Planning a wedding doesn’t have to mean going all out with a big guest list and a packed venue. For couples who value intimacy, Richmond, Virginia, is the perfect place to plan a beautiful elopement or mini wedding. As one of the top wedding photographers in Richmond, I’ve had the honor of capturing countless love stories here, and I’m excited to share this comprehensive guide to help you plan your special day. I also love photographing mini weddings so much, I’ve created wedding collections specifically dedicated to that category. They even tell you which time frame is best based on what you are looking to have captured.
Let’s start with, why Richmond?
Richmond offers the perfect mix of urban charm and natural beauty. From historic landmarks to stunning gardens, this city provides countless options for an intimate wedding backdrop, even in all of the different seasons we experience. Whether you’re drawn to the city’s architecture, vibrant outdoor spaces, or the small but chic, modern venues, Richmond truly has it all.
This historic venue offers elegance with elopement packages starting at $250 per hour (two-hour minimum). You’ll have access to their gardens, the house, and a bridal suite, accommodating up to 40 guests. To book, email events@virginiahistory.org. My favorite part about The Virginia House is that you don’t need a $20,000 floral budget, especially in the spring. If you are looking to allocate your funds elsewhere, this venue is already so beautiful. Making it not only a great place to elope, but an affordable wedding venue in Richmond as well.
Maymont’s microwedding packages offer two-hour access to their breathtaking grounds for $250 on weekdays and $500 on Weekends. Perfect for couples looking for stunning garden photos without weekend crowds. It’s honestly a win-win. You can find out more information through this link. I love the versatility of Maymont and with how huge the grounds are, the photo possibilities really are endless.
The VMFA is both versatile and budget-friendly. Their conference suite is available for rent at under $1000, or you can elope in their sculpture garden for free. My couples that opt-in for this venue love the central location in Richmond, VA and how we are able to take beautiful portraits around the property. With the location being in the heart of the museum district, you can head straight to a beautiful celebratory dinner nearby at places like BookBinders or Tobacco Company.
This open-air venue is free and open to the public, but you can reserve it for guaranteed privacy. It’s minimalist and timeless, perfect for a no-fuss ceremony. Ensuring your private time there also allows you to bring in a couple of extra details such as a floral arch or a few chairs for additional family members. You can find more information on reserving the church here.
Nestled in the heart of Richmond, Copper Hall is a hidden gem for couples seeking a modern yet timeless venue. With its exposed brick walls, elegant chandeliers, and warm ambiance, this space is perfect for intimate ceremonies or receptions. Copper Hall’s flexible packages allow you to customize your event to fit your vision, making it an ideal choice for couples looking to combine sophistication with a personal touch. They also have a dedicated all-inclusive package for Microweddings. It is more $$ than eloping in the park but this is the perfect all-inclusive intimate gathering. You can find more information here.
I am so passionate about capturing the intimate and authentic moments of your wedding day. Whether your wedding is 10 hours or 30 minutes, your photographs should be a reflection of the love shared between you and your partner. No matter if you inquire for me to just show up to a park with you or are planning a formal, intimate gathering, I want to make sure that your photo gallery stays true to you for years and years to come.
© 2024 Chelsea Schmidt Photography