Affordable Bachelor & Bachelorette Trip Ideas That Won’t Break the Bank
Weddings can add up quickly—but that doesn’t mean you have to skip the fun. Planning a bachelor or bachelorette trip that’s exciting, memorable, and affordable is possible—you just need a little creativity and the right location.
At Valley Mills Farm, we often host couples and wedding parties who build their wedding weekend around budget-friendly group getaways. If you’re looking to celebrate with your favorite people without maxing out your credit card, here are some affordable bachelor and bachelorette trip ideas that won’t break the bank.
🏞️ 1. Shenandoah Valley Cabin Weekend
Why it works: A cozy cabin or Airbnb in the Shenandoah Valley splits easily among guests, offers gorgeous views, and gives you space to relax, cook, and enjoy the outdoors.
What to do:
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Visit local wineries or breweries
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Have a DIY spa day or poker night
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Use our nearby hiking trails or float down the Shenandoah River
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End the day around the fire pit with s’mores or a wine tasting
Budget tip: Bring your own groceries and drinks to save on dining out.
📍 Local Bonus: Valley Mills Farm is just minutes from cozy cabin rentals and outdoor adventure—perfect if you’re getting married here and want to tie in your celebration.
🍷 2. Local Winery or Brewery Crawl
Why it works: Virginia is full of amazing wineries, cideries, and craft breweries—many of which have no cover charge and offer tastings at low cost.
What to do:
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Hop between Route 151 favorites like Bold Rock, Blue Mountain Brewery, and Veritas
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Pack a picnic to share
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Bring a Bluetooth speaker and enjoy live music at several locations
Budget tip: Book a van or designate a driver. If your group is small, carpooling works great too!
Tour local wineries
⛺ 3. Glamping or Group Camping
Why it works: Spend quality time outdoors without spending big. Virginia state parks offer budget-friendly cabin rentals, tent sites, and even glamping yurts!
What to do:
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Stargazing and storytelling
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Team games like capture the flag or cornhole
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Campfire cocktails and cookouts
Budget tip: Bring your own supplies and divide costs. It’s rustic, fun, and Instagram-worthy.
🎤 4. DIY House Party or Backyard Bash
Why it works: If your wedding crew is staying at a rental home or one of our preferred partner lodges, you can throw an epic celebration on-site.
What to do:
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Host a themed dinner or karaoke night
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Set up a movie projector outdoors
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Plan DIY mixology or tasting competitions
Budget tip: Use Dollar Store or Amazon decorations and assign everyone a dish or drink to bring. You’ll save hundreds compared to bar-hopping in a city.
Celebrate under the lights🧖 5. Spa Day & Brunch in a Small Town
Why it works: A mini retreat for the gals or guys—without hotel bills or airfare. Spend the day in a charming town like Staunton, Waynesboro, or Harrisonburg.
What to do:
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Start with a group yoga session
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Book massages or facials at a local day spa
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Hit brunch spots like The By&By or Heritage Bakery
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Stroll the boutiques or antique shops
Budget tip: Book group packages for discounts or choose a spa with a sauna or hot tub included in the day rate.
💃 6. One-Night Mini Getaway
Why it works: Not everyone can afford a full weekend away—but even one night out can be a blast. Choose a local destination 1–2 hours away and keep things simple.
What to do:
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Rent a large Airbnb for one night only
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Go dancing, bar hopping, or see a live show
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Wind down with brunch the next morning before heading home
Budget tip: Focus on quality time, not quantity. One amazing night can still feel like a full celebration.
✨ Bonus Idea: Combine It with Your Wedding Weekend
If you’re getting married at Valley Mills Farm, turn your wedding weekend into your bachelor or bachelorette celebration, too!
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Host a pre-wedding pizza night or bonfire
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Plan a separate day for the bride or groom with optional group outings
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Let everyone stay on or near the venue to keep travel simple
Why it works: You’re already bringing everyone together. This saves time, travel, and money while still giving you that special “last hurrah” moment.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Bachelor and bachelorette trips don’t have to be expensive to be unforgettable. Whether you’re relaxing in the mountains or sipping wine in the Valley, it’s all about celebrating the people you love—with fun, flexibility, and a little creativity.
Planning a wedding in Virginia? Ask us how Valley Mills Farm can be part of your wedding weekend experience, or connect with our local partners for lodging, tastings, and more.
📩 Contact us to learn more about hosting your pre-wedding celebration at Valley Mills Farm!
We hope to use our platform to create awareness for the value of supporting locally owned wedding venues. You can help support amazing locally owned wedding venues across the country by writing a Google review, following their social media accounts and referring locally owned wedding venues whenever you have the opportunity. We sincerely appreciate your support and want to share a shout out to some of our wedding venue owner colleagues around the country such as: Kinsey Events; The Barn at Ballard Creek; The English Barn; Cabins on Strawberry Hill; The Vintage Rose Barn
