Top 9 Wedding Planners in Virginia Beach
-
Editor & Publisher -
Client Services Leader
- March 29, 2026
- 24 min read
- Events
Source: Peerspace
In Virginia Beach, the energetic boardwalk meets the serene Chesapeake Bay, and the historic Pungo farmland contrasts with the modern Town Center. For couples planning a wedding here, this diversity offers an incredible canvas, but it also presents unique logistical hurdles. Navigating Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel traffic and timing your vows between jet noise from NAS Oceana requires local expertise that only seasoned professionals can provide.
The competitive event market in Virginia Beach works to your advantage. The area is home to a sophisticated network of professionals who have mastered the art of coastal celebrations. Whether you envision a barefoot ceremony on the North End or a black-tie gala at a historic hotel, there’s a planner here who specializes in your specific aesthetic.
To help you navigate this vibrant market, we’ve curated a list of the top wedding planners in Virginia Beach. These professionals represent the highest standard of service in the region, bringing order to chaos and transforming logistical challenges into flawless experiences.
How we curate our list
Finding the right wedding planner is about more than comparing price sheets—it’s about finding a partner who understands your aesthetic and advocates for your vision. To create this guide, we analyzed the local market to identify professionals who consistently deliver high-quality experiences.
Our selection criteria include:
- Client reviews across multiple platforms: We analyze feedback from couples on The Knot, WeddingWire, Google, and social media to ensure consistent satisfaction.
- Industry recognition and awards: We look for planners with accolades from respected organizations and wedding publications.
- Professional credentials and associations: Active membership in industry groups, ongoing education, and verified business operations are often held by our planners.
Best wedding planners in Virginia Beach
1. Hannah Hildebrandt Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Hannah Hildebrandt Events / Hannah Hildebrandt
Hannah Hildebrandt established her eponymous firm with a clear mission: to bring calm and refined organization to the wedding planning process. She’s built a reputation in the Hampton Roads area for being a steady hand during the planning journey. Her approach is rooted in the belief that a wedding should be a true reflection of the couple, not just a copy of current trends. She creates an environment where couples feel heard and supported, allowing them to focus on the joy of their engagement.
Specialty/niche: Hannah Hildebrandt Events specializes in full-service planning and coordination for couples who value a seamless, stress-free experience. Their niche lies in creating elegant, timeless celebrations that prioritize the guest experience. They excel at “event flow,” ensuring transitions from ceremony to cocktail hour to reception feel natural and effortless.
Notable projects or signature style: The signature style is characterized by clean lines, sophisticated color palettes, and a polished aesthetic. Their portfolio demonstrates an ability to elevate a venue’s existing features while adding personal touches that tell the couple’s story. You’ll often see thoughtful details like custom signage, curated welcome boxes, and table settings that balance modern trends with classic elegance.
Pricing: Investments for day-of coordination services begin at $1,800. Partial coordination starts at $2,000 and full-service planning packages start at $3,950. Reach out to them directly for a custom quote.
Why we love them: We love Hannah Hildebrandt Events for their unwavering commitment to organization and client peace of mind. In a market where coastal weather and traffic can throw curveballs, having a detail-oriented planner is essential. Clients consistently praise Hannah and her team, describing them as a “saving grace” for detail-oriented brides. Reviews highlight their ability to handle “the simplest of details” and coordinate perfect timelines, with one client noting that the team’s involvement allowed them to be “extremely efficient” and stress-free.
Connect with them: Follow Hannah Hildebrandt Events (@hannahhildebrandtevents) on Instagram for a peek into their creative process.
2. Michelle Amarillo Event Planning
Company name and founder/lead planner: Michelle Amarillo Event Planning / Michelle Amarillo
Michelle Amarillo is the creative force behind her boutique planning firm, bringing a vibrant and fashion-forward perspective to the Virginia Beach wedding scene. She founded her company with a passion for design and a desire to help couples break away from cookie-cutter weddings. Michelle is known for her high energy, keen eye for aesthetics, and ability to translate vague concepts into concrete design plans. She views every wedding as an opportunity to create art.
