Where Should Your Out-of-Town Guests Stay in Charlottesville for Your Wedding?

Hosting a wedding in Charlottesville, Virginia, often means welcoming guests from near and far to celebrate your big day in this charming destination. With Charlottesville’s abundance of scenic wedding venues and seasonal attractions, ensuring your guests are comfortable and conveniently located is a top priority. Whether you’re hosting at a vineyard, historic estate, or rustic barn venue, this guide offers tips and suggestions for lodging accommodations to help you create a great experience for your out-of-town guests, and maybe even for yourselves!

How Close Should Your Guests Stay to Your Venue?

When choosing where your guests should stay, proximity to your wedding venue is key. Ideally, accommodations should be within a 20-30 minute drive from the ceremony and reception. Anything farther may feel inconvenient for guests unfamiliar with the area, especially if they plan to rely on GPS navigation or transportation services.

If your venue is in the countryside, which is common for many Charlottesville weddings, be mindful that rural roads can be harder to navigate at night. Providing guests with options close to or within the city center for after-party fun and safety is always a good idea.

Some of the best areas for guest lodging in or near Charlottesville include:

• Downtown Charlottesville: Ideal for those who want easy access to restaurants, shops, and UVA attractions.
• Near UVA Grounds: Convenient and centrally located, especially for larger chain hotels.
• Northern Charlottesville/Wineries: Offers proximity to popular venues like Pippin Hill and King Family Vineyards.

Should You Block Rooms for Guests?

Yes! Room blocks are essential for ensuring that your guests have access to convenient and affordable accommodations. This is especially important during peak seasons, such as fall (wedding season and UVA football) and spring (graduation weekends and springtime events).

Here’s how to set up a room block for Charlottesville Lodging:

1. Reach out to nearby hotels (beginning 8-12 months in advance) and inquire about group rates for room blocks.
2. Provide guests with clear instructions on how to book through your customized block.
3. Book accommodations in multiple price ranges to fit various budgets.

Keep in mind that some hotels have minimum room block requirements, while others may hold a limited number of rooms until a specific cutoff date. Share this information with your guests so they book early and don’t miss out.

Should the Bride and Groom Stay at Their Guests’ Hotel?

This decision depends on your preferences and logistics. Here are the pros and cons of staying at the same hotel as your guests:

Pros:

• Convenience: You'll be close to your guests for impromptu meetups, welcome dinners, or post-wedding breakfast gatherings.
• Special Arrangements: Staying together allows you to easily coordinate group activities or transportation on the wedding day.
• Accessibility: You can quickly check in with out-of-town guests and ensure they’re comfortable.

Cons:

• Limited Privacy: The hotel may feel crowded, and you might not have the alone time you want as a couple before or after the big day.
• Pressure to Entertain: Staying in the same location might mean guests expect you to be available for socializing when you need time to relax.
• Pre-Wedding Jitters: Before the big day, having your own private space may help reduce stress.

Pro Tip: Consider staying at a nearby boutique inn or vineyard property for some much-needed quiet time, but make time for meals or activities with your guests during the weekend.

Wedding Venues with On-Site Accommodations

Some Charlottesville wedding venues offer on-site lodging, which is ideal for a seamless guest experience. These venues make it easy for everyone to stay together, reduce transportation logistics, and extend the celebration:

• Keswick Hall: This luxury historic estate offers elegant on-site accommodations, allowing your guests to stay in beautifully appointed rooms while enjoying the breathtaking ambiance of the venue. Perfect for weddings that blend sophistication, comfort, and convenience.
• The Clifton Inn: A boutique inn that combines historic charm with modern luxury, The Clifton Inn serves as both a stunning wedding venue and a convenient lodging option for your guests, offering an intimate and memorable stay.
• Boar’s Head Resort: Owned by UVA, this premier resort offers breathtaking surroundings and a variety of on-site accommodations, making it ideal for hosting your wedding and accommodating guests in style.
• Farmington Country Club: With its historic charm and tranquil setting, Farmington Country Club features on-site lodging that provides your wedding guests with upscale comfort in a serene, country club atmosphere.
• Kimpton The Forum Hotel: Located right on UVA Grounds, the Kimpton Forum Hotel offers luxurious boutique accommodations and modern amenities, making it an ideal choice for UVA alumni weddings. Guests will appreciate the hotel's convenient location, stylish design, and warm hospitality.

Make Your Guests’ Lodging Extra Special

Elevate your guests’ experience by providing delightful touches during their stay. These thoughtful gestures will make them feel appreciated and set the tone for an unforgettable weekend:

1. Welcome Baskets

Create customized gift baskets filled with locally-inspired goodies that showcase the best of Charlottesville. Include items such as:

• A mini bottle of Virginia wine or cider
• Locally sourced snacks like Route 11 chips or artisan chocolates
• A printed guide to nearby attractions
• Handwritten notes welcoming them

2. Tips Guide on Your Wedding Website

Before guests arrive, provide practical tips on your wedding website, including:

• Directions to the venue: Particularly for rural or hard-to-find locations.
• Local attractions: Suggest activities for downtime, such as hiking in Shenandoah National Park or exploring the Downtown Mall.
• Transportation options: List car services, public transportation details, or parking information to help guests navigate the area.

