Planning a Charlottesville Wedding
The Charlottesville area has become a wedding destination for many. With all the picturesque locations to choose from – from the UVA Chapel and Rotunda to local wineries and historic homes – and a plethora of hotels and Air BnB options, many people who have a connection to Charlottesville, whether they grew up here or went to UVA or started their working careers in town, are coming back to town to share the beauty with their wedding guests.
With so many choices, it’s hard to pinpoint one over another, but we’ve compiled a list of some of the prettiest locations to choose from.
University of Virginia Chapel
Located on UVA Grounds, the stone chapel with its carillon bells has provided the ideal backdrop for fairytale weddings and photos for many years. In the late 19th century, community members raised funds to establish a non-denominational church.
The Gothic Revival building was designed by Charles Emmet Cassell of Baltimore, the chapel’s cornerstone was laid in 1885, and it was dedicated in 1889. The carillon was a gift of the Seven Society. The University Chapel no longer holds regular religious services, but weddings and memorial services still take place inside.
Many weddings have also taken place in the Pavilion Gardens lining The Lawn and also at Alumni Hall and the Colonnade Club. You don’t necessarily have to have a UVA connection to make a reservation, but be prepared to make your plans a year in advance as this is a popular destination.
Wineries
Anyone who keeps track of the news knows the area’s wineries in the local Monticello Wine Trail have created a booming business from weddings. As it’s rare for a winery to be located in a boring location, many wineries offer event spaces set aside most every weekend from April through October.
From Jefferson Vineyards to Pollack, Veritas, Afton Mountain, Pippin Hill and Keswick Vineyards, there are no shortage of wineries to choose from and each one has a setting that’s truly unique and filled with beautiful views and plenty of backdrops for that perfect wedding photo.
Country Clubs
The Charlottesville area also has a number of traditional country clubs to choose from. Boar’s Head, Farmington, Glenmore, Keswick and Greencroft all offer wonderful spaces to provide a memorable experience.
Inns
Not to be outdone, several area inns and Bed & Breakfasts have also entered the wedding scene.
The Clifton Inn, in particular has a stunning location as well as a top notch restaurant that offers wonderful cuisine that will satisfy any palate. Another noted destination is the Ivy Inn, located just outside Charlottesville.
Historic Homes
If you’ve ever wanted to get married at a former President’s home, Monticello and Ashlawn-Highland are both available.
Weddings at Monticello
Dedicated event planners help make a special day a memorable one, and Thomas Jefferson’s presence just adds that special element to the day. Unsurpassed in elegance and style, various venues will fulfill every vision for the perfect wedding celebration.
Montalto and the David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center are available for the ceremony, while rehearsal dinners can take place at the Jefferson Library, Montalto, Woodland Pavilion, Vegetable Gardens, and the David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center.
Events can also be paired with tours of Monticello and tailored to a variety of interests, including Jefferson and architecture, Jefferson and wine, Jefferson’s scientific mind, the decorative arts and more. Private viewings of the exhibitions at the Visitor Center, as well as Jefferson’s beloved Monticello, can also be arranged in conjunction with your event.
Ashlawn-Highland
Just down the road is James Madison’s Ashlawn-Highland, which offers a charming, historic backdrop for a special day.
Ceremony options include:
Blue Ridge Yard – secluded by boxwood gardens, this idyllic yard offers a stunning view of the neighboring mountains. Combined with the charm of the white farm fence in the background, this yard shows off the beauty of the Charlottesville countryside.
John’s Garden – this gorgeously groomed, floral accented, formal garden backs up to Highland, the historic home of President James Monroe.
Peacock Yard – bordered with small boxwoods, this lush lawn is shaded by large ash trees that create a natural arch. The most spacious yard on the property, it is the ideal option for larger ceremonies.
Reception options can take place in the Event Barn – designed in the style of a historic barn on site, the Event Barn has two floors—a lower level encompassing a historic stone wall, and an upper level complete with a high raftered ceiling preserving the rustic farmhouse atmosphere. Both levels offer picturesque views of pastures and mountains.
Also available is the Hilltop Pavilion – a covered outdoor facility that fuses rustic charm with an exquisite panoramic view of the surrounding mountain landscape. The raftered ceiling acts as a canvas allowing each couple to individualize their celebration.
