Sweet spot Photo by Ansel Olsen
Adams International School (Oilville) — Couples can rent out the intimate upper level of this Montessori school located in a renovated barn. The large, open space includes mirrors, a small kitchen, two bathrooms and an area that can be locked. Chickens that wander the grounds are an added bonus. adamsinternationalschool.org
Sweet Spot (West Broad Village) — What could be more tantalizing than being surrounded by candy? This colorful retro candy store has spinning bar stools at a tall table, plus round tables for your dinner. For a fee, you can add candy centerpieces. Choose from more than 70 different cold bottled sodas, or bring in your own caterer and bar. shopsweetspot.com
The Robins Nature & Visitor Center at Maymont
Maymont itself is a popular place for weddings, but did you ever consider the visitor center? Rehearsal dinners are staged on the tented west terrace overlooking the habitats for bison and white-tail deer. White hydrangeas add to the ambiance during late spring and early summer. You also can rent the aquarium portion of the center. maymont.org
Richmond SPCA
You don't have to own a canine or feline to take advantage of this popular spot, but you are required to use the SPCA's preferred caterer, A Sharper Palate. Rehearsal dinners are usually held in the large, open, light-filled Track and Training Center on the second floor. Other choices include the auditorium and the second-floor exploratorium. richmondspca.org
Meadow Hall at The Meadow Event Park (Doswell)
This elegant Southern-style mansion on the Virginia State Fair grounds, with photos of Triple Crown Champion Secretariat, has nearly 13,000 square feet of space, a boon for those who want to have a large rehearsal dinner party. meadoweventpark.com
