With its scenic Blue Ridge Mountains backdrop, abundance of greenery, and plethora of stunning locales, the Charlottesville area has long been a popular wedding destination. For couples looking for the perfect place to tie the knot, these four new venues will likely fit the bill.
Situated just south of Charlottesville in Nelson County, Rockfish Ranch is a leafy, mountainous retreat overlooking its namesake Rockfish River. After two years of transforming the former vacation property into a rustic venue, the ranch hosted its first wedding in the summer of 2022. Rockfish boasts a range of on-site amenities, including large indoor and outdoor spaces, lodging, a sauna, fire terraces, and several ceremony and celebration spots for up to 250 guests during wedding season, or 20 guests throughout the rest of the year.
Tucked into the forests and rolling hills of Louisa, family-run Avonlea Farms has hosted weddings and special occasions since 2020. Surrounded by stunning foliage and delicate landscaping, the farm has several ceremony and reception sites, including a vintage glass greenhouse on a private lake and a 250-year-old oak tree, and can host up to 200 guests, depending on the location. With unlimited site visits, a complimentary mimosa bar on the big day, a range of complimentary decor choices, and more, Avonlea Farms provides its guests with numerous amenities.
Located on UVA’s Darden School of Business grounds, The Forum Hotel in Charlottesville is a venue of choice for more than just University of Virginia alumni. The luxury hotel boasts over 40,000 square feet for its events, with several ceremony and reception sites available both inside and out. For catering, the venue offers a range of creative food and drink menus, and will customize options if desired. Able to host up to 700 guests and offering a wedding room block deal, The Forum is a good choice for those with a longer guest list.
Just outside the city in the Farmington neighborhood, historic Gallison Hall is a large but cozy estate with a range of unique features. Designed by original owners Julio and Evelyn Galban, Gallison Hall is a 12,728 square-foot Georgian manor on more than 40 acres of private land, and is able to host up to 200 guests. With views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and ornate and intentional indoor and outdoor architecture, Gallison Hall offers a gorgeous backdrop for any wedding.