Clifton Inn Weddings: Historic charm meets modern elegance

As a wedding photographer based in Charlottesville since 2019, I’ve had the pleasure of capturing love stories at many stunning venues in the area. Anyone who knows me, knows that I can’t stop talking about the places I love. So today I’m going to be sharing about my one of all time favorite weddings venues in Charlottesville: The Clifton Inn, a Charlottesville wedding venue of timeless elegance and southern charm against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Brief History

The Clifton Inn is a 19th century estate originally built for Martha Jefferson Randolph, daughter of Thomas Jefferson. Meticulously renovated in the late 20th century, this 100-acre haven seamlessly blends southern charm with world-class luxury. Another perk is its convenient location just 15 minutes from the Charlottesville–Albemarle Airport and 6 miles from downtown Charlottesville. This makes Clifton one of the most accessible scenic venues in the area.

Clifton Inn Wedding Accommodations

The Clifton Inn offers couples an array of indoor and outdoor spaces for their wedding and many impressive services. You can book for a day or spend an entire weekend here with your closest family and friends! This is one of the biggest perks. It’s not easy to get everyone together in one place, so why not take advantage of an all-inclusive venue to spend more quality time together?

Weddings at the Clifton Inn can host up to 300 guests, depending on the location. This comes with full staffing of your event from start to finish. Below are more details on celebrations at the Clifton Inn and the spaces that you can use for your Clifton Inn wedding.

Rehearsal Dinner

For your rehearsal dinner at the Clifton Inn, you can use the veranda which seats up to 75 guests. It features lovely wooden details and stairs leading to the wine cellar. Another option is the terrace, which can seat 120 guests and offers mesmerizing sunset views.  

The Library is perfect for couples who want an intimate indoor rehearsal dinner. It has a very modern chic vibe and seats up to 18 guests. You can also use the Wine Cellar, which has a gorgeous speakeasy vibe and seats up to 20.

The Manor House

The Manor House at the Clifton Inn is where the veranda and terrace are located. The terrace can accommodate up to 100 guests, while the sun-drenched veranda can accommodate 60 guests. You’ll love the sophisticated yet rustic elegance of these spaces.

The Crotchet and Front Lawn

The Front Lawn and Crotchet Lawn offer couples at the Clifton Inn the chance for a beautiful outdoor gathering. The Front Lawn has a view of the mountains and can seat 200 guests. The Crochet Lawn, edged by beautiful manicured gardens, can seat 100 guests.

The Court Tent

The Court Tent is the premier outdoor wedding reception space at Clifton Inn. It is an eight-peaked sailcloth tent with fans, clear side walls, and hardwood floors. This space, nestled in a forested area beyond the pergola, seats up to 250 guests. The entrance to this area is by the mesmerizing infinity pool.

The Secret Garden

For couples who want an intimate micro-wedding, the secret garden is the perfect location. There, you can have up to 30 of your loved ones surrounding you, as you say your vows. Couples can also elope to the lake dock and hold a lovely small reception at the wine cellar or library.

Clifton Inn Wedding Features

The Clifton Inn is recognized for its incredible service, and couples who have their wedding here say the staff is wonderful. Check out some more benefits you get from a Clifton Inn wedding below.

Welcome

Start your wedding on the perfect note by welcoming your guests with wine and hors d’oeuvres at the house veranda. This small cocktail reception is butler-attended and is a great way to prep your guests for a wonderful time. Couples who choose the weekend package can also enjoy a pool party with guests on Thursday.

Catering

Catering for Clifton Inn weddings is provided by the venue, known for top notch food and dining experiences. Plus they offer a seasonal menu and organic food from the venue’s own gardens.

Wine

Charlottesville is famous for its orchards and wineries. At your Clifton Inn wedding, you can enjoy the most celebrated Virginia wines. You can also choose from many other global vintages to give guests an unforgettable wine and dine experience.

Onsite Accommodation

For your wedding, Clifton Inn offers double occupancy at 20 onsite options that include suites, guest rooms, and cottages. There is also a bridal suite cottage with bride’s and groom’s dressing areas. Every room has a unique design with elegant architecture and modern amenities to make your stay comfortable.

Décor and Tableware

The Clifton offers white garden ceremony tables and chairs. You can also get linen napkins, table linens, crystal barware and glassware, white china, and stainless steel flatware for up to 250 guests.

Photography Locations

Oh wow, how do we even start? With the historic white manor house as a backdrop, views of the Blue Ridge mountains, lounging by the infinity pool, and elegant interior spaces, The Clifton Inn is a wedding photographer’s dream. Above it all, my favorite spot is the Secret Garden, with its romantic willow leaves hanging, dainty archway entrance, and gorgeous blooms in the spring, you cannot go wrong.

After the Wedding

After your wedding, you can retire to the Manor House with your guests for a nightcap or two as you celebrate. Clifton Inn also offers couples the Carriage House, an intimate cottage where you can relax and feel at home. It comes with a lofted bedroom and a lovely private patio.

Clifton Inn Wedding Cost

Clifton Inn is a beautiful wedding venue and offers many wedding packages. Weddings here range from $21k to $38k for 100 guests, depending on the season. Whether you book this venue for the day or stay the weekend with loved ones will also affect your prices.

Final Words

A Clifton Inn wedding guarantees not just a celebration but an unforgettable experience marked by hospitality, comfort, and breathtaking views. I’m Lucy Jalin, a relationship-centered boutique wedding photographer passionate about capturing candid moments in artful ways. If you’ve chosen The Clifton Inn for your special day, I would be honored to photograph your celebration. Please contact me for more details!

Still exploring venues? Click here to learn more about my favorite venues in Charlottesville.

Looking for other historic hotel wedding venues? Keswick Hall is one of my favorites!