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Kimpton The Forum Hotel | Charlottesville, VA Wedding Venue

ByJo Mahaney
Kimpton the Forum Hotel in Charlottesville Virginia wedding venue tour

If you’re looking for a wedding venue that combines modern elegance with a touch of Southern charm, Kimpton The Forum Hotel in Charlottesville, Virginia, might just be your perfect match. I’ve had the pleasure of taking a tour of the property here, and let me tell you — this place is a photographer’s dream, and it’s just as incredible for couples who want a stylish, memorable wedding day. One of the most notable features is just how versatile the space is. You could easily host a massive ballroom wedding or intimate garden gathering. The venue truly caters to so many types of events. So, if you’re considering this stunning hotel for your big day, here’s everything you need to know!

Conveniently located in Charlottesville by UVA

Nestled in the heart of Charlottesville, The Forum Hotel is the perfect blend of urban chic and classic southern charm. With its sleek modern design and proximity to the University of Virginia, the venue offers the best of both worlds. Whether you’re a UVA or Darden alum or just love the idea of getting married in a city filled with history and charm, this place has it all. Plus, it’s an easy drive from D.C. or Richmond, so your out-of-town guests will have no trouble getting there. There is a local airport in Charlottesville as well. 

Open space below the lobby at Kimpton the Forum hotel in Charlottesville, a wedding venue

Capacity and Flexibility: There’s a Space for Every Couple and Style

Whether you’re planning a cozy celebration with your closest friends and family or a grand affair, The Forum Hotel has got you covered. The Grove Ballroom is the venue’s largest space and can host up to 500 guests for a seated dinner. It’s perfect for larger weddings with lots of guests and can be transformed to fit your style, whether you’re going for modern, elegant, or something a little more rustic. The ballroom can be split in thirds with dividers/temporary walls to create a space that matches your vision and guest count.

Unlike most hotel wedding venues, you don’t have to have a ballroom wedding here! There are several different ceremony and reception sites on property. For smaller, more intimate gatherings, there are additional spaces like L’Orangerie Terrace, the gardens, restaurants, and other flexible areas within the hotel that work for ceremonies and cocktail hours. The smaller spaces could host intimate events, cocktail hour, or rehearsal dinners for groups that would feel out of place in a ballroom setting. The variety of spaces means you can easily tailor your wedding to fit your vision, no matter the size. 

The variety of spaces on property and convenient on-site lodging also make for a great wedding weekend venue. If you are hoping to host a rehearsal dinner or farewell brunch with your wedding festivities, The Forum can manage all of those events for you. Plus, have an afterparty in their on-site upscale sports bar, The Good Sport. It’s truly a one-stop shop for your wedding weekend!

L'Orangerie terrace at the Forum Hotel, a great space for cocktail hour with natural light and modern flooring

Vibe and Aesthetics: Contemporary Meets Southern Elegance

If you’re into a modern, chic vibe with a touch of Southern warmth, The Forum Hotel is perfect. The décor is stylish and contemporary, with clean lines, warm wood accents, and soft lighting. The large windows in many of the spaces flood the rooms with natural light, creating a welcoming, airy atmosphere that’s perfect for wedding photos (trust me, this place is a dream for photographers!). Whether you’re dreaming of a trendy city feel or a cozy, intimate celebration, the aesthetic here can work for almost any style. The ballroom can be fully transformed through draping and is truly a blank slate for weddings of any style. 

The Hotel’s Amenities and In-House Catering

Here’s where The Forum Hotel really stands out: the in-house catering. They offer a curated, elevated menu that will knock your socks off. With options ranging from creative canapés to full sit-down dinners, you’ll have plenty of choices to make your reception dining memorable. The best part? The chefs can work with you to customize your menu to fit your style and taste—whether you’re after classic Southern comfort food or something more contemporary, it’s all possible.

And speaking of food, let’s not forget about the amazing dining options available on-site. There are two different on-site restaurants! It’s the perfect place for your guests to relax and enjoy a pre-wedding brunch or post-wedding celebration.

The Forum lobby all decorated for Christmas

Convenience of Lodging On-Site

Another huge plus? The convenient lodging right at the venue. Your guests can stay on-site, making it super easy for everyone to relax and celebrate without worrying about transportation or accommodations. Plus, The Forum Hotel offers luxurious rooms with a modern touch, so your guests will be in for a treat when they check in.

For the couple, the hotel offers a stunning getting ready suite for getting ready on the big day. It’s spacious and beautifully designed—perfect for pre-wedding photos and a little relaxation before you say “I do.” Your partner will have plenty of space to get ready too! The C-Suite is a great place for wedding prep, with a huge balcony that features mountain views and doubles as a nice natural light portrait space in case of a rainy day. And with 198 guest rooms and 10 suites available, your entire wedding party and guest list can enjoy the convenience of being right there on the property. No need to worry about getting cabs home and hiring transportation!

Cost of weddings at The Forum

Wedding pricing at venues changes often, so definitely inquire directly for the most accurate price. Because weddings at The Forum vary so greatly in size, style, and complexity, the cost of a wedding there will vary as well. As of our conversation in December 2024, they are charging a very modest $4,000 rental fee plus a food and beverage minimum. It’s truly an open-ended pricing model to help you build the wedding your envision without being locked into a specific package. The rental rates start well below the average wedding venue cost in Charlottesville. 

