Historic Wedding Venue in Charlottesville Virginia
The Clifton Inn received a makeover and I am in love. The Clifton Inn is a bed and breakfast located just outside of Charlottesville, Virginia. It is the perfect escape from the city, without going too far. The Inn is a sophisticated blend of traditional and modern, and it has all of the modern amenities. There are several options for dining, a gorgeous copper bar, and a pool complete with private cabanas. It is the perfect weekend getaway. The menu options that are served here are seasonal, local, and paired with inventive cocktails and an extensive wine list. It is said that the restaurant, 1799, is the most romantic restaurant in Virginia.
In addition to being a great escape from everyday life and ‘the most romantic restaurant in Virginia.” The Clifton Inn is a wedding venue. It is actually one of my favorite wedding venues!! There is so much potential here. The way the grounds are laid out with the secret gardens and the weeping willow trees makes for a romantic, ethereal, garden-style wedding. If you prefer something a bit more midcentury, moody, masculine, the Inn itself lends to a very sophisticated setting. Even further, if you prefer a more traditional, modern, or have a larger guest count, the sailcloth tent near the pool is the ideal location. The pool setting makes for a very chic cocktail hour location, and your guests will make their way right into the reception tent through a gorgeous greenery-filled entryway.
The Clifton Inn is a perfect wedding venue if you are looking for the southern hospitality of Virginia, the mountain and countryside views of Charlottesville, and the accessibility and culture of Washington DC or Richmond, Virginia. You can check into the Inn on Saturday morning if you are looking for just a short stay, or you can book an entire wedding weekend. Having done weddings for many years now, I will encourage you to book the entire weekend. Your friends and family will be able to arrive and unpack at their leisure. You will be able to relax by the pool, host your rehearsal dinner, wake up early, and be ready to go for hair and makeup. Your vendors will also be able to load in over a span of a few days, which will help save on delivery fees. After you have said your I do’s and danced the night away, you can retreat back to the Inn for an after-party and a nightcap, and not have to leave the property. In the morning, you can wake up and visit with your guests for brunch, possibly book a couple’s massage, and then head back out as a happy, relaxed, married couple.
If you are looking at The Clifton Inn for your ‘full size’ tent wedding, it does come ready with many of your wedding day necessities. They have the 60×100 sailcloth tent on site with fans, lighting, and a hardwood floor. Tables, chairs, flatware, glassware, and china is included. Of course, if you wanted to upgrade anything, that is always an option. We would simply use an outside rental company. There is ceremony seating and chairs for up to 250 guests. The Clifton Inn will provide bar service and catering.
For a smaller affair such as a rehearsal dinner or a micro-wedding, there are several options here too. For rehearsal dinner, it is recommended to use either the veranda with seating for 60 or the terrace with seating for 120 guests. These areas are also very well suited for a ceremony rain plan and a micro wedding. If your rehearsal dinner group has 20 or less, you may also choose to host in the wine cellar or library. On the property, there are several picturesque gardens that are perfect for portraits. They are also a great option for the ceremony, dining al fresco, and lawn games. If the weather is great your guests can enjoy the gardens for cocktail hour while the staff at The Clifton Inn passes hor d’oeuvres and cocktails.
If you opt to get ready offsite, there is ample room for a shuttle service to deliver you and your guests. There is also a guest house on the property that is ideal for the other half of the wedding party. We usually see the groomsmen book this house as there is a kitchen, a living room, and a large TV. They can spend the day hanging out with each other, enjoy lunch, and a few beers while watching the game.
The well thought out details of this venue, all of the amenities that are included, and the endless options for whatever type of event you are hosting, has quickly moved The Clifton Inn to the top of my list for favorite Virginia Wedding Venues. The proximity to Washington DC, Charlottesville, and Richmond make this a great option for any guests who live in the city, or who have friends and family flying in. Your wedding will be gorgeous, your guests will have a fantastic time, and you will be pampered and taken care of the entire weekend you are here.
These photos were taken by Ashley Boyan Photography
