By Liz Kincaid with RVA Hospitality

Nicole Adele Photography

All in One Place
When starting wedding planning, you’ll realize convenience is of utmost importance. By getting married in the Arts District, you’ll truly have everything you need in one place, and not just your ceremony and reception. You’ll be able to cross almost everything off of your list. From favors to hair and makeup to your dress and tux, your wedding planning can be effortlessly easy.

Liz Kincaid RVA Hospitality perks Richmond Wedding historic arts district
Hayes & Fisk Photography

Thing to Do
In the days leading up to your big day, you’re supposed to be relaxing right? But how can you relax when 150 of your closest family and friends are coming into town and you’re not there to entertain them?

Leave that worry at the door in the Arts District. Your guests of all ages will have something to do. Send your grandparents to one of the many art galleries or a symphony performance. Send your millennial cousins to a boutique along Broad Street and maybe they’ll find an outfit for your wedding. Little ones coming to the celebration? Have your guests walk over to the Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU for a day at the museum!

Here are some other ideas to keep your guests busy and happy:

  • Food walking tour
  • Jackson Ward tour
  • Bicycle or Segway tour
  • Burlesque show

Photo Opportunities
Breathe some Richmond air into your wedding pictures! All along this area there are beautiful and unique murals painted by local artists. From “Greetings from Richmond” signs to giant floral designs, say cheese in front of a one-of-a-kind creation and something that is oh- so-Richmond.

Liz Kincaid RVA Hospitality perks Richmond Wedding historic arts district

LGBTQ Friendly
The Arts District in Richmond prides itself on being inclusive and supportive to alternative weddings. There are so many options to choose from. And don’t miss Godfrey’s for a larger than life drag brunch for your bachelor/bachelorette party.

Wide Array of Weddings
Whether you’re looking to have an intimate city wedding or a grand ballroom affair, the Arts District can accommodate your vision. Keeping it small? Why not have a rooftop affair with cocktails served right as the sun dips below the Richmond skyline? Or keep it quaint in an art gallery, dancing the night away as your guests admire the talent that our area has to offer.

Looking for something bigger? Explore the impressive spaces in the neighborhood, creating your dream night in a ballroom fit for royalty!

Bar Solita Richmond Weddings Networking Event
Have your Rehearsal Dinner at the GORGEOUS Bar Solita

Make Transportation Easy
One of the things couples tend to look over on their wedding day is transportation. How is everyone getting from ceremony to reception in time for the hors d’oeuvres? Take the guessing out of it and take The Pulse, Richmond’s public transit system. With routes starting from miles away, The Pulse is the perfect option and not to mention VERY affordable! Give your guests vouchers and help save them some money during their stay. With a bus stop right in the heart of the area, you can be dropped off right next to your venue!

As the Arts District runs right through the heart of Richmond, Uber, Lyft, and other ride-sharing services will have no problem picking up and dropping off your guests. You can rest easy knowing they will get home safe and sound.

Liz Kincaid RVA Hospitality perks Richmond Wedding historic arts district

Minimize Travel
Everything here is within walking distance. Get from the church to your reception on foot. Also, keep the party going at one of the many local bars. If you’re coming with a large group, it might be a good idea to call ahead!

Cure your guests’ hangover the next day with a flamingo brunch at a local hotspot. And yes, you guessed it, you can walk to those too!

The Arts District has long been a hidden gem in the River City. With its harmonization between new and old and hip and historical, this is a spot both you and your great-grandparents will fall in love with. Show your guests a slice of the South and all that Richmond has to offer!

Liz Kincaid is the co-owner of RVA Hospitality and an active Board Member of the Richmond Arts District Association. As co-owner of RVA Hospitality, she hopes to make the Arts District a destination for tourism, retail, art, dining, and culture. To learn more about having an Arts District wedding contact Liz at Liz@rvahospitality.com