I’ve been where you’re at before. The excitement of getting engaged, the overwhelming feeling of joy, the rush of ideas for what your wedding will look like, the Pinterest boards. One of the first things that couples book is their wedding venue. The vibes of your venue can set the mood for your entire day! It can be overwhelming, but I’m here to share some of my favorite Virginia wedding venues. For those of you that are looking for something a lil more untraditional, and maybe even a tad more intimate – I got ya covered!

So, let’s go on a journey of some of my favorite Virginia wedding venues that are unique and perfect for the modern couple!

1. The Georges Inn – Lexington, VA

For anyone that loves the historic feeling Virginia has to offer, mixed with an urban twist… Look no further than the Patton Room at the Georges Inn in Lexington! It’s the perfect place for an intimate ceremony and reception all in one modern space.

2. Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens – Richmond, VA

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond, VA is perfect for the nature lovers that are wanting a lowkey wedding. In the middle of the hustle and bustle of Richmond the botanical gardens feel completely isolated. With incredible blooms surrounding you, a rose garden of your dreams, and an incredible greenhouse you can’t go wrong here. Plus, if you book your wedding with them you are given an hour time slot for engagement photos in the garden!!

3. The Wool Factory – Charlottesville, VA

The Wool Factory in Charlottesville, VA is an industrial dream unlike anything else you’ll find in this city! With preserved historic architecture, incredible cuisine and beer, and enough space for over 200 of your closest family and friends this is an absolute treasure of modern luxury. For folks that aren’t wanting as intimate of a day (or maybe you just want an intimate day with incredible levels of class) this is THE place for you!

4. Maymont Park – Richmond, VA

Maymont in Richmond, VA is SO diverse! From their historic estate, to the more modern Westover wedding spaces, and even their options for micro-weddings in the gardens – Maymont has options for every style and budget!

5. Historic Pole Green Church – Richmond, VA

Listen, there’s a reason Jason Mraz got married at Pole Green in Richmond (AKA the ghost church)!! It is so simplistic, beautiful, and a perfect spot for an intimate ceremony with the most picturesque setting for folks that love some intriguing architecture all while being in the serenity of the forest.

6. Lily Black – Richmond, VA

Lily Black in Richmond is an incredible venue to celebrate surrounded by history and breath-taking architecture. Situated in Jackson Ward (AKA Black Wall Street), this venue honors the history of “Black entrepreneurship, political participation, and women’s empowerment in Jackson Ward”. An absolute show-stopper of a venue, and one you MUST check out for your intimate celebration!

7. The Market at Grelen – Charlottesville, VA

The Market at Grelen in Charlottesville is hands down one of the coolest spots in town for wedding venues. Overlooking acres of trees and blooms you get the feel of being in the mountains, but with the comfort of being right outside of town!

8. Your Local Courthouse

Okay, okay. Maybe this one doesn’t count. But, if you’re feeling like you are totally over planning and eloping is the way to go… check out a couple different courthouses! For the photo above, J + C flew in from Cali to elope in Charlottesville because the courthouse and downtown area were so beautiful. If you’re feeling like keeping it real intimate and just want a quick ceremony in a courtyard, there’s no one saying not to!

9. Common House – Charlottesville & Richmond, VA

Woohoo! You read that right. Common House has locations in both Richmond AND Charlottesville! This is for folks that are wanting a one-of-a-kind wedding. Common House is full of great food, tasty drinks, beautiful art, and overall good vibes. So, for couples wanting something sleek, modern, and downright cool… this is the spot!

10. Local AirBnBs

This is again for the slightly less traditional couples, and for folks looking for a very intimate wedding or an elopement with just close friends/family. That being said, AirBnB is full of awesome hosts who would love to have you for your small celebration! The key is poking around in an area you think you’d love, and being overly communicative with the property owners. You may end up finding a really wonderful deal on a dream spot! S + P above eloped at Lake Anna with their friends and family and everyone had a place to stay as they partied afterwards. I love this tactic so much, that it’s what my husband and I did as well in downtown Charlottesville (you can read about it here)!

11. The Refinery at 120 – Culpeper, VA

In case you couldn’t catch the theme here, I love recommending urban, industrial, cool, and modern places to couples. That being said, I definitely couldn’t leave The Refinery off the list! Whether you all are wanting something super simple like a one hour elopement, or you want to party away with a full-day wedding, The Refinery has a package for you!

12. Camp Holiday Trails – Charlottesville, VA

A place near and dear to my heart. I was able to work at Camp Holiday Trails for 5 years (!!) as a counselor, leadership member, and as the Assistant Program Director before I started full time photography. Not only do they have an incredible mission, the property is absolutely breathtaking year-round! For those couples that are outdoors-y and would love to get married in front of the water and dance the night away under the stars, this is an incredible venue with the proceeds going towards an even better cause!

I hope you enjoyed my list of Virginia wedding venues! Let me know if you’d be interested in working together for your upcoming wedding by filling out a contact form