A Waterfront “I Do”: The Riverfront Wedding Ceremony at Rocketts Landing

For couples seeking a venue that combines natural beauty, urban charm, and historical ambiance, the Riverfront Wedding Ceremony at The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing offers a picture-perfect setting unlike any other in Richmond, Virginia. Set against the sweeping backdrop of the James River and the glimmering skyline of downtown Richmond, this venue effortlessly blends elegance with authenticity — the ideal place to begin your forever.

A Ceremony Framed by Nature and City Light

Saying your vows with the James River flowing behind you and the Richmond skyline lighting the horizon is nothing short of cinematic. The Riverfront Patio at The Boathouse provides couples with an unobstructed view of the water, soft river breezes, and golden-hour light that creates a truly romantic atmosphere. Whether you're hosting a morning celebration under a soft sun or exchanging vows at sunset as the sky burns orange and pink, this space enhances every moment.

And unlike many urban venues that lack natural charm, Rocketts Landing boasts both a dynamic city vibe and a tranquil waterfront landscape. It's a rare fusion — one that offers the excitement of being in the heart of Richmond, yet feels worlds away thanks to the serenity of the river.

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The Logistics: What’s Included in the Ceremony Package?

The Boathouse understands that weddings are about more than just a gorgeous location — the experience must also be smooth, organized, and stress-free. That’s why their Riverfront Ceremony package includes thoughtful amenities that allow you to focus on the most important part of your day: each other.

Here’s what you can expect when you add a Riverfront Ceremony to your event package:

  • Outdoor Riverfront Ceremony Pad
    A dedicated outdoor area right on the water, offering panoramic views of the James River with the ambient sounds of nature and the sparkle of sunlight on the water. It's breathtaking in all seasons, whether framed by spring blooms or autumn foliage.

  • Inclement Weather Backup Indoors
    Rain doesn't need to ruin your day. Should the weather turn, the venue includes an indoor ceremony option so you can exchange vows in a beautiful space, sheltered from the elements — without stress or compromise.

  • 45-Minute Rehearsal With Event Coordinator
    Included in the package is a guided rehearsal with The Boathouse’s on-site Event Coordinator. This experienced professional ensures your bridal party knows exactly what to do on the big day, eliminating last-minute confusion and providing peace of mind.

  • Extra Guest Time
    You’ll receive one additional hour of guest time, beginning 30 minutes prior to the ceremony’s official start. This extra window ensures guests can be seated without feeling rushed and gives everyone time to settle in and soak in the scenery.

  • White Resin Folding Chairs Set Up by Staff
    With seating for up to 150 guests, The Boathouse’s team handles the complete setup. The elegant white chairs offer a clean, timeless look that complements any décor theme — rustic, modern, romantic, or classic.

  • One Dressing Room at Riverfront Pad Level
    A dedicated space for final touch-ups and quiet reflection, this dressing room is a must-have for calming pre-ceremony nerves, last-minute makeup adjustments, or simply sharing a quiet moment with your bridal party.

  • Water Station for Guests
    Especially appreciated during warm-weather weddings, the water station keeps guests comfortable and refreshed while they await your grand entrance.

Riverfront Aesthetic Meets Wedding Practicality

It’s one thing to offer a scenic ceremony space. It’s another to make it truly functional. The Boathouse excels at both. This is a venue that doesn’t just look good in photos — it also works seamlessly behind the scenes. The ceremony package has been carefully designed to support the real-world needs of couples, from vendor logistics and weather planning to hospitality and comfort.

Your officiant? They’ll be guided through the entire flow by The Boathouse’s professional staff. Your photographers? They’ll have a visual playground to work with — sunlit river views, dramatic skyline angles, rich historical textures from the surrounding architecture, and natural foliage that adds depth and warmth to every shot. Your guests? They’ll be talking about how stunning and organized everything was — long after the last toast.

An Extension of the Reception Experience

One of the most appealing aspects of having your ceremony on-site is the continuity it provides. Guests don’t have to drive between locations or find parking twice. There’s no risk of logistical snags between ceremony and reception. Instead, the flow is seamless. Guests enjoy the ceremony, take in a cocktail hour with a view, and then transition easily into the reception — all without ever leaving the property.

