If you’ve ever dreamed of eloping in a place that feels like the rolling vineyards of Tuscany but with the charm of North Carolina’s countryside, Raffaldini Vineyards is the perfect destination. Nestled in the heart of Yadkin Valley wine country, this breathtaking vineyard with Italian-inspired architecture offers a romantic, intimate setting for couples looking to say “I do” surrounded by scenic views and world-class wines.
Often called the “Napa of the East,” Yadkin Valley is a hidden gem for wine lovers and couples seeking a breathtaking elopement location. The region’s gently rolling hills, lush vineyards, and panoramic Blue Ridge Mountain views create a stunning backdrop for an intimate wedding. Whether you’re looking for golden-hour romance or a misty, dreamy morning ceremony, the beauty of this area never disappoints.
Raffaldini Vineyards transports you straight to the countryside of Italy. Inspired by the owner’s deep-rooted Italian heritage, the vineyard exudes old-world charm with its Tuscan-style villa, cypress-lined pathways, and acres of picturesque vines. The estate’s stunning architecture, terracotta rooftops, and sun-drenched terraces make it one of the most romantic places in North Carolina to elope.
Raffaldini Vineyards is often referred to as “Chianti in the Carolinas” for its Old World charm and dedication to traditional Italian winemaking. The vineyard sits on a hilltop with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, making it one of the most breathtaking locations in the region. Here’s why Raffaldini is a dream elopement spot:
Eloping at Raffaldini means you can focus on what truly matters—your love story. Whether you envision a private vow exchange with just the two of you or a small celebration with a handful of loved ones, this vineyard provides the perfect mix of elegance and tranquility. It’s the perfect blend of the finer things in life but has the quintessential southern charm you expect in NC. You can even bring your furry friends to your elopement at Raffaldini!
To make your day even more special, Golden Hour Elopements can arrange a luxury charcuterie picnic among the vines, complete with a gourmet charcuterie board, local cheeses, and, of course, a bottle of Raffaldini’s finest wine. Imagine toasting to your forever while soaking in the beauty of this vineyard paradise.
If you’re looking for a romantic, European-inspired elopement without leaving the USA, Raffaldini Vineyards is the perfect place. With its incredible scenery, rich wines, and intimate charm, your wedding day will be nothing short of magical. NC is a fantastic vacation destination with all sorts of activities and attractions for both nature lovers and city folks. NC is perfect for your honeymoon or for a family trip. We recommend eloping on a weekday since it is less busy than the weekend, and you can celebrate all week long & enjoy weekend activities!
Allie and Juan left us this sweet review:
“We cannot possibly give enough praise and thanks to Jenny and Golden Hour Elopements! In the words of our son, the work deserves “three hundred stars!”
After our wedding plans were completely swiped clean due to the effects of Hurricane Helene just two weeks before our intended day, we had to quickly pivot to a new plan. That’s where Jenny came in. Immediately, from our first conversation on the phone together, I felt both at ease and excited by new possibilities. Jenny and her team went truly above and beyond to put together a spectacular day that exceeded all of our dreams; from the beautiful venue to the smallest details, they handled it all – even with such a tight schedule.
And while all of the planning and special touches were hugely impressive, what meant the most to us was how everyone made us feel. Jenny formed the most special group of people who truly left us feeling very lucky. Not only did they fully embrace my partner and I, but they eagerly welcomed our son and puppy. Our officiant, Jay Webb, put together the perfect ceremony that highlighted the significance of our marriage for our son. And Jenny surprised us with the most adorably personalized treat assortment for our pup.
What a day it was for all of us. We were completely beyond satisfied, and all we can say is that the photographs are icing on the cake. Jenny’s images beautifully captured our special day, and we are so thankful to have these images to look back on forever.
Thank you Golden Hour Elopements. I cannot recommend your services enough!”
At Golden Hour Elopements, we believe that eloping should be stress-free, joyful, and completely tailored to you. We are a team of seasoned elopement professionals who are dedicated to making your day feel magical and effortless. Our goal? To handle every detail so you can focus on celebrating your love.
We offer a full-service elopement experience, with packages we put together just for you, so you can get exactly what you want and nothing you don’t. Our services include:
📋Planning & Coordinating – Don’t worry yourself trying to pick vendors & coordinate timelines ✨Officiant – A warm, meaningful ceremony that feels true to you
📷 Photography & Video – Stunning professional imagery to capture every moment
📱 Content Creation – Behind-the-scenes clips so you can share your day in real-time
💐 Flowers – A beautiful bouquet and boutonniere fresh picked from a local farm
🍰 Cake & Charcuterie – A delicious, intimate celebration with gourmet treats
And that’s just the beginning. We tailor every experience to match your vision, whether it’s a cozy picnic for just the two of you or a family affair at the vineyard.
