12 Romantic Honeymoon Resorts and Hotels in Virginia

There’s no one way to do a honeymoon—and that’s especially true if you’re considering Virginia as a destination. From serene waterfront resorts to charming Southern towns and rustic mountain adventures, the state has options for everyone, and they’ve all got a bit of romance at their core. 

“Our state slogan is ‘Virginia is for lovers,’” says Andrew Cothern of the Virginia Tourism Corporation. “We’re all about doing what you love, with the people you love.”

In the Old Dominion state that could mean exploring the wineries of Charlottesville, taking a long, scenic drive through Shenandoah, or dining at a Michelin-rated restaurant in a quaint country town. If this is all starting to sound like perfect fodder for a post-wedding getaway, read on for what to know when planning your honeymoon in Virginia, including destinations for every season, the most romantic resorts and hotels, and what you can expect to spend. 

Virginia Honeymoon Cost 

The cost of a Virginia honeymoon can vary greatly, depending on where you decide to go, what you decide to do, and how long you decide to stay. Remote cabins can run as little as $60 per night, while suites at high-end luxury resorts such as Primland can top out at over $3,000 per night. Virginia does not have a state-wide lodging tax, but there will be a sales tax of 4.3% on any accommodations, along with any local city or county fees.

Unique Virginia Attractions 

Situated halfway between New York and Florida, Virginia is home to 39 state parks, 22 national parks, and over 300 wineries. Additional honeymoon-worthy destinations in the state include:

• Assateague Island National Seashore: Assateague is technically split between Maryland and Virginia, but the Virginia portion is home to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, where beautiful wild horses walk freely on undeveloped beaches. 
• Shenandoah National Park: The state’s largest national park is world-famous for its amazing fall foliage. Wind through it all via Skyline Drive, a 105-mile road that runs along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
• Bristol: Country music fans will want to mosey down to this small city, which is split in half across the Virginia/Tennessee border and is known as the birthplace of country music—and has a museum to prove it.
• Virginia Creeper Trail: Calling all adventurers! This 34-mile bike trail runs through gorgeous greenery and quaint small towns just above the Virginia/North Carolina border. 

Virginia Honeymoon Ideas by Season

Winter 

Get out in the snow! Shenandoah Valley ski resorts such as Wintergreen and Massanutten are great destinations for skiing, tubing, or just cuddling in a lodge with steaming mugs of hot cocoa.

Spring 

Northern Virginia and neighboring D.C. are ultra Instagrammable destinations come spring thanks to the dozens of cherry blossom trees that hit peak bloom around April. “There’s also a number of botanical gardens throughout the state,” says Cothern. Some favorites: Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden outside of Richmond and Norfolk Botanical Garden on the coast. 

Summer 

From the quiet inlet waters of the Chesapeake Bay to more traditional oceanside getaways in Virginia Beach, there’s plenty of ways to enjoy the Virginia coastline come summer. Love fresh seafood? In the Northern Neck, oysters are an especially big draw. “There’s a number of companies that will take you out on the water, let you fish for oysters, and get the whole experience,” says Cothern.

Fall 

In Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, the rolling hills of the state’s Piedmont region, and, of course, the Shenandoah Valley, you’ll find stunning foliage pretty much every way you turn come fall. Take it all in while winery hopping at gems like Early Mountain, Bluemont, and Gray Ghost—just be sure to plan for a DD!  

Ahead, the 14 most romantic hotels and resorts for a Virginia honeymoon. 

The current outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. As the situation remains fluid, we’ll be sharing tips and stories from industry experts to give you of-the-moment advice and help you navigate wedding planning today. For the most up-to-date guidelines and latest on travel restrictions and requirements, check the CDC and U.S. Department of State websites.