Nestled on an idyllic 11-acre farm with a natural pond amidst the rolling hills of Central Virginia's wine country, Spotswood Lodge is a true haven for those seeking serenity and natural beauty. Beyond being a stunning vacation rental, this property doubles as an enchanting outdoor wedding venue. Its peaceful surroundings, combined with its spacious layout, provide the perfect backdrop for unforgettable gatherings and weddings.
When you first drive down the scenic driveway of Spotswood Lodge, you'll immediately be greeted by the tranquil sounds of nature and the serene beauty of this wooded, historic retreat. Towering trees and lush greenery line the path, immersing you in the peacefulness of the Virginia countryside. The gentle rustling of leaves and birdsong sets the tone for an unforgettable escape. As you approach the Lodge, its historic charm and timeless architecture come into view, inviting you into a world where nature and history blend seamlessly to create the perfect setting for your intimate celebration or getaway.
As a former Spotswood Lodge bride, Kelsey of Ridge and Ramble Photography is excited to share her tips and most cherished memories from her special day. With her experience as a wedding photographer, she knew Spotswood Lodge would be the ideal venue for her wedding. The beauty and charm of the property made it an easy choice, and she highly recommends it to future couples looking for a memorable place to celebrate.
How did your experience as a photographer influence your decision to choose this venue?
"As a photographer, the visual aspects of the venue were incredibly important to me. The space for a long reception table was a non-negotiable. I always envisioned everyone sitting together, creating a sense of unity, and the open lawn provided the perfect backdrop for that. The natural tones of the grass and the surrounding woodsy feel made it seem as though we were still in the heart of the National Park, completely surrounded by nature. It was exactly what I wanted—a connection to the outdoors in a way that felt intimate and organic."
As a photographer, what spaces on the grounds or in the home do you find most "picture worthy" for a wedding day?
"I regret not taking more portraits on the property, as there are countless photo-worthy spots throughout. One of the most underutilized spaces during my own wedding was the interior of the house. The sunroom and bridal suite are absolutely stunning, with so much natural light and character. The foyer, with its intricate details, also would have made for timeless moments. These spaces are full of charm, and I wish I had spent more time capturing the beauty with the two of us in it"
What is your favorite memory from your wedding day at Spotswood Lodge?
"The cake cutting, hands down! I smeared cake all over my husband's beard, even though he wasn’t too thrilled about it. It was such a lighthearted, funny moment that still makes me smile whenever I think about it. Also the cake was delicious. A close second was the speeches - all of our friends and family were in one place and it was just what I'd pictured."
If you could go back in time and relive the day, would you plan or do anything differently for a Spotswood Lodge wedding?
"I would definitely tweak the timeline. We opted to elope at sunrise, but in hindsight, I wish we had scheduled the ceremony later in the day to fully utilize the golden sunset light for both the ceremony and photos. Lighting is so important, especially for outdoor weddings, and I feel like we missed out on that perfect moment at sunset overlooking the water & the grounds there were gorgeous the night before at sunset. If I could do it again, I would have asked the staff at Grelen for their advice on timing and planning, instead of relying solely on my own instincts as a photographer. They know the venue and its best lighting conditions far better than I did!"
What was the best decision you made for your wedding day?
"The best decision we made for our wedding was, without a doubt, choosing the venue and photographer. We were absolutely in love with how the photos turned out—they perfectly captured everything we envisioned."
What advice would you give to future Spotswood Lodge couples?
"100% trust the team at Grelen. Ask for their input on everything—from timing to logistics—and rely on their expertise. Your vendors are there to help you, and they know how to make the day flow smoothly. Don’t hesitate to ask all the questions and trust their experience. It’ll make your day run so much more seamlessly."
Want to learn more about Spotswood Lodge weddings and lodging? Check out our website and follow us on Instagram (@spotswoodlodge) for inspiration and updates! To schedule a tour or inquire about hosting your event, please submit an inquiry to connect with our events team – we’d love to help you plan your perfect day!
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