The lawn outside of the ballroom at the Forum hotel in Charlottesville

Summary: Weddings at The Forum in Charlottesville

Kimpton The Forum Hotel in Charlottesville is truly one of those venues that combines elegance, comfort, and convenience, making it a fantastic choice for any couple. From the variety of spaces available to the top-notch in-house catering and the convenience of lodging on-site, you really can’t go wrong. Currently, it’s a steal of a deal compared to the cost of some of the nearby Charlottesville wedding venues that have fewer accommodations to offer. Plus, the stunning aesthetic and prime location mean your wedding photos will look incredible. If you’re dreaming of a modern, stylish, and unforgettable wedding day, The Forum Hotel might just be the place to make those dreams come true.

And if you’re still on the fence, I totally recommend scheduling a tour and seeing it for yourself! You’ll fall in love with the space (and maybe even the food) just like I did. Happy wedding planning!

PS – Hope you enjoyed some quick photos I snapped during our tour. These were taken quickly and in winter. I hear their gardens are gorgeous in the spring! I’ll definitely be back. Check out Kimpton The Forum Hotel’s website for more images of the property and wedding inspiration. 

  • A modern bar interior at The Forum Hotel features green leather stools, a sleek counter, well-stocked shelves, and a TV displaying a woman speaking. Sunlight streams through large windows, creating an inviting and vibrant atmosphere.
  • The entrance to a bar with glass doors open reveals a dark interior and people chatting at the counter. A painting of a person on horseback adorns the left wall, reminiscent of the artistic elegance found in The Forum Hotel's renowned spaces.
  • Nestled in the inviting interior of The Forum Hotel, this cozy restaurant boasts a blue velvet booth and marble table, adorned with contemporary art and lush plants. A Christmas tree adds festive charm in the hallway.
  • Experience the vibrant charm of The Forum Hotel's dining area, featuring a checkered floor, wooden tables and chairs, large windows adorned with sheer curtains, and lush potted plants that create a serene ambiance.
  • The Forum Hotel lobby is spacious and modern, featuring large windows, green couches, and Christmas trees. A table draped with a blue tablecloth stands on the left as natural light beautifully fills the room.
  • Discover a spacious modern room at The Forum Hotel, featuring large windows, a circular ceiling, and a green sofa. Relax around the small table and chairs while admiring the Christmas trees adorned with twinkling lights.
  • In the sophisticated ambiance of The Forum Hotel's wine-tasting room, a large table adorned with floral arrangements, wine bottles, and glasses invites you in. Wine refrigerators elegantly line the walls, while a TV is mounted on the back wall for added charm.
  • A hanging art installation made of white cut-out shapes is suspended from the ceiling in a spacious room with large curved windows at The Forum Hotel. A decorated Christmas tree graces the scene on the left, adding festive cheer to this elegant setting.
  • A meeting room at The Forum Hotel features a U-shaped table arrangement, chairs, and a podium. A beautifully decorated Christmas tree stands near the large windows, adding a festive touch to the inviting space.
  • Glass doors and windows reveal a view of columns, a brick wall, and lush greenery outside. Inside The Forum Hotel, chairs and part of a table invite guests to relax.
  • The Forum Hotel stands as a red brick building with arched designs, bordered by a row of evergreen trees. A well-maintained lawn stretches out in the foreground, basking under the clear blue sky.
  • The exterior of The Forum Hotel features a red-brick facade with large rectangular windows and white columns, set against a clear sky. In the foreground, a well-maintained grassy area and bushes provide a welcoming touch.
  • The Forum Hotel stands as a large red-brick building with numerous windows under a clear sky. A paved path gracefully runs alongside landscaped greenery in the foreground, inviting guests to explore its welcoming ambiance.
  • The Forum Hotel shines as a red-brick building with large windows, white columns, and landscaped surroundings on a clear day.
  • A red-brick building, reminiscent of The Forum Hotel, with large windows stands behind a small river, surrounded by trees and shrubs on a clear day. Steps lead up to the inviting entrance.
  • The Forum Hotel, a large brick building with tall windows and chimneys, stands majestically behind a small stone bridge and landscaped gardens under a bright sky.
  • The Forum Hotel features two connected brick and glass buildings with large windows, surrounded by lush landscaping. A quaint stone bridge gracefully arches over a tranquil pond in the foreground, enhancing the serene atmosphere.
  • The Forum Hotel is housed in a large red-brick building with multiple windows and a curved entrance. In the foreground, you'll find a paved walkway and beautifully landscaped gardens.
  • A large rusted metal ring sculpture commands attention in the landscaped courtyard of The Forum Hotel, nestled between brick buildings and bordered by stone paths and bare winter trees.
  • Kimpton the Forum Hotel in Charlottesville Virginia wedding venue tour
  • An arched walkway with stone walls and red brick above, surrounded by green ferns, leads to illuminated stairs under a large window at the Forum Hotel.
  • The Forum Hotel's outdoor seating area features a gray sectional sofa and a white round table nestled against a brick wall, with two potted plants elegantly placed behind the sofa.
  • The Forum Hotel's outdoor patio offers seating that overlooks a scenic view of trees and a clear sky. Elegant white columns and a decorative railing line the edge of this serene space, inviting relaxation.
  • Aerial view of a park with green and brown trees, grassy areas, and a clear sky. In the distant background, beyond the mountains, you can spot The Forum Hotel elegantly nestled in the panorama.
  • The Forum Hotel's spacious lobby features a large Christmas tree, blue seating, and a glass wall that floods the area with natural light. Guests sit and chat, enjoying the festive atmosphere.
  • The Forum Hotel's modern office lounge buzzes with people working on laptops. Beneath a neon sign, a Christmas tree sparkles beside the sleek leather couch, creating an inviting atmosphere.
  • The Forum Hotel's modern lounge features dark teal walls and a central fireplace, surrounded by four cozy chairs around a small table. Large plant artwork and potted greenery enrich the decor, creating an inviting atmosphere.

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