If you are looking for old world charm and historic buildings, then Virginia is the place to get married! With such rich history and old architecture I am always in awe when I find another hidden gem in the surrounding towns of Charlottesville. And the Hollands wedding was no exception! They were married in a chapel outside of Charlottesville and had their reception on a private estate. Today I want to convince you to get married in a Charlottesville wedding chapel, and next time we can gush over their wedding reception! Here are my tips for finding a wedding Chapel as a Charlottesville wedding photographer.
Choosing Your Charlottesville Wedding Chapel
With over 260 years of history, Charlottesville offers a rich religious history that includes chapels, synagogues, and Catholic churches. With hundreds of churches and wedding chapels surrounding Charlottesville it will be quite the feat to find the right one for you. So here are some ideas to help you get started when scoping out your wedding chapel:
Size and Capacity
Before looking for any venue, you should have a rough idea of how many guests you plan on inviting to your wedding. You can narrow down, or expand, your guest list once you book your venue. But at least know if you are planning an intimate ceremony with less than fifty people. Or a larger celebration with over one hundred.
Religious Requirements
Some chapels require you to be a part of their congregation or parish to book your ceremony. While others are open all denominations. Be sure to look into this before setting up a tour, as well as asking if you need to use their officiant of find your own.
Decor Restrictions
Many operating Charlottesville wedding chapels do have decor restrictions since they are a place of active worship and are used outside of weddings. Typically these restrictions are related to open flames and floral petals scattered.
Top Wedding Chapels in Charlottesville
As mentioned before, Charlottesville is home to several beautiful chapels that provide a romantic and timeless setting for your wedding ceremony. Whether you’re looking for a grand, historic church or a quaint, intimate chapel, we have plenty of options! Here are some of the most beloved wedding chapels in Charlottesville:
University Chapel at UVA
For couples who want a wedding with historic charm and stunning Gothic architecture, the University Chapel at the University of Virginia is a top choice. Located on the iconic UVA campus, this chapel features breathtaking stained-glass windows and vaulted ceilings, a long dramatic aisle, and a central location. Not to mention there is seating for up to 250 guests, making it ideal for larger weddings!
In addition to the seating, you should note that this Charlottesville wedding chapel is non-denominational, so it can accommodate a variety of religious and secular ceremonies. Also, booking is highly competitive, especially during peak wedding season and UVA graduation weekends.
Grace Episcopal Church
Nestled in the picturesque countryside of Keswick, Grace Episcopal Church is a historic chapel that exudes Southern charm! Established in the 18th century, this chapel is known for its beautiful stone architecture and classic red doors with wooden pews and stunning stained glass windows.
This chapel is on the smaller side, offering a more intimate setting for both Christian and civil weddings. For a Christian wedding they do require that at least one person in the marriage is baptized Christian, and they offer spiritual counseling beforehand for the couple. While their civil weddings have less requirements, they do require an application before booking.
Christ Episcopal Church
Located in the heart of downtown Charlottesville, Christ Episcopal Church is another fantastic option for couples looking for a chapel with history and elegance. This venue offers classic architecture with tall, arched windows that let in gorgeous natural light.
Christ Episcopal church has a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for couples of all backgrounds. However, they may require couples to attend pre-wedding counseling sessions as part of the booking process.
Smaller Hidden Gem Chapels
If you’re looking for a lesser-known chapel that still offers beauty and charm, consider exploring some of Charlottesville’s smaller, more intimate chapels. Here are some of my favorites:
St. Paul’s Memorial Church: A beautiful and historic chapel near UVA with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
White Hall Chapel: A quaint countryside chapel that offers rustic charm and a peaceful setting.
Private Estate Chapels: Some historic estates and vineyards have small chapels on-site, perfect for a unique and exclusive ceremony.
No matter which chapel you choose, Charlottesville offers breathtaking venues that blend history, elegance, and romance. Making it the perfect place to tie the knot!
Like what you see and want to book me for your Charlottesville wedding chapel wedding? Reach and let’s start planning!
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