The Eastern Shore of Virginia provides a beautiful backdrop for weddings, family reunions, group getaways, corporate retreats and tour groups.
The area’s natural beauty shines through with breathtaking water and pastoral views at historic properties, local beaches, rustic barns and other distinctive event spaces. Rural farms, B&Bs and restaurants can stage weddings and group events too. Your group can stay at spacious vacation rentals, resort campgrounds, historic B&Bs, boutique hotels or off-the-grid hideaways.
In the last few years, this secluded coastal region has been the backdrop for everything from elegant formal weddings to casual beach ceremonies. You don’t have to look far for help with all the details that make any important occasion special. Florists, caterers, bakers, event planners, bridal and gift shops, local bands, DJs and photographers provide all the ingredients to make any celebration go off without a hitch.
Tying the Knot
The Eastern Shore can cater to couples with traditional tastes, as well as those who are looking for something a little different. Couples can have a church wedding with a reception in a banquet hall or they can get married on the beach and party the night away in a barn.
You’ll find everything you need to make your wedding day special right here on the Eastern Shore. Wedding planners, florists, bakers, photographers, DJs, rental companies, bridal and formal wear shops, caterers, venues and limo services are on hand to make sure your big day goes off without a hitch.
The first step to getting married on Virginia’s Eastern Shore is to obtain a marriage license through any circuit court clerk in Virginia. Both parties will need to be present to get a license and you’ll need a photo ID. Call 757-787-5776 for more information in Accomack County and 757-678-0465 in Northampton County.
You’ll also need an officiant. An ordained minister who can show proof of ordination; marriage commissioners, justices of the peace and judges can all perform marriages in Virginia. Boat captains can also perform marriages, but only on the water. The Clerk of the Court can help you find an officiant.
If you want to wed with your toes in the sand the public beach in Cape Charles, the beach in the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and the beach on Tangier are all great options. In Chincoteague call 757-336-6122 for more information. In Cape Charles call 757-331-4785 for more information. If you want to get married on the beach at Tangier you don’t have to make any prior arrangements.
Whether you want to get married at a historic property with hundreds of your friends and family looking on or you want to say “I do” on a sailboat on the Chesapeake Bay, the Eastern Shore of Virginia offers a beautiful, authentic place to begin your new life together.
Learn more about planning a wedding on Virginia’s Eastern Shore here.
Bringing People Together
Weddings aren’t the only special occasion that brings family, loved ones and friends together. Family reunions, corporate retreats, girlfriend getaways and class reunions can all be accommodated on Virgina’s Eastern Shore.
Vacation rentals offer lots of room for big groups to spread out and the options are almost endless. If you want to be close to restaurants, shops and galleries rent a house in one of the Eastern Shore’s small towns. If you want water views and room to run rent a rural estate with a sprawling patio overlooking the water and a pond stocked with fish.
You can also cook like a local when you stay in a vacation home. Buy local seafood at a seafood market, stock up on produce at farm stands and farmers markets and grab some local wine or beer and prepare a feast at your rental.
You can also have your very own oyster roast. Eastern Shore Events and Rentals can bring the experience of a traditional Eastern Shore oyster roast right to you.
It’s easier to bond with loved ones when you’re unplugged. Rent an off the grid cabin on Holly Bluff, the last privately owned island off the coast of Virginia’s Eastern Shore. You can harvest oysters and crabs from the waters off the island, relax on the sandy shore or kickback in a rocking chair overlooking the water.
Camping is a great way to get back to nature and reconnect with family and friends. The Eastern Shore is home to almost a dozen campgrounds that offer everything from primitive tent sites without so much as a plug to charge your cell phone to luxury cabins with fully equipped kitchens and flat-screen TVs.
Group Tours
The more the merrier when it comes to Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Group tours can sip wine and slurp oysters or hit the links and browse the shops during a getaway on Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
National hotel brands provide plenty of rooms for large groups. Local restaurants and caterers can set aside a room for an elegant dinner overlooking the water, provide boxed meals so you won’t have to slow down your adventure or bring the party to you with a catered spread.
Outfitters can plan kayaking paddles, boat tours, sunset cruises, hunting excursions or fishing charters for groups.
Kiptopeke State Park, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and the public beach in Cape Charles can all accommodate large groups for a day on the beach. In Chincoteague, groups can even get a behind the scenes look at the Wildlife Refuge.
There’s plenty for large groups to see and do on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Bay Creek in Cape Charles offers two championship golf courses with greens on the water. Visit Chatham Vineyards for a lesson in winemaking and a taste of their locally made vintages. Stop by Blue Crab Bay to sample their delicious snacks, drinks and treats. Visit NASA’s Wallops Visitors Center and learn how rockets are launched into space from Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
Learn about all Virginia’s Eastern Shore has to offer here.
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