Virginia Estate Wedding Venues

Ash Lawn Highland is an important historic site in Charlottesville, Virginia.  It finds its way onto many  tourists’ itineraries because it has a museum that is dedicated to James Monroe, the fifth president of the United States.  Monroe actually lived at Ash Lawn for nearly 30 years before his time in the White House.

Though it features onsite exhibit halls and occasional visits from living history actors, Ash Lawn is certainly not the typical stuffy, dated museum.  The well-preserved centuries-old buildings, 55 acres of farmland, well manicured lawns, and pristine gardens give the property a romantic feel and a classic atmosphere that is seldom found in more-modern estates.

Because of these qualities, the estate is a perfect place to host a wedding.  Ash Lawn has been hosting ceremonies and receptions for the past twenty five years.  The estate is ideal for people who want to either enjoy a spread-out wedding reception that takes full advantage of the spacious property or who want a smaller reception that takes place in the perfect setting.

Like most early politicians, Monroe was a wealthy man, and his estate is anything but small and cramped.  It features multiple lawns and gardens, each with a very distinct flavor.   Yards and gardens are covered with colorful flowers, impeccably groomed hedges, and towering trees.  Roses, a welcome decoration at any wedding, abound in a green-space known as John’s Garden.  This spot is a favorite for many brides and grooms because of its attractive flora and because it is located near the outdoor event facilities that many couples choose as the main venue for their wedding ceremony and celebration.

The Hilltop Pavilion, built next to the garden mentioned above, overlooks the rolling terrain that characterizes the property.  The Pavilion is a permanent structure that is perfect for seating during a ceremony or as a covered reception area.  It can hold up to 400 people and is a welcome change from the standard temporary tents that many outdoor weddings have to rely on.  A large barn site is also an option for people who want an indoor/outdoor party and are looking for a slightly more casual ambiance.

Ash Lawn Highland works with local caterers and suppliers to provide hassle-free food service and bar service to wedding parties.  Ash Lawn’s event coordinators are especially adept at bringing alive Monroe’s era by providing period food, tours of the estates grounds and buildings, and even classical music performances.  It is even possible to add even more historic flavor to a wedding at the estate.  A troupe of living history actors, dressed in period costumes, are available to perform at receptions.  Ash Lawn’s carriage rides, an option for all wedding celebrations, are a nice touch not only for people who want to maintain a classic ambiance but anyone who has the desire to increase the level of romance for all the guests who attend the wedding.

The estate can also accommodate other events such as family reunions, meetings, or luncheons.  These parties can take place in one of the outdoor or open air settings mentioned above or in a smaller indoor conference center located on the premises.  The center can hold up to sixty guests and features a separate kitchen and fireplace.  This is the best option for hosting celebrations or meetings during the cooler months of the year.  Despite its label, the “conference center” is located in one of the original buildings and carries the same historic feel as the other areas of the estate.

James Monroe’s Ash Lawn Highland estate is a great venue for an East Coast wedding or for a destination wedding for a bride and groom who want the historic ambiance and timeless class of this estate to be the backdrop for their most special day.