Virginia is vastly underrated by the wedding industry, I think. From rolling hills and majestic mountain views, to the beach with beautiful pastel sunsets, wineries with exquisite tastings and scenery to all the urban vibes you could love in cities like Virginia Beach, Alexandria, our neighbor DC and of course Richmond. In my opinion, Virginia has some of the best wedding venues to offer. So here’s a list of my favorite wedding venues in Virginia for the most incredible portraits, coming from a Richmond VA wedding photographer who knows that not only should your venue be a spectacular place for hosting a wedding but should also have equally spectacular features for your wedding day photography.
The best of Virginia’s barns & farms:
The Barns of Kanak | Prince George
This venue offers not only one barn but TEN barns, a cottage, farmhouse, pool, silos and more. The sweet tradition of the Hitching Post where every couple can write their initials and name to lock, commemorating their marriage at this beautiful venue is something unique to the Barns of Kanak.
The Seclusion | Lexington
A grand barn sitting on rolling hills in Lexington VA that makes for weddings so spectacular. It’s equal parts modern, luxurious and rustic. Imagine your couples portraits at golden hour with the mountain views as your background. I swoon.
Mount Ida Farm | Charlottesville
Both a farm and vineyard with multiple different places to have your wedding, Mount Ida is a dream location for every wedding vision. Make it your own vibe and in any season with the different locations for your ceremony and reception!
Oakdale | Ashland
Close to Richmond yet far enough to feel at home in the country, Oakdale is a classic barn exterior with all the wonderful natural light and clean white neutral slate indoors to make this grand reception space truly your own. And the adorable cows makes for incredible couple’s portrait crashers!
The Ivy Rose Barn | Rocky Mount
Heading towards the mountains in Southeast Virginia, the Ivy Rose Barn is a luxury wedding venue in Virginia. Designed with photography in mind, this venue has incredible getting ready suites, an indoor ceremony or cocktail hour space, a greenhouse that can be a whimsical ceremony space for intimate gatherings and of course, an open air pavilion for a bigger wedding reception.
Virginia estates with remarkable architecture:
Dover Hall | Manakin-Sabot
Probably one of the best wedding venues on the whole East Coast, Dover Hall is a grand estate with a vineyard that hosts the most beautiful weddings. Every room at Dover Hall was carefully designed and furnished to make each room its own experience. With endless portrait locations at Dover Hall and none of them disappointing, you know that your Dover Hall wedding will be a dazzling affair.
Virginia House | Richmond
A historical location that also looks like a castle from 1500’s England, it’s just as beautiful inside as it is outside. Although the lush gardens creates beautiful backgrounds for a wedding ceremony and your wedding photography.
The Estate at River Run | Goochland
A newer wedding venue although the estate itself is older, the Estate at River Run is a luxurious venue for classic & romantic weddings. The Wedgewood Ballroom is a favorite of mine and the sunset views from the back porch overlooking the James River is one that’s perfect for golden hour couple’s portraits.
Great Marsh Estate | Bealeton
Great Marsh Estate is a gorgeous Virginia wedding venue with a Georgian style manor house for the elegant couples and also a rustic barn for their reception space for those who want to honor country roots while also having a more classic feel.
Virginia Vineyards and Wineries:
Pippin Hill | North Garden
Not just a beautiful wedding venue, Pippin Hill is one of the best wineries in Virginia and in the United States. It’s hydrangea lined path is a sight to behold in the summer and with a culinary team that serves incredible food, Pippin Hill is one of the best places to host your Virginia wedding.
Stone Tower Winery | Leesburg
Another favorite vineyard, Stone Tower Winery has rolling hills and picturesque views for golden hour portraits. Imagine your couples portraits along the vines with Virginia wine country in the back. Classic reception space perfect to be transformed into your dream reception.
Morais Vineyard & Winery | Bealeton
The feeling of being transported to Italy is what I love about Morais Vineyard, located in Bealeton, VA. Their glass greenhouse is a perfect spot for bridal portraits, a first look (or just about any portraits!) and the front of the venue is a stunner.
Upper Shirley Vineyards | Charles City
If your wedding style is timeless and classic, Upper Shirley Vineyards is the venue. Equestrian chic, Upper Shirley has the perfect ceremony spot facing the James River and their covered porch makes for a fantastic backup plan for rain or even for an al fresco style intimate reception.
Keswick Vineyards | Keswick
When you think of a classic Virginia winery and vineyard, Keswick Vineyards is something that is the clear definition of it. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Keswick has so many perfect portrait locations. Imagine a full wedding party portrait in front of the manor house or a romantic photo of you and your lover among the vines.
The City wedding:
Common House | Richmond
Common House is actually a coworking space with two locations, one in Charlottesville and the other in Richmond. For this post, I’m referencing the Richmond Common House! It’s a beautiful blank canvas filled with natural light perfect for those who want a wedding in the city with clean architecture. Featuring a courtyard for cocktail hour, a rooftop ceremony space and pool, Common House has the vibes perfect for a modern city wedding.
The Jefferson Hotel | Richmond
A RVA icon, the Jefferson Hotel is luxe and grand. Their many ballrooms don’t disappoint which is always important but even more so, the outside of the hotel makes for a luxurious location for portraits. Along with its convenient city location, you could travel to other spots nearby for extra portrait opportunities!
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts | Richmond
A popular location for engagement sessions, locals and art lovers alike, the VMFA is a wonderful place to host your wedding. From the iconic Pink Marble Hall to the Atrium to their in house restrauant Amuse, it fits weddings of different sizes and styles. The best places for portraits here are in the old museum entrance, in the galleries themselves and outside in the sculpture garden.
Historic Post Office | Hampton
Out of Richmond and into the city of Hampton for this location! Formerly a post office, it’s since been transformed into a wedding venue that carries the charm of its older architecture with exposed brick inside and creamy exterior with the adorable blue green shutters that I adore.
Quirk Hotel | Richmond
Modern weddings, this is the place for it! Quirk Hotel is in the heart of Richmond and has a style of its own with a gorgeous bar/restaurant area with vaulted ceilings, pink accents and black metal staircase. You can have a first look on the rooftop of Quirk and your ceremony or cocktail hour in the adorable black and white lobby. Also perfect for those with guests coming from out of town who can check right into Quirk’s many beautifully designed rooms.
There are so many fantastic Virginia wedding venues out there from the beach to the mountains and everywhere inbetween. If you’re looking for the perfect venue and crafting your wedding day vision but don’t know where to start, join the email list HERE. I don’t hold back on my virtual pen pals, the secrets, tips and tricks I’ve learned in my 8 years of photographing weddings are all on the table for you. See you in your inbox.
