Top 5 Favorite Virginia Wedding Venues [ from a photographers perspective ]
So you’re engaged?!?! That’s fantastic! Now where are you going to say “I Do”??
I feel like a lot of the wedding planning process can be daunting, especially finding THE PERFECT venue to host your event! So I’ve put together my 5 favorite wedding venues from the past year. All in Virginia and all in or within 2 hours from Richmond.
So starting off my list is my favorite spot for a super cozy and outdoorsy wedding:
[taken while second shooting for Jefferey Ocampo]
This space has mountain views, cozy cabins, canoes, and a gorgeous lake. And it’s only, roughly, 2 hours from RVA. What more could you ask for?
Next on my list, is a venue that is here in town. It’s been my favorite spot for a fun and engaging reception:
Technically, only the reception of this wedding was at Urban Roost, but it was so obvious that the guests really loved being there. They had games available and great flow between the indoor and outdoor space. Everyone, from the youngest kids to the older family members, had a great time!
Looking for a wedding fit for the Royal Family? Well with grand staircases and gorgeous furnishings, you really can’t go wrong with:
I had the opportunity to second shoot for another photographer here, and I am so glad I took the job. Otherwise, this gem would still be flying under my radar!! And, it’s conveniently located in downtown Richmond, Virginia.
Leaving the city and heading south by abouuuttt… 30 minutes? This beautiful wedding venue sits in Powhatan County, Virginia and makes my list for it’s whimsical and enchanting vibes:
The venue house is beautifully done and they have these super cute cabins for all of your guests. But the really beauty is outside. There are multiple ceremony sites, from the inside space to the ruins just outside and then 2 other locations across the property. What most people seem to come for (and what created my favorite photographs of the day) is the wooded creek area. Perfect for first looks and couples portraits!
So last but not least, if you are a couple that is looking for a venue a little more “outside of the box”, I really think you would enjoy:
[photos taken while second shooting for Jefferey Ocampo]
The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art has a gorgeous, natural light ceremony space where a Chihuly sculpture hangs overhead. The areas for portraits are super diverse, from mural paintings to plant life. It’s also roughly a 5 minute drive from the ocean, so sunset pictures on the beach are totally doable!
So if you’re getting married in Virginia and you aren’t sure where you want to officially tie the knot, I hope this list helped you to narrow it down! And if you need any more suggestions, I am just an e-mail away!