Top 5 Wedding Planners in Richmond
-
Content Marketing Manager -
Editor & Publisher
- February 19, 2026
- 17 min read
- Events
Source: Peerspace
Richmond effortlessly balances a deep, historic soul with a vibrant, modern creative energy. Virginia’s capital offers a diverse canvas for couples tying the knot—think cobblestone streets in Shockoe Slip, industrial-chic breweries in Scott’s Addition, and the stately elegance of Monument Avenue.
With such a thriving event scene, the competitive landscape for wedding planning in Richmond is robust, which is a massive benefit for you. It means you don’t have to settle for a cookie-cutter approach. Whether you need a logistical general to manage a complex tented affair at a historic estate or a creative visionary to transform an art gallery, there’s a specialist here for you. These professionals do the heavy lifting—managing noise ordinances in the Fan, navigating parking challenges downtown, and sourcing the perfect local blooms—so you can focus entirely on the joy of the celebration.
The five best wedding planners in Richmond listed below are experts at maximizing the potential of the Richmond’s diverse wedding venues, ensuring that your wedding isn’t just an event, but an experience that authentically reflects who you are.
How we curate our list
To help you make an informed choice about your Richmond wedding planner, we have developed a rigorous selection process. We want to ensure that the professionals we recommend are capable of handling the complexities of live events with grace and expertise.
Our selection criteria include:
- Client reviews across multiple platforms: We collect and analyze feedback from couples on The Knot, WeddingWire, Google, and social media to identify consistent patterns in satisfaction and professionalism over time.
- Industry recognition and awards: We look for planners who have received objective accolades from peers and the broader event community, including features in publications or local industry awards.
- Professional credentials and associations: We verify active membership in industry groups, commitment to ongoing education, and confirmed business operations.
Every planner on this list meets high standards for professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail.
Best wedding planners in Richmond
1. Elle Loren & Co.
Company name and founder/lead planner: Elle Loren & Co. / Kerri Johnson
Specialty/niche: Elle Loren & Co. specializes in high-end, experiential design and full-service planning for weddings and social events. Their niche is rooted in the “aesthetic narrative”—they don’t just pick colors; they build a cohesive story that runs through every element of the day. They cater to couples who value refined luxury and bespoke details.
Notable projects or signature style: Kerri and her team are celebrated for a style that marries timeless elegance with modern sophistication. Their portfolio features lush, organic floral arrangements, architectural table designs, and masterful lighting to create mood. They excel at transforming historic Richmond properties into immersive luxury environments while introducing contemporary design elements.
Pricing: Pricing depends on the level of planning support you’re looking for—whether it’s management/design or full-service planning and production. Reach out to them for a custom quote.
Why we love them: We love Elle Loren & Co. because they understand that true luxury lies in the feeling a space evokes, not just in how it looks. Kerri brings design sophistication to the Richmond market that rivals major metropolitan hubs. Clients consistently praise Kerri for her “wonderfully calm and confident” demeanor. Reviews highlight the team’s ability to manage “even the tiniest details,” making the planning process a joy rather than a stressor.
Connect with them: Follow @ellelorenandco on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.
2. Stag & Lily Event Co.
Company name and founder/lead planner: Stag & Lily Event Co. / Nicole Brantingham
Specialty/niche: Stag & Lily Event Co. specializes in a flexible, balanced approach to wedding planning, offering comprehensive full-service planning as well as event management and design. They excel at creating events that feel organic, effortless, and deeply romantic, often incorporating natural textures and soft aesthetics. They are particularly adept at managing outdoor and tented weddings, which require specific logistical skills.
Notable projects or signature style: Nicole and her team are known for a style that feels curated yet comfortable. Their events often feature a mix of vintage and modern elements, creating a timeless look. They have a talent for managing the flow of an event, ensuring guests move naturally through each phase. Their portfolio showcases a wide range of celebrations, from intimate garden ceremonies to sprawling receptions along the James River.
Pricing: Packages are customized to client needs. Reach out through their website for a complimentary consultation.
