About
Historic Chelsea is an outdoor waterfront venue that provides the elegance of a historic estate with a twist of rustic charm. Conveniently located 30 minutes west of Williamsburg, Virginia, and 30 minutes east of Richmond, Virginia, in King William County, the estate can accommodate as many as 300 guests for a ceremony and reception under the stars, or a more intimate cocktail-style affair in the main house for 25 guests.
Two elegant ready rooms with waterfront views, two sitting rooms and a formal dining room are provided for close family and the wedding party. Guests can sip a cocktail in the estate's riverside gazebo and take a stroll back in time along the property's carriage trail.
Boasting much of the same architecture today that it did more than 300 years ago, Historic Chelsea was built in 1709 by Augustine Moore, a successful tobacco entrepreneur. Guests may find themselves walking in the footsteps of General Marquis de Lafayette who, with his troops, set up camp at Historic Chelsea and established Lafayette’s headquarters in the main house prior to the Battle of Yorktown in 1781. Or they may enter a room once visited by George Washington, who is said to have frequented Chelsea as a Moore family friend.
Following multiple owners, Historic Chelsea was purchased in 1959 by the Richardson family who listed the main house on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969. After three generations, Chelsea remains in the family and is currently owned by siblings Erik Richardson and Christie Richardson Miller who are working with their families to continue Chelsea’s legacy and breathe new life into the historic estate.
- Woman-owned
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?
What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during peak season?
Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?
What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during peak season?
Which of the following are included in starting site fee?
How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?
Describe your venue:
What kind of settings are available?
Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?
What event services do you offer?
What transportation and access is available?
What months are included in your peak season?
What months are included in your off-peak season?
Any other questions?
Message vendorReviews
Write a review
8 User photos





Are you interested?
Message vendorTeam

I’m Christie. When I’m not emailing, chatting and meeting with engaged couples about their wedding plans, I’m a mom to two amazing girls, wife and full-time speech writer. I own Chelsea with my brother, Erik, and our families. When he’s not fixing what’s broken on the farm, he’s raising his beautiful family, running an audio visual company and getting married, too, later this year!
We grew up at Chelsea, a special place where the romance of colonial history and the rustic charm of an old dairy farm meet on the banks of the Mattaponi River. It’s always been a central part of our lives and we’d love to help you make memories there, too.
Map
Would you like to visit?
Request a visitHistoric Chelsea frequently asked questions
- Bridal Suite
- Parking
- Barn
- Farm/Ranch
- Historic Building
- Mansion
- Waterfront
- Uncovered Outdoor
- Ceremony
- Reception
- Bridal Shower
- Engagement Party
- Rehearsal Dinner
- Get Ready Rooms
- Outside Vendors
- Wifi