One of the beauties of wedding celebrations is that they can be a true expression of the two of you. And whether that expression is traditional or modern, formal or casual, large or micro, two hours or an entire weekend … well, it’s your wedding!
The Charlottesville area has a wealth of wonderful wedding spots, from restaurants and hotels to cideries and farm vineyards. But what if you’re seeking something a little more … you?
Want a historic Virginia wedding? Getting married at Monticello is not an option, but you can have your celebration at the Monticello Foundation’s facility on nearby Montalto. You can also say “I do” on-site at James Monroe’s Highland, on the grounds or in its event facility. James Madison’s Montpelier has space that can be rented for rehearsal dinners, but you can’t have your wedding on-site.
Want to show your support for public lands? Shenandoah National Park is a popular site, and both Skyland and Big Meadows Lodge can handle weddings and receptions, spring through November. You must apply to the park for a special use permit for outdoor events that are not held on Skyland or Big Meadows Lodge land areas, such as Old Rag or other overlook points. (As with almost every event, apply early.) There are many sites available for small weddings (25 people or fewer) along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Permits are required, and you can’t exclude the public, so hikers may join you. For larger weddings, Peaks of Otter Lodge is an option. State parks offer other spots for ceremonies, with one of the most picturesque below the 200-foot-high rock arch at Natural Bridge State Park.
Don’t want to worry about bad weather? You can have your celebration underground at Luray Caverns, where options include an intimate ceremony for 12 guests (with an aisle of candles!) or a cathedral setting for up to 100 people complete with stalactites and stalagmites. Closer to home is Melrose Caverns outside Harrisonburg, on a farm owned by the same family for 10 generations. The site includes a lovely bluestone cottage, and the caverns themselves are suitable for small to mid-size celebrations.
Want a Cavalier wedding? The chapel on UVA Grounds is a lovely, newly renovated setting—but it’s only available on Saturdays during the school year (February-April and August-November) and only in the morning if there’s a home football game. Reservations open up a year in advance, so again, apply early!
Want a lazy river wedding? The James River Batteau Company, which offers round-trip batteau trips out of Scottsville, is developing wedding and catered-event options for 2026. Each boat holds 12 people, so maybe your small event is two or three boats cruising along the river in partnership. This plan might be better suited for the rehearsal dinner, or a post-wedding event—but maybe your officiant is willing to come along, and you can say your vows to the sound of the James flowing along.
