Rockfish Ranch
A Relaxed Riverfront Destination
When couples tour Rockfish Ranch, they have a vision: All of their loved ones gathered in a peaceful secluded setting for a weekend of relaxing, connecting, dining, dancing and celebrating. Maybe the bride grew up on a farm. Or the groom has fond family camping memories. Perhaps the couple met on a hiking trip with friends and they’re dreaming of an outdoorsy wedding. (All true stories, says Rockfish Ranch Property and Events Manager Kelly Nordstrom.)
No matter the draw, when couples take in the wide-open landscape — over 600 private estate acres — hugged by the Blue Ridge Mountains and overlooking the Rockfish River, they fall in love with the wedding weekend possibilities.
“Couples can use the ranch like a blank outdoor slate. It’s the perfect big open space to craft an elevated or laid-back wedding,” says Nordstrom.
The current owner acquired the former vacation home in 2020 with the goal of creating a relaxed family-style gathering destination with amazing views and riverfront access. Rockfish Ranch hosted its first wedding in the summer of 2022, weaving threads of nostalgia into a special weekend retreat.
Both intimate and spacious, the Rockfish Ranch wedding experience unfolds across numerous ceremony and celebration sites, hosting up to 300 guests, and includes a 100’ x 60’ sailcloth tent, tables and chairs, an onsite event coordinator and three night’s stay in three luxury cabins sleeping a combined total of 20 people. The fully refurbished modern-rustic cabins include abundant amenities, such as a pool table, hot tub, sauna and fire pit.
Check in Thursday afternoon and enjoy full use of the entire property until Sunday evening. Host a welcome party and rehearsal dinner and have the Rockfish Ranch concierge team set up a private wine tasting tour at nearby vineyards, a guided skeet shooting excursion, private yoga sessions, a post-wedding family brunch and more.
“There are no limitations to how many wedding weekend events you can pack into your stay,” Nordstrom says. “We arrange all the logistics.”
Dig into the upscale summer camp nostalgia with fly-fishing, horseback riding, hiking and swimming. Dreaming of floating into your riverside ceremony on a canoe? The events team can arrange that. Picturing a horseback newlywed ceremony exit? That can be arranged, too.
Photographers swoon over Rockfish Ranch’s scenic overlooks, mellow-flowing canoe river shoot opportunities and ceremony wedding bell tower backdrops — the tower is flanked by pine benches and aligns with the sunset in the summer and fall.
“The whole property is yours so there’s no competing noise,” Nordstrom says. “The peaceful quiet and the nighttime star gazing are incredible.”
Photo Gallery
This is a relaxed, tranquil scenic retreat into nature with all of the modern amenities and comforts. It’s where you can re-center and enjoy the outdoors. It’s meant to be shared with friends and family and to make incredible memories.
My biggest piece of advice is...
Start the planning process early; there are so many ways you can utilize the wedding weekend. We have a concierge team to help set up everything from private yoga to wine tours, so you can get as much as you want out of the full three days. Fill it with all the things that make you happiest.
My favorite special wedding moment is...
When couples choose to have their ceremony under the wedding bell and they have their big “I-do” moment and they get to ring that bell and flower petals are thrown in celebration. At the ranch, it just feels right.
A Rockfish Ranch must-do is…
Getting the wedding party together in the main cabin lodge. There’s a loft game room, sauna and hot tub, so after the wedding you can unwind with your wedding party.
Event Spaces
The Location
Setting
Just 28 miles from downtown Charlottesville, Rockfish Ranch is a serene getaway nestled along the Blue Ridge Mountains overlooking the Rockfish River.
Things To Do
Charlottesville is home to thriving orchards, farms, and more than 40 wineries that inspire unforgettable restaurant experiences. Hiking in Shenandoah National Park, renowned river kayaking, and championship golf offer thrills while a celebrated theater and local live music scene entertain. Our stages are well stocked with highly coveted acts. In fact, Charlottesville is where Dave Matthews Band and Coran Capshaw's Red Light Management — the largest independent music management company in the world — got their start. For a taste of history, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, James Madison’s Montpelier, and James Monroe’s Highland offer guided glimpses into the Founding Fathers’ legacies.
Proximity
32 mi to Charlottesville–Albemarle Airport
28 mi to Downtown Mall
28 mi to Monticello
23 mi to UVA
21 mi to Shenandoah National Park
The Details
Amenities & Services
- Private chefs available
- Concierge services to arrange wine tours, brunches, and group excursions
- A four-wheel-drive Kubota for exploring the property
- Exclusive use of the ranch and event sites
- Elegant tent pad for dinner and dancing
- Custom ceremony wood benches
By the Numbers
- 600+ acres of ranch land to experience
- 300 seated guest capacity for dinner
- 300 seated guest capacity for ceremony sites
- 3 modern cabins sleeping a combined total of 20 people
Make it Yours
- Work with the expert concierge event planning team to organize a skeet-shooting outing, horseback riding, wine tours, a private riverside picnic, and more.
- Plan a late-night silent disco party with provided headphones and transmitters.
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Real
Wedding
Weddings
at this Venue
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