The 3 best wedding venues in Charles City, ranked and compared

Upper Shirley Vineyards is a winery, restaurant and estate wedding venue established in 2013 along the banks of the James River in Charles City, Virginia, between Richmond and Williamsburg. The 14,000 sq ft waterfront property combines a classic Southern farmhouse with vineyards, expansive lawns, stone patios and covered porches; wedding clients receive exclusive use of the entire property including the Banquet Room (up to 300 seated, soaring ceilings, red oak floors, hanging light fixtures), the riverfront Ceremony Lawn in a private cove, front and back porches, two uncovered patios with wicker furniture and the optional satellite bar "The Babe." Couples prepare in a third-floor Bridal Suite with full-length mirrors and hair/makeup station and a basement Groom's Den with lounge, Golden Tee, large-screen TV and direct access to cornhole. Mandatory in-house catering (seasonal Southern cuisine), in-house bar with Upper Shirley wine, Director of Events and Banquet Manager are all included; couples must retain a third-party planner (full, partial or day-of) from the preferred-vendor list, and all other vendors must carry day-of insurance. Decor inventory includes mahogany ceremony chairs and arbor, mahogany Chiavari chairs, round tables, cocktail tables, a farm table from reclaimed property timber, china, silver flatware and glassware. Pricing starts around $10,000 venue rental, with full weddings $15,000 off-peak up to $35,000–45,000 peak.

Burlington Weddings & Events is a historic property in Charles City, Virginia, with a Main House originally built circa 1818, located between Richmond and Williamsburg. The grounds include the Stables (an indoor ceremony and reception barn with catering kitchen, restrooms, an old-fashioned bar, a sunroom/buffet room and a loft), the Ice House Bar, a Bridal Cottage (which sleeps up to 7 and is rentable the night before), the Groom's Den, and an outdoor ceremony space. The Stables host up to 300 seated guests or 500 standing, and Burlington only books one event at a time so couples receive undivided attention. Burlington provides on-site coordination with Madison, tables, chairs, furniture and weather contingency in the Stables ballroom backed by on-site generators. Outside caterers are allowed with approval, business license, COI and Virginia ABC compliance for alcohol service.

Open Air The Glebe is a 110-acre historic farm and former Westover Parish parsonage in Charles City, Virginia, with a 1745 manor house registered on the Virginia Historic Landmarks and National Register of Historic Places. Most ceremonies are held on the front lawn under majestic trees with the historic Glebe house as backdrop, while a 60' x 90' tent over a 5,000 sq ft brick patio in the back lawn hosts receptions of up to 300 seated guests with The Coop Bar, catering prep area and restrooms. The Tractor Barn (up to 200) suits rehearsal dinners, welcome receptions or Sunday brunch, and four celebrant suites (Master, Upstairs, Basement, Workshop) accommodate get-ready time. The flagship 'A Long, Romantic Weekend in the Country' package gives Friday noon to Sunday 3 pm access plus overnight accommodations for up to 10 inside the Glebe House for $16,000 (2026/27 special $12,000). Couples may hire any vendors they choose; owners Steve and Patti and coordinator Michelle are repeatedly praised for hands-on service.