Why we love them: We love Stag & Lily because of their approachable philosophy. The name itself suggests a beautiful balance of strength and elegance. Nicole is excellent at handling the “heavy lifting” of logistics while ensuring delicate design details are preserved. Reviewers describe the experience as “outstanding” and “thorough,” noting that Nicole’s creativity shines through every design. Clients appreciate how the team keeps them “sane and on-task,” resulting in wedding days that run flawlessly.
Connect with them: Follow @stagandlily on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.
3. Glint Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Glint Events / Kate Franzen
Specialty/niche: Glint Events specializes in bold, detail-oriented planning for both weddings and corporate events. Their niche is defined by a unique combination of logistical precision and creative flair. They are the go-to team for couples who want a wedding that feels like a high-end production without losing its personal touch. They excel at handling events in non-traditional venues where they have to build infrastructure from scratch.
Notable projects or signature style: Kate and the Glint Events team have earned a reputation for producing events that are visually stunning and operationally seamless. Their signature style involves bold color palettes, innovative floor plans, and unexpected details that surprise and delight. They aren’t afraid to push boundaries, resulting in weddings that feel fresh and unique. Their portfolio demonstrates strong ability to manage event flow across a wide variety of venues.
Pricing: Reach out to schedule a consultation and receive a custom quote based on your vision.
Why we love them: We love Glint Events for their infectious energy and unwavering commitment to excellence. Kate leads her team with a passion that is palpable. They are true professionals who understand that a successful event requires both a big-picture vision and an obsession with tiny details. Testimonials frequently describe the team as an “absolute dream” to work with. Clients value their ability to bring a vision to life while maintaining a calming presence, with many guests reportedly calling their events the “best wedding ever.”
Connect with them: Follow @glintevents on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.
4. The Hive Wedding Collective
Company name and founder/lead planner: The Hive Wedding Collective / Christine Haines Greenberg (Founder), Anne Michelle Forbes (Owner)
Specialty/niche: A Richmond-based, inclusive wedding planning team, The Hive Wedding Collective describe themselves as “hopeless romantics” with practical connections. Their diverse team of professionals with years of experience in the event planning game is known for being creative, experienced, and modern, yet respectful of tradition.
Notable projects or signature style: Their portfolio blends gorgeous pastel color palettes, lush florals, intimate lighting, and unadulterated joy. The team is known for their collaborative approach to planning which allows couples to infuse their own creative wishes into the day while trusting in the planners’ logistical and design expertise. Their weddings exude a feeling of timelessness and luxury while still embracing each couple’s unique love story and aesthetic.
Pricing: Event management (beginning 60-90 days before your wedding date) starts at $4,000. Guided planning and design (beginning 6-9 months before your wedding date) starts at $7,500. Full-service planning (beginning 10-18 months before the wedding date) starts at $10,000. They also offer a “Wedding Day BFF” as an add-on to serve as additional support on your big day. Reach out to them for a custom quote.
Why we love them: The Hive Wedding Collective’s unwavering commitment to quality is clear as day. Client reviews consistently praise the team for their responsiveness, level-headedness under pressure, and collaborative mindset that makes couples feel seen. Not only is their design eye impeccable and their logistic prowess impressive, but The Hive team provides the genuine support and much-needed relief that allows couples to really embrace joy on their special day.
Connect with them: Follow @thehiveweddingco on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.
5. The Happy Hour Hostess
Company name and founder/lead planner: The Happy Hour Hostess / Carrie Lauck
Specialty/niche: The Happy Hour Hostess specializes in “month-of” coordination, catering specifically to couples who have handled the bulk of the planning themselves but need a professional to execute the final details. Their niche is bridging the gap between DIY planning and professional execution. This service is ideal for organized couples who want to hand off the baton to a trusted expert so they can be guests at their own wedding.
Notable projects or signature style: Carrie and her team are known for their calm, organized demeanor and ability to troubleshoot on the fly. Their signature style is one of understated efficiency; they are the invisible hands that make the event run smoothly. They excel at creating detailed timelines and ensuring everyone is on the same page. Their portfolio includes a variety of weddings, and they are particularly skilled at managing reception flow.
