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Weddings

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
illustration popular

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Frequently asked questions

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during peak season?

$5,000

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during peak season?

$5,000

Which of the following are included in the starting site fee?

Bridal Suite
Parking

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

6

Describe your venue:

Barn
Farm/Ranch
Historic Building
Mansion
Waterfront

What kind of settings are available?

Uncovered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party
Rehearsal Dinner

What event services do you offer?

Get Ready Rooms
Outside Vendors
Wifi

What transportation and access is available?

Parking

What months are included in your peak season?

April
May
June
July
August
September
October

What months are included in your off-peak season?

March
November

Reviews of Historic Chelsea

Veronica
Veronica Sent on 10/01/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Historic Chelsea Wedding Review

Amazing venue. The owners, Christie & Eric were wonderful to work with. Very professional, responsive and went above and beyond to make our day perfect. The house had adequate space to get ready without worry of seeing my fiancé before the ceremony. Beautiful views of the water and plenty of outdoor space to make your wedding vision come to life! I would recommend them to everyone looking for a riverfront, outdoor wedding!
L
Lonne Sent on 02/01/2022
5 out of 5 rating

I attended an event here

A beautiful setting for any event you have in mind. A lovely historic plantation home, outbuildings and gardens on 600 acres on the Mattatoni river. Treat yourself to a memorable experience!
Shaunalee
Shaunalee Sent on 01/30/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Wonderful memories made at Chelsea

What a magical place to make memories! I attended a dinner event at historical Chelsea in October. It was the most peaceful setting with gorgeous views of the Mattaponi river. We ate dinner outdoors on rustic hand-made tables with views of the old English boxwood gardens overlooking the river. The owners of the plantation are very hospitable and welcoming and were happy to give us a tour the historic home which felt like you were stepping back into the 1700's. We finished the evening with friends in the gazebo which sits just over the river with beautiful views of the setting sun. Chelsea would be a beautiful place to celebrate a wedding or any other special event.
S
Stephanie Sent on 01/24/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Most beautiful historic site

Having a wedding at Chelsea was nothing but extraordinary. The house and grounds are beautiful and the river view is amazing. The owners went above and beyond to make sure that everything was perfect. The owners were quick to respond to any questions and were easy and flexible to work with. Everyone who came loved the place and the photo options are endless. You will not be disappointed
S
Stacey Sent on 01/24/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Fantastic!

We chose Historic Chelsea as the venue for our event because of the history and natural beauty of the property. The bonus what’s how great it was to work with the property owners. They went above to ensure all details, big & small were taken care of. The event was at sunset & the property is waterfront. We dined outdoors on the water under a full moon. It couldn’t have been prettier! Absolutely great people to work with. We plan on another event at Historic Chelsea in the spring! Highly recommend!
Chris
Chris Sent on 01/06/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Absolutely Amazing

I attended this venue as the DJ/Guest. I have worked for 25 years in the wedding business and I can say for a venue this place is second to none.

The venue is absolutely beautiful. The number of photo locations is endless. It is set right on the water which only adds to the views.

The staff was prompt and provided any thing I needed as a vendor. They have upgraded all the electrical and added AC to the buildings which means no sweating as you get ready. Which sometimes is an issue in historic venues.

I would highly recommend any future brides to pay them a visit!
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.

Awards

6
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2023 Winner

Map

Historic Chelsea frequently asked questions

Historic Chelsea includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Bridal Suite
  • Parking
The space offered by Historic Chelsea for wedding events is known for:
  • Barn
  • Farm/Ranch
  • Historic Building
  • Mansion
  • Waterfront
Historic Chelsea offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Uncovered Outdoor
Historic Chelsea offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Bridal Shower
  • Engagement Party
  • Rehearsal Dinner
Historic Chelsea offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Get Ready Rooms
  • Outside Vendors
  • Wifi
Historic Chelsea is recommended by 100% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 5.0, with the same score awarded for quality of service, flexibility, value, professionalism and average response time.
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