Who is an All-Weekend Wedding a Good Fit For?

Dreaming of a wedding that feels more like a retreat than a one-day whirlwind?

What if you could slow down and savor each moment over a weekend? 

Zion Springs has specialized in hosting all-inclusive, weekend-long weddings in Northern Virginia since 2010. We’ve learned that while some couples are happy with a single-day event, others are looking for something slower-paced, with extra time for relaxed gatherings and meaningful moments outside the ceremony. If that sounds like you, an all-weekend wedding may be ideal.

This guide explores the benefits, planning tips, and logistics of an all-weekend celebration to help you decide if this approach aligns with your vision for an unforgettable wedding.

A wedding experience that unfolds over an entire weekend—starting with a rehearsal dinner, followed by a day of celebration, and wrapping up with a relaxed farewell brunch. This format creates an immersive experience, giving you and your guests ample time to celebrate together and savor each part of your big day.

All-weekend weddings are becoming popular among couples seeking more than a single-day event. According to the 2024 Global Wedding Report by The Knot Worldwide, "45% of couples in France and approximately one-third in India now choose multi-day wedding celebrations. This trend reflects a growing desire for extended festivities that offer quality time with loved ones."

Sample Itinerary for an All-Weekend Wedding Celebration

Creating a balanced schedule with time for events and relaxation is key to an enjoyable wedding weekend. At Zion Springs, all events happen on-site, allowing your guests to fully immerse themselves in the celebration without the need to travel. Here’s a sample itinerary:

• Friday Evening: Welcome Gathering—For guests arriving early, Start the weekend with a relaxed rehearsal dinner or cocktail hour.
• Saturday Morning: Optional Activities — Take advantage of the beautiful Zion Springs property with optional activities like morning yoga, a scenic nature walk, or a group brunch, all conveniently available on-site for guests to enjoy at their own pace.
• Saturday Evening: Ceremony & Reception — Host your ceremony in the late afternoon, followed by a festive reception with dining and dancing—all within the stunning Zion Springs grounds.
• Sunday Morning: Farewell Brunch—Conclude the weekend with a casual farewell brunch, where everyone can connect and say goodbye.

An all-weekend wedding is perfect for couples seeking a slower pace and quality time with loved ones. Spanning several days, it creates a retreat-like setting where family and friends can gather, connect, and share in meaningful moments.

• Quality Time with Family and Friends: Events like a Friday evening rehearsal dinner and shared gatherings throughout the weekend bring everyone together in a welcoming atmosphere, fostering time for conversations and bonding.
• A Celebration That Lasts: With activities like a Saturday brunch, lawn games, and an evening bonfire, an all-weekend wedding extends beyond a single day, creating lasting memories for everyone.

This style of celebration reflects a growing trend: according to the 2024 Zola First Look Report, "89% of couples begin planning before their engagement, showing a trend toward comprehensive celebrations."

A weekend wedding allows you and your guests to enjoy each moment fully. Here’s what makes it stand out:

• Extended Time Together: An entire weekend opens up time for conversations, laughter, and relaxed gatherings that might feel rushed in a single-day schedule.
• Guest-Centered Experience: This format encourages guests to unwind and engage with the celebration at their own pace. Thoughtful touches like nearby accommodations, welcome gifts, and local activities such as vineyard tours and nature walks create a warm, inviting atmosphere. With well-paced events, guests have time to connect, explore, and relax, resulting in those cherished “best wedding ever” memories.

Customization is increasingly important to couples. According to The Knot, "Couples are focusing on the guest experience with personalized touches—a perfect fit for multi-day celebrations."

An all-weekend wedding promises an unforgettable experience, but it takes more planning. From accommodations to event details, keeping guests in the loop is essential. Use your wedding invite to share everything they need—like lodging options, transportation, and the event schedule—so everyone knows what to expect and can enjoy the weekend to the fullest. 

Planning and Coordinating Multiple Wedding Events

An all-weekend wedding involves coordinating multiple events, from welcome dinners to farewell brunches. This level of planning often requires additional logistics, including accommodations and transportation for guests. Hiring a wedding planner experienced in multi-day celebrations can be invaluable in helping to manage these details.

Budget Considerations

An all-weekend wedding is a memorable experience but often comes with a higher price tag than a single-day celebration. With multiple events to plan, you’ll need to account for additional costs, including meals, entertainment, accommodations, and activities to keep guests comfortable and engaged.

Planning a full weekend wedding celebration often requires a larger budget to cover multiple events, meals, and accommodations. While costs vary widely depending on factors like location, guest count, and specific events, couples can expect to spend anywhere from $20,000 to $100,000+ for a multi-day wedding experience. To get a real-life perspective, check out this detailed cost breakdown from a Reddit thread, where a couple shares their expenses for a June 2024 wedding weekend:

Finding the Perfect Venue for a Weekend Wedding Celebration

For a weekend wedding that flows effortlessly, choose a venue that brings it all together—one that feels like a home base for you and your guests. Look for a venue that includes:

• On-site accommodations so guests can settle in and enjoy the festivities without extra travel.
• Multiple event spaces to seamlessly host every part of your celebration—from welcome dinners to farewell brunches—in one spot.
• An experienced team that knows the ins and outs of multi-day events and keeps everything running smoothly.

Planning an all-weekend wedding can be as rewarding as it is detailed. Here are some tried-and-true tips from Zion Springs to help make your celebration seamless and memorable:

• Balance Events with Downtime: To prevent guest fatigue, create a schedule that includes breaks between events, allowing everyone to relax and recharge.
• Enhance the Guest Experience: Make your wedding a mini-vacation with local activities, like vineyard tours or nature walks, that let guests explore and unwind.
• Keep Guests Informed: Share all essential details in advance—accommodation options, the event schedule, and transportation information—so everyone can enjoy the weekend to the fullest.

An all-weekend wedding could be ideal if you’re looking for a slower pace and deeper connections with your loved ones. This multi-day celebration brings everyone together in a retreat-like setting, creating space for structured events and spontaneous moments.

For couples with guests traveling from afar or those who feel that a single day is simply too short, an all-weekend wedding provides an immersive experience that’s as personal as it is memorable. Consider the practicalities as well: an extended budget for multiple meals, events, accommodations, and the time and resources to plan activities for guests. If these factors align, an all-weekend wedding can be the perfect fit.

To explore why Zion Springs is a perfect destination for an all-weekend wedding, look at our article on the Top Reasons to Wed Here. Visit our Answers and Advice page for expert planning tips, tools, and resources to guide you from engagement to the big day!