Virginia
- Brief Summary of the area
by Beach Wedding Planning
As one of the original 13 colonies, Virginia offers numerous opportunities for not only those interested in history, but for thrill seekers, sunbathers and water enthusiasts, alike.
Because of the diverse landscape in Virginia, Appalachian mountains to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the sky’s the limit for bride and grooms-to-be when planning a wedding. Year-round nuptials and honeymoons are possible because of Virginia’s inviting climate.
So why not plan a wedding or honeymoon in Virginia? After all - Virginia is for lovers!
Most popular Beach Locations: (if applicable)
Virginia Beach's beaches are free but very well maintained. Lifeguards are on duty from mid-May through mid-September. Vendors are available for renting umbrellas, boogie boards and lounge chairs.
Traveler Facts
Travel & Transportation (airports, ferries, etc) How to get there – Travelers will discover that it's easy to get to Virginia and easy to get around. Virginia's location - midway between New York and Miami is less than a day's drive from any city east of the Mississippi. Virginia's 11 commercial airports - including Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Washington Dulles International (both newly renovated and expanded) - plus 57 general aviation airports and Amtrak rail service connect Virginia cities to commuter and long-distance travel routes. Virginia boasts well-maintained major highways; and with thousands of miles of scenic byways, a road trip in Virginia always turns up something new.
Click for road alerts or call the Highway Helpline at 1-800-367-ROAD for up to the minute information about current road and traffic conditions. Visit the Virginia Department of Transportation site for information about traveling on Virginia’s roads.
For information on Virginia's Ferry system please check the Virginia Department of Transportation's Web site.
Airports:
• Roanoke Regional Airport:
http://www.roanokeairport.com
• Ronald Reagan National Airport:
http://www.metwashairports.com/National/Index.html
• Washington Dulles Airport:
http://www.metwashairports.com/Dulles/
• Newport News-Williamsburg International Airport:
http://www.nnwairport.com
• Norfolk International Airport:
http://www.norfolkairport.com/
• Richmond International:
http://www.flyrichmond.com/
• Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport:
http://www.gocho.com
• Baltimore Washington International Airport:
http://www.bwiairport.com
• Virginia Department of Aviation:
http://www.doav.virginia.gov/
Railways:
• Virginia Railway Express
http://www.vre.org/index.html
• Amtrak http://www.amtrak.com/
Bus Lines
• Greyhound: http://www.greyhound.com/
{Source – Virginia Official Tourism}
Entry Requirements; passports, visa, etc. - A passport is required for entering the United States by air from the following destinations: Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Bermuda, in addition to all other foreign destinations that already require a passport.
While in the U.S., temporary visitors are restricted to the activity or reason for which their nonimmigrant visa was issued, with few exceptions. For an overview of the types of nonimmigrant visas available under immigration law, please see Nonimmigrant Visa Classifications on the USCIS Web site. The Consular Officer at your embassy or consulate will decide what kind of visa you need, when you apply.
Advance planning can smooth the visa application process for you. {Source – www.travel.state.gov}
Languages Spoken / official language – English is the official language of Virginia.
Currency – United States Dollar is the official currency in Virginia.
Tipping – A good rule of thumb for tipping in Virginia is as follows:
Waiter/waitress – 15 percent of bill (excl. tax) for adequate service; 20 percent for very good service; no less than 10 percent for poor service. Taxi Driver - Varies depending on locality. Assume 15 percent will be enough; an extra $1 to $2 for help with bags. Skycap at airport - $1 per bag if you check-in curbside; $2 per bag if skycap takes bags to check-in counter. Hotel concierge - $5 for getting you tickets or reservations ($10-plus if they're hard to get). {Source – CNNMoney}
Taxes – Virginia has a state sales tax of 5 percent.
Electricity - 120V 60 Hz
2 parallel flat prongs
Other (immunizations, health issues) - If you’re in Virginia and your travel plans will take you to more than one country during a single trip, be sure to let your health-care provider know so that you can receive the appropriate vaccinations and information for all of your destinations. {Source – Centers for Diesase Control and Prevention - Travel}
Marriage Requirements, Licenses & Wedding Information
Couples can exchange their vows in traditional religious settings, in historic homes and mansions, quaint bed and breakfasts and gardens as well as on a beach, a ski slope or in a woodsy glen.
Some couples exchange vows underground in caverns. Others say "I do" as they skydive, in a hot-air balloon or on a roller coaster! Whatever the two of you decide, whether it's your wedding, an anniversary or a renewal of wedding vows, consider Virginia for your ceremony, reception or honeymoon.
In order to get married in the state of Virginia, individuals must be 18 years-old without parent consent. The cost is approximately $30 and there is not a waiting period between applying and receiving a marriage license or to marry after receiving a license. Virginia state marriage licenses are valid for 60 days and a blood test is not required. {Source – Virginia Official Tourism}
Tourism Office address, phone and Web site
Virginia Tourism Corporation901 E. Byrd St.