Specialty/niche: Michelle Amarillo Event Planning specializes in producing stylish, modern, and memorable weddings for couples who care deeply about visual impact. The firm’s niche is “chic and contemporary,” appealing to clients who want their wedding to feel fresh and current. They’re experts at sourcing unique rentals and collaborating with floral designers to create statement installations.
Notable projects or signature style: Michelle Amarillo’s work is defined by bold choices and impeccable styling. Her signature style involves masterful use of color and texture, ensuring every photograph looks editorial-worthy. Her events frequently feature customized table settings that serve as conversation starters, proving she understands how design influences the social atmosphere of a reception.
Pricing: Pricing is customized based on scope of work, guest count, and specific needs. Please contact the vendor directly for accurate pricing information.
Why we love them: Michelle Amarillo brings a passion for design that’s infectious. We appreciate her ability to listen to a client’s vision and elevate it beyond what they thought possible. For couples who want their wedding to make a visual statement, this is a top-tier option. Customer reviews frequently describe hiring Michelle as the “BEST wedding decision,” citing her positive, calm attitude as a major asset when things get stressful. Testimonials emphasize that her team allows couples to fully enjoy their celebration without worrying about logistics, with many noting her exceptional organizational skills.
Connect with them: Follow Michelle Amarillo Event Planning (@michelleamarilloeventplanning) on Instagram for a peek into their creative process.
3. The Simply Elegant Group
Company name and founder/lead planner: The Simply Elegant Group / Lindsay Mackey
Founded by Lindsay Mackey, The Simply Elegant Group was created to disrupt the traditional wedding planning model by making high-end expertise accessible to a wider range of budgets. Lindsay recognized that many couples were priced out of hiring professional planners. To solve this, she built a company that leverages volume and strong vendor relationships to pass significant savings on to clients. The team operates with data-driven efficiency and focuses on maximizing ROI for every couple.
Specialty/niche: The Simply Elegant Group specializes in “Day-of Plus” and full-service planning for budget-conscious couples who refuse to compromise on quality. They’re known for their “Planner + Savings” model, where discounts from their preferred vendor network often cover a significant portion of the planning fee.
Notable projects or signature style: Their signature style is polished, professional, and adaptable. Because they work with diverse clients, they don’t impose a single aesthetic—instead, they excel at executing the couple’s specific vision within budget. Their work consistently shows that “affordable” doesn’t mean “cheap.”
Pricing: Pricing is customized based on your desired level of planning support and your guest count. Get in touch directly through their site to set up a discovery call.
Why we love them: We love The Simply Elegant Group for their transparency and focus on ROI. Planning a wedding is a significant financial investment, and this team is dedicated to helping you spend wisely. Their unique business model is a game-changer for many couples. Reviews overwhelmingly describe the experience as “stress-free,” with clients confirming that the preferred vendor network saved them “A LOT of money.” Testimonials specifically praise coordinators for keeping clients and vendors updated throughout the day, ensuring a smooth and beautiful event.
Connect with them: Follow The Simply Elegant Group (@simplyelegantxo) on Instagram for a peek into their creative process.
4. Belle Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Belle Events / Jobelle Harris
Jobelle Harris leads Belle Events with a philosophy centered on connection and storytelling. As a planner, she views herself not just as an organizer, but as a confidant and advocate for her couples. Belle Events was born from a desire to create weddings that feel deeply personal and authentic. Jobelle invests time in getting to know the families she works with, understanding their dynamics and traditions so she can weave them into the celebration.
Specialty/niche: Belle Events specializes in creating romantic, personalized wedding experiences with a strong focus on cultural competence. Their niche lies in assisting couples who want to incorporate diverse traditions or complex family dynamics seamlessly. They offer flexible services from month-of coordination to full planning.
Notable projects or signature style: The signature style is warm, inviting, and detail-rich. Jobelle excels at designing spaces that encourage connection among guests. Their timeline management prioritizes family moments, ensuring couples have time to breathe and enjoy the company of loved ones.
