10 Best Wedding Venues in Charlottesville, VA — As Told by Two High End Wedding Photographers
September 9, 2024
After photographing more than 1,000 weddings and portrait sessions in central Virginia, it’s not uncommon for us to get asked which are the best wedding venues in Charlottesville. So we finally took the time to put together a list of our favorite local wedding venues!
Although this list is by no means exhaustive, it is based on our experience as high-end wedding photographers. But it doesn’t take a professional photographer to know how much beauty there is in central Virginia. And while our couples are always the center of the wedding imagery we create, a gorgeous wedding venue never hurts!
There are probably close to 100 wedding venues in the greater Charlottesville area. We remember how overwhelming it can be to decide which you’ll tour — and right at the start of wedding planning! So let us help 😁 We’ve photographed at dozens of venues here in central Virginia. And over the years, a few have stood out as the cream of the crop. So in no particular order, here’s our list of the best wedding venues in Charlottesville, VA!
This is us, by the way — Hunter and Sarah Sheldon! Husband-and-wife, high-end wedding photography dream team!
1. King Family Vineyards
Few people have spent much time in Charlottesville and haven’t been to King Family Vineyards. It’s an iconic local attraction, and because of that, it’s one of the most well-known venues on this list to those outside the wedding industry. But that also makes it one of the most popular wedding venues in Charlottesville! With more than 100 weddings per year, King Family hosts beautiful weddings all year long, and in every season!
And we mean all year long! We’ve photographed everything from sweltering summer nuptials to snowy winter celebrations. And of course, spring blooms and fall foliage are only enhanced by the expansive mountain views and wide open spaces. Whether celebrating inside or outside, 365 days a year, you truly cannot go wrong with a King Family Vineyards wedding.
Want to see more Wedding Imagery from King Family Vineyards?
- Sam and Danny’s Rainy Day Military Wedding at King Family Vineyards
- Rachel and Max’s Heartfelt King Family Vineyards Wedding
2. Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards
While King may boast the most weddings per year, Pippin certainly takes the cake as the most famous wedding venue in Charlottesville. Maybe it’s because of its past celebrity weddings (every heard Jennifer Aniston?!), or maybe because it was founded by ultra-luxury wedding planner Lynn Easton. Or maybe it’s just because they’ve been hosting beautiful, luxury weddings for more than a decade!
But let’s forget about it’s pedigree for a moment. Just look at those views! 😍 Pippin Hill Weddings are known for the stunning and unforgettable backdrops. However, once the sun sets, the experience isn’t over. Guests at your Pippin Hill wedding won’t just eat dinner, but will enjoy a farm-to-table culinary experience. If you’re the type of person who refuses to compromise in any area, Pippin Hill should be your next venue tour.
Want to see more Wedding Imagery from Pippin Hill?
3. Castle Hill Cider
No list of the best wedding venues in Charlottesville would be complete without Castle Hill Cider. Its unique and enchanting atmosphere makes it another incredibly popular choice among couples getting married in Charlottesville. One of the things we love most is the versatility of weddings at Castle Hill. No two weddings here are alike, with so many outdoor areas to choose from!
But the thing that sets Castle Hill most apart are it’s indoor spaces. There aren’t many wedding venues in Charlottesville that can comfortable host weddings of 300+ while still feeling natural and intimate with 95 guests. Likewise, there aren’t many spaces that are large enough to have an indoor rain plan for your ceremony that doesn’t involve flipping your reception space. In other words, a dedicated rain-site for ceremonies is as rare as their apple orchards!
Want to see more Wedding Imagery from Castle Hill?
- Meg and Scott’s Joyful Fall Wedding at Castle Hill Cider
- Jill and Andrew’s Stunning Spring Castle Hill Cider Wedding
4. Farmington Country Club
When we think about Farmington Country Club, two things stand out to us. The first is how elegant and timeless it is. Farmington is a perfect fit for couples seeking a classic, refined wedding venue! With its historic Georgian architecture, lush gardens, and beautifully maintained grounds, Farmington offers a truly timeless backdrop for wedding days. Of course, that’s for those who are lucky enough to be (or be sponsored by) a member of the club!
The second thing that stands out to us is how amazing Farmington’s spaces are, even in the event of all-day rain. We photographed a wedding day there with nearly 200 guests in the pouring rain last spring. Despite the fact that we were barely able to step out from under cover the entire day, we captured countless gorgeous portraits, full of natural light, without getting a single drop of rain on our couple!
Want to see more Wedding Imagery from Farmington Country Club?
