How to Plan the Perfect Wedding Weekend in Roanoke VA
Planning a wedding weekend is a great way to spend more time with the people you love. Instead of just a few hours at the reception, you get a couple of days to make memories. This is especially nice for guests who travel from out of town. A planned weekend shows them a good time and makes them feel welcome. Roanoke, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is the perfect place for a weekend full of fun, with plenty to see and do just a short drive from Bent Oaks Manor.
What should we do for a wedding weekend?
A wedding weekend is all about celebrating with your favorite people. Think of it as a mini-reunion centered around your big day. You can plan a welcome party, fun group activities, and a farewell brunch. This gives you more relaxed time to chat and laugh with guests.
At Bent Oaks Manor, you have the perfect home base. Your guests can enjoy the beautiful manor house and its gardens, and then explore the best of what Roanoke has to offer. From hiking in the mountains to exploring the downtown area, there’s something for everyone. This makes your wedding not just a ceremony, but a mini-vacation for your guests in beautiful southwest Virginia.
Planning Your Guests' Itinerary
Making a simple plan for the weekend can help your guests know what's happening. You don't have to schedule every minute, but giving them a list of fun options is a great idea. You can include this information on your wedding website or in their welcome bags.
Here is a sample itinerary you can adapt. It offers a mix of planned events and free time for your guests to explore Roanoke on their own.
Friday: Welcome to Roanoke!
Afternoon (3:00 PM): Guest Arrival and Check-in
Many of your guests will be arriving on Friday afternoon. Bent Oaks Manor offers a wonderful place for the wedding party to stay and get ready (comfortably sleeping up to 13, any other guests will need to choose another nearby place to stay). Roanoke has many great hotels for extra guests. Some good options include Hotel Roanoke, The Liberty Trust in downtown, and several comfortable choices in Salem and near the airport.
Evening (6:30 PM): Welcome Reception or Rehearsal Dinner
Kick off the weekend with a casual welcome party or your rehearsal dinner. This is a great chance for your two families to meet and mingle before the wedding day. You could host it at a local restaurant with a private room or even have a relaxed catered meal in the downstairs ballroom.
Downtown Roanoke has some great spots for a welcome dinner:
Lucky: Known for its farm-to-table food and creative cocktails.
Fortunato: A popular spot for amazing Italian food and pizza.
Six and Sky Rooftop Grille: Offers upscale food with a great view of the city.
Saturday: The Big Day and Local Sights
Morning: Explore Roanoke's Charm
Give your guests some ideas for things to do on Saturday morning before the ceremony. Roanoke has a lot to offer that is just a short drive from Bent Oaks Manor.
For the Nature Lovers:
Hike Mill Mountain: Just a few miles from the manor, Mill Mountain offers easy trails and the best view of the city. Guests can hike (or drive) up to the famous Roanoke Star. It’s a great way to see the beauty of the Shenandoah Valley.
Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway: A short drive will take your guests to "America's Favorite Drive." They can pull over at scenic overlooks for amazing photos of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
For Those Who Love Downtown:
Historic Roanoke City Market: This farmers market has been around for over 100 years. Guests can walk around, look at local crafts, and grab a coffee. It's the heart of downtown Roanoke.
Taubman Museum of Art: This museum is known for its unique architecture and great art. General admission is free, making it an easy and fun stop for your guests.
Shopping: Downtown Roanoke has many cute local shops. Guests can find unique souvenirs at places like Black Dog Salvage (from the TV show!) or browse the boutiques in the City Market Building.
Afternoon (4:00 PM): Ceremony at Bent Oaks Manor
It’s time for the main event! Your guests will gather at Bent Oaks Manor for your beautiful wedding ceremony. Whether you choose an outdoor ceremony in the garden or an indoor one in the elegant manor house, it will be a moment to remember.
Evening: Reception, Dinner, and Dancing
After you say "I do," it's time to celebrate. Guests can enjoy a wonderful dinner and dance the night away at your reception. Bent Oaks Manor is a great venue for both indoor and outdoor receptions, giving you lots of options. For more ideas on planning your reception, you can check out our guide to budget-friendly event planning.
Sunday: A Fond Farewell
Morning (10:00 AM): Farewell Brunch
A farewell brunch is a lovely way to say goodbye to your guests. It’s a relaxed time to talk about how much fun the wedding was and thank everyone for coming. You could host it at Bent Oaks Manor, at a local restaurant, or even at a park.
Roanoke has some great brunch spots:
The Pine Room at Hotel Roanoke: A classic choice with a delicious menu.
Well Hung Vineyard & Restaurant: Offers a fun brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.
Afternoon: One Last Adventure
Before your guests head home, they might have time for one last activity.
Virginia Museum of Transportation: For those interested in Roanoke's rail history and vehicles in general, this museum downtown is a must-see.
Explore a Greenway: The Roanoke Valley has a wonderful system of greenways for walking or biking. It's a peaceful way to end a fun weekend in southwest Virginia.
Making it Easy for Your Guests
To help your guests have a great time, give them all the information they need. A welcome bag with a map, the weekend schedule, and a list of your favorite local spots is a nice touch. You can also point them to the Area Guide on our website for more details about Roanoke, Salem, and Blacksburg.
Your wedding should be more than just one day. By hosting a wedding weekend at Bent Oaks Manor, you give your guests a fun trip to Roanoke and give yourself more time to celebrate with the people you care about most. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to our historic downtown, there is so much to share with your family and friends. Ready to start planning your special wedding weekend? Visit our contact page to check our availability and let's make it happen.
FAQs About Wedding Weekends in Roanoke
Q: What is there for kids to do in Roanoke?
A: Roanoke is very family-friendly! Kids will love the Roanoke Pinball Museum, Kids Square children's museum, and seeing the animals at Mill Mountain Zoo, all just a short drive away.
Q: Do we need to provide transportation for our guests all weekend?
A: You don't have to, but it's a nice thought, especially for events like the welcome party or brunch. You could also suggest ride-sharing services, which are widely available in the Roanoke area.
Q: How far is Bent Oaks Manor from downtown Roanoke?
A: Bent Oaks Manor is conveniently located just about one mile from the heart of downtown Roanoke, making it a quick and easy drive for your guests to explore the city's attractions.
