Richmond is such a unique and fun city with a huge personality. There is always something going on. We are a southern city with a foodie and artsy vibe. Depending on what you are looking for there is something for everyone. Richmond is about an hour and a half from Washington DC, and about an hour from Charlottesville. Being so close to other great cities makes Richmond a central hub for out of town guests.
This list is compiled of venues that I have had an event at, done a photo shoot with, or toured. I would love to work at all of them again. They were selected on their aesthetic, the professionalism of the staff, the logistical aspects, and their value. I pride my services on great design and great experiences. These venues, with the guidance of an experienced planner, deliver all that we look for when recommending venues to our couples.
These venues are not listed in any particular order, feel free to click through to read the blog post, or send over a note with any questions.
Pro Tip: Richmond is affectionately referred to by locals as RVA. If you are searching Instagram or other social media platforms you may want to also use that phrase.
Best Wedding Venues Near Richmond Virginia
Upper Shirley Vineyards
Upper Shirley Vineyards is an estate, winery, restaurant, and wedding venue right on the James River. The venue is gorgeous. It is clean and modern, something that Richmond desperately needed. When you walk in the first thing you notice is all of the natural light. This is a photographer’s dream come true. The walls are white, the floors are dark and the windows are large.
There is a large covered veranda on the back that is great for all seasons. In the summer it opens to the sprawling lawn overlooking the water. In the winter it can be heated up with the various fire pits and heat lamps. If you prefer to dance the night away under the stars there is a large stone patio on the lawn that is perfect for an outdoor reception.
The indoor reception space can hold up to 300 guests. Your guests can enjoy views of the river while sitting in mahogany Chivari chairs. The catering is provided onsite, with an extensive wine list and expert pairings. The menus are seasonal and can be catered to fit your specific event.
When you book an event at Upper Shirley Vineyards you have access to the whole venue. This includes one of the nicest bridal suites in town. There is a built-in makeup counter, luxurious seating area, chandeliers, and huge windows that just pour in natural light. There is also a groom’s den that is decked out to the nines. The grooms’ den is very masculine with leather sofas and darts for the guys to play while they are waiting for their moment.
To read more about this venue check out our Venue Tour Post.
If you would like to see the venue styled check out our Leather and Lace shoot.
This venue also does really well with a more traditional, classic style. You don’t have to have leather linens and ultraviolet florals. 🙂
Quirk
This hotel is super fun. I mean seriously who doesn’t love an art-focused, pink hotel, that was built in a converted luxury department store? There are several unique art pieces on each floor, the rooms are modern, and the beds are made from refurbished wood. Quirk even has it’s own custom blend coffee, you have to go check it out, it’s pretty good.
Quirk offers a variety of choices for your perfect wedding or event. The locations are the Gallery Courtyard, The Mezzanine, and The Rooftop. They each have their own charm and are great for different styles. There is an on-site restaurant, Maple and Pine, and an art gallery with a shop.
Quirk has a great vibe and photographs really well.
Check out some lifestyle shoots we did here and here.
Burlington Plantation
This venue is gorgeous. Stables have been converted into a gorgeous ballroom. High ceilings, natural light, chandeliers, I could go on. There is also a mezzanine level overlooking the main floor. This space has a large staircase that is just so pretty for photos. The mezzanine is a perfect space for a lounge, wedding party entrances, and a grand entrance from the couple. The capacity for the ballroom is roughly 500 standing, and 300 seated.
On the property, there is a sunken garden area that is just perfect for an outdoor ceremony. There are a grooms room and a bridal suite. Both suites are outfitted for your wedding party to get ready in, spend some time with your VIPs, and get some of those coveted getting ready shots.
One of the most unique buildings on the property, and of course my favorite, is the Ice House Bar. This is an outfitted bar that was built on a circa 1700 brick ice pit. This is such a great spot for photos, wedding party moments, and signature cocktails. The grounds are stunning and I’m sure your guests would love to pop in as they are walking around enjoying the cocktail hour.
To read more about this venue check out our Venue Tour Post.
Seven Springs
Everything at Seven Springs is so thought out and each detail was centered around creating an amazing experience for the couples. It has a sense of nostalgia and genuine authenticity. I love that they have paid such close attention to the Virginia roots and that they have made it such a warm and inviting atmosphere to get married.
With ties to Virginia, they have Hog Island Sheep on the property. These wooly creatures add a bit of fun and whimsy to your event. As you and your fiancé are framed up by two gorgeous magnolia trees saying your I do’s, the sheep will be getting ready for their photo op. There is nothing more adorable than a couple so in love and some wooly sheep.