This ease of transition also opens the door to more personal touches. Want a live acoustic guitarist playing during the ceremony, followed by a jazz trio during cocktail hour? It’s easy to do when everything’s happening in one place. Prefer to serve signature drinks right after you say "I do"? The Boathouse has bar packages that integrate effortlessly into every stage of your timeline.

The Perfect Canvas for Your Style

Whether your aesthetic leans toward soft vintage, minimalist modern, or lush boho romance, the Riverfront Ceremony space can be customized to reflect your unique vision. Some couples choose to keep it simple, letting the natural beauty of the river shine. Others add floral arches, statement aisle runners, lanterns, or live music.

Whatever your style, the clean lines, open layout, and versatile backdrop of the Riverfront Patio let your creativity flourish — without clashing or overwhelming the space.

Pricing & Booking Tips

The Riverfront Wedding Ceremony package is priced at $950, an excellent value considering the venue’s central Richmond location, included amenities, and elevated experience. However, please check the official Boathouse website for the most up-to-date pricing and availability, as fees are subject to change.

Booking tip: Ceremony space is available only when booked as an addition to a wedding reception package — it cannot be reserved separately. So, if you’re already hosting your reception at The Boathouse, adding the ceremony upgrade streamlines the experience beautifully.

A Venue That Cares About Your Day

What truly sets The Boathouse apart is its attention to detail and commitment to service. This isn’t just a venue — it’s a team that genuinely cares about your celebration. From the first email to the final dance, they guide you with professionalism, warmth, and creativity. Their glowing reviews and repeat bookings speak volumes.

Whether you’re a Richmond local or looking for a destination-style venue without the travel, the Riverfront Wedding Ceremony at Rocketts Landing is a dream-worthy choice. It's elegant, authentic, and filled with charm — just like your love story.

Reception Spaces and Packages at The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing

After the ceremony ends and the rings are exchanged, it’s time to celebrate—and The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing delivers an unforgettable reception experience. From the architectural beauty of the Riverview Room to the sweeping skyline and river views, couples can expect a wedding reception that merges convenience, luxury, and charm. Designed for seamless flow and elevated hospitality, every detail of The Boathouse’s reception offerings reflects their commitment to making your big day as effortless and memorable as possible.

Photographer To GO has had the pleasure of photographing weddings at The Boathouse several times, capturing the natural light that streams through the panoramic windows, the romantic ambiance of sunset-lit patios, and the joyous moments that unfold in one of Richmond’s most iconic venues. This section takes you through everything you can expect from the reception experience at Rocketts Landing.

The Riverview Room: Where History Meets Modern Celebration

At the heart of The Boathouse reception experience is the Riverview Room, a 2,800-square-foot event space inside the venue’s historic waterfront building. It offers a rare blend of historic architecture and modern amenities, featuring:

  • Exposed antique brick that nods to Richmond’s storied past

  • Private restrooms for guest convenience

  • Floor-to-ceiling windows with jaw-dropping views of the James River and the Richmond skyline

  • Covered front and side patios for fresh air and panoramic city scenery

The space accommodates:

  • Up to 150 seated guests for a traditional plated or buffet-style dinner

  • Up to 230 guests for a heavy hors d'oeuvres or cocktail-style reception with limited seating

This layout makes the Riverview Room flexible for a wide range of celebrations, from elegant black-tie dinners to more relaxed cocktail events with space to mingle and dance.

Included With Your Reception Package

Every wedding at The Boathouse includes an extensive list of built-in services and essentials that simplify the planning process and elevate your guest experience. Their inclusive reception packages provide:

  • Professional Event Coordinator to assist with planning, timeline, and coordination on the big day

  • Complimentary Cake Cutting Service, handled with care and presentation

  • Midnight Snack Gift Bag for the wedding couple

  • Floor-length linens, with your choice from a wide range of colors

  • Tables, chairs, flatware, china, and glassware included with no additional rental hassle

  • Professional bartenders, servers, and banquet chefs to staff the event and provide full-service hospitality

You won’t need to worry about sourcing your own dishware, setting up tables, or finding staff—The Boathouse provides a comprehensive setup so you can focus on your guests and your celebration.

