13 Gorgeous, Under-the-Radar Wedding (& Other Event) Venues In or near RVA
Richmond has some seriously stunning event spaces. And while you may be familiar with the most popular spots (also listed below), we caught up with event experts Andrea Kravitz of Richmond Photobooth and Seth Kravitz of Rhythm of Love to round up the lesser-known, swoon-worthy spots to check out for your next soirée.
— contributed by Andrea Kravitz (founder of Richmond Photobooth) and Seth Kravitz (founder of Rhythm of Love)
Amber Grove
This beautiful and secluded inn has been up and running for more than 20 years, situated in a picturesque countryside setting.
Why we love it:
The spot boasts incredible country charm and is super close to the city, offering multiple ceremony locations (including a beautiful barn with bistro lighting). There’s also a permanent tent structure with air conditioning and chandeliers, and the spot’s owner is there with you throughout your big day to make sure it’s running perfectly.
Best for these occasions: Weddings and private events
Event size: Up to 175 guests
Location: 16216 Genito Rd (Moseley)
Bartizan
Located in Glen Allen’s West Broad Village, Bartizan is a full-service restaurant and event venue offering scratch-made cuisine; craft cocktails; premium wines; and a fresh, exciting atmosphere.
Why we love it:
Here, you can rent out the restaurant, event space, or both. The brand new event space, in partic, features neutral colors, which allows you can set up however you like. There’s on-site catering (with amazing food), lots of parking, and plenty of nearby hotels, as it sits in the heart of Short Pump.
Best for these occasions: Weddings, private parties, corporate events, rehearsal dinners
Event size: Up to 175 guests (if you rent both spaces)
Location: 4035 Whittall Way (Glen Allen)
The Bolling Haxall House
This historic gem in the city offers timeless style for the backdrop of your event, ensuring every detail “is as exquisite as the setting.”
Why we love it:
It offers a fantastic stage in the reception space for your DJ or band and a grand piano in the lobby that you can use! There’s space for a cocktail hour in the center of the historic foyer (featuring a gorgeous wooden staircase) up front or in the sprawling outdoor area.
Best for these occasions: Weddings, private events, corporate events
Event size: Up to 300 guests
Location: 211 E Franklin St (Monroe Ward)
The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design
As their site puts it, “the Branch Museum elevates the awareness of the transformative power of architecture and design,” giving you the perfect space to lay out your event however you see fit.
Why we love it:
This space offers indoor and outdoor ceremony options and is nearby plenty of bars and restaurants for post-celebration celebrating. In addition to the beautiful architecture, the venue has cool art in the reception space that changes throughout the year!
Best for these occasions: Weddings, private parties, corporate events
Event size: Up to 175 guests
Location: 2501 Monument Ave (The Fan)
Burlington Weddings & Events
This spot is one of our area’s more versatile spaces for hosting your next big event.
Why we love it:
There’s a beautiful bridal cottage for the ladies, a groom's den for the guys, a unique bar space for cocktail hour, parking attendants — classy! — and an amazing grand staircase in the reception area for the background of your pictures!
Best for these occasions: Weddings and private parties
Event size: Up to 200 guests
Where: 13221 John Tyler Memorial Hwy (Charles City)
Common House Richmond
When you celebrate here, you and your guests are in the middle of the city, which allows for plenty more entertainment after your event.
Why we love it:
There’s such a fun and different vibe about this spot, with its cool art and decorative designs. Take advantage of the in-house catering with its amazing food and the huge outdoor patio, which has a retractable roof!
Best for these occasions: Weddings, private events, rehearsal dinners, corporate events
Event size: Up to 175 guests
Location: 303 W Broad St (Monroe Ward)
The Dominion Club
This space was newly renovated recently, so it’s looking super fresh and classy for your next big event.
Why we love it:
Enjoy peace of mind while you plan, knowing this spot offers indoor and outdoor ceremony options, so you have a fantastic rain plan, if needed. The staff is very helpful and friendly and can create any type of cuisine to serve (which always ends up being incredible).
Best for these occasions: Weddings, rehearsal dinners, private parties, corporate events
Event size: Up to 250 guests
Location: 6000 Dominion Club Dr (Glen Allen)
Hofheimer Building
This Broad St staple makes an excellent option for that I-want-that-Richmond-city-feel for your next big party.