There is an onsite cottage, perfect for getting ready, spending the weekend with friends, and farm to table dinners. They have also added a pavilion for outdoor events complete with bistro lighting for just the perfect ambiance.
To see more about this venue check out our post here
VMFA
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts has so many spaces available with several different styles. The first venue is the one I’m sure most people think of when they think of the VMFA. The main museum has a gorgeous marble hall. The walls and floor are a rose/peach marble color with open staircases and large white columns. At first glance, this may look like a challenging space to style. If you are not a designer I would suggest hiring a planner or designer. This space can be fabulous if you work with the space, not against it. The Marble Hall can hold up to 250 guests for a seated dinner.
If you are more of a modern couple you will probably be most interested in the Cohran Atrium. The atrium is very modern and clear with slate-colored floors and white walls. There are glass staircases and walkways that would make for a great entrance. With the walls of windows, you can enjoy the views outside and of the sculpture garden. This space will sometimes host art exhibits so be sure you are aware of the schedule when you are selecting your wedding date. The Cohran Atrium can hold up to 300 guests for a seated dinner.
When you are looking for a venue for a smaller crowd, or a pre-wedding event don’t forget about the Amuse Restaurant located on the upper level of the VMFA. This contemporary space is great for a bridal shower, bachelorette bash, rehearsal dinner, or a more intimate wedding. The furniture stays and has a very modern-chic style. There are a private dining space and a conference room that can be converted into more seating or a dance area. The floor to ceiling windows overlooks the lawn and structure gardens.
For the more traditional couples, there is always the Pauley Center. The Pauley Center is across the lawn from the museum and was designed to look like the White House in DC. This venue has a large, traditional dining room, an event room, and a slate terrace. The decor is very traditional and classic.
To read more about this venue check out our Venue Tour Post.
If you would like to see the venue styled check out our Faberge Egg Ballet inspired shoot here.
John Marshall Ballrooms
Elegant, Grand, Classic. “The Finest Hotel in the South.” These are all words used to describe The John Marshall Ballrooms. Your guests will be awestruck by the lobby space with its classic black and tan decor and it’s inviting lounge furniture. As your guests arrive, this is a great space for some pre-ceremony cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Once it is time to seat your guests for the ceremony they will be escorted into the Marshall Ballroom. With it’s NINE dazzling vintage crystal chandeliers, floor to ceiling windows, and intricate molding, this ballroom provides the perfect atmosphere for your nuptials. If you have a smaller event this room can be rented separately of The Virginia Ballroom. The Marshall Ballroom can hold up to 150 guests for a plated dinner, or 250 guests for food stations with limited seating.
Included in your rental rate are tables, chairs, bone china, crystal glassware, brocade linens, and flatware. The chairs and linens are a light gold/cream color and are actually pretty nice. If that isn’t your jam you can just rent in your own. When you have great table decor, and some fabulous lighting, the whole space transforms. You can also rent the bridal suite and the club room. The club room is the epitome of a man cave. It’s has a pool table, TVs, a large bar, and great lounge furniture for the guys. It makes for great photos and it is always so nice when a venue thinks of the guys. Grooms are important too. Once the sun has set, head up to the roof to the vintage marquee for some fabulous photos.
Check out our venue tour post here
Or you can see a wedding we have done here.
The Jefferson
The cornerstone of Richmond Va. The Jefferson has been hosting luxury weddings since 1895. With the gorgeous Rotunda for cocktail hours, the sprawling staircase for a grand entrance and portraits, and the recently renovated ballrooms, this is a venue that makes a statement.
The Jefferson is managed by a team of top-notch professionals where service is key. For those couples who may be traveling from out of town, or who would prefer that everything is in-house, The Jefferson Hotel offers several services. The Blooms at The Jefferson can provide florals for special events and weddings, Salon Vivace offers hair, make, up and spa treatments, the caterers can create anything you desire and they offer wedding cakes. The wedding cakes are made in-house by pastry chefs who can customize your wedding cake to your heart’s desire.
The ballrooms can hold 360 guests for a seated dinner or up to 450 for cocktail receptions. They also have a restaurant downstairs, The Lemaire, that is available for more intimate affairs. The Lemaire Restaurant can hold up to 60 guests. Located in downtown Richmond, The Jefferson hotel is close to dining, entertainment, and all things that Richmond has to offer.
Check out our venue tour post here.
The Mill at Fine Creek
This 10-acre site has everything you need to make your day perfect. The grounds have gorgeous gardens, trees, pathways, and a babbling granite creek. The old mill ruins offer a truly unique and historic site for your ceremony. The large gray stone of the old mill is covered with greenery and makes for a gorgeous backdrop for your ceremony. Once you have taken your photos along the creek and gotten married at the mill you can move your guests into the Main Room for the reception.