Reception Layout Options: Dining Styles for Every Taste

The Boathouse understands that no two weddings are alike. That’s why they offer three distinct reception dining formats:

1. Plated Dinner

The most formal and traditional option. Guests are seated and served a multi-course meal. You can choose to offer a single entrée for all, or offer guests a choice of entrées via RSVP cards. For this format:

  • Assigned seating is typical

  • Pre-ordered meals are required two weeks in advance

  • Place cards are used to indicate guests’ entrée selections for the serving staff

2. Dinner Buffet

A less formal option that gives guests more variety. After a passed-appetizer cocktail hour, guests can enjoy a buffet meal:

  • Seating may be partially reserved, but is typically unassigned

  • Great for encouraging mingling and flow

  • Offers multiple entrée and side options

3. Heavy Hors d’Oeuvres Reception

Also known as a cocktail-style reception, this is ideal for couples wanting a relaxed, social experience:

  • Seating is provided for 50% of guests

  • Multiple food stations are scattered throughout the room

  • Passed appetizers and signature drinks begin during cocktail hour

  • Guests enjoy mini plates like sliders, mac and cheese cups, or a carving station

This flexible style encourages guests to mix, mingle, and move between food and drink stations while enjoying music and conversation.

Tasting Opportunities and Culinary Excellence

With a culinary team recognized among Richmond Magazine’s top local restaurants, food is a major highlight of The Boathouse wedding experience. To help you choose your menu confidently, The Boathouse offers quarterly tasting events.

  • Every couple with a signed wedding contract receives complimentary tasting tickets

  • Additional guest tickets may be purchased

  • These events showcase appetizers, entrees, small plates, food stations, and signature drinks

You'll get a firsthand experience of both the food and the hospitality your guests will enjoy on your big day.

Facilities and Guest Capacities

Here’s a quick recap of reception space options:

  • Riverview Room: 150 seated guests, or up to 230 for a cocktail reception

  • Harbourmaster Suite: Ideal for rehearsal dinners, seats 24 and accommodates up to 30 for hors d'oeuvres

Both spaces are infused with historical character and rich textures, offering an elegant yet approachable setting that works beautifully for weddings of many styles and sizes.

Location Fees and Seasonal Pricing

The Boathouse pricing varies by season and day of the week, with different location fees and food/beverage minimums depending on the time of year. Below are the seasonal ranges for Saturday evening weddings, which typically total between $13,000 and $18,000:

Saturday – Fall & Spring (Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct)

  • $3,800 location fee

  • $11,000 food & beverage minimum

Saturday – Summer (Jul, Aug) + December

  • $2,800 location fee

  • $9,000 food & beverage minimum

Saturday – Winter (Nov–Mar, excluding Dec)

  • $2,000 location fee

  • $8,000 food & beverage minimum

Please note: All prices are subject to change. For the most accurate and current rates, check the official Boathouse website.

Weekday and Sunday wedding pricing is also available and offers a more cost-effective option for couples with flexible timelines.

Flexibility, Staff, and Service

The Boathouse offers:

  • All-day rental (setup starts at 12:00 p.m.) or Evening-only rental (access one hour before guest arrival)

  • Bar service for up to 5 consecutive hours

  • Optional extended time at $500/hour

  • Dressing rooms for hair and makeup

  • Silver lantern centerpieces upon availability

  • Specialty rentals like tents, heaters, and dance floors at an additional cost

Gratuity and service charges include:

  • 18% gratuity

  • 4% service charge (applied to food, beverage, AV, rentals, ceremony fees, etc.)

Servers and bartenders are allocated based on your guest count:

  • 1 server per 16 seated guests

  • 1 server per 25 for stand-up events

  • 1 bartender per 75 guests

A One-Stop Celebration Venue

With thoughtful amenities, panoramic views, and an experienced hospitality team, The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing has become a standout destination for weddings in the Richmond area. As Photographer To GO has captured in several weddings here, it’s more than a venue—it’s an experience: elegant, effortless, and filled with light, laughter, and love.

