Charlottesville is a beautiful place to get married, and there are so many amazing venues to fit any wedding. From hotels to vineyards to restored factories and more, you are sure to find the perfect small wedding venue in Charlottesville, VA, to make your dream wedding a reality.
As a Virginia-based wedding photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of capturing some amazing weddings all over the state, but Charlottesville is one of my favorite cities for couples to choose for their wedding. While it’s hard to pick just a few venues, as they are all so amazing, there are a few that stand out above the others.
Let’s dive into some of my picks for the best small wedding venues in Charlottesville, VA. I did want to note as well that some of these venues can accommodate larger weddings. However, they do have more intimate spaces that you can also rent out for a smaller wedding!
Common House Charlottesville
Starting off the list is Common House in Charlottesville. The space features a rooftop as well as a few different rooms throughout that you can reserve for your wedding. The views from the rooftop of downtown are beautiful, and inside you’ll find a fun and unique vibe that is sure to make your wedding one-of-a-kind.
Not only is the venue itself amazing, but you will also get in-house catering, wine, and bar services, as well as waitstaff to give you the perfect, hands-off reception!
The Wool Factory
The Wool Factory is one of my favorite spots to photograph in the entire state. It has a beautiful combination of preserved history with modern touches. If you are looking for something that is a bit more industrial that still feels luxurious and unique, The Wool Factory is your spot.
While this venue can host large weddings, there are also smaller rooms that you can choose for your wedding to have the perfect intimate feeling. This gives you the best of both worlds with a small wedding in a venue that offers so much beauty.
They also have in-house catering for their wedding that is curated by world-class chefs as well as a brewery right on site. So you can rest assured that not only will you have a stunning ceremony, but you will also have the best food and reception you or any of your guests have ever had at a wedding!
Old Metropolitan Hall
The Old Metropolitan Hall is a perfect option for anyone looking for a downtown Charlottesville wedding venue. Built back in the early 1900s, the building has been restored over the years but still includes some of the same details from when it was first built, giving it a historical feeling.
But don’t think you are getting a run-down venue. The renovations have transformed the Old Metropolitan Hall into an upscale venue that is both elegant and edgy. If you are looking for a unique spot unlike any other to get married, the Old Metropolitan Hall should definitely be at the top of your list!
Glass House Winery
The Glass House Winery is an absolutely stunning venue for a wedding. As a smaller vineyard and winery, you can create the perfect small wedding vibes in a location that is sure to take your breath away.
The vineyard is right at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, so you get a beautiful backdrop for your special day. The grounds are all stunning, and there is a conservatory that is filled with tropical plants that makes this venue unique. There is even a lake, Glass House Lake, so regardless of where you are throughout the grounds, you will be surrounded by an amazing atmosphere.
As an added bonus, the winery is also dog friendly, meaning your pup can be part of your special day! What more could you ask for?
Potter’s Craft Cider
Dating back almost a hundred years, Potter’s Craft Cider offers an oasis for your wedding just a few miles away from Downtown Charlottesville. The grounds feature historic stone buildings, a chapel dating back to the 1920s, and stunning outdoor spaces.
There is so much charm and history around every corner that is only elevated by the beauty of the surrounding grounds. This truly is one of the best small wedding venues in Charlottesville, VA, and is the dream outdoor escape for any couple looking for the beauty of open spaces with the convenience of being just a quick drive from the city!
Thatch Winery
The Thatch Winery is another perfect option for couples looking for the ideal rustic vibe combined with modern elegance. The winery features both indoor and outdoor locations for your wedding that are both so beautiful.
You can opt for an indoor wedding and get access to multiple different rooms that have a dreamy rustic feeling with beautiful wooden beams and string lights. If an outdoor wedding is more your vibe, their outdoor options will be right up your alley. Say “I do” right next to the vineyards and dance the night away under the beautiful tent as you celebrate the start of your new life together!
The Local Restaurant
While you may not think a restaurant is the perfect fit for your special day, think again! The Local Restaurant is a beautiful place to celebrate your wedding.
They offer a couple of different options to choose from when it comes to the spaces in the restaurant, so you are sure to find the perfect option for you and your partner. Not only that, but they will also work with you to curate the perfect custom menu for you and your guests. I promise you; you will not be disappointed by what you get that The Local Restaurant!
Boar’s Head Resort
The Boar’s Head Resort is a beautiful hotel in Charlottesville that is not only a great place to stay but is also the perfect option if you are looking for a rustic wedding venue. The resort has the perfect mix of modern beauty and rustic feels, with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains behind to make it an ideal, romantic spot for a wedding.
The resort offers a few different wedding packages, including one for micro weddings, so you are sure to find one that works perfectly for you. You can also choose from indoor or outdoor locations that are all so beautiful.
Finally, their menu for your reception is amazing. They have a few different packages to choose from, ranging from a gourmet four-course dinner to a more laid-back buffet-style meal. Regardless of what you choose, the options are all amazing!
The Market at Grelen
The Market at Grelen is truly a breathtaking place to have your wedding. The venue is magical and whimsical and has some of the most amazing views around. It is located just outside of Charlottesville, in Somerset, but I promise you will not be disappointed by what you get.
There are a couple of spaces throughout the grounds that feature beautiful plants, stunning views, and the perfect outdoor wedding venue. They even have a clear-top tent that allows you to stargaze if you are having your wedding and reception at night (and trust me, you will not want to miss out on this)!
Wintergreen Resort
Located about an hour outside of Charlottesville, the Wintergreen Resort is a beautiful wedding venue for any couple looking for the perfect mountain escape. You will get a stunning view of the surrounding mountains that will make your wedding unforgettable.
The resort also features a ton of different spaces that you can reserve for your wedding. Their indoor spaces can accommodate anywhere from 30 to 600 guests, and their outdoor options range from 80 to 200 guests.
Not only can you say I do with stunning views of the mountains as your backdrop, but they also have a full-service catering team that will help to take all of the stress of your reception away so you can just sit back and enjoy the start of your new life together while celebrating with your friends and family!
Final Thoughts on the Best Small Wedding Venues in Charlottesville, VA
So, there you have it, my top picks for the best small wedding venues in Charlottesville, VA. Whether you are looking for a mountain escape or a downtown vibe, you are sure to find what you are looking for here.
All that’s left is to find the perfect photographer to capture this special day for you and your partner. If you are still looking for the perfect fit, click here to get in touch and see how I can help memorialize your dream wedding forever!