Pricing: Their month-day-of coordination starts at $1,200. Partial wedding planning starts at $1,800. Full-service wedding planning investments start at $4,000. Inquire through their website for a custom proposal.
Why we love them: Belle Events stands out for their heart-centered approach to planning. Jobelle Harris treats her clients like family, and that level of care translates into the events she produces. Reviewers consistently rate the firm 5 stars for professionalism and quality of service, describing the staff as “always accessible” and “extremely organized.” Clients specifically highlight their ability to deliver spectacular service even on short notice, with one bride calling it “the best experience a bride could ever ask for.”
Connect with them: Follow Belle Events (@belleevents_hr) on Instagram for a peek into their creative process.
5. Baxter’s Creative Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Baxter’s Creative Events / Sandra Baxter
Sandra Baxter is the visionary behind Baxter’s Creative Events, a firm that prides itself on pushing boundaries of traditional wedding design. With extensive event industry experience, Sandra has cultivated a reputation for being a bold thinker unafraid to try new concepts. She established her company to serve couples who want more than a standard wedding package—they want a custom-built experience.
Specialty/niche: Baxter’s Creative Events specializes in “creative design” and logistical mastery for couples who want a wedding that stands out. Their niche is the unconventional and bold. They cater to clients seeking unique entertainment options, custom fabrication, and thematic elements beyond standard wedding decor.
Notable projects or signature style: Sandra Baxter’s signature style is imaginative and transformative. Events often feature dramatic decor elements such as suspended floral installations, custom-built backdrops, or immersive lighting schemes. The firm has a strong portfolio demonstrating their ability to handle complex setups with ease.
Pricing: Packages and pricing vary depending on your specific needs. Contact them directly through their website for a proposal tailored to your vision.
Why we love them: We love Baxter’s Creative Events for their willingness to push creative boundaries. Sandra Baxter helps clients find their own unique voice, making her a valuable partner for couples wanting their wedding to reflect their personality. With hundreds of 5-star reviews, clients describe the team as “true professionals” who “never leave any stone unturned.” Testimonials emphasize that the team makes the wedding day effortless, with one groom noting that for the wedding party, “it was as easy as showing up” because everything was so well-planned.
Connect with them: Follow Baxter’s Creative Events (@baxterscreativeevents) on Instagram for a peek into their creative process.
6. Will & Rose Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Will & Rose Events / Ricki Lee Hodges
Ricki Lee Hodges founded Will & Rose Events with a dedication to the art of Southern hospitality. Named with a nod to family heritage, the firm embodies the grace and warmth associated with the region. Ricki Lee brings a refined aesthetic and deep respect for etiquette to her planning process. She understands that a wedding is, at its core, a celebration of family and community.
Specialty/niche: Will & Rose Events specializes in the “modern Southern” wedding, blending traditional etiquette with contemporary style. Their niche is elegant, hospitality-focused celebrations often held at country clubs, historic homes, or private estates. They’re experts at managing the guest experience from arrival to departure.
Notable projects or signature style: The signature style is timeless, lush, and inviting. Ricki Lee Hodges brings a polished aesthetic to every project, often utilizing abundant florals, classic table settings with fine linens, and soft ambient lighting. Their work demonstrates a balance of high-end design with a relaxed, welcoming vibe.
Pricing: Investments depend on your vision, guest count, and specific needs. Submit a form through their website to schedule a consultation.
Why we love them: Will & Rose Events captures the essence of Virginia charm. We love their focus on hospitality—Ricki Lee understands that a wedding is not just about how things look, but how people feel. Clients rave about the team’s “timely and encouraging communication” throughout the entire planning journey. Reviews highlight their organizational prowess and ability to “nail the decor,” with couples noting that the team has “the best contacts” in the industry and consistently exceeds expectations.
Connect with them: Follow Will & Rose Events (@willandroseevents) on Instagram for a peek into their creative process.