Why we love it:
There are brick walls and large (but movable), wooden tables everywhere; the space houses a built-in bar for the reception space and offers in-house catering; and when you’re here, you’re also within walking distance of Scott’s Addition.
Best for these occasions: Weddings, private parties, corporate events, musical performances
Event size: 200+ guests (depending on which space(s) you rent)
Where: 2818 W Broad St (Scott’s Addition)
Hollyfield Manor
This spot’s countryside setting allows you to get out of the city without having to go too far.
Why we love it:
You have multiple options for ceremony locations, an incredible reception hall designed specifically for events, access to the manor house for getting ready and pictures, fantastic menu items for your guests (the spot’s owners ran a catering company, so they do it right!), and the family-owned aspect, which means they especially love what they do here!
Best for these occasions: Weddings and private events
Event size: Up to 200 guests
Location: 289 Hollyfield Ln (Manquin)
Independence Golf Club
You and your guests are in for much more than a beautiful golf range when you book an event here.
Why we love it:
There are multiple ceremony locations for weddings, and the space has an amazing flow — you can also rent the entire clubhouse! There are beautiful views and in-house catering with delicious food to boot.
Best for these occasions: Weddings, private parties, corporate events
Event size: Up to 150 guests
Location: 600 Founders Bridge Blvd (Midlothian)
Oakdale
This space is rustic and modern all at once.
Why we love it:
There are multiple ceremony sites, including a lakeview location; a beautiful, blank canvas inside with neutral colors to let you create your own vision for design; a large covered porch area, which can be used for cocktail hour; tons of parking; and an on-site venue coordinator. It’s also nearby Short Pump and plenty of hotel options.
Best for these occasions: Weddings, private parties, corporate events
Event size: Up to 200 guests
Location: 13497 Ashland Rd (Ashland)
Science Museum of Virginia
There may be no better way to celebrate your wedding than in a space that literally celebrates bonding, chemistry, and all things of the like. (We couldn’t help ourselves.)
Why we love it:
This museum is right in the middle of the city (but offers lots of parking), and there are multiple rental options, depending on your type of event. If you are planning your wedding, you can use the rotunda with the pendulum — a super unique offering!
Best for these occasions: Weddings, private parties, corporate events
Event size: Just about any size, from small events to events with 1,000+ guests
Location: 2500 W Broad St (Museum District)
Willow Oaks Country Club
This is another great option to get the country feel without stepping too far outside of the city.
Why we love it:
Here, the staff treats you like royalty, as you enjoy the gorgeous ballroom and cocktail hour area with its huge windows and water views. There’s plenty of parking and in-house catering with amazing food options to keep your guests satiated between dancing and mingling the day or night away.
Best for these occasions: Weddings, private parties, corporate events
Event size: Up to 175 guests
Location: 6228 Forest Hill Ave (Westover Hills West)
Other Noteworthy Event Venues You (Probably) Already Know About
Ashton Creek Vineyards
The Barns of Kanak
The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing
The Carpenter Theatre
Dover Hall
Historic Mankin Mansion
The Jefferson Hotel
The John Marshall Ballrooms
Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
Main Street Station
The Mill at Fine Creek
Maymont
The National
Quirk Hotel
Upper Shirley Vineyards
Meet Andrea & Seth
The Richmond Experience is thrilled to partner with Andrea and Seth to share insider insight and useful resources for planning a wedding or special event in the Richmond region!
Andrea was born in the USA and raised in Nicaragua, and has been a Richmond resident for the past 17 years! In that time, she’s spent the past 15 years in the service industry. Coupled with her passion for entrepreneurship, Andrea founded Richmond Photobooth and has been capturing special moments ever since. She loves Richmond so much that she named her business after it!
A Richmond Native, Seth has entertained weddings for couples all over Virginia! His signature, unobtrusive style of MCing makes your wedding day flow seamlessly throughout the evening without any of the DJ “cheesiness”. He prides himself on his passion, professionalism, and attention to detail. He began his DJ career ten years ago, and after helping start another successful DJ business, he went off on his own and launched Rhythm of Love in 2018.
Andrea and Seth at their wedding in 2022.
Looking for more places to know?
Thank you to Richmond Photobooth and Rhythm of Love for collaborating on this city guide!