Welcome to my venue guide! As a wedding photographer, I see a lot of unique spaces throughout the season, including some hidden gems! Here, I’ve compiled some of my favorite and the most popular wedding venues in Staunton VA area. Virginia as a whole is filled with gorgeous wedding venues and options in every style, size, and budget. In this list, I focused specifically on Staunton, although there are many more venues in nearby cities and counties. You can visit my full vendor guide for more details on venues in the surrounding area. I compiled as much information as I could about capacity, style, contact information, pricing and rental fees. Some information is only available as you inquire directly with the venue. I hope this helps you with planning your Staunton wedding! When you’re ready to look for photographers, please reach out to me for more information.
Downtown Staunton City and Staunton VA Wedding Venues
BLACKBURN INN AND CONFERENCE CENTER
With a boutique hotel and picturesque landscape, the Blackburn Inn is the go-to for both indoor and outdoor weddings. When you tour, you’ll notice there are four different location options for your ceremony. At the Blackburn, the landscaping is incredible! It’s one of my favorite views in Staunton. With the massive historic building, iconic porch, rolling hills, and beautiful weeping willow trees, it’s just the perfect place for portraits. When the sun is going down, the property is just gorgeous! Inside, the hotel features modern, industrial style upgrades. Its spiral staircases are the perfect photo op! They even have a secluded rooftop with adorable bistro lights. The Blackburn is located just steps away from downtown Staunton, where Rt 11 meets Rt 250. In addition, they offer on-site catering and bar, and have many of the rentals you’d need. You won’t have to stress about your tables, tent, and chairs. Pricing varies and is only available upon inquiry.
AMERICAN HOTEL BANQUET ROOM
The American Hotel is in the heart of Downtown Staunton VA, located by the train station. Built in 1855 by the Central Virginia Railroad Company, this venue has kept the style of the grand ballroom with modern touches. This Staunton wedding venue has a capacity of 200 guests, a bar, a dancefloor, and multiple tables. The main room features exposed brick and a spacious balcony. It’s neutral décor can be transformed to match any wedding vision. It is conveniently just a short walk from iconic portrait locations like the Staunton Warf and Sears Hill Bridge. This venue is a very popular Staunton choice, so make sure to book your tour and ask about your wedding date as far in advance as possible. The American Hotel Historic Banquet Room structures its pricing around peak days. Thursday and Friday weddings are less expensive (starting at $2,800) than peak weekend rates, starting around $3,500. Please inquire with them directly for exact pricing details.
HOTEL 24 SOUTH (FORMERLY THE STONEWALL JACKSON HOTEL)
The high-rising neon sign of this classic Staunton wedding venue can be seen for miles at night. Located beside the Blackfriars Shakespeare Theatre in historic downtown Staunton, this romantic and recently renovated hotel can accommodate from 100-300 guests depending on which ballroom you decide to use. The starting range for rental fees is about $2,000 to $3,000. If you’re looking for a classic ballroom style venue in the Staunton area, this one is the best! As a bonus, your guests will be able to stay at the hotel, and enjoy the shopping, food, and history of the downtown area during their stay.
GAIE LEA
I have only been here as a guest, but Gaie Lea is one of my absolute favorite wedding venues in the Staunton VA area! From the lustrous grasses surrounding the lake to the cottage to get ready for walking down the aisle, this venue has all of the whistles and bells for a dreamy meadow wedding. The venue can seat up to 250 guests. The rental fee ranges from $5,350 to $8,500, but inquire for exact details. There are multiple ceremony site location options. The property features historic architecture, water views, beautiful landscaping, fall foliage, rolling hills… it’s perfect for any wedding style!
Rustic and Barn Wedding Venues in Staunton VA
FRONTIER CULTURE MUSEUM
The frontier culture museum is a budget-friendly wedding venue with lots of landscaping to explore. There are three location options, and they do host multiple weddings on the same day. It is located right off interstate 81 on exit 222, right beside hotels, restaurants, and convenience stores. The property is expansive, exploring the history of homes and farms throughout the world. This is one of the most affordable wedding venues in the Staunton area, ranging from $500 to $2,500 in rental fees for events of up to 400 people. However, several of the location options are not weather-proof or air conditioned. Consider a weather plan as you make your decision.
CANA BARN
This 90-year-old bank barn has been taken down, moved and rebuilt the same way it was before but with modern amenities. Located in Staunton, Virginia, this one of a kind barn also has a balcony and rooftop deck. The barn is also ADA accessible so that all persons can enjoy their visit. The exterior of our barn is slate blue, while the interior reveals the beauty of the original barn’s chestnut wood. Inside, we have air conditioning, heat, and a gorgeous fireplace. Outside, our ceremony space is wooded but close to the barn for the convenience of your guests. You have a built in Rain/Hurricane Plan if you are planning an outdoor wedding but the weather chooses not to cooperate. The barn’s capacity is 135 people, and rental packages start at $4,000.
VALLEY MILLS FARM
A blend of historic and modern, Valley Mills Farm sits nestled in the hills and features a riverside gazebo, and brand new reception barn. The perfect blend of old and new, Valley Mills Farm in idyllic Swoope, Virginia (Augusta County, just outside of Staunton limits), offers a 15-acre park-like setting with lots of photographic locations, and a brand new reception barn with panoramic views and all the amenities modern events require. Valley Mills using a peak season pricing structure, with non-peak dates starting at $2,800 and peak season weekend rentals starting at $6,000 for multi-day events. Overall, a very beautiful and affordable venue.
FOUR WINDS AT NORTH MOUNTAIN
A beautiful waterfront ceremony space with a chic barn for the reception with lights for once the sun sets and the dinner turns into a dance party. If you’re looking for a rustic setting, beautiful Virginia mountain views, and space for a large party, then Four Winds is your venue! Pricing is available upon inquiry.
INN AT MEADCROFT
Located in Swoope VA just outside of Staunton limits, the Inn at Meadcroft offers a quaint cottage environment and beautiful mountain views for your outdoor or small indoor ceremony. It’s been a perfect location for microweddings and mini reception gatherings while navigating wedding size restrictions. The hills offer wonderful views in all seasons, and lots of photogenic opportunities. The bridal suite is spacious! And, stay overnight and enjoy a soak in the gorgeous claw foot tub. Your honeymoon can start right away! The capacity and pricing for this wedding venue aren’t clearly displayed. Based on past experiences working there, an indoor reception would likely be capped around 50-60 people. The venue is likely able to accommodate a lower budget event.
More Staunton VA Wedding Venues and Augusta County Locations
Now that you’ve explore the major venues in Staunton, you have a better idea of what the area offers. For more on venues, things to do in Staunton, and the surrounding areas, you can check out the visitor’s bureau. They have their own great list of venues!
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Jo Mahaney is a professional photographer of PhotographyByJo.net based in Staunton, Virginia, specializing in wedding photography. With over eight years of experience, Jo is dedicated to creating effortless, joyful imagery that authentically captures the essence of each couple’s unique love story. She is known for her ability to create meaningful galleries filled with emotion and personal narratives. Jo is not just a photographer; she is an active supporter of her clients, providing resources and guidance to ensure a stress-free experience. From the initial inquiry call to the wedding day, Jo is transparent, open, and ready to get to know her clients to provide the best service possible. Her commitment to her craft and her clients is evident in the glowing testimonials she has received. Jo’s work extends beyond Staunton, covering areas such as Harrisonburg, Charlottesville, Lexington, Roanoke, and Richmond. She has also had the privilege of photographing weddings in various locations, including the Outerbanks, DC, Maryland, Pennsylvania, North and South Carolina, and even Spain.
