the editorial wedding co.

Common House Richmond Wedding Venue
— A Photographer’s Guide

Common House Richmond Wedding Venue — A Photographer’s Guide

In our opinion, Common House Richmond is one of the most thoughtfully designed modern wedding venues in Richmond, VA. It blends warm minimalism, curated textures, and elevated social-club energy. If you're looking for a modern Richmond, VA wedding venue that feels editorial, stylish, and experiential, Common House offers some of the most beautiful architectural backdrops in the city.

As wedding photographers who leans into documentary moments with an editorial eye, this venue stands out for its clean design, intentional lighting, and the way the space shapes the story of the day. We’ve created this guide to dive into everything couples need to know from our perspective —from the overall vibe of the space to the best photo spots —so you can envision your wedding here with clarity and creativity.

THE VIBE OF COMMON HOUSE RICHMOND

Clean, art-forward textures with intimate lounge spaces make Common House one of the most modern and design-driven wedding venues in Richmond, VA—an elevated setting for couples dreaming of a stylish Common House wedding.

Why we Love Common House Richmond as Wedding Photographers

Common House inspires me as a photographer because it’s one of the few modern wedding venues in Richmond that feels truly forward-thinking—clean lines, versatile spaces, and a design language that moves beyond the typical Richmond, Virginia aesthetic. Instead of the usual red brick, the white exterior and black-trimmed windows create an editorial backdrop that photographs beautifully in both film and digital. Inside, every room tells a different story: the theater offers a rare, cinematic setting that feels fresh compared to traditional venues; the rooftop and pool glow at sunset with warm, modern light; and Union Hall gives couples a clean, minimalist canvas for their reception. Even the library feels intimate and artsy, perfect for documentary moments. A Common House Richmond, VA wedding blends modern design with nostalgic charm—giving couples stylish, editorial spaces without overpowering their personal aesthetic.

Insider Tips for Couples Choosing Common House

Best portrait locations:
Some of the most photogenic spots in this venue are the rooftop at golden hour and the theater room, which gives you a cinematic backdrop you won’t find in most venues in Richmond, VA. The clean white exterior walls also create an editorial look that works beautifully for both film and digital portraits.

Best time of day for portraits:
Golden hour on the rooftop is unmatched — the light drops behind the buildings and wraps you in warm, modern tones. Earlier in the day, the interior lounges offer consistent, soft light that’s perfect for candid, documentary-style moments.

Lighting notes:
Common House has a mix of warm ambient lighting and directional pockets of light that add depth and shadow in all the right ways. The theater room has darker, dramatic lighting, the library has cozy window light, and Union Hall stays bright and clean throughout the day with soft ambient lighting as the sun sets.

Getting-ready suggestions:
I recommend couples get ready either in one of the private rooms at Common House or at a nearby boutique hotel, such as Quirk Hotel down the block, with a clean design. The venue’s interiors photograph best once set for the ceremony or reception, so an off-site getting-ready space keeps everything feeling intentional and uncluttered.

Ceremony flow:
Union Hall works beautifully for ceremonies thanks to its clean lines and tall ceilings. Couples often underestimate how simple this space should stay — it photographs best when the design is minimal, and the architecture is allowed to shine, paired with beautiful floral installations.

Photography challenges + solutions:
Some areas can feel tight during transition moments, especially when guests move between spaces. The solution is to plan portraits in advance and use the theater, rooftop, or exterior walls for breathing room. The variety of spaces allows you to pivot quickly without losing the aesthetic.

Is Common House a good modern wedding venue in Richmond, VA?
Absolutely. It’s one of Richmond’s most design-forward wedding venues, known for its warm minimalism, curated interiors, and a rooftop level that photographs beautifully. Couples who want a modern, intimate celebration will feel instantly at home here.

What is the capacity for a Common House wedding?
Add your capacity notes here — ceremony, reception, rooftop, etc.

Does Common House photograph well at night?
Add your perspective here. Example:
The venue glows at night with warm ambient lighting that creates soft, moody, editorial tones—especially in the lounges and Union Hall.

Is this a good venue for film photography?
Add your perspective here. Example:
Yes—Common House is incredible for film. The white walls and clean lines make colors feel natural and nostalgic, while the ambient lighting adds warmth and texture.

Venue Details at a Glance

Location: 303 W Broad St, Richmond, VA

Capacity: Add number ranges here

Aesthetic Style: modern, warm minimalism, art-forward, social-club styling

Indoor/Outdoor: indoor lounges, theater room, rooftop

Great For: micro-weddings, intimate receptions, editorial couples, social-club–style gatherings

How to Know if Common House Is the Right RICHMOND Wedding Venue for You

Common House Richmond may be perfect for you if you’re drawn to wedding venues that feel design-first rather than traditional. The warm, curated interiors offer a stylish alternative to classic ballrooms, and the rooftop provides clean, modern lines that photograph beautifully. Couples who love an elevated dinner-party atmosphere, intimate gathering spaces, and a lived-in, art-forward environment will feel instantly at home here. The venue is especially ideal for editorial-leaning couples who want their wedding to feel intentional, modern, and effortlessly stylish.

Common House is especially magical for couples who value modern design, intimate spaces, and a wedding day that feels more like an elevated experience than a production.

A Photographer’s Walkthrough of the Day

A wedding day at Common House Richmond has a beautifully natural flow. Most couples choose to get ready either in one of the private rooms onsite or at a nearby boutique hotel, keeping the morning calm and design-forward. The ceremony is often held in Union Hall, where the clean white walls and warm textures create a modern backdrop that needs little styling. Afterward, guests typically mingle in the lounges or head to the rooftop for cocktails, enjoying the cozy, intimate feel that makes this venue so different from other Richmond wedding spaces.

Portraits happen throughout the property—on the rooftop at golden hour, inside the theater for a cinematic vibe, or against the clean white exterior walls for an editorial look. The couple’s “iconic shot” almost always happens in one of two places: the rooftop as the sun drops behind the city, or in front of the art-forward mural inside, which has become a signature moment for Common House weddings. The reception flows seamlessly back into Union Hall, where the warm lighting and minimalist design let the celebration feel stylish, relaxed, and deeply personal.

Common House Richmond:
Quick Facts & Frequently Asked Questions

Our wedding photography

We are wedding photographers based in Richmond, VA, specializing in editorial, documentary-style photography in Richmond, Washington, DC, and New York City. As wedding photographers in Virginia, we photograph weddings on both film and digital, focusing on honest storytelling, clean compositions, and modern design.

Our primary inspiration comes from couples who want their wedding to feel intimate, artful, and beautifully understated.

Inquire about our wedding photography here.