CHESTER— Farm weddings have become popular for many Virginia couples, and some farmers are using their entrepreneurial spirits to diversify their operations by hosting nuptials.
At Ashton Creek Vineyard, sharing the beautiful landscape that blends winemaking with hospitality was the Thibault family’s vision.
Since 2006, they’ve cultivated a gathering space for guests to “unwind and celebrate life’s milestones” while enjoying Virginia vintages.
“Vineyards and wineries take so long to mature and build recognition, and we knew having weddings and events could speed up that process,” explained Alan Thibault, who operates the vineyard with his wife, Maria.
She coordinates with couples, planners and chefs, while Alan tends the vines and production of 15 wines. Most fieldwork happens during the week, with weekends reserved for events.
In addition to their Chester location, their sister site, Riverside Vines in Dinwiddie County, offers couples lasting memories with vineyard views overlooking Lake Chesdin.
Couples getting married at Dickie Bros. Orchard in Nelson County pledge their love while overlooking a landscape shaped by centuries of family farming. In the picturesque valley where land has been managed since 1752, nuptials are exchanged on a valley hilltop overlooking the fruit trees and pastureland, with views of the DuPriest and Little DuPriest mountains.
John and Shelby Bruguiere’s family has owned and operated the 500-acre farm for nine generations. They grow pears, plums, nectarines, peaches and apples on 40 acres of orchard.
Overhead can be high on farm operations, so growers must diversify.
In 2024, the Bruguieres opened Castle Hall Weddings at Dickie Bros. Orchard.
“Castle Hall was the name of the original home here at the orchard,” John said. “With this diversification, we could reduce some of the higher costs and keep the land, keep it in land use, and keep it as an option for the next generation.”
They constructed a barn venue to accommodate 150 guests.
“We may not have the amenities that some of the high-end wineries and venues do, but we have a view unlike any other,” John said. “And that’s what we’re selling—the view!”
Behind a charming rural haven in Lunenburg County is a devoted family spanning four generations—working the land, welcoming visitors and bringing cherished traditions to life.
Liz Parrish helps run Parrish View Farms alongside family. Home to the Parrish family since 1950, the former dairy farm has evolved into a thriving row crop farm and celebrated agritourism, special event and wedding destination.
They built an elegant barn for receptions, elevated their tobacco barn into a cozy lounge area with a signature LOVE sign, and reimagined their 1970s grain bins into a charming bridal suite, theater and full-functioning bar.
Nestled among verdant fields of seasonal flowers and crops, the ceremony site immerses visitors in the family’s cultivated wonders.
“The beauty that we have all around us every season is a big draw for folks,” Cary said. “Especially in the fall, when everything looks best.”
Read the full story in Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s summer Cultivate magazine at issuu.com/virginiafarmbureau. See the Parrish family in the Aug. 1, 2024, episode of Real Virginia, Virginia Farm Bureau’s weekly television program.
Media: Contact Thibault at 804-691-5530; Bruguiere at 434-277-5516; or Parrish at 434-917-2279.