Whether you choose a formal plated dinner or a social, cocktail-style gathering, your reception at The Boathouse will be executed with care, professionalism, and personalized detail. The river, the skyline, the history—it’s all here waiting for your celebration.

Services and Dining: The Boathouse’s Seamless Wedding Experience

One of the most valuable benefits of hosting your wedding at The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing is the comprehensive list of services included in their wedding packages. Beyond the stunning location and elegant design, The Boathouse prioritizes seamless execution. With an experienced event coordination team, thoughtful dining packages, and built-in hospitality features, couples can enjoy a worry-free celebration surrounded by family and friends.

This section breaks down everything included with The Boathouse’s services and cuisine offerings—so you know exactly what to expect when you book your big day.

A Team That’s With You from “Yes” to “I Do”

Planning a wedding involves dozens of decisions—and having a knowledgeable professional by your side is essential. That’s why The Boathouse includes the support of an on-staff Event Coordinator for every wedding package. These full-time professionals are there to walk couples through the venue planning process and help execute the event from beginning to end.

The Event Coordinator’s Role Includes:

  • Two planning meetings during the lead-up to your wedding:

    • The first meeting (typically three months prior) focuses on reception details like:

      • Menu selections

      • Room arrangement

      • Linen colors

      • Timeline

      • Coordination with outside vendors

    • The final meeting (two weeks prior) finalizes the reception details and covers the ceremony logistics as well.

  • Rehearsal assistance: Your Event Coordinator will guide you and your officiant during your rehearsal, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

  • Day-of vendor coordination: On the wedding day, they verify vendor arrivals, direct the wedding party through the ceremony, and coordinate the overall event timeline with your chosen professionals.

Couples are also welcome to hire a personal wedding planner if they prefer a more hands-on planning process, but The Boathouse Coordinator is always present to support and manage details related to the venue.

Dining Options for Every Style of Celebration

Catering is a central part of the wedding experience, and The Boathouse’s award-winning culinary team provides multiple dining options that fit a wide variety of preferences and formality levels. The reception menu is more than just food—it’s a full-service experience that reflects your personal style and impresses your guests.

Plated Dinner

The most formal dining style The Boathouse offers. Guests are seated and served multi-course plated meals.

Key features include:

  • Hosts may select one entrée for all guests or offer multiple options.

  • If offering choices, couples must collect guests’ entrée selections in advance through RSVP cards.

  • Pre-orders are due two weeks before the wedding.

  • Assigned seating is typically used.

  • Place cards indicate each guest’s meal choice for the service team.

Plated dinners offer a traditional and elegant atmosphere and are ideal for couples who prefer a seated, structured flow to the evening.

Dinner Buffet

A more casual and flexible option, the buffet allows guests to sample a variety of dishes.

What to expect:

  • Cocktail hour often begins with passed hors d'oeuvres.

  • Guests are then invited to buffet stations to build their own plates.

  • Seating can be fully or partially assigned—many couples opt for open seating.

  • This style encourages mingling and a more relaxed pace.

The buffet is great for couples who want variety and an interactive dining experience, while still maintaining structure and service.

Heavy Hors d’Oeuvres Reception

Also referred to as a cocktail-style reception, this style is ideal for less formal celebrations that prioritize movement and mingling.

What’s included:

  • Seating for up to 50% of your guests.

  • Several stand-up cocktail tables arranged throughout the room.

  • Passed hors d'oeuvres and a signature drink during cocktail hour.

  • Multiple food displays throughout the reception area.

The main food service includes:

  • A plattered assortment station

  • A small plate display, featuring two- or three-bite portions in mini plates or crockery

  • A “create-your-own” bar, such as:

    • Pasta Station

    • Mashed Potato Bar

    • Mac & Cheese Bar

    • Carving Station

    • Taco Station

This option provides a vibrant, social reception feel, with a diverse array of flavor and presentation.