Pricing: Planning costs depend on your specific needs. Get in touch through their website to set up an introduction call, after which you will receive a custom proposal with pricing.
Why we love them: We love The Happy Hour Hostess because they fill a crucial gap in the market with exceptional skill. Carrie provides the perfect solution for couples who enjoy planning but find the final month overwhelming. Her team is reliable, experienced, and dedicated to making sure the couple enjoys their wedding day. Clients describe the team as “rock-solid all-stars” who handle large weddings with “superb professionalism.” Testimonials highlight their ability to make “impossible visions come true” while remaining a warm, supportive shoulder to lean on.
Connect with them: Follow @thehappyhourhostess on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.
Finding the right Richmond planner
Choosing a wedding planner in Richmond can feel overwhelming because there is so much talent in the city. However, the “best” planner is subjective; it depends entirely on your specific needs, personality, and vision. To narrow down your options, you need to ask the right questions and look for specific indicators of expertise that apply to the local market.
1. Test their knowledge of neighborhood logistics
Richmond is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own quirks. A planner who claims to know the city should be able to navigate these nuances effortlessly. Don’t just ask if they know the area—test their knowledge with specific scenarios.
Ask specific questions:
- “How do you handle guest transportation for a wedding in Shockoe Bottom where parking is scarce?”
- “What are the noise ordinance differences between an outdoor tent in the West End versus a rooftop in Scott’s Addition?”
- “How do you manage load-in times for venues on Monument Avenue with strict street parking rules?”
A planner with real local experience will answer immediately with concrete examples. If they give vague answers like “we’ll figure it out,” consider that a red flag. You want someone who knows that a wedding in the Fan District requires a different logistical approach than one at a vineyard in Goochland.
2. Evaluate their vendor network depth
Richmond is a tight-knit event industry. The best planners have spent years cultivating relationships with florists, caterers, and rental companies. These relationships are often the difference between a crisis and a quick fix.
Ask: “Which three caterers do you work with most often, and why?”
Strong planners will name specific vendors and explain the relationship. For example, they might say, “We love working with [Caterer X] because their staff is proactive during service,” or “We rely on [Rental Company Y] because they have the best inventory of vintage furniture.” Then, ask what happens if those preferred vendors are booked. The depth of their backup list is just as important as their primary contacts. You want a planner whose phone call a vendor will answer on a Saturday night.
3. Review their portfolio for this city specifically
A planner might have a stunning portfolio, but you need to know if they can execute your vision in this city. Don’t just look for pretty pictures; look for evidence of problem-solving within the local context.
Template: “Can you show me examples of weddings you have planned in [Richmond/Specific Neighborhood] that had a similar guest count to ours?”
During the review, ask about the biggest challenge they faced in that specific event. Did a summer thunderstorm threaten an outdoor ceremony at Maymont? Did a street festival block traffic near the hotel? Strong planners will cite city-specific obstacles and explain exactly how they solved them. This proves they have navigated Richmond’s real-world conditions successfully, not just theoretically.
4. Test their timeline expectations for this market
Richmond has distinct peak seasons that drive the entire industry’s schedule. A knowledgeable planner will be realistic about booking windows and won’t sugarcoat the reality of the market.
Ask: “How far in advance do we need to secure a venue and key vendors for an October wedding in Richmond?”
If they don’t immediately mention that October is arguably the busiest month for weddings in Virginia, proceed with caution. A pro will explain that for peak dates in spring (May/June) and fall (September/October), you often need to book top-tier vendors 12 to 18 months out. They should reference factors like university graduations (VCU, University of Richmond) or major local festivals that soak up hotel block inventory.
5. Confirm communication style fits the pace
Wedding planning is a marathon, not a sprint, but the pace changes. You need a partner whose communication style matches your anxiety levels and decision-making process.
Ask: “How do you prefer to communicate, and what is your typical response time?”
