James Monroe’s Highland Wedding Venue Guide | Charlottesville, Virginia

James Monroe’s Highland is a historic wedding venue just minutes from downtown Charlottesville, Virginia. Once the estate of President James Monroe, this property offers a refined, historic feel without the price tag of many other well-known Charlottesville wedding venues.

Highland is especially appealing to couples who love classic architecture, manicured gardens, and open landscapes, but still want a relaxed, approachable wedding day experience. The setting feels elegant without being overly formal, making it a great fit for both traditional and more laid-back celebrations.

However, they are being rather choosy about what kinds of weddings they are hosting. From their website: “While Highland has hosted weddings in the past, we’ve recently updated our policy. Going forward, weddings will be limited to those with a meaningful connection to this historic place and will be considered based on factors such as event size. If you have a personal or historical connection to Highland, we’d be happy to talk further.”

What Makes James Monroe’s Highland a Great Wedding Venue

The grounds at Highland are what truly set it apart. The estate features rolling hills, tree-lined roads, white picket fences, and beautifully maintained gardens that photograph well in every season. There is a sense of openness here that allows weddings to feel spacious and calm, even with a full guest list.

Ceremonies typically take place in one of the gardens or on the Blue Ridge Lawn, which offers scenic views and a classic Virginia estate backdrop. Cocktail hour is often hosted in the gardens, while receptions are held under the covered pavilion, providing shelter without feeling closed in.

From a photography standpoint, Highland offers excellent variety. The boxwood gardens, long driveway, and wildflower and vegetable garden all create natural transitions throughout the day, which helps wedding galleries feel full and cohesive without ever leaving the property.

Getting Ready at James Monroe’s Highland

One important thing to know when planning a James Monroe’s Highland wedding is that the on-site getting ready spaces are very limited and not particularly photogenic. If beautiful getting ready photos are important to you, I strongly recommend planning to get ready off-site.

Many couples choose a nearby Airbnb, boutique hotel, or one of Charlottesville’s downtown hotels before heading to Highland for the ceremony. This simple decision can make a big difference in how the full wedding gallery looks and feels.

Cost and Overall Value

Highland is often considered one of the more affordable historic wedding venues in the Charlottesville area, especially given the quality of the grounds and the overall experience. While pricing can change, in the past couples have typically spent around $4,000–$5,000 for a 100-guest wedding, which makes it an excellent value compared to other estate-style venues nearby.

Despite the lower price point, Highland consistently receives strong reviews for both the venue itself and the professionalism of the staff.

One WeddingWire reviewer shared:

“This venue is one of the most beautiful wedding destinations in Charlottesville, and is easy to work with, while not breaking the bank. If you want a historic venue with gorgeous views at a great price, look no further.”

Photography Experience at James Monroe’s Highland

I have photographed weddings at Highland multiple times, and each one has been incredibly lovely in its own way. The venue flows well, the light is consistent across the property, and there is enough visual variety to tell a full story without feeling repetitive.

If you value natural, story-driven wedding photography, Highland is a venue that supports that approach beautifully.

Why Book Me for Your James Monroe’s Highland Wedding

I have been photographing weddings in Charlottesville and across Virginia for nearly a decade, with extensive experience at historic estate venues like James Monroe’s Highland. I understand how the light moves across the property, how to build a timeline that works with the venue’s layout, and how to guide couples through portraits efficiently so they can enjoy their day. When you work with me, you get more than photos. You get thoughtful planning support, calm direction, and a photographer who knows how to document Highland weddings in a way that feels timeless, natural, and true to your experience.

A Real Wedding at James Monroe’s Highland

At the end of this post, you’ll find a real wedding gallery from James Monroe’s Highland. This is not a styled shoot. It is an actual wedding day, photographed as it naturally unfolded, so you can see what this venue truly looks like in real conditions, with real timelines and real moments.

If you are considering Highland for your wedding, scrolling through a full gallery is one of the best ways to decide if it feels right for you.

Essential Information for a James Monroe’s Highland Wedding

• Venue Website: https://highland.org/
• Address: 2050 James Monroe Pkwy, Charlottesville, VA 22902
• Reviews: WeddingWire
• Typical Venue Cost: $4,000–$5,000 for approximately 100 guests

Planning a Charlottesville Wedding?

If you are looking for other Charlottesville-area venues, you may also enjoy exploring real weddings at Castle Hill Cider or Eastwood Farm and Winery, both of which offer very different but equally beautiful wedding experiences.

Ready to Start Planning?

If you are getting married at James Monroe’s Highland and want a photographer who knows the venue and understands how to tell the full story of your day, I would love to connect.

👉 Reach out through my contact page to inquire about your wedding date.

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