Tasting Events

To help you select the perfect dishes for your big day, The Boathouse hosts quarterly tasting events. These tastings offer couples a chance to try items from each service style in a relaxed, guided setting.

Tasting Event Highlights:

  • Complimentary tickets are included for each wedding contract.

  • Additional guest tickets are available for purchase.

  • Dishes include a range of:

    • Appetizers

    • Entrees

    • Small plates

    • Food station items

    • Signature drinks

The Event Team provides tasting dates and details once your event is officially booked. This ensures you’ll know exactly what to expect and can plan your menu confidently based on what you love.

Beverage Services and Bar Packages

The Boathouse offers several beverage packages tailored to your preferences and budget. Couples may choose from the following:

  • Cocktail receptions

  • Champagne toasts

  • Open bars

  • Premium liquor selections

  • Signature drinks

  • Specialty beer and wine

All barware, glassware, and service is included.

Alcohol can be served for up to five consecutive hours during your event. If you’d like to extend your reception, additional time may be arranged with your Event Coordinator for a fee of $500 per hour, subject to availability.

Additional Services and Amenities

The Boathouse wedding packages include a wide array of built-in features designed to make your experience as smooth and beautiful as possible.

Included Items:

  • China, flatware, glassware, and table linens in your choice of over 50 colors and overlay options.

  • Lantern centerpieces with battery-operated candles (limited supply, subject to availability).

  • One dressing room (at Rocketts Landing) for hair and makeup touchups prior to the ceremony.

Decorating Notes:

  • Boathouse staff will place personal items (like place cards, favors, or menus) on tables.

  • All other decorating should be handled by a licensed florist, professional decorator, or your personal wedding planner.

Staffing and Gratuity

The Boathouse ensures excellent service with the following staff-to-guest ratios:

  • 1 server for every 16 guests (seated reception)

  • 1 server for every 25 guests (stand-up reception)

  • 1 bartender for every 75 guests

Staff Attire:

  • All banquet staff wear black dress pants and black collared shirts, providing a polished and professional look.

An 18% gratuity and 4% service charge are applied to:

  • Food and beverage

  • AV equipment

  • Rental items

  • Ceremony packages

  • Any additional hours

Flexibility and Customization

The Boathouse also allows couples to add optional services and upgrades, such as:

  • Specialty rental items (tenting, dance floor, heaters, fans)

  • Custom linens and specialty decor at an added cost

  • Engagement or wedding portrait sessions on the property (free for wedding clients; rental fee for others, by appointment)

Photo sessions are available Monday through Thursday, based on availability, and must be scheduled through the Event Department.

Facilities, Rentals, and Venue Policies at The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing

When it comes to planning a seamless wedding day, choosing a venue with the right amenities, flexible rental options, and clear policies is key. The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing stands out not only for its scenic views and excellent service, but also for the practicality and clarity it offers in its rental structure.

With a range of seasonal pricing, day-of-week flexibility, and all-in-one rental inclusions, The Boathouse gives couples the ability to customize their celebration while ensuring it fits within their vision and budget. Add to that its thoughtful policies on payments, cancellations, staffing, and vendor coordination—and you have a wedding venue that’s as reliable as it is beautiful.

It’s no surprise that Photographer To GO has photographed many weddings at The Boathouse over the years. The venue’s architectural features, natural light, and elegant setup create countless photo-worthy moments, from sunlit ceremony shots on the riverfront pad to lively dance floors in the Riverview Room. This section dives into the logistical and operational side of hosting your wedding at this exceptional venue.

All-Day vs. Evening-Only Rentals

The Boathouse offers two main types of rental structures to suit your wedding style and schedule:

1. All-Day Rental

Perfect for events with live bands, extensive décor, or specialty rental items, the all-day rental gives couples access to the property for setup and deliveries beginning at 12:00 noon. Your guest event may last up to 5 hours, ending no later than 11:00 PM.

