Why Avonlea Farms Is Richmond's Best-Kept Secret Wedding Venue
- Jess Williams
- Oct 30
- 4 min read
When it comes to choosing the perfect wedding venue, there’s one factor that often gets overlooked until the planning really begins—location. And at Avonlea Farms, we believe location makes all the difference. Tucked just 45 minutes outside of downtown Richmond, our venue offers a rare combination of seclusion, convenience, and charm—making it a true hidden gem for couples looking to tie the knot in central Virginia.
Whether you’re planning a destination wedding in the DMV area, or you're a Richmond local who dreams of a countryside escape, Avonlea Farms provides the best of both worlds: a peaceful, scenic setting that’s still incredibly easy to reach. Here’s why our location matters—and why it may just be the perfect spot for your big day.
1. Close to Richmond—But a World Away
One of the top questions couples ask when planning a wedding is, “How far is it from the city?” At Avonlea Farms, we’re proud to offer a venue that feels like a destination wedding spot without the stress of long-distance travel.
Located just 45 minutes from downtown Richmond, we’re close enough for a comfortable day trip—but far enough to give your event a private, relaxed feel. Our couples often tell us that once they turn onto the scenic country roads leading to the venue, they feel like they’ve left the hustle of the city behind.
And yet, there’s no need to worry about accessibility. Your guests can hop off I-64 or Route 33 and be at the venue in no time. With our convenient location, your favorite people won't have to stress about travel plans—they’ll just be excited to celebrate with you.
2. The Privacy and Peace of the Countryside
At Avonlea Farms, we value your privacy. That’s why we’ve designed the venue to feel fully immersive and intimate, no matter your guest count.
Our property sits away from the main road—you can’t even see the party from the street. All major spaces, including the ceremony sites, reception greenhouse, pavilion, and preparation suites, are nestled within the heart of the property, ensuring that every view is beautifully Avonlea.
Unlike some venues that share space with other events, golf courses, or public access lakes, we own the entire lake onsite. That means no random fishermen wandering into your ceremony photos and no outside noise interrupting your vows. Just peaceful reflections, curated gardens, and golden-hour views.
3. Ideal for Guests Coming from All Over
One of the many reasons couples choose Avonlea Farms is our central location within Virginia. We’re not only under an hour from Richmond, but also:
45 minutes from Charlottesville (Cville)
Less than an hour from Fredericksburg
Under 2 hours from Washington, D.C.
About 2 hours from Virginia Beach
That makes us incredibly accessible for DMV weddings or for couples with family and friends spread across the East Coast. With an international airport (RIC) less than an hour away, we’re also a smart choice for guests flying in from other states or abroad.
It’s the kind of location that takes the headache out of logistics—which is exactly what you want when planning your big day.
4. Plenty of Parking (and No City Confusion)
City venues often mean one thing: limited parking and tricky navigation. Not at Avonlea Farms.
We offer ample parking on-site, with enough space for up to 100 vehicles, plus designated areas for buses, limos, and shuttles. We also provide golf cart attendants to transport guests from the lot to the ceremony and reception areas—ensuring everyone arrives refreshed and ready to celebrate.
You won't need to worry about metered parking, parking garages, or city traffic. Your guests can pull in, park with ease, and enjoy a carefree day in the countryside.
5. Nearby Lodging Options for a Weekend Experience
Just because we’re nestled in the country doesn’t mean we’re short on accommodations. Avonlea Farms is surrounded by a variety of local lodging options, perfect for couples who want to create a full wedding weekend experience.
We’re just 20 minutes from Lake Anna, which is not only a beloved local vacation spot but also a haven for charming Airbnbs, lake houses, and rental cabins—ideal for wedding parties, family groups, or even post-wedding relaxation.
In addition to on-site getting-ready spaces, we also have housing options on property. And for guests looking for more traditional lodging, nearby bed-and-breakfasts and hotels make it easy to coordinate comfortable stays.
6. Perfect for Destination-Inspired Weddings—Without Leaving Virginia
Dreaming of a destination-style wedding but not the long flights or complicated travel logistics? Avonlea Farms checks all the boxes.
Our greenhouse venue, lakeside views, and enchanted gardens create the kind of atmosphere you might expect in Napa, Charleston, or Europe—yet we’re comfortably located in Central Virginia.
We often hear from couples that Avonlea feels like “a world away” from their everyday life, while still offering the convenience of a Virginia wedding venue close to home.
7. A Well-Established Venue That’s Built to Host
Location is more than just geography—it’s also about experience and infrastructure.
Avonlea Farms has been hosting weddings for five years, and in that time we’ve honed every aspect of the guest experience. From the concrete pathways that guide guests through lush gardens to the carefully designed reception spaces that flow effortlessly from one moment to the next, our venue is as functional as it is beautiful.
We’ve thought of everything—from private fishing spots for groomsmen to bug-free cocktail hours thanks to our bi-weekly mosquito control. Our team is trained, experienced, and passionate about making your day as magical and easy as possible.
So Why Choose Avonlea Farms?
Because your venue shouldn’t just look good in photos—it should feel good in person.
Avonlea Farms is more than just a beautiful place to say “I do.” It’s a carefully curated experience. We offer the privacy of the countryside, the convenience of being close to Richmond, and the peace of mind that comes with working with a seasoned, thoughtful team. And while our location may feel hidden, we promise—it’s exactly where your dream wedding belongs.
Book a Tour Today
If you’re looking for a Virginia wedding venue that combines charm, convenience, and confidence, Avonlea Farms is waiting to welcome you. We’d love to show you around and help you envision how your day could unfold here.
