Perhaps I’m biased, but I feel so lucky to be a Virginia wedding photographer. We have some of the prettiest wedding venues all throughout the state! Everything from wineries to barns to museums to beaches… but the wedding venues closest to my heart are the estates and mansions. There are so many beautiful estate wedding venues in VA to choose from. Below is a list of my favorites! Many of which I’ve shot weddings at, and others are top of my list to hopefully photograph soon.
In this list you’ll find links to their websites so you can inquire for your wedding date. I also include a description of each, photos if I’ve photographed there before, and I’ve categorized them by region to help you plan. These aren’t necessarily in order of my recommendation, but all are gorgeous and deserve your consideration! Also, some venues fit in multiple categories so it’s not perfect, but worth skimming through all lists!
Northern VA Estate Wedding Venues
Rust Manor House – Leesburg, VA
With 68 acres of gorgeous landscaping and breathtaking nature views, this mansion is a great choice for your special day! It even offers in-house catering for an all-inclusive service experience.
See photos from this beautiful venue when ENP Couple Caroline & Nick tied the knot here in October 2023!
See their engagement session, HERE!
Great Marsh Estate – Bealeton, VA
Originally built in the 1980s, this stunning wedding venue provides all the trappings of Low Country, Georgian luxury. You’ll feel like you’ve transported straight to Savannah the minute you step inside. And its exposed beam reception hall makes it the perfect venue for any couple – from the classic southern belle to the rustic, nature-loving bride.
Oatlands Historic House and Gardens – Leesburg, VA
This Loudon County wedding venue holds up to 250 guests in its southern plantation-style house. With beautiful gardens and a lemony-yellow mansion backdrop, your wedding photos are sure to look stunning anytime of year at this quaint, historic venue.
River Farm – Alexandria, VA
Once owned by the legendary President George Washington, River Farm is the perfect Virginia-Washington, D.C. wedding venue. The cozy historic home is nestled right along the banks of the Potomac River, with gardens and trees surrounding the private property. What’s more, I have worked with the sweet ladies that run the venue and they’re so kind and accommodating!
ENP Couple Calvin and Alex had their wedding here in September 2023! See their gorgeous wedding photos of this site.
Historic Rosemont Manor – Berryville, VA
This wedding venue is infused in romance. The manor was built in the 1800s by the first High Sheriff of Clarke County, George Horton Norris, as a wedding gift for his wife. If that wasn’t swoon worthy enough, the tall columns and brick staircases might do you in. The property also features guest houses, letting you provide convenience to the VIPs of your wedding guest list.
The Manors
The next few are owned by the same The Manors, premiere wedding venues in northern Virginia! You’ll find very similar accommodations at all four of their locations, listed here. Crisp, ivory walls, grand windows, beautiful outdoor ceremony spaces. Perfect for any classic wedding or glam wedding!
Poplar Springs Manor – Warrenton, VA
See photos from Hunter and Kimmie’s wedding day from last winter, HERE!
Raspberry Plain Manor – Leesburg, VA
Rose Hill Manor – Leesburg, VA
Heigh Torr Estate – Purcellville, VA
This quaint wedding venue looks just like a charming, British cottage. The natural stone structure is surrounded by Virginia’s gorgeous Blue Ridge mountains. Inside features some beautiful crown molded rooms, wood-laiden rooms (great for groom portraits, especially!) and a beautiful pavilion outside. You can even stay here during your wedding weekend for convenience!
ENP Couple David & Selby are saying “I do” at Heigh Torr in November! Stay tuned for their wedding photos. In the meantime, enjoy their Smithsonian Castle engagement session!
Estate Wedding Venues near Richmond VA
Dover Hall – Manakin-Sabot, VA
Easily one of my ALL TIME favorites! Dover Hall is the place to be if you want to feel like a real princess for a day. This castle-like mansion will have you living in main character energy in no time. From spiral staircases to ivy covered stone walls, grand fireplaces to beautiful gardens and vineyards, you will want to make use of every inch of this stunning estate venue in your wedding photos.
See Lacey & Jordan’s beautiful wedding at Dover Hall HERE.
Virginia House – Richmond, VA
Anglophiles will appreciate this rustic, English-style country manor situated on a hill overlooking the James River. It’s charming details feel like you’re living in a folklore, with enchanting gardens and stonework.
Historic Mankin Mansion – Richmond, VA
Of all the VA estate wedding venues, seems to have it all! From gardens that will transport you to Italian villas to European-inspired galleries and ballrooms, and even a wide, white tent option for a bright classic look. This venue gives brides and grooms everything they need to wow guests and experience a cozy, romantic wedding day.