This option is ideal for:

  • Elaborate vendor setups

  • Large guest counts

  • Extra time for photography or behind-the-scenes preparation

  • Couples looking for a more relaxed event timeline

2. Evening-Only Rental

If you’re planning a streamlined wedding day, the evening-only rental offers a great alternative. It includes one hour of access before guest arrival for setup and vendor delivery, with your guest event running for up to 5 hours, starting at 5:00 PM or later and also ending by 11:00 PM.

Dressing Rooms

For couples and wedding parties, having a designated space to prepare and regroup is a must. At Rocketts Landing, The Boathouse provides:

  • One full dressing room at the riverfront pad level, offering a convenient location for hair, makeup, or outfit changes before the ceremony.

This room provides privacy, natural light, and easy access to both the ceremony and reception areas. (At the Boathouse’s other location—Sunday Park—a private room adjacent to the women’s restroom serves a similar function.)

Venue Location Fees and Seasonal Rates

The Boathouse uses a straightforward pricing structure based on the season and day of the week. Pricing includes a location fee plus a food and beverage minimum. This clear breakdown helps couples budget effectively and select the most cost-efficient date for their event.

Here’s a full overview of pricing options:

What's Included in the Rental?

Whether you choose the all-day or evening rental, the following are included with every wedding package:

  • China, flatware, and glassware

  • Tables and chairs

  • Floor-length linens in your color of choice (over 50 overlay options available)

  • Complimentary cake cutting service

  • Midnight snack gift bag for the couple

  • No additional charge for the wedding couple themselves

  • On-staff event coordinator

  • Complimentary menu upgrade for additional wedding-related events at any Hospitality Family venue

These inclusions eliminate the need to rent from multiple vendors, making The Boathouse a true one-stop-shop for your reception needs.

Specialty Rentals & Add-Ons

If you’re looking to elevate the space with added elements, the venue offers specialty rentals for an additional fee, including:

  • Dance floor

  • Tenting

  • Heaters and fans

  • Silver lantern centerpieces (with battery candles; availability may vary)

These extras allow couples to personalize the space and enhance the comfort and aesthetics of the guest experience.

Bar Service & Timeline Flexibility

Alcohol service is available for up to 5 consecutive hours. If you’d like to extend your reception time, you can do so for an added cost of $500 per additional hour, pending availability and approval from the Event Coordinator.

This makes it easy to add extra time for dancing, socializing, or squeezing in those last few songs at the end of the night.

Photography Access & Scheduling

If you’re hiring a photographer like Photographer To GO, you’ll be glad to know that The Boathouse welcomes wedding photography on their grounds.

  • Wedding clients are welcome to schedule engagement or wedding portrait sessions at no extra cost.

  • Sessions must be scheduled Monday through Thursday, based on availability.

  • All sessions must be reserved through the Event Department.

  • Non-wedding clients may also book photography sessions, though a rental fee will apply.

With scenic river views, antique brick walls, and panoramic patios, the venue offers countless backdrops for timeless photos.

Payments & Cancellation Policy

To secure your date, The Boathouse requires the location fee as a deposit. The rest of the payment schedule is as follows:

  • 50% of estimated balance due 6 months before the event

  • 75% of estimated balance due 90 days before the event

  • Final payment and guest count due 14 days before the event

Important notes:

  • All scheduled payments are non-refundable and non-transferable

  • Should you cancel after paying the deposit, liquidated damages apply based on a sliding scale in your contract

These policies ensure clarity and fairness, while allowing The Boathouse to manage vendor commitments and staffing effectively.

Tax and Gratuity

The following fees apply to all events:

  • 18% gratuity

  • 4% service charge

  • Applicable state and local taxes

These fees are applied to:

  • Food and beverage

  • AV equipment

  • Rental items

  • Ceremony packages

  • Additional hours (if applicable)

Holiday Weddings

Pricing for holiday weddings depends on the day of the week and time of year the holiday falls. One exception is New Year’s Eve, which uses Saturday evening rates.

Private events are not available on Thanksgiving or Christmas Day.

Whether you’re envisioning a sophisticated black-tie event or a cozy riverside celebration, The Boathouse offers flexible packages and reliable policies to support your dream wedding. As Photographer To GO has captured time and again, this venue is as stunning in its logistics as it is in its aesthetics—making it one of Richmond’s most sought-after wedding destinations.