- Grace and Anthony’s Timeline Spring Wedding at Farmington Country Club
- Sadie and Mike’s Rainy Day Wedding at Farmington Country Club
5. Keswick Vineyards
Keswick Vineyards is another venue that just has to make any list of best wedding venues in Charlottesville. It’s known to host two or three weddings per weekend all spring, summer, and fall! And when you see the spaces, it’s no wonder why. Despite being a short ride from downtown Charlottesville, it boasts rustic charm and breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Whether you plan on spending your portrait hour exploring the rows of vines, walking among the fountain and greenery, or posing in front of the manor house, you truly can’t go wrong. And there’s a nearly infinite number of ways to make their permanent event tent your own too!
Want to see more Wedding Imagery from Keswick Vineyards?
- Lilah and Alex’s Intimate Catholic Wedding at St. Thomas Aquinas and Keswick Vineyards
- Taylor and Lucas’s Floral June Keswick Vineyards Wedding
6. Early Mountain Vineyards
Early Mountain Vineyards does something well that few spaces can pull off successfully. They combine the rustic charm of a vineyard/barn wedding, with the modern elegance of a high-end wedding venue. And if the indoor spaces weren’t enough to win you over, the expansive outdoor setting with stunning vineyard and mountain views certainly will!
In addition to all of the beautiful natural scenery and architecture, Early Mountain Vineyard couples often appreciate the venue’s exceptional wine selection, farm-to-table catering, and personalized service. It truly is a magical blend of sophistication, yet (somehow) maintains a relaxed atmosphere for some truly memorable wedding celebrations.
Want to see more Wedding Imagery from Early Mountain?
7. The Clifton Inn
Unlike the plethora of vineyards on this list, the Clifton is an historic estate. It offers a blend of Southern charm and elegance, whether inside the manor house or exploring the grounds! With its beautifully landscaped gardens, stately mansion, and classic architecture, it provides a romantic and timeless setting for weddings of all sizes.
Another cool thing about the Clifton is the fact that it’s an active, working inn. That means that it’s intimate atmosphere and personalized service make it an ideal choice for couples who not only want a great wedding venue — but also want their most important people to all stay together, on-property, for the entire weekend!
Want to see more Wedding Imagery from the Clifton?
- Ashlee and Mike’s Fun-Loving Rainy Day Wedding at the Clifton
- Amelia and Shawn’s Micro-Wedding at The Clifton Inn
8. Veritas Vineyards
Veritas Vineyards is well known among Charlottesville wedding venues for its stunning vistas, and its elegantly-draped event space. It’s another space that somehow combines the words “barn” and “sophistication” really well!
Just make sure to ask your wedding planner and/or photographer about heading to the hilltop vines when the time comes for your golden hour portraits. Trust us, you won’t regret taking the extra few minutes to get those stunning panoramic views!
Want to see more Wedding Imagery from Veritas?
9. Mount Ida Farms
Mount Ida Farms isn’t so much a Charlottesville wedding venue as it is four Charlottesville wedding venues. No… seriously! Between the Lodge, the Event Bar, Water’s Edge, and the Tasting Room — there’s a rustic-yet-elegant space for everyone. And each one has its own flavor of farm-to-table wedding vibes. Several of Mount Ida’s event spaces are exceptionally large, and able to host weddings of 200 or even 300 guests!
And these venues aren’t exactly squeezed in together. They’re scattered across Mount Ida’s 4,000-acre working farm! You have to know by now that any space that large is bound to have some dramatic overlooks and beautiful mountain views.
Want to see more Wedding Imagery from Mount Ida?
10. The Market at Grelen
The Market at Grelen is another venue that makes any list of the best wedding venues in Charlottesville… but is totally unlike all the others! Instead of selling wine like a vineyard or fruits or vegetables like a working farm, this active tree nursery sells full-grown trees of nearly every species! This means that — as you explore the property on one of their chauffeured ATVs on your wedding day — you’re bound to find a blooming tree just bursting with color — no matter what time of year it is!
If being close to nature and surrounded by beautiful foliage is high on your must-have list in a wedding venue, you can’t do much better than the Market at Grelen. Plus, their permanent “tent” structure with clear roof and open sides brings the natural environment right into your wedding reception!
Want to see more Wedding Imagery from the Market at Grelen?
- Emily and Chris’s Tarot-Themed Wedding at The Market at Grelen
- Taylor and Brian’s Stunning Summer Wedding at The Market at Grelen
What’s Next?
If you’d like to learn more about a wedding experience with us, click here to learn more about wedding photography with Hunter and Sarah!
Thanks for reading 😊