Jenny is your go-to person for planning your elopement, and she gets it—she eloped herself! Even an intimate elopement requires some planning and know-how, and with 16 years in the NC wedding industry, she has the experience, connections, and insider knowledge to make your day feel effortless. She’s been around the block (literally—this may not be your first rodeo, and we love that). She understands the beauty of a second marriage, the joy of a fresh start, and the importance of celebrating love your way.
Whether you’re planning a vow renewal, a proposal, or a brand-new beginning, she’ll be there to walk you through every step. Jenny is married to her soulmate, Mike, and has a blended family that includes their four children (ages 3-11) and a chocolate lab named June. We are big fans of having children and pets along at Golden Hour Elopements! 🐕 If you aren’t sure, we can help walk you through the pros and cons of having guests, kids and dogs at your elopement. No judgement here. We are here to support you and help you have the best experience possible. We are experts at planning things out, going with the flow in the moment, and managing a little bit of chaos to help make your wedding day something to savor. 😄💛
Every member of our team prioritizes kindness, professionalism, and making sure you feel at home with us. We’re experienced, personable, relaxed, fun, and—most importantly—we know how to make your elopement incredible. We serve NC, SC, and VA and can help you choose the perfect spot based on your vision.
So, if you’re dreaming of eloping at a breathtaking vineyard like Raffaldini, let’s make it happen. Love. Wine. The Blue Ridge Mountains. Golden sunsets. It doesn’t get more romantic than this. 🍷💍✨
When planning your visit to Raffaldini Vineyards in Ronda, North Carolina, you’ll find a variety of charming accommodations nearby. Here are some options to consider in Winston-Salem or Greensboro for a city feel:
The Kimpton Cardinal Hotel in Winston-Salem
The Graylyn Estate in Winston-Salem
The Historic Brookstown Inn in Winston-Salem
The O.Henry Hotel in Greensboro
The Proximity Hotel in Greensboro
Or you can get a room with a view in the mountains:
Swancreek A Frame for 4 guests
1945 Farmhouse Charm! Mountain Meadow Farmhouse for 8 guests
Riverfront Retreat on the New River for 7 guests
Home in Glade Valley with mountain view for 6 guests
Sparta Luxury Mountain Retreat for 14 guests
Old Beau Resort & Golf Club is less than 40 minutes away and has several wonderful properties, big and small. I have rented a large house there before, and the hot tub with the mountain view was the BEST. If you enjoy golf, the course at Old Beau is a must-do. My uncle used to be the golf pro there and several generations of my family have lived on a property within walking distance of Old Beau. Roaring Gap, NC, is my favorite place in the world!
Since Raffaldini does not have a restaurant on site, you will need to go elsewhere for a sit down meal. Golden Hour Elopements can provide a charcuterie picnic, but if you want something more substantial for your elopement, you can book a private dining room at the O.Henry Hotel in Greensboro. It is about an hour away and would be fantastic if you plan to have a few guests and want to treat them to a very special meal. The Merchants and Manufacturers Room at the O. Henry Hotel looks like a subterranean wine cellar straight out of Italy and is perfect for groups of 12 or less who want an intimate, fine-dining experience. The Green Valley Grill is the restaurant on site at the O.Henry Hotel and would be another great option if you don’t want a more public space. They also offer afternoon tea and a delicious breakfast, which would be perfect after a sunrise elopement ceremony or vow renewal at Raffaldini.
Printworks Bistro at the Proximity Hotel is another fantastic restaurant, and they also have private dining rooms available. The Latham Room would be perfect for a sit down dinner of up to 26 people.
For more upscale fare, take the 45 min trip to Winston-Salem:
Stone Mountain State Park for hiking, camping, fishing, rock climbing, and more.
The Blue Ridge Parkway for the prettiest drive in NC, hiking, and picnicking.
Zaloos Canoes on the New River for kayak, canoe, tube rental and shuttles.
Uncorked Touring Company for wine tours
Cobblestone Farmers Market in Winston-Salem for an amazing variety of locally grown food
Reynolda House Museum of American Art, Gardens, Village Shops and Restaurants
The Reeves Theater Live Music Bar & Events
To obtain a marriage license in North Carolina, both parties must apply in person at the Register of Deeds office, providing valid photo identification and proof of a Social Security number. The license is valid for 60 days and can be used in any county within the state. We highly recommend calling ahead to confirm their hours and ask any questions in advance. Be sure to bring the required paperwork, as it’s essential for the office to issue your marriage license, which you’ll need on your elopement day. We’re happy to guide you through this process and can help you find the closest office based on where you’ll be staying.
Here are few offices near Raffaldini:
Forsyth County Register of Deeds in Winston-Salem
Surry County Register of Deeds
Yadkin County Register of Deeds
We hope this has been helpful! Fill out the contact form on our website to get more information. We will send you a questionnaire to get a better feel for what you envision for your elopement and will send you personalized location suggestions and package options. Cheers!