Dear Engaged Couples,

    “Do you know of a CHEAP wedding venue?” That is one of the questions I am asked by couples, especially those intending to elope. Hah!  That’s a toughy!  It’s difficult to find a scenic spot that nearby landowners are willing to let you use for free.  I guess their rationale is, “We paid for the view.  If you want to enjoy it, we will charge you.”  And then there are the risks. What if you fall off a pier, and drown, or turn your ankle and break it as you head for the perfect backdrop for your wedding pic. Can the landowner be sued? It’s complicated.  And even public properties—say after hours on Virginia Museum’s lawn, is verboten “without permission from the Commonwealth.”  That’s what I have been told by a museum guard, anyway.  

That said, I have gathered a list of venues, that charge little to none in the way of fees.  The downside is, most of these require that you do more work than you would at an established wedding venue:  Renting/setting up/striking down chairs for example, or clearing the spot of debris (say, at a creek or river). Still, if money is the issue, these are worth considering.  I have listed these in no particular order:

Charlottesville

Forest Lake’s Clubhouse (However, you must have a friend who lives there willing to vouch for you).

Unity Church (next to Albemarle High School) .  The Church charges a fee for the rental of its sanctuary and  ballroom.  Go to https://unitycharlottesville.org/pages/weddings-rentals to find out more. 

The East Rivanna Volunteer Fire Department has a space to rent. Address is  3501 Steamer Dr, Keswick, VA 22947 Go to https://www.ervfc.com/

Stony Pont Ruritan, located at 2835 Watts Passage, has rooms to rent for your wedding.  Go to https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/stony-point-ruritan-club-charlottesville/ebb280d9b97a6403.html to find out more.

The Center at Belevedere.  Address is 540 Belvedere Boulevard, Charlottesville, VA 22901.  Go to https://thecentercville.org/facility_rental.

Prince Michel Winery off Route 29. https://www.princemichel.com/private-events.   Call 804-302-4021, or email Mike Haney, mhaney@princemichel.com.  Address is 154 Winery Lane, Leon, VA (Route 29 North of Charlottesville).  Note:  the fees are somewhat pricey, but less than, say, a full-fledged wedding venue. 

The Space, in Downtown Charlottesville:  https://www.thespacedowntown.com/private-events. It is smack in the middle of the downtown mall, Charlottesville,  and is conveniently walking-distance-close to the Omni Hotel, bars and pubs. 

Piedmont Virginia Community College, https://www.pvcc.edu/rent-our-facilities.   While the rooms inside might be more conducive for a business meeting, some of the grounds are lovely, and just the thing for an elopement, say, or a very small, outdoor wedding. 

CAAR, also known as Charlottesville Area Association of Realtors’ location is 550 Hillsdale Drive in Charlottesville.  The building was designed for events!  It sports a ballroom, with an adjoining terrace and kitchen.  The  number to call is 434-817-9333, email: events@Hillsdale ConferenceCenter.com. 

The Haven.  I have written about this lovely converted church before.  It is on Water Street, next to the downtown mall and has a minimal rental fee.  Since it is a converted church, no need to rent chairs—it has pews!  It does not have reception capabilities, but there are plenty of restaurants in the area capable of hosting you and your loved one, and a small contingency of friends and family members.  Go to https://www.thehaven.org/.  Phone is 434-973-1234 or write Operations@theheaven.org. 

Finally, The Rivanna Trail.  I recently married a couple at Azalea Park.  The Rivanna has been cleared of weeds and kudzu.  It still had its share of debris (a pair of tennis shoes?) but that aside, the river and lots of green make for an awesome backdrop for pics. Parking is more than ample!!!

Richmond

I have been slow to identify free or near-free wedding venues in Richmond, but four are worth mentioning here.  I recently officiated at a wedding at Brown’s Island—and the bridge leading to Brown’s Island,  http://www.brownsisland.com/ and https://jamesriverpark.org/t-tyler-potterfield-memorial-bridge/.  This area, in the center of the City, boasts a dramatic cityscape. More though, depending on the time of day, you can enjoy ample free parking . (Qualifier here—the wedding at which I officiated was at 9 a.m.—I arrived at 8:30 and there was ample parking then—I read that the parking area fills up later in the day).

Belle Isle is another lovely site, .  I have not yet visited there, but it offers a park-like setting.  I don’t know if it is possible to marry there without prior permission. More on that as my research continues….. https://venturerichmond.com/explore-downtown/outdoors/belle-isle/

And, there is the Canal. What a lovely backdrop for your Richmond wedding! https://venturerichmond.com/explore-downtown/riverfront-canal-walk/. Public parking is at 1200 E. Byrd Street.

Oh yes, and I should have mentioned this at the outset! I often marry couples at my home! Just call, text or email me! So, Don’t let money be an issue in marrying the love of your life. Yes, there is such a thing as a cheap wedding venue.

Happy wedding planning!