3. Host a Welcome Dinner or Brunch

A welcome dinner or brunch is a fantastic way to break the ice for guests who may not know one another and to set a celebratory tone for the weekend. Consider hosting this at a local restaurant or caterer known for showcasing Charlottesville’s vibrant culinary scene, such as:

Orzo Wine bar and kitchen - Perfect for a Welcome Dinner

Orzo Kitchen & Wine Bar is an ideal choice for an intimate and elegant welcome dinner. Known for its Mediterranean flavors and artistic presentation, Orzo offers menu items crafted with locally-sourced ingredients, blending Charlottesville's farm-to-table culture with global culinary inspiration. Pair their robust wine selection with dishes like house-made pastas, fresh seafood, and hearty entrees for a warm yet upscale dining experience. Guests will love the cozy ambiance and attentive service.

Mockingbird Cville - Great for Dinner with a Laid-Back Atmosphere

Mockingbird Cville captures the charm of Charlottesville’s food scene with a focus on seasonally inspired dishes, making it a lovely spot for a welcome dinner. This venue offers a relaxed yet stylish vibe that balances elegance with comfort, ensuring that your guests feel both welcomed and indulged. Their menu features elevated takes on Southern cuisine and creative cocktails that showcase regional flavors. Mockingbird is perfect for introducing guests to the unique culinary culture of the area while enjoying a more casual atmosphere.

Kimpton - Perfect Spot for Brunch or Dinner

The Kimpton Forum Hotel in Charlottesville, VA is an elegant and stylish venue that combines modern design with warm hospitality, making it an exceptional choice for a welcome brunch to kick off your wedding weekend. Its on-site restaurant showcases a menu inspired by locally-sourced ingredients, offering creative and elevated takes on classic brunch dishes alongside thoughtfully curated beverages like craft coffee, mimosas, and signature cocktails. Whether you prefer plated meals or a buffet-style spread, the Kimpton Forum Hotel creates a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere for guests to connect and feel celebrated. Centrally located in Charlottesville, the hotel’s contemporary vibe and attention to detail provide a seamless and memorable culinary experience in one of the city’s finest settings.

Common house for brunch or dinner

The Common House in Charlottesville offers a stylish and community-focused venue that’s perfect for hosting a brunch or dinner as a welcome meal for your wedding weekend. With its versatile spaces and emphasis on fostering connection, Common House provides an inviting atmosphere for your guests to relax and celebrate. Their menus highlight creative and locally-inspired dishes, ensuring a memorable culinary experience. Conveniently located in downtown Charlottesville, Common House combines modern charm with exceptional hospitality, making it a wonderful spot to kick off wedding festivities.

Boars Head for brunch

Boar's Head Resort in Charlottesville offers an exceptional dining experience at its historic Mill Room, making it a fantastic spot for a wedding weekend welcome brunch for out-of-town guests. Nestled within a stunning 600-acre property, the Mill Room combines warm hospitality, elegant yet approachable service, and beautiful outdoor seating with scenic views. Their much-loved weekend brunch buffet, available every Saturday and Sunday, features fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and chef-driven dishes, ensuring a memorable culinary experience. With its inviting atmosphere and emphasis on quality, the Mill Room at Boar's Head Resort is the perfect place to gather and celebrate amidst Charlottesville’s natural charm.

‍General Tips for Improving Guests’ Stay

1. Transportation: Provide shuttles or rental cars for guests staying farther from the venue, especially if rural roads or sipping Virginia wine are involved. Explore Charlottesville transportation options.
2. Wedding Weekend Itinerary: Include a detailed schedule in advance so guests know where to go and when to arrive.
3. Personal Touches: Send handwritten thank-you notes or host a small farewell party before your guests leave town.
4. Embrace Local Charm: Suggest guests explore vineyards, historic sites, and downtown Charlottesville while they’re in town.

Final Thoughts

Making your out-of-town guests feel comfortable not only ensures their good experience but sets the tone for a wedding weekend nobody will forget. Charlottesville offers ample lodging options, from city hotels to vineyard estates, so finding the right accommodations close to your venue is achievable with a little planning. Whether you’re setting up room blocks, deciding where you’ll stay as a couple, or finding ways to sprinkle thoughtful touches into the weekend, your guests will love celebrating your special day in this beautiful, welcoming town.

Start your lodging plans early, stay mindful of the seasons and local events, and don’t forget to make the weekend feel extra special with personalized touches. Happy planning!