7. RSG Wedding & Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: RSG Wedding & Events / Shaw Greenwald
Shaw Greenwald leads RSG Wedding & Events with a dynamic, hands-on approach that’s made her a favorite among couples wanting a high-energy celebration. Shaw is known for managing “organized chaos,” tackling complex logistics and large wedding parties with confidence and humor. She founded RSG with the goal of taking the burden off the couple entirely, allowing them to be fully present.
Specialty/niche: RSG Wedding & Events specializes in high-energy, meticulously planned celebrations that prioritize fun and flow. Their niche includes managing complex timelines, multiple location changes, and large guest counts. They’re the go-to planners for couples who want a party that feels spontaneous but runs on a tight schedule.
Notable projects or signature style: Shaw Greenwald’s signature style is vibrant and celebratory. RSG weddings often feature colorful design elements, lively entertainment, and a focus on the dance floor. They ensure the energy of the event matches the excitement of the couple.
Pricing: Packages vary based on your desired level of support. Contact them through their website to share your vision and receive a tailored quote.
Why we love them: We love RSG Wedding & Events for their energy and reliability. Shaw Greenwald is a planner who gets things done, and their proactive approach ensures nothing falls through the cracks. Reviewers frequently refer to Shaw and her team as “lifesavers,” praising their calm demeanor and attention to detail. Clients report that the team’s organizational skills made the planning process a success, with one testimonial stating they “cannot imagine our day without them” and that they made the wedding “a dream come true.”
Connect with them: Follow RSG Wedding & Events (@rsgweddings.events) on Instagram for a peek into their creative process.
8. Storybook Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Storybook Events / Ivory Morgan-Burton
Ivory Morgan-Burton is a veteran of the Hampton Roads event industry, and her firm, Storybook Events, is synonymous with grandeur and elegance. With years of experience, Ivory has cultivated deep relationships with the region’s top vendors and venues. She established Storybook Events to provide concierge-level service for discerning couples who dream of a “fairytale” wedding.
Specialty/niche: Storybook Events specializes in luxury planning and design for couples seeking grand, opulent celebrations. They’re experts at transforming large spaces such as hotel ballrooms into intimate, magical settings using lighting, draping, and custom fabrication. Their service is comprehensive, designed for couples wanting a planner to manage every aspect.
Notable projects or signature style: The signature style is dramatic, romantic, and luxurious. Ivory Morgan-Burton’s work often features floor-to-ceiling draping, crystal chandeliers, and lush, towering floral centerpieces. They’re known for creating “wow” moments, such as grand entrances, that leave guests talking long after the event ends.
Pricing: Since Storybook Events offers bespoke packages tailored to couples’ specific needs, it’s best to get in touch through their website to receive a custom quote.
Why we love them: We love Storybook Events for their ambition and experience. Ivory Morgan-Burton is a staple in the local industry, and if you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels like a royal affair, Storybook Events has the expertise to make it happen. Reviews emphasize the team’s “amazing talent” in floral design and their honest, determined approach to meeting client needs. Couples appreciate their punctuality and ability to execute unique, creative visions, with one client noting that Ivory is “determined to see to our last detail.”
Connect with them: Follow Storybook Events (@storybookeventsnewchapter) on Instagram for a peek into their creative process.
9. Howerton + Wooten Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Howerton + Wooten Events / Kawania Wooten
Kawania Wooten is the powerhouse behind Howerton + Wooten Events, a firm that has garnered national acclaim for its executive-level planning services. Kawania is an industry educator and leader who brings a high degree of business acumen to event production. She specializes in working with busy professionals, executives, and professional athletes—clients who demand discretion, precision, and efficiency.
Specialty/niche: Howerton + Wooten Events specializes in “concierge-style” planning for high-profile and high-net-worth clients. They’re experts at producing multi-day event experiences, managing guest transportation, and coordinating complex itineraries. They cater to clients who view their wedding as an experience for guests.
Notable projects or signature style: The signature style is modern, sophisticated, and impeccably organized. Kawania Wooten produces weddings that are visually striking but never cluttered. Their work often features bespoke design elements custom-made for the client, ensuring a truly unique aesthetic.
