Wedding season is in full swing, and engagement announcements have been blowing up our Facebook news feeds. After you put a ring on it, the next step is planning the dream wedding that is unique to you. Downtown Lynchburg offers a number of places and spaces that can help you have an exciting, urban wedding right here in your very own city.
There are many different types of venues to accommodate any need — whether you’re looking for a place that can house out-of-town family, offer onsite catering, or fulfill your dream to get married with a rooftop view — Downtown really does have it all!
TRESCA ON 8TH
Characterized by old style charm, this venue is the perfect destination for an elegant and sophisticated wedding. The building is located on 8th and Commerce streets and boasts floor to ceiling columns, refinished hardwood floors and a breathtaking staircase. All in all, the space extends more than 5,500 square feet and offers seating for up to 350 guests. If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, use one of Tresca’s event planners, or pick any caterer of your choice, to take some of the stress off the big day.
RIVERVIEWS ARTSPACE (CRADDOCK-TERRY GALLERY)
Located in the heart of historic downtown, this gallery is open and inviting. With distressed brick walls and large glass windows, the venue offers plenty of natural light and a unique industrial charm. The gallery features a selection of art from nationally acclaimed artists, which gives the area an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere. Additionally, Riverviews offers the use of their projector, ceiling screen, tables and seating to accommodate a small or large group of wedding guests. Hire any catering company, or use the provided kitchen for your own food preparation.
THE CRADDOCK TERRY HOTEL AND EVENT CENTER
If you're in search of a one-stop-shop for all your wedding needs, the Craddock Terry Hotel is the place to go. Complete with a historic atmosphere and welcoming staff, the venue has plenty of space for a rehearsal dinner, ceremony, and reception. The hotel also offers a selection of rooms and onsite amenities, so out of town guests can feel perfectly at home during the wedding weekend. Luckily, the Craddock Terry is connected to Shoemakers Grille and offers their very own delicious catering for each bride.
CITY VIEW BY THE JAMES
Found on the the 20th floor of the Bank of the James building, this space offers a direct view of the James River and historic Lynchburg, making it the perfect backdrop for a picturesque wedding. Rent out this space for a destination-feeling wedding that's much more affordable and closer to home.
TERRACE VIEW BY THE JAMES
Worried about the weather? Book your wedding here to have the option of a simultaneously indoor and outdoor event. Up on the 8th floor of the building, it's the only venue in Lynchburg with this type of view of the mountains and an overlook of the city skyline.
*Both City View and Terrace View venues have tables, chairs, dinnerware, barware, and silverware. Additionally, each location allows for 200 table settings, 300 cocktail table settings. Be sure to try the catering option, which lets you build your own cuisine, with food and drinks specifically customized to your wedding theme. The venues even offer planner and event consultation, as well as free wedding setup.
LOWER BLUFF WALK
Always dreamed of an outdoor wedding? Rent out the Lower Bluff Walk and enjoy the beautiful walkways, overlooks and staircases the location provides. Don't worry about space, as the area can hold up to 1,500 people! Rent out the Lower Bluff Walk individually, or the whole Bluff Walk for a beautiful and scenic wedding.
ACADEMY CENTER OF THE ARTS
If you're looking for a very simple location that can be dressed up for any theme, check out this venue. Rent out the Warehouse Theatre, lobby, concessions area and kitchen to use for the event. It can accommodate up to 250 people, and allows for any choice of catering company, tables, chairs, staging and sound and lighting.
THE GLASS HOUSE
Located on Jefferson Street, this venue is the perfect destination for an urban wedding. It has a full courtyard with greenery and flowers, as well as outdoor tables and chairs. The indoor is also spacious and has a full sound system and lighting, as well as the option of a DJ for the event. In addition, it is very vendor friendly and has a catering kitchen, as well as a bar. If you're needing a little help, they offer partial setup, as well as full cleanup to help the day run a bit smoother.
NINTH STREET PARLOR (PARLOR BALLROOM)
If you're on the hunt for a wedding location that will be sure to impress your guests, you won't go wrong with this venue. Complete with beautiful paintings and chandeliers, the ballroom features tall arches and original, historic architecture. The venue also has a large screen and state of the art sound system, perfect for any wedding. It’s also just a few blocks from the James River, the Lynchburg Courthouse and the main financial district, in case your guests would like to stay locally and explore all that historic Lynchburg has to offer.
HOLIDAY INN
With 17 event rooms that can accommodate up to 900 guests, this inn puts no limit on the possibilities for wedding fun. In fact, its 5,824 square foot ballroom is the largest in Central Virginia and can be transformed to fit any wedding theme. The hotel also offers in-house catering, complementary parking, and is in close proximity to the Lynchburg Regional Airport. Out-of-town guests are encouraged to book a room and stay the weekend to enjoy more of the local downtown area.
BONUS: WHERE TO FIND WEDDING ATTIRE DOWNTOWN
CELEBRATION BRIDAL & FORMAL
With high ceilings and original historic architecture, this boutique offers a unique dress shopping experience. The store is equipped with professionally trained stylists who work to customize their dresses to the specific wishes of each bride. Not only does the boutique partner with exclusive designers across the country to create their wedding gowns, but the store also offers tuxedo and suit rentals.
CHURCH STREET BRIDAL
Looking for something a little more budget-friendly? Check out Church Street Bridal! They offer racks and racks of designer gowns from names such as Pnina Tornai, Demetrios, Monique Lhuillier, and countless more. Most are priced at 10% of the original retail cost.
GARRETT WAYNE EXQUISITE APPAREL
Perhaps better known for its beautiful prom and special event dresses, this shop also sells a selection of bridesmaid dresses with embellishments and detailing. Don't see what you're looking for? Flip through a catalog and order your dream dress to the store!
ABSOLUTE BRIDAL & FORMAL
This boutique specializes in being a one-stop-shop for all formal and bridal needs. Not only do they offer a variety of wedding dresses in various colors and styles, but they also have flower girl dresses, tuxedos, and bridesmaid dresses.
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