The Main Room can accommodate up to 180 guests for a buffet and 150 for a plated dinner. Included in the rental fee are all of the upgrades you would need for a classy affair. All of the food is prepared on site and from scratch by the owner herself. If you are having a buffet it will be set up in the stone buffet room. There is a permanent bar that is stocked with local craft beer, local wine, and top-shelf liquor.
The Mill at Fine Creek has recently added on to their property. They now have guest suites and a brewery on site. The guest cottages can be rented separate of the event space and the brewery is open to the public.
Check out our venue tour post here.
To see this venue styled check out our shoot here.
Main Street Station
Main Street Station opened in 1901 as “one of the most architecturally attractive stations in the nation.” It is located downtown in Shockoe Botton off of Main Street. The area is experiencing a great overhaul and I am so excited to see what Richmond does.
The shed is larger than a football field. It is 47,000 Square Feet. The room is 500 feet long by 100 feet wide with 270 degree clear views. This world-class event space consists of enclosed glass walls that give amazing views of downtown Richmond. The floor has places where you can see the train tracks, and there is a large balcony off the back. There are so many things that can be done in this space. The glass walls are a huge bonus, the open floor plan, and all of the fun features make this an event space that will be hard to compete with. The space can hold 3,000 people, 2,000 for a seated dinner.
In addition to the shed, there is the clock tower train station. This building is as iconic as it is gorgeous. In the 1990s there was a major restoration project underway that restored this French Renaissance architecture to its original grandeur. This is where you will get some amazing photos. The station’s occupancy is 728 if you are to host an event that involves dancing, dinner, etc. the occupancy is 393.
Check out our venue tour here.
Tuckahoe Plantation
Tuckahoe Plantation is the perfect venue to highlight the beauty and history of Richmond. Whether you have your ceremony downtown, or on-site your guest will get to experience the city, its history, and its charm. Classical elegance and southern hospitality are what you will get with Tuckahoe Plantation. Built in 1733 The 2-story colonial plantation house thrives in historical grandeur with its flourishing gardens and extensive grounds. It is the perfect setting for the traditional wedding experience.
Tuckahoe Plantation is located just 20 minutes from downtown Richmond, Virginia. It was the boyhood home of Thomas Jefferson and is a National Historic Landmark. It is protected by a preservation easement that was donated by the owners. This venue will forever be preserved by the plantation’s National Historic Landmark title.
This venue is a local favorite and is very popular with the surrounding Universities. With it’s ties to historic Richmond, and Thomas Jefferson, this is a favorite with the alumni of The University of Richmond and the University of Virginia.
Tuckahoe Plantation is an exclusively outdoor venue. So just be aware of the seasons and have some backup weather plans. It will hold up to 500 guests, so you won’t need to worry about anyone feeling cramped.
Check out the venue tour here
Dover Hall
There was so much detail and thought put into the building and decorating of this house. It’s definitely done on a maximalist scale. It has bold colors, unique textures, luxe materials, and extravagant chandeliers. There is a medieval feeling wine cellar in the basement which will guarantee that your guests will never be without a drink. The lawns are manicured and expansive, and there is a pool that would look fantastic lit up for an evening cocktail hour.
Not only is this a unique, classic, yet still bold venue, but it’s super convenient to all of the major cities. Dover Hall is conveniently located in between Richmond and Charlottesville, and a two-hour drive from Washington, DC. Your guests would love to walk around the estate, drink in hand, and catch up with old friends.
Dover Hall has a gorgeous dining room that is great for hosting brunch or rehearsal dinner. There are 30 rooms available onsite for your wedding party and your guests. The wedding wing is available for rent for getting ready and staying the night for the couple.
Check out our venue tour here.
To see this venue styled check it out here.
Historic Polegreen Church
The original Polegreen Church was destroyed in a fire during the Civil War. The open-air structure was built in it’s place in 2001. Due to the historic nature of the land, this church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. The open-air concept is to reiterate the church’s foundation of religious freedom.
This church has been making it’s way up the wedding circuit very quickly after Jason Mraz and his wife said their I Do’s at The Polegreen in October 2015. In regards to weddings, this venue is so unique. Your guests are surrounded by gorgeous foliage and can look right up to the sky. The venue is historic for any of the history buffs, yet it has such a modern look with the white open structures. There is a conference room that can be used as the bridal suite, and a separate area for the caterers to use as their prep station. There are also bathrooms on site. For the reception, most couples rent a tent and set it up in the space opposite the church.
To see the venue tour post check it out here.
I would love to answer any questions and book more events at these venues.
As always, I would love to chat.