Pricing: According to Zola, full-service wedding planning pricing starts at $17,000, plus a percentage of total wedding costs.
Why we love them: We love Howerton + Wooten Events for their elite level of service. Kawania Wooten’s expertise shines through in every event she touches. For couples who require discretion, high-level organization, and a flawless guest experience, this firm is the gold standard. Clients consistently describe the team as “professional and on top of it” from day one. Reviews highlight their ability to reduce stress, with one client claiming to be “the least stressed bride I know” thanks to their collaboration. They are also praised for working with “the best of the best vendors.”
Connect with them: Follow Howerton + Wooten Events (@howertonwooten) on Instagram for a peek into their creative process.
Finding a Virginia Beach planner
Finding the right planner in Virginia Beach can feel overwhelming because the options are so diverse. You have planners who specialize in barefoot beach ceremonies and others who focus on black-tie ballroom affairs. To help you narrow down your choices, here are practical tips for evaluating potential planners in this specific market.
1. Test their knowledge of neighborhood logistics
Virginia Beach is geographically large and diverse, and so are its wedding venues! A wedding at the Oceanfront has completely different logistical requirements than a wedding in Pungo or Sandbridge.
Don’t just ask if they know Virginia Beach—test their knowledge. Ask specific questions:
- “How do you handle guest transport for a Sandbridge wedding when most hotels are at the Oceanfront?”
- “What are the noise restrictions for outdoor receptions in the North End neighborhoods versus the Croatan area?”
- “How does the jet noise from Oceana Naval Air Station impact ceremony timing at [Specific Venue]?”
A planner with real local experience will answer immediately and offer alternatives. Vague responses like “we’ll figure it out” are red flags. Ask them to walk you through how they would handle guest arrival at a venue with limited parking during tourist season. Their answer reveals whether they’ve actually managed events across the city.
2. Check how they navigate peak season conflicts
Virginia Beach is a major tourist destination, and the city hosts massive events that can paralyze traffic and book up hotel blocks years in advance.
Ask prospective planners: “How do you handle vendor availability and traffic during major city events?”
The right answer includes specific strategies: backup routes for vendors, early booking timelines for hotels, and knowledge of the city’s event calendar. They should mention Virginia Beach’s specific events by name—such as the Something in the Water festival, the Neptune Festival, or the East Coast Surfing Championships—without you prompting them.
Follow up with: “Can you show me an example of an event you planned during a high-traffic weekend?” Review their solution—did they arrange shuttle buses? Did they adjust the ceremony start time? Their past problem-solving reveals their real expertise.
3. Assess their crisis management for coastal weather
The weather in Virginia Beach can be unpredictable. Summer brings humidity and thunderstorms, while late summer and fall bring the potential for hurricanes and nor’easters.
Ask about backup plans: “What happens if a hurricane warning or severe thunderstorm hits the week of our event?”
Experienced Virginia Beach planners have protocols ready: relationships with tent companies that have high wind ratings, indoor backup venues that can be activated on short notice, and communication templates for guests. Ask: “Can you walk me through how you handled a weather crisis for a past client?”
Listen for specifics: Did they have to move a beach ceremony indoors? How did they handle the transition? Did they have sidewalls ready for the tent? Generic “we’re flexible” responses indicate they haven’t stress-tested their process in real coastal conditions.
4. Evaluate their vendor network depth
The Hampton Roads wedding industry is a tight-knit community. The best planners have deep relationships with the best florists, caterers, and rental companies.
Ask: “Which local rental companies and caterers do you work with regularly, and why?”
Strong planners will name 3-5 vendors per category and explain the relationship: “We work with [Vendor X] because they have the best inventory of coastal-chic furniture,” or “We love [Caterer Y] because they specialize in local seafood sourcing.” Then ask: “What happens if they are booked?”
The depth of their backup list matters. In a busy market like Virginia Beach, top vendors book up quickly. You need a planner who can make a phone call and get a favor, or who knows the hidden gem vendors that aren’t on the first page of Google. Ask for introduction calls with key vendors to gauge the chemistry and respect between them and the planner.