Richmond, VA 23219
Telephone: (800) VISIT VA
(800-847-4882)
Website:
www.virginia.org
Other Travel related Web sites for the country or location
www.virginiatouristsguide.com/
Climate Information (what the seasons are like & when is the best time of year to travel)
Virginia has five different climate regions: the Tidewater, Piedmont, Northern Virginia, Western Mountain, and Southwestern Mountain regions. Some localities - Charlottesville, Lynchburg, and Warrenton, for example, have climate amenities such as long growing seasons and infrequent subzero temperature minimums, while winters on the northern Blue Ridge frequently produce bitterly cold temperatures. {Source – UVA Climatology Office}
High & Low Season for travel – Tourist usually congregate to Virginia Mid-March through December. So if crowds aren’t appealing, plan on visiting Virginia between January and the first part of March.
Link to a good Map
Local Attractions & Must Do’s
The Blue Ridge Parkway — known as America's Favorite Drive — meanders 469 miles from Shenandoah National Park in northern Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. The parkway follows the Appalachian Mountain chain and provides some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, ranging from 650 to 6,000 feet in elevation.
A hundred species of trees, a variety of flowering shrubs and wildflowers as well 54 different mammals and 59 species of birds live along the parkway in Virginia.
Visit Virginia's cool caverns and escape summer's heat — if only for a few hours! Luray - Luray Caverns are the largest caverns in the eastern USA and a National Landmark. Some of the most spectacular creations were formed just one drip at time, such as Giant's Hall, vast expansive chambers decorated by predominately golden columns, 10-stories tall. The gold colors come from iron and clay soils seeping from the ground along with the calcium carbonate "drips."
The Civil War is still very much alive in Virginia, the place where more major Civil War battles were fought than any other state. History buffs have an array of battlefields to choose from such as - Richmond National Battlefield Park, Manassas National Battlefield Park, and the Appomattox Courthouse.
Whether you enjoy biking up dirt trails or along paved roads, Virginia inspires mountain bikers to new heights of awareness and exhilaration!
Virginia’s vast system of rivers, salty tidal bays and quiet inlets and streams provide modern paddle sport enthusiast’s opportunities to leave the world behind, have an adventure of their own and explore nature on its terms.
Besides the thrill of a physical challenge and sense of accomplishment, paddlers of all ages and abilities receive added bonuses along Virginia’s waterways, such as finding perfect spots for picnicking, hiking, tubing, camping, fishing, wading and swimming.
There's variety in Virginia's beaches — from the action-packed shores of Virginia Beach to the uninhabited sands of Assateague Island and the hideaways of Virginia's tidal rivers — and they all cater to family fun!
Some Virginia Beach attractions include the Virginia Beach Oceanfront Waterpark, Motor World go-carts and the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. {Source – Virginia Official Tourism}
Top 5 Most Popular Hotels
While visiting Virginia, Colonial Capital Bed & Breakfast, Colonial Williamsburg, and many other area attractions and events combine to offer you a delightful opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of planning and executing your most important event and erase the harried pace and many demands of previous weeks and months. Choose from a plan for honeymooners with little time before returning to career and home pressures or a plan that allows for more complete enjoyment of the variety of historic sites, romantic dining, shopping, and other fun things to do.
The Embassy Suites Hotel Dulles – North is located just three miles North of Washington Dulles International Airport in Dulles, Virginia. This wonderful new hotel offers 154 suites, twenty-two conference rooms totaling almost 10,000 square feet, five Presidential suites, ten VIP suites, and four executive suites. Included are many complimentary amenities such as daily cooked-to-order breakfast, evening manager’s reception, high-speed and wireless Internet access, indoor and outdoor pool, two fitness centers, two business centers and airport shuttle.
Morrison House, a Kimpton Hotel, offers a story of classic accommodations surrounded by the historic neighborhood of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. As the chapters unfold to this charming four star hotel, guests will discover the elegance and sophistication in the decidedly American feel throughout its 45 guestrooms and suites, and the ready access to all there is to see and do in Old Town and nearby downtown Washington DC.
Grace Manor Inn is a Richmond Bed and Breakfast that’s conveniently located on the corner of North Meadow and West Grace Street, in the heart of the Fan District in Richmond, Virginia. It’s only one block from Richmond’s Historic Monument Avenue and is walking distance to many restaurants and museums. This Richmond bed and breakfast is just a short drive from the Boutiques of Carytown. The Capitol area, the Richmond Braves’ Baseball Stadium, VCU, the University of Richmond, and the Greater Richmond Convention Center are all within five miles of this B & B. For the theater lover, the Landmark Theater, the Richmond Symphony and the Virginia Opera are also only a short drive away.
Relax and rejuvenate at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront, where weekend jaunts, family vacations and even business trips put a smile on your face. This in an all-oceanfront suite hotel, that’s located on the boardwalk. Each oceanfront studio suite and oceanfront one bedroom suite comes complete with private balcony, amazing view, free high-speed Internet, 2 TVs, sofa bed and kitchenette. Enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast buffet after a workout at the fitness center, exhilarating swim in the heated indoor pool or jog on the beach. Refresh pool side at the seasonal outdoor pool plaza and outdoor cafe overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Ideal for Virginia Beach honeymoons, this oceanfront hotel lets you unwind and cherish every moment.