Final Considerations: Why Couples Choose The Boathouse

Planning a wedding is about more than selecting a beautiful venue—it’s about choosing a space and a team that can bring your vision to life with precision, warmth, and professionalism. From its panoramic river views to its responsive coordination staff and culinary excellence, The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing is a venue that checks every box for couples who want their day to be both elegant and effortless.

Over the course of this blog, we’ve taken a detailed look at each of the essential components that make this venue so outstanding. To help you reflect and decide if it’s the right fit for your wedding day, here’s a final recap of the most important features:

Stunning Views and Ceremony Setting

The Boathouse’s Riverfront Patio is one of the most scenic ceremony locations in the Richmond area. With unobstructed views of the James River and the Richmond city skyline, it provides a breathtaking backdrop for your “I do.” The ceremony package is both elegant and practical, with seating for 150 guests, an indoor weather backup, and guidance from a dedicated Event Coordinator. From the beginning of your wedding to the final kiss, the ceremony experience is seamless, scenic, and highly customizable.

Reception Flexibility and Historic Charm

The Riverview Room is the venue’s primary reception space—offering over 2,800 square feet of exposed antique brick, tall windows, and views that make every guest feel immersed in the city’s beauty and history. It comfortably fits 150 seated guests or up to 230 for a cocktail-style reception, and includes all the essentials: tables, linens, flatware, staff, and coordination support.

Dining options range from traditional plated meals to lively buffet-style service or informal heavy hors d’oeuvres receptions, offering flexibility for nearly every style and budget.

Service, Staffing, and Culinary Excellence

From butler-passed hors d’oeuvres to signature drinks and specialty food stations like mac & cheese bars and carving stations, The Boathouse excels at culinary presentation. Their award-winning team offers tasting events to help you customize your menu, and their experienced serving staff ensures high service quality with generous staff-to-guest ratios.

Your assigned Event Coordinator supports you throughout the process, providing planning meetings, timeline creation, vendor verification, and day-of oversight. Their involvement allows you to relax and focus on your celebration.

Transparent Pricing and Venue Logistics

The Boathouse offers a clear and well-structured pricing model based on seasonality and day of the week. With all-day and evening-only rental options, plus bundled services like cake cutting, linen provision, and a complimentary midnight snack bag for the couple, couples can better manage both costs and expectations.

Extras like extended hours, photography access, and specialty décor rentals can be arranged through your coordinator, while all applicable taxes and gratuities are clearly defined in your contract.

Key financial details include:

  • Location fee paid as a deposit

  • 50% of balance due 6 months prior

  • 75% due 90 days prior

  • Final payment, guest count, and menu confirmation due 14 days prior

All payments are nonrefundable and nontransferable, with cancellation fees outlined on a sliding scale in your signed agreement.

Photographer’s Perspective: A Venue That Shines Through the Lens

As a venue, The Boathouse not only delivers on service and amenities—it also photographs beautifully. Photographer To GO has captured many weddings at The Boathouse, and it remains one of our favorite locations to shoot. From golden hour portraits on the riverfront pad to spontaneous dancing under twinkling string lights, every corner of this venue offers a frame-worthy setting.

Natural light floods the Riverview Room during the day, while the rich textures of antique brick, river reflections, and skyline views give every photo depth and dimension. Whether you’re dreaming of editorial-style portraits or candid celebration shots, The Boathouse provides the setting to make them all unforgettable.

Final Thoughts

The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing is more than a venue—it’s a full-service wedding experience designed to reduce stress, elevate style, and celebrate the uniqueness of each couple it hosts. With flexible dining, transparent pricing, attentive staff, and one of the most iconic views in Richmond, it’s easy to see why this venue remains a favorite among local and visiting couples alike.

If you’ve been envisioning a celebration where every detail is handled with care—and where the setting is just as memorable as the people within it—this may be the venue for you.

If you would like to hire Photographer To GO to photograph your wedding, contact us today at photographertogo.com.

Let your story unfold with light, love, and a location that brings it all together.

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