Planning a wedding in Virginia Beach
Planning a wedding in Virginia Beach is all about timing and geography. The ocean is the main attraction, but it dictates everything from traffic patterns to hairstyles.
Factors to consider:
- Weather patterns: The best months for outdoor events are typically May, June, September, and October. July and August can be intensely hot and humid, requiring heavy-duty air conditioning for tents or indoor venues.
- Tourism peaks: Avoid major holiday weekends (Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day) if you want to save on hotel blocks for guests. Prices skyrocket during these times.
- The Bridge-Tunnel: If you have guests flying into Richmond or driving from the north, they must cross the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT). In summer, this tunnel can have backups of 1-2 hours. Plan your ceremony time accordingly or encourage guests to arrive a day early.
- Jet noise: Virginia Beach is home to NAS Oceana. Jet noise is “the sound of freedom,” but it can also drown out your vows. Check with your venue about typical flight patterns and times.
- Beach permits: A beach wedding permit is required for a ceremony that will section off an area of a public beach for exclusive use, will have equipment or will have more than 200 attendees. Beach Wedding Ceremony applications have a processing fee of $200 and applications are due 45 business days prior to the event date. Apply through the City of Virginia Beach Resort Management website.
- Marriage license: No blood tests or witnesses are required. The license must be used within 60 days of the date of issue or it will expire. The fee for the license is $30. Visit the Virginia Beach Circuit Court Clerk’s Office marriage page for applications and requirements.
- Construction: The oceanfront is constantly evolving. Check the City of Virginia Beach events and road closure updates for road closures or construction projects near your venue.
Major events to avoid:
Be wary of booking your wedding during these massive local events unless you want to compete for hotel rooms and road space. Check the Visit Virginia Beach official events calendar for current dates:
- Something in the Water Festival: (Dates vary, typically April/May)
- Patriotic Festival: (Usually late May/early June)
- North American Sand Soccer Championships: (June)
- East Coast Surfing Championships: (August)
- Neptune Festival: (Late September)
Expert advice: If you’re not a local, don’t underestimate the humidity. It affects fondant cakes, paper goods, and hairstyles. Defer to your local planner on timing—they know exactly when the sun sets and when the sea breeze kicks in.
FAQs: Virginia Beach weddings
When should I hire a Virginia Beach wedding planner?
You should hire a planner as soon as you have your date, ideally 12 months in advance. Virginia Beach is a popular destination, and top planners often book up more than a year out, especially for dates in May, June, and October.
How much does a wedding planner cost in Virginia Beach?
Costs vary widely based on experience and service level. Month-of coordination typically starts around $2,000-$3,000, while full-service planning and design can range from $5,000 to over $10,000, or a percentage of your total budget (usually 15-20%).
Do I need a planner if my venue has a coordinator?
Yes. A venue coordinator works for the venue—their job is to protect the property and ensure the food is served. An independent wedding planner works for you. They handle your timeline, your design, your family dynamics, and all external vendors.
Why hire a local Virginia Beach planner versus bringing someone from out of town?
A local planner knows the specific challenges of the area, such as which beaches require permits, which roads flood during high tide, and how to navigate the bridge-tunnel traffic. They also have established relationships with local vendors, which can save you money and stress.
Great events start with standout spaces—and the people who bring them to life
Extraordinary weddings don’t just happen—they’re built on the foundation of a great team and the perfect setting. Virginia Beach offers endless possibilities, from the crashing waves of the Atlantic to the quiet elegance of the bay. The expert planners on this list know how to harness the unique energy of this coastal city to create a celebration that’s authentically yours.
Whether you’re looking for a sun-drenched loft for your bridal shower, a private estate for your rehearsal dinner, or a gallery space for your reception, Peerspace connects you with unique Virginia Beach wedding venues that provide the perfect backdrop for your celebration.
If you have feedback on our list, our team would love to hear from you. Reach us anytime at [email protected] with suggestions, corrections, or additions.