Lauren & Andrew said “I do” at this beautiful VA estate wedding venue. See their photos, HERE!
Also see their engagement session at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., HERE!
The Estate at River Run – Maidens, VA
If you’re a Northern VA wedding photographer, then you know the Estate at River Run. It’s well known for not only it’s stunning, luxury qualities – but also it’s exceptional staff and service. Brides especially love its grand window panes, crystal chandeliers, and vintage wallpapers. But I am most excited to photograph couples against curvy staircases and on the stunning pool pavilion.
Ryan & Caroline got married at this stunning venue in April 2023! Blog post with more details and photos HERE.
Not quite as grand but deserves an honorable mention for beauty:
Seven Springs Farm & Historic House – Manquin, VA
A seriously gorgeous venue with winding, clean country roads and the cutest little house on the property! During the right season it is even surrounded by hydrangea bushes. This venue gives the perfect cross between rolling Virginia hills and mountain backdrops mixed with quaint, historic details and manicured landscaping… not quite crossing fully into the “rustic, country” vibe if you’re looking for a nature-filled but still sophisticated location for your special day.
Estate Wedding Venues near Roanoke & Smith Mountain Lake
Belle Garden Estate – Wirtz, VA
Also a quaint, romantic venue! Belle Garden Estate is small but versatile. A rare gem for the area, this venue offers a covered pavilion or outdoor ceremony space with garden arbors. Inside are beautifully decorated rooms with historic touches and floral wallpapers. And owner Isabelle is a helpful venue coordinator who truly wants her brides to experience the best day!
Austin & Amanda tied the knot at this beautiful estate! Check out photos from their wedding, HERE.
The Bedford Columns – Bedford, VA
This wedding venue is both gorgeous AND fascinating! During the Civil War, it served as a hospital for wounded soldiers. But now it provides an artisan, elegant venue for couples to start their happily ever after. Ballrooms, gardens, and a bridal suite fit for a princess, you’ll truly get the royal treatment at the Bedford Columns!
The Maridor – Roanoke, VA
Especially if you’re coming from northern Virginia or the D.C. area, you might appreciate this precious wedding venue! It’s colonial style architecture looks like it was plucked from Alexandria, but instead is nestled in historic Roanoke, Virginia!
Plantation at Sunnybrook – Roanoke, VA
This VA estate wedding venue has all the necessities and then some. This location includes a pretty little creek on the lower end, and hedge-rimmed ceremony space, covered pavilion, and indoor reception space. Upstairs is a great spot for the bride as she’s getting ready, and portraits are stunning in front of the mansion!
Anthony & Allie tied the knot here last year! Check out their wedding photos HERE.
Mansion Wedding Venues near Washington, D.C. & Alexandria
Carlyle House – Old Town Alexandria
This small but pretty VA estate wedding venue is surprisingly private while in the heart of Old Town Alexandria. It’s beautiful gardens attract brides for outdoor ceremonies, but it also has a gorgeous balcony option for larger events. Inside is a museum, and the outside of the house is gorgeous, particularly in the morning when the shade protects you from harsh sunlight. This location is particularly great for small and micro-weddings, or even elopements!
ENP Couple Wesley and Alexis eloped here in March! See their wedding photos HERE.
The Rectory on Princess Street – Old Town Alexandria
Like Carlyle House, The Rectory on Princess Street is a beautiful but tiny wedding venue. It is really well done as a ceremony location, especially if you’re preferring an outdoor ceremony. It’s outdoor gardens are stunning, with gorgeous trellises and neatly trimmed hedges. The white-washed brick is so charming, and inside also provides options for great indoor portraits.
Check out Sean and Caroline’s wedding photos from their Rectory ceremony, HERE!
Lee-Fendall House – Old Town Alexandria
Not in Virginia, but Deserves an Honorable Mention:
Larz Anderson House – Washington, D.C.
Basically, the crown jewel of Washington, D.C. wedding venues (in my opinion) is Larz Anderson House. This wedding venue exudes old luxury, with elegant flair and ornate details everywhere you turn. Altogether with its magnificent drapery, gilded trim, extravagant chandeliers, marble staircases, it’s no wonder this location has hosted presidents, princes, and even Supreme Court justices.
Did this post help you find your dream Virginia wedding venue? Now it’s time to book your dream wedding photographer 😉 Maybe I’m just the right fit for you! Contact me to inquire for your wedding photography.
Looking for more wedding planning tips from a pro in the biz (who also got married recently and can share first-hand bride experience…)? Then check out these posts next!
