at Early Mountain, and she was more than happy to provide the following up-to-date information. Let’s get to it!

If you could only tell couples ONE thing about your venue, what would it be?
If you are seeking world-class food and wine in the stunning Virginia countryside, we are your choice! Couples love that they have the versatility to transform our space into their personal vision, or utilize the venue enhancements (lanterns, fireplaces, wine barrels, etc) to embrace the winery motif.

Do couples using your venue have exclusive use?
They do! We transition over the entire property to our couples which gives easy contingency plans in case of rain or inclement weather.

Are couples able to host an entire weekend of festivities at your venue (ex. Welcome Party, Rehearsal, Wedding, Day-After Brunch…)
Absolutely! Many couples host their rehearsal dinner with us as well as gatherings for the bridal and groom’s parties.

Is there a noise policy/reception cut off time?
We are in the country so noise is not an issue. Our receptions end by 12 am or sooner, pending start time and whether they purchase additional hours.

Do you have spaces for getting ready?
Yes! Our vineyard cottage (2 bedroom, 3 bathroom) is part of the wedding package and is generally where the bridal party gets ready. Our groom’s lounge is available beginning at 2 pm the day of the ceremony.

Can couples/guests stay overnight? Is that included in any of your wedding packages?
Our vineyard cottage is part of the wedding package and converts into the honeymoon suite. There is not additional lodging onsite.

Do couples have to use in-house catering, or can they bring their own?
We require that couples use Early Mountain’s world-class catering. The exception is the wedding cake which is generally brought in.

wines on a platter

 If the couple has an outdoor ceremony, do you have contingency plans for bad weather?
We do! Early Mountain is a 4-season venue – many guests host their ceremony in our event hall, then flip to reception during a cocktail hour in our tasting room space.

What is the guest capacity?
200 guests

Do you have staff for set-up/breakdown and/or security staff included?
Our staff sets up and breaks down the ceremony and security is included.

Are there restrictions for outdoor decor/exit props?
Candlelight is permitted with the use of a glass enclosure (ie votive, hurricane). No open flames such as candelabras, are permitted. No Decor that will leave permanent damage is allowed (ie nails, staples or tape). Use of decor involving birdseed, rice and glitter are not allowed. Lavender, rose petals and bubbles are wonderful alternatives! We do allow sparklers at the send-off outdoors if receptacles are provided for disposal.

Do you have any elopement packages?
We do! vineyard view with flowers

There you have it! If you are looking for more information, I encourage you to visit their website and view this brochure. If you are wanting an Early Mountain Vineyards wedding and you are looking for a photographer, we’d love to be there for you! Get in touch, and let’s see how we can make this happen. Since you made it this far, we would also like to offer you something special- if you book your Early Mountain wedding with us, we’d love to gift you 1 extra hour of coverage at no cost. Just mention this blog post when you inquire!

long wedding table with fireplace in background

closeup of wedding tablescape

Again, thank you for reading and since you made it this far, we would also like to offer you something special- if you book your Early Mountain wedding with us, we’d love to gift you 1 extra hour of coverage at no cost. Just mention this blog post when you inquire!

Thank you for reading. If you’re looking for more information on Virginia wedding venues, check out these posts.

Images provided by Early Mountain- credit in order of appearance: Aaron Watson, Vicki Grafton, Meredith Sledge, Shannon Moffitt, Rachel May, Katherine Blair (not provided by venue)

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