There is no denying that Virginia is home to the most beautiful rolling mountains and romantic vineyards. As a wedding photographer, I am always discovering unique local and destination wedding venues. I photograph almost exclusively in outdoor-based environments because I feel that those places allow me to tell wedding stories that are full of color, movement and life. My favorites are those with personal meaning to the couple that they also find beautiful and inspiring.
To help brides in those initial planning stages, I’ve made a list of my Top Five Virginia Wedding Venues. You'll find that these venues have an extraordinary view of the mountains, a romantic vineyard, or both! They are also comfortably close to Charlottesville in Central Virginia. I plan to add more to this list as I connect with more great people and places that cater to weddings in their own unique ways. While I absolutely love outdoor, one-of-a-kind wedding venues, I know that it’s not an option for everyone. So included in this list are a couple of my favorite venues with elegant, indoor spaces as well.
1. Mount Ida Farm
Mount Ida Farm is a unique location for your wedding, located south of Charlottesville Virginia on a secluded 6,000-acre sanctuary offering unlimited options for the perfect private destination wedding. They offer spectacular scenic mountain vistas, beaches and lakes, 5 large manor homes for overnight weekend accommodations, horse drawn carriages, tree lined drives, cocktail parties lake or stable side. The 4500-square-foot events building can seat up to 200+ guests and includes a caterer's kitchen, bridal suite, round 6-foot tables with mahogany chairs.
2. Pippin Hill Farm
Nestled within the natural beauty and authentic setting of an operating vineyard and winery in Charlottesville, Virginia, Pippin Hill Farm's custom-built destination wedding venue is designed to capture the essential elements of successful entertaining - architectural scale, landscaping details, and custom lighting and sound, all set against the backdrop of stunning mountain view panoramas. Their facilities are versatile and accommodating, designed to maximize spring and summer’s open-air freshness and fall and winter’s crisp light and cozy warmth. Couples have a choice of venue spaces for hosting both receptions and ceremonies.
3. The Market at Grelen
Set on a 600-acre tree nursery in Somerset, VA, The Market at Grelen Wedding & Event Venue boasts spectacular 360-degree views of lush gardens and the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is a magical place perfect for your next celebration. The facility includes several event spaces including an expansive Stone Terrace, Ceremony Lawn, a real Greenhouse, and a gorgeous 4500 sq ft Orchard Overlook Tent. All of these areas were impeccably designed to capture the natural beauty of the surrounding garden setting, while maintaining a simple yet elegant aesthetic. The variety of spaces give clients the flexibility to plan the wedding or private event of their dreams.
4. Kenswick Vineyards
Keswick Vineyards is situated in beautiful Keswick, Virginia, just five minutes' drive outside of Charlottesville. Nestled in a valley of rolling farmland and surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, the pristine grounds lend itself as the perfect backdrop for your wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, reception or corporate event. Conveniently located a short distance from Charlottesville, your guests will have access to numerous hotel options, restaurants, and historical locations such as Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, Ash Lawn-Highland, and the University of Virginia.
5. Trump Winery
Trump Wineries has several indoor and outdoor options for wedding receptions and ceremonies that epitomize high class living. The Barn and Pavilion are adjacent to the vineyard and bring the Virginia wine country to life with French doors that lead out to the slate terraces overlooking the countryside. The Quarter Hall is a regal and traditional stable with open ceilings and hardwood floors. Wine barrel chandeliers and oversize windows flood the room with sunlight and a natural glow. There is a conference room, dressing room and sound system included. The Pavilion houses the formal ballroom, 360 degree windows and a hand crafted artisanal bar. Decorated with crystal chandeliers, sconces and a portable dance floor the pavilion brings elegance to a rustic theme. This indoor-outdoor combination space can accommodate 150 guests.