About Richmond
As the state’s slogan claims, Virginia (really is) for lovers. And with Richmond being the capital city of Virginia, it may be the perfect place to host a wedding. Located along the James River in the Piedmont region of Virginia, the Richmond landscape consists of low and undulating hills between the flat coastal plains and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Read: beautiful.
Richmond, VA is a historical destination with an eclectic culture. With 400 years of history and 300+ historical markers -- and with cobblestone streets to boot -- Richmond is a colonial settlement turned hub for all things culture and cuisine. Here, quaint southern charm meets big arts scene, as Richmond boasts a vibrant arts district, charming neighborhoods and jaw dropping architecture. With incredible restaurants and many breweries, wineries, and cafes, as well as many parks and trails along the James River, the city of Richmond is sure to appeal to just about anyone.
Matched with the city’s many wedding weddings, from lofts and houses, to parks and gardens, there’s a winning wedding destination for anyone seeking a charming and intimate wedding in Richmond. Whether the backdrop you want is an epic city skyline, a gorgeous garden, or a view of the James River at sunset, Richmond might just be what you’re looking for when planning for your big day.
- Interesting Fact
Virginia’s iconic, giant “LOVE” artworks are scattered across the state, and you can even find a map showing the locations of each one of them if you’re up for a road trip. Even cooler, you can also have a giant LOVE set up at your wedding, making the perfect backdrop for photos at your big day.
Wedding Options in Richmond, VA
Richmond is packed with wedding-appropriate vendors who can help make your wedding everything you’ve imagined it to be. Whatever you’re looking for, Richmond has you covered.
- Wedding Cake Bakers
Let there be cake! No wedding would be worth attending without cake, right? With many award-winning bakeries in Richmond to choose from, you can have your cake and eat it too.
Fat Rabbit is a woman-owned bakery in Richmond whose wedding cakes and groom’s cakes have both made 3rd place on Richmond Magazine’s The A-List, which recognizes the best of the best in the Richmond region’s wedding industry.
Pearl’s Bake Shoppe is a destination for desserts, with over 120 flavors. Pearl’s has won many awards, including Virginia Wedding’s Top Wedding Vendor 2019 and Richmond Bride’s A-List 2020.
- Caterers
If you’re looking to have your wedding catered, you’ll surely find what you’re looking for in Richmond. A renowned foodie destination, Richmond has over 100 catering companies listed on WeddingWire, a website that allows you to filter by catering services, cuisine, dietary needs, and diversity.
- Photographers
No big day is complete without photos to capture the moments in time forever. Wedding photographers abound in Richmond, with hundreds to choose from. You might even opt for a photo booth at your wedding, creating a customized experience where guests can capture their special moments at your big day in their own way. Social Party Booth and Pixrus Photo Booth are two local options that can make your day unique and memorable.
- Florists
If you are looking for photo-worthy floral arrangements and floral decor for your Richmond wedding, you won’t be disappointed. You can take your pick of dozens of florists in the region, or go with one of these:
Flueressence has been featured on Blushing Richmond, Virginia Bride Magazine, The Knot, and Wedding Wire. In addition to exquisite floral arrangements, they also provide a wide range of rentals to beautify your big day.
Flowers Make Scents has been featured on Wedding Wire’s Couples’ Choice Awards, as well as a Finalist on Richmond Times-Dispatch’s ‘The Best’ list.
Event Planning Companies in Richmond, Virginia
- Every Little Detail
Every Little Detail is a high-caliber event planning business that can help you plan your wedding, down to the last detail. They offer packages from ultimate planning and coordination to finish touch planning, as well as corporate and social event planning. With over a decade of wedding planning experience, the team at Every Little Detail have been featured on many local national blogs and print publications, including Virginia Pride, Richmond Weddings, Black Bride, Aisle Society, and Borrowed & Blue.
- CCS Events
CCS Events is one of the biggest and longest running wedding event planning companies in the state of Virginia, having been in business for nearly twenty years. They offer bespoke wedding planning packages tailored to fit each couple’s desires, and have a team of event coordinators to achieve anything and everything they might want or need for their special day. CCS was voted Best Richmond Wedding Planner by Richmond Magazine, and has been featured in Richmond Bride, The Knot, Southern Wedding, and Glamour Magazine, as well.
- The Hive Wedding Co.
The Hive Wedding Co. is a woman-owned business with over 25 years of collective experience in wedding planning. The Hive has coordinated events for over 280 couples, and they’ve earned the ‘Best of Weddings’ title from The Knot, as well as WeddingWire’s Couples’ Choice Awards every year since 2015. They provide both full and guided partial planning and event management and design services in a variety of packages.
Pros and Cons of Having a Wedding in Richmond
Pros:
- Historic destinations
Richmond is rich in history. History buffs will love all the historical destinations, architecture, museums, and culture.
- Fall leaves
Fall colors are absolutely breathtaking in Richmond, and with mild weather in autumn, it makes for the perfect place to have your outdoor fall wedding.
- Abundant venues
Wedding venues abound in Richmond. From quaint and charming, to elegant and grand, indoor and outdoor, vineyards and golf clubs, downtown city rooftop to historical plantations, Richmond has something for everyone.
- Incredible food
Richmond boasts a thriving culinary scene. Hundreds of restaurants and every style of cuisine you can imagine can be found here.
- Romantic city
Richmond is a picturesque destination with love in the air. Virginia is for lovers after all!
Cons:
- Humid summers
July and August are the hottest months, and also come with high humidity, which can make your outdoor wedding a bit uncomfortable, especially if you are not used to the humidity.
- Crime
Richmond’s crime rate is higher than the national average, though it is much lower than it used to be.
- High traffic
Traffic can be an issue here. Especially on nearby Interstate 95.
- Allergies
Allergies can be a real kicker (especially in the Spring), which may interfere with outdoor wedding plans.
Famous Locations in Richmond, VA
While you’re in Richmond, don’t pass up the opportunity to soak up the local scenery and culture. With so much to choose from, you certainly won’t be lacking in options for how to spend your stay.
- Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden was founded in 1984 as a nonprofit garden. Comprised of 82 acres and featuring a Conservatory, a Children’s Garden, a community kitchen garden, and other themed gardens, it’s a great gathering spot for the whole wedding party. The Garden hosts classes and programs for adults and children, and their website features a What’s In Bloom section, where you can learn what is blooming in the month you plan to visit.
- Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is a public art museum in Richmond that offers free admission. The museum first opened in 1936, and is one of the largest art museums in the country, featuring a comprehensive collection of art from all over the world. Located in the Museum District of Richmond, VMFA is located near the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, another worthwhile stop while you’re in Richmond.
- James River Park System
The James River Park System is a unique asset to Richmond’s parks department, encompassing 14 sections of the James River that includes rocks, rapids, meadows, and wetlands. Whether you prefer cycling, running, paddling, swimming, wildlife viewing, or walking in the woods, it’s a great spot to relax and unwind before or after the big day.