Quick Answer: If you're getting married in 2026, start planning now. Wedding venues in Roanoke VA, including Bent Oaks Manor, often fill their calendars 12–18 months early. Planning ahead helps you get your date, keep your budget on track, and find the vendors you want before they book up.

Why 2026 Couples Are Planning Earlier Than Ever

Every year, engagement season brings a rush of couples who all begin searching for things like “best wedding venues near me” or “wedding venues in Roanoke Virginia.” It’s no surprise that the most popular places book fast, especially spots with mountain views or indoor-and-outdoor options.

In southwest Virginia, this rush is even stronger because so many couples want spring flowers or fall colors. If you're dreaming of a wedding with the Blue Ridge Mountains around you, or a ceremony under big shade trees, you’re not alone. Many couples across Roanoke, Salem, Blacksburg, and Lynchburg want the same weekends, and that makes early planning a smart choice.

Bent Oaks Manor, a historic manor house right in Roanoke VA, sees this every year. By the time spring or fall rolls around, many of the top dates are already gone. That’s why couples aiming for 2026 are choosing their spot now.

What 2026 Wedding Trends Are Starting to Show Up?

Small and Medium Weddings Are Still Going Strong

Many couples in southwest Virginia are choosing weddings with around 50–100 guests. That size feels big enough to celebrate with people you love but small enough to keep the day manageable and personal.

You’ll spot a lot of couples going for cozy reception spaces, relaxed family-style dinners, and simple décor that fits the natural landscape. This kind of wedding works especially well at manor venues, where indoor rooms feel warm and outdoor spaces feel open and green.

It also helps with planning. Guest lists are easier to manage, food costs stay lower, and most local vendors can handle weddings of this size with ease.

Outdoor Ceremonies Aren’t Going Anywhere

If you’re planning a 2026 wedding in Roanoke VA, there’s a good chance you’re thinking about an outdoor ceremony. People love the mountain backdrop, gentle breezes, and soft light you get in southwest Virginia.

Spring and fall have always been favorites here. April and May bring early flowers and nice temperatures, while September and October show off the area’s famous fall colors. Mill Mountain, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the rolling hills around Roanoke all help create a gorgeous setting.

Even with Virginia’s changing weather, couples feel safer choosing venues like Bent Oaks Manor because there’s an indoor option available as last-minute backup. Knowing you can move the ceremony inside without stress takes away a lot of worry.

What Colors Will Be Big for 2026 Weddings?

Many planners around Roanoke VA say they’re seeing couples lean toward softer, earthy colors that fit the natural landscape. Greens that remind you of forest leaves, warm browns like tree bark, and soft peach or rose tones all blend nicely with mountain views.

People seem to want something that feels calm and clean instead of loud. Navy blue is another color that keeps showing up, mostly because it looks good in both fancy and simple settings.

At Bent Oaks Manor, these colors work well with the wood floors, white walls, and old-style trim inside the house. Outside, they look great against the big trees and open lawn.

Should You Expect Higher Prices in 2026?

Most couples planning for 2026 should expect prices to rise a little. This is normal, especially for food, flowers, and rentals. The good news is that venues and vendors in Roanoke Virginia usually lock in your price once you sign a contract.

That means starting early can save you money. If you wait too long, you’ll be working with next year’s pricing instead of today’s.

You can also look through other articles in the Bent Oaks Manor blog for tips on saving, budgeting, and choosing vendors.

How Early Should You Book a Wedding Venue for 2026?

For weddings around Roanoke VA, most couples book their venue 8–12 months out. Some book even earlier if they want a particularly popular spring or fall weekend. These seasons stay popular because of the mild weather and mountain scenery.

Touring the venue early helps you get a feel for your day. Winter tours give you a quiet, focused visit. Spring tours let you see early blooms. Fall tours show you why people travel from all over to see the Shenandoah Valley and southwest Virginia colors.

If you’re thinking about Bent Oaks Manor, touring before June is smart. That lets you see both indoor and outdoor areas while they’re easy to picture in a real wedding setup.

What Should You Book First for a 2026 Wedding?

Once you choose your venue, the next big step is often the planner. Good planners sometimes book 12-16 months in advance for wedding projects, especially ones who know the Blue Ridge areas well.

After that, most couples look for a caterer. Food vendors in Roanoke Virginia fill fast during busy seasons. It helps to ask about tasting dates early so you can plan your menu with time to spare.

Many couples also book a day-of coordinator even if they don’t want a full planner. This person helps with timelines, vendor check-ins, and small details that often get overlooked. Bent Oaks Manor can share some trusted names if you need them.

A Simple Timeline for Planning a 2026 Wedding

Instead of listing tasks one by one, think of planning as a series of stages. About a year and a half before your wedding, you're choosing the big things—your venue, your photographer, your guest count, and your budget. This part sets the tone for everything else.

As you move into the nine-to-twelve-month range, you start shaping the style of your day. This is when you meet with caterers, choose a DJ or band, and start talking with florists. You might also start looking for your dress or suit around this time. Hotels near Roanoke, Salem, and Blacksburg can also be reserved early so out-of-town guests know where to stay.

By the six-month mark, most couples send save-the-dates, meet with their photographer, and plan their rehearsal dinner. Some choose a local restaurant in Lynchburg or a place near Smith Mountain Lake for something relaxed and fun.

Three months before the wedding, the focus shifts to details like décor, seating plans, and menu finalizing. Many couples walk the venue again to picture how the day will flow. This final stage makes everything feel real and gives you time to fix small things before the big day.

Why Bent Oaks Manor Works Well for 2026 Weddings

Bent Oaks Manor sits in a quiet part of Roanoke VA, with tall trees, open lawn space, and views that feel peaceful even though you’re only minutes from downtown. Couples love having an outdoor ceremony option and a bright indoor reception space all in one place. The manor also includes a bridal suite, easy parking, and simple access for guests driving in from Salem, Blacksburg, Lynchburg, or the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Many couples say the feel of the manor house makes the whole day slower and calmer. It’s a place that encourages people to relax, take photos, and enjoy their time together.

Bent Oaks Manor now offers truly all-inclusive packages that bring 10+ decisions down to one simple contract and price, saving thousands of dollars and dozens of hours of time vs separate arrangements.

You can learn more at https://bentoaksmanor.com/all-inclusive or explore related posts on the Bent Oaks Manor blog at https://bentoaksmanor.com/blog.

FAQs About Planning a 2026 Wedding

Q: When should I book my 2026 wedding venue?
A: Most couples book 12–18 months early, especially for spring or fall weekends.

Q: Is southwest Virginia good for outdoor weddings?
A: Yes. April, May, September, and October are mild and pretty, but choose a venue with an indoor plan just in case.

Q: How much does a wedding venue cost in Roanoke VA?
A: Many venues range from $4,000 to $10,000 depending on the season and features.

Q: What’s a good venue near me for both indoor and outdoor spaces?
A: Bent Oaks Manor is a popular option because it offers both settings along with a bridal suite and easy guest access.