Some planners use project management software and do weekly check-ins. Others are available via text for quick questions. Neither is wrong, but a mismatch creates stress. If you are a Type-A planner who wants immediate feedback, a planner who only checks email once a day might drive you crazy. Conversely, if you want to be hands-off, a planner who texts you hourly might be overwhelming. Ask for a sample timeline of communication from a past client to see what the cadence looks like in reality.
Planning a wedding in Richmond
Planning a wedding in Richmond is all about timing and geography. The city offers four distinct seasons, but the transition months are the sweet spot for outdoor celebrations.
Factors to consider:
- Weather patterns: Richmond summers (late June through August) are hot and humid. If you’re planning an outdoor wedding during these months, a tent with AC is not optional—it’s a safety requirement. Conversely, October is widely considered the “perfect” month, with crisp air and stunning foliage, making it the most competitive time for venues.
- Tourism peaks: Be aware of major draws like the Richmond Folk Festival, one of Virginia’s largest events, which is a free three-day event held in early October and NASCAR race weekends at Richmond Raceway in August. These events fill up downtown hotels and drive up room block prices significantly. Check the Visit Richmond VA’s official events calendar to plan around major happenings.
- Traffic timing: While Richmond traffic isn’t as intense as D.C., crossing the river during rush hour (5:00 PM-6:00 PM) can add 30 minutes to travel time. If your ceremony is in Church Hill and your reception is in Southside, plan your guest transportation accordingly.
- Event permits: If you’re looking at public spaces like parks or historic sites, permit applications often need to be filed 60-90 days in advance. Neighborhoods like the Fan have strict noise ordinances that kick in earlier than you might expect, often around 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM.
- Marriage license: Licenses are issued regardless of the applicants’ residence as long as the marriage will take place in Virginia. Both parties must be present with a photo I.D. The marriage license fee is $30.00. You can obtain your license from the Richmond Circuit Court Clerk’s Office or any Virginia circuit court. Once the license is issued, there is no waiting period and no blood test is required. The marriage license is valid for 60 calendar days.
FAQs: wedding planning in Richmond
When should I hire a Richmond wedding planner?
Ideally, you should hire your planner 12 to 18 months in advance, especially if you’re targeting a date in May, June, September, or October. Popular planners in Richmond often book their prime dates over a year out. If you’re looking for “month-of” coordination, try to book at least six to eight months in advance to ensure availability.
How much does a wedding planner cost in Richmond?
Costs vary based on experience and service level. Full-service planning typically starts around $5,000 and can go up to $10,000+ for luxury events. Partial planning or event management (often called “day-of”) usually ranges from $1,800 to $3,500. Most planners charge a flat fee, but some may charge a percentage of your total budget (usually 15-20%).
Do I need a planner if my venue has a coordinator?
Yes. A venue coordinator works for the venue; their job is to protect the property, unlock doors, and manage in-house catering. An independent wedding planner works for you. They manage your timeline, coordinate all your outside vendors (florist, band, photographer), and handle personal details that the venue coordinator is not responsible for.
Why hire a local Richmond planner versus bringing someone from out of town?
Local knowledge is invaluable. A Richmond planner knows which florists source locally, which caterers handle humidity best, and exactly how long it takes to get from the Jefferson Hotel to the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. They also have established relationships that can get you better pricing or priority booking.
Great events start with standout spaces—and the people who bring them to life
Your wedding is a story waiting to be told, and in a city as rich and varied as Richmond, you have endless ways to tell it. Whether you envision a modern industrial bash in Scott’s Addition or a timeless Southern affair on the James River, the foundation of that memory is the space you choose and the team you trust to fill it. The planners listed above are the best in the business at harnessing Richmond’s unique energy and ensuring every detail reflects your personal vision.
At Peerspace, we’re proud to be part of that journey. We connect you with venues that provide the perfect backdrop for your Richmond celebration. When you pair a unique Peerspace wedding venue with a top-tier local planner, you’re crafting an experience that you and your guests will talk about for years to come.
If you have feedback on our list, our team would love to hear from you. Reach us anytime at [email protected] with suggestions, corrections, or additions. It helps us keep our recommendations accurate, balanced, and genuinely useful for every reader.
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