The 3 best wedding venues in Smithfield, ranked and compared

Windsor Castle Park is a 208-acre riverside park in downtown Smithfield, Virginia, dedicated in May 2010 along the banks of the Pagan River and Cypress Creek, anchored by the historic c.1725 Windsor Castle Manor House (renovations completed 2020). The grounds include woodland trails, picnic areas, a dog park, kayak/canoe launch, fishing pier, mountain bike paths, scenic overlooks and a barnyard with ten barns including a 2,500 sq ft covered pole barn. The renovated Manor House offers nine event rooms including an open-plan event space, dining room, music room, Pub & Tavern room and three dressing suites, accommodating up to 60 seated or 100 reception guests, while the surrounding grounds and amphitheater can host much larger events. Manor House rental includes access to get-ready rooms, banquet space, catering kitchen, tables and chairs, Wi-Fi throughout and parking for 200 cars; venue rentals start around $2,250. The site is on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register, and the park is pet-friendly with dogs allowed on leash.

New Branch Farms is a modern industrial-farmhouse wedding and event venue on 23 private acres in Smithfield, Virginia, owned by wedding photographers Sam and Wendy Mills, who hosted their first wedding in October 2020. The 4,000 sq ft climate-controlled Grand Room features vaulted ceilings, chandeliers, all-white interiors and six large glass overhead doors that open to a wrap-around veranda and a paved gathering area with bistro lights and a fire pit. Capacity is up to 200 guests outdoors with a 150-guest 'comfortable max' indoors. Ceremonies can take place at the arbor, on the lawn, in the Grand Room or under a covered pavilion, and the property includes a bridal suite with a private bathroom, vanities and mimosa bar, a Groom Room with a leather couch, large-screen TV, Xbox and mini-fridge, a caterer's kitchen, and a fenced mini dog park. Packages start at $5,200 for single-day rentals (Friday-Sunday weekend $20,000) and include 14 hours of venue access, a one-hour rehearsal, ceremony chairs and farmhouse tables/cross-back chairs for 150, fire pit, on-site venue manager and ADA bathrooms; upgraded packages add day-of coordination, decor, linens, bartending, DJ and an all-inclusive Ready Set Wed package. Outside vendors must be licensed, insured and approved; BYO alcohol with a licensed bartender required; an off-duty Isle of Wight police officer is required for events with alcohol or 100+ guests.

Manor House at Windsor Castle Park is a refurbished 18th-century manor house set on a 200+ acre waterfront park in the center of Smithfield, Virginia. The historic house contains nine rooms including a main event area for up to 60 seated guests, three modern get-ready suites with hardwood floors, a music room, a Pub & Tavern room and a catering kitchen for use by chosen caterers. For larger weddings of up to 300 guests, couples can use the sprawling outdoor grounds, including a 2,500 sq ft covered pole barn with its own water and electrical supply, waterfront ceremony sites, courtyards and a natural amphitheater. Weekend packages allow setup and cleanup time, outside vendors are welcome, and the property is pet-friendly and wheelchair accessible with on-site parking. Peak season runs March through December with off-peak in January and February.