When it comes to planning your wedding ceremony, one of the most important early decisions you’ll make is whether to say “I do” indoors or outdoors. The ceremony sets the tone for your entire celebration, so it’s worth taking the time to think through the setting that best fits your vision, values, and guest experience.
At Venue 290, couples are never forced to compromise. Our beautifully restored 1912 venue in downtown Rocky Mount, VA, offers both elegant indoor spaces and charming outdoor areas, which gives you the flexibility to tailor your ceremony to your dream aesthetic and your practical needs.
Outdoor Weddings
Outdoor spaces tend to feel more relaxed and comfortable, especially for larger guest counts. There’s more room for movement, mingling, and even socially distanced seating if needed. Additionally, photographers love natural light. Golden hour ceremonies provide dreamy, soft lighting that enhances every photo from your walk down the aisle to your first kiss.
Outdoor ceremonies work so well at Venue 290 because:
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Our rooftop ceremony space is tucked into the heart of downtown Rocky Mount and offers panoramic views without sacrificing privacy.
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The courtyard area is ideal for cocktail hours or first looks and gives your guests a change of scenery between ceremony and reception.
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In the event of bad weather, we can move seamlessly indoors — no shuffling or last-minute scrambling required.
Indoor Weddings
Indoor ceremonies are beloved for their dependability and classic elegance. If you’re dreaming of a candlelit aisle, grand staircase entrance, or a climate-controlled setting with vintage charm, indoor may be your ideal option.
1. Reliable and Comfortable
When you choose to get married indoors, you eliminate one of the biggest wedding-day stressors: weather. Rain or shine, your ceremony starts on time in a space that’s clean, climate-controlled, and designed for comfort.
2. Timeless Atmosphere
Indoor settings offer a level of refinement and architectural beauty that can be hard to recreate outdoors. Venue 290 features soaring pressed-tin ceilings, dramatic columns, original hardwood floors, and a historic staircase that makes for a stunning grand entrance.
3. Enhanced Sound and Lighting Control
Acoustics can make or break your vows. Indoors, you won’t be competing with wind, traffic, or passing birds. You also have better control over lighting — from romantic chandeliers to candlelight to custom uplighting.
4. Easy Flow for Guests
Indoor ceremonies often transition more smoothly into the reception, especially when the spaces are close together. Guests won’t need to change locations, and the entire day can flow seamlessly under one roof.
Benefits of Both
The best part about hosting your wedding at Venue 290 is that you don’t have to pick one setting and stick with it. Our flexible layout and experienced coordination team make it easy to blend indoor and outdoor elements throughout your day.
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Ceremony on the rooftop, cocktail hour in the courtyard, dinner and dancing indoors
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Indoor ceremony followed by sunset photos and mingling outside
Ready to tour?
Whether you’re imagining a soft-lit indoor aisle or an open-air ceremony with sunset views, we’d love to show you how it can come to life at Venue 290. Schedule a tour and walk through all your ceremony options and we’ll help you create a day that’s unforgettable from beginning to end.
Call (540) 917-5203
nicole@venue290.com
Located in Downtown Rocky Mount, Virginia