FAQs
Here are frequently asked questions regarding hosting a Private Events or Weddings at 8 Chains North.
Private Events
How many guests does 8 Chains North accommodate? Generally, 20-130.
What spaces are available to rent? The Compass Rose Room, Vine Room, the Vineyard View Deck, and Covered Patio. The Tasting Room is available in conjunction with the Compass Rose room for special evening events. The Production Room is available during certain parts of the year. Take a look at our venue spaces.
How long may my event last? Non-wedding events are three hours plus one hour of set up and one hour of clean up.
What are my catering options? Please select a caterer from our Preferred Caterers list. These companies are familiar with our venue and have excellent reputations. For smaller daytime events, you may bring your own food.
Is there a minimum wine purchase and wine discount? Our wine minimum is one case per 25 guests. We offer a 15% discount full cases. Wine Club members receive 20% off.
May I bring alcohol other than wine? Outside alcohol is prohibited under normal operations. For beer or mixed spirits, you must purchase a one-day banquet license through Virginia ABC.
Do you provide non-alcoholic beverages? Yes, you may purchase non-alcoholic drinks from us or your caterer can provide them.
Do you provide tables, chairs, linens or wine glasses? We provide 5-ft. round tables, indoor chairs, and wine glasses as part of your rental fee. Your caterer or event rental company can provide any additional items for you at an additional cost. We have an array of linen rental options.
Does 8 Chains North provide staff for my event? Your rental fee includes staff. We provide a manager for event oversight and will schedule the appropriate number of staff required to coordinate with any vendors, and serve wine and beer.
Do you require a security deposit? Yes, we require a security deposit for all events, which ranges from $150–$750 depending on the type of event. We charge the security deposit to your card on file two weeks prior to the event and it is fully refundable within 14 business days if there are no damages.
Are there other fees for holding an event or wedding? We have a service charge based on the number of staff required for the event. We charge this to your account two weeks prior.
Do you accommodate limousines and buses? Yes, we can handle all types of group transportation vehicles.
Is audio/visual equipment available? You may rent audio/visual equipment at an additional cost through your event rental company or caterer. 8CN can provide a projector or wireless speakers for an additional charge.
What is your smoking policy? We do not permit smoking anywhere in the Winery or on the grounds, except near the overflow parking lot entrance.
May we decorate the day or night before the event? Access to the space is one hour before the event. If more time is needed, it may incur an additional charge. We allow decorations, but there are restrictions on affixing them to our walls or ceiling. We will work with you to ensure decorations won’t cause damage. We do not allow confetti, bird seed, or faux rose petals.
Is 8 Chains North handicap accessible? Yes, with the exception of the upstairs Ready Rooms, Vine Room, and Deck.
Weddings
How much time is allotted for my wedding? Most evening wedding packages are a total of five hours. Ceremonies usually begin at 6:00 pm and receptions end at 11:00 pm. Grand Cru weddings are allotted additional time. In addition, caterers may have access to the kitchen up to two hours before the event and we allow one hour of cleanup time.
Do you have a ceremony space? For outdoor wedding ceremonies, we offer the south field in front of the vineyard. Seating for the ceremony is an additional rental charge. If desired, 8 Chains North will provide two wine barrels that may be used at the altar.
What are our options in case of inclement weather? The Covered Patios, Tasting Room, and Compass Rose Room are backup options.
May we have a ceremony rehearsal? Before your wedding day, please schedule a rehearsal with your officiant and bridal party. There is no charge during regular business hours.
Are there any music restrictions? We allow outside music for the ceremony and on the patio until 8:00 pm. Also, you may hire a band or DJ, or you may play music from a personal device. We allow music inside the Winery until 11:00 pm.
May we have candles or release sky lanterns? We permit lit candles in the event space. However, we strongly encourage battery operated candles. Because of our wood structure and landscaping materials, we do not allow sky lanterns or any other type of fire (except for our fire pits) on the property.
Do you require wedding insurance? Yes, we require couples to have general liability insurance that names 8 Chains North as an additional insured. Wedding insurance is standard practice. You may obtain it through your homeowner’s insurance or an online company.
Should I hire a wedding planner or day-of coordinator? We require that couples with more than 25 guests hire a day-of coordinator. We do provide an experienced event manager and the appropriate number of staff so that you and your guests have the most wonderful celebration possible.
Are there any available discounts on weddings? Yes. Non-Saturday weddings receive 10% off our regular published rates. For Saturday weddings, we offer a 10% discount to our Wine Club members. You must join at least nine months before your wedding date. In addition, we offer a 5% military discount.
