Historic Charlottesville Venues for a City Wedding

There’s something irresistibly romantic about an old building. But your very modern wedding guests want to be within Uber-able distance of a nice hotel, and you’d like to enjoy your historic ambiance in a place that has cell service. In short, you need a historic wedding venue in the city. Lucky you: we’ve got some recommendations below, all approved by our experienced team of wedding planners.

The Paramount Theater

A “grand movie palace” that first opened in 1931, the Paramount was meticulously restored and re-opened as a nonprofit performing arts venue in 2004. No detail was overlooked, from the historic marquee above Charlottesville’s downtown mall to the chandeliers and painted tapestries within.

You’ll feel like a star as you make a dramatic entrance from the Grand Staircase. You can host an elegant dinner amid the grandeur of the performance hall, or even say your vows onstage. The Paramount’s doors are just a short walk from several hotels, so encourage your guests to stay nearby and enjoy the historic downtown area.

215 East Main Street, Charlottesville, VA www.theparamount.net

The Jefferson Theater

The Jefferson was established in 1912 as a live performance theater. In those days, audiences went to see a vaudeville show, a silent movie, or live performers like the Three Stooges and Harry Houdini. A century later, the fully renovated downtown theater is now one of Charlottesville’s premiere concert venues for local and national acts.

As you dance the night away surrounded by the Jefferson’s vintage architecture, take a minute and sneak up to the balcony for a bird’s-eye view of your guests. They’ll be feeling the unique energy of a room that’s seen literally thousands of parties.

110 E Main St, Charlottesville, VA www.jeffersontheater.com

Fry’s Spring Beach Club

This social club dating back to 1921 is tucked away in the historic Fry’s Spring neighborhood, just minutes from Charlottesville’s downtown mall and the University of Virginia. The setting blends urban convenience with the tranquility of a wooded estate.

You’ll want to play up the vintage vibe in the club’s historic ballroom, which can seat up to 200 guests and boasts a huge 30- by 60-foot spring dance floor. Invite your guests to stroll the club grounds and see the eponymous spring, whose waters made the spot a 19th-century spa destination.

2512 Jefferson Park Avenue, Charlottesville, VA www.frysspring.org

C-Venue simplifies your search for your perfect venue. Call 434.531.3247 or email barb@barbwiredllc.com to get started.

Historic Wedding Venues in the Charlottesville Countryside

If you’re looking for a wedding venue with distinctive character, a historic building or estate can be just the right touch. Your guests will imagine the love stories of a bygone era as you surround yourself with the romance of the past. Of course, it’s important to choose a well-maintained venue that includes a few modern comforts. Below are some of the best historic venues within a short drive of Charlottesville, vetted by our experienced team of wedding planners.

The Lafayette Inn & Restaurant

Established in 1840, this historic landmark once welcomed stage coach travelers en route between the central Piedmont and the Shenandoah Valley. The building served as a Civil War hospital and later became home to the first local telephone exchange and the local newspaper.

Colonnaded porches surround the red brick walls of the three-story Federalist structure. The rooms are filled with natural light, antique furnishings, and numerous fireplaces. It’s a boutique wedding venue ideal for intimate weddings or larger groups.

146 East Main Street, Stanardsville, VA www.thelafayette.com

Highland

America’s fifth president, James Monroe, lived at Highland with his family from 1799 to 1823. His daughter Eliza was married on the estate in 1808. Recent archeological work on the estate continues to uncover new details about the president’s life.

The extensive grounds feature a choice of locations for your ceremony and reception. Popular spots include the Hilltop Pavilion, surrounded by rolling hills and mountain views; the rustic Event Barn, with indoor seating for up to 150 guests; and John’s Garden, an elegant floral and herb garden adjacent to the historic Presidential Guest House.

2050 James Monroe Parkway, Charlottesville, VA highland.org

Montalto

The “High Mountain” commands sweeping views in every direction, encompassing Monticello as well as the City of Charlottesville and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Thomas Jefferson acquired 483 acres on Montalto in 1777, during the same time period that he built Monticello.

Charlottesville’s most famous architect never built any structures on Montalto, but in 1908, the owners at that time built “Repose,” an 11,000-square-foot American Country house. The house was carefully restored by the Thomas Jefferson Foundation in 2011 and now merges state-of-the-art technology with the warmth and elegance of the home’s original design elements.

1400 Mountain Top Farm, Charlottesville, VA www.monticello.org/site/visit/montalto-overlooking-monticello-home-robert-h-smith-center

Michie Tavern

The Tavern’s original proprietor, William Michie, signed the Albemarle Declaration of Independence in 1779. His upstairs Assembly Room served as a political and social gathering spot for the surrounding countryside. In 1927, the building was painstakingly moved 17 miles from its original location to the foot of Carter’s Mountain, where it became accessible to tourists visiting Monticello.

A taste of the 18th century awaits you, with servers in period attire ready to recreate the ambiance of a country inn. Guests may take a guided tour of the historic building before enjoying a Southern buffet in the candlelit dining rooms.

683 Thomas Jefferson Parkway, Charlottesville, VA www.michietavern.com

C-Venue simplifies your search for your perfect venue. Call 434.531.3247 or email barb@barbwiredllc.com to get started.