The Market at Grelen is a magical wedding venue set on a 600-acre tree nursery in Somerset, Virginia, just 30 minutes away from downtown Charlottesville. As you exchange your vows and begin your new life together as a married couple, you will be surrounded by a gorgeous natural backdrop. Whether you are hosting an intimate elopement with a few of your loved ones, or planning a much larger ceremony and reception, you will be able to experience an unforgettable wedding amidst the gardens and Blue Ridge Mountain views.
Facilities and Capacity Not only is the Market at Grelen perfect for hosting ceremonies and receptions, but also bridal showers, engagement parties, and rehearsal dinners. There are four main spaces which includes indoor, covered outdoor, and uncovered outdoor options. Depending on which space you choose, different amounts of seated guests can be accomodated. For example, the Orchard Overlook Tent accommodates 250 seated guests, the Greenhouse accommodates 50 seated guests, the Stone Terrace accommodates 100 seated guests, and the Shade Garden accommodates 40 seated guests. Couples, wedding parties and close family are encouraged to rent one of Grelen's two properites (Boxwood Villa or Spotswood Lodge) which are only 10 minutes away from The Market. The Boxwood Villa, which is a renovated 1850 home, is a very private setting surrounded by oak trees and sleeps 10. Spotswood Lodge is more of a farmhouse in style with space for 20 guests. Both add to the weekend and can be used to host brunches and rehearsal dinners.
Services Offered Couples will be provided with round tables, garden chairs, banquet tables, and a barrel bar to use on their big day. Additionally, details like lighting and sound are also included in the starting site fee. As you plan your big day, the team is more than happy to help with arranging vendors and assisting with catering. For your convenience, the property also has plenty of parking, shuttle access, and wheelchair access. The Market at Grelen is also a European garden shop with a ton of plant material that can be used to decorate the ceremony, cocktail/entertaining spaces and reception tent. The use of these plants is free and is included in the venue fee! (Please note this does not include ceramic/stone planters—only the plants in the plastic pots. Planters can be rented or plastic pots can be wrapped in fabric/burlap by planner. Plants cannot be used as centerpieces—just for space decoration.)
I always thought that the venue carried the greatest weight when it comes to wedding experience. I was the most picky about my venue out of everything wedding-related. I must've looked at 100 venues online before finding The Market at Grelen and knowing instantly it was perfect! It completely lived up to my expectations. The staff was wonderful to work with and never missed a beat despite their full calendar of weddings to tend to. And the venue is gorgeous! The ceremony space has a sprawling view of the countryside. There are several unique spaces on the grounds to have your cocktail hour, including a whimsical greenhouse and a stone terrace. The reception space comfortably fit all my guests, with a vaulted clear-top tent that made you feel like you were dancing under the stars . I was able to save a lot of money and brain power on not needing many decorations, as the venue itself is so beautiful and you can utilize the plants from the market to decorate your space free of charge. And the best part is that this venue operates as a business open to the public, so I can go back and visit whenever I'd like! The Market was the absolute perfect venue for me and I'm so happy I found it!
Sent on 11/21/2019
Nora
· Married on 08/03/2019
5.0
Quality of service:
5.0
Responsiveness:
5.0
Value:
5.0
Flexibility:
5.0
Professionalism:
5.0
Absolutely magical
The Market at Grelen is, simply put, a wonderland. From the berry lawn to the greenhouse, it's absolutely magical. The stunning vistas, lush flowers, and verdant greenery transport guests to another world. (There are literally small fairies in the greenhouse!)
I couldn't have imagined a more perfect place to have our wedding, and the guests felt the same way, too.
Tess, Emmie, and all of the staff bent over backwards to make us feel welcome and at home. They are professional, attentive, and kind.
If you want a unique experience and captures the best of Virginian countryside, look no further than the Market at Grelen!
Sent on 08/08/2019
The Market at Grelen's reply:
Nora, thank you so much for your kind words. You and Milind were a dream to work with and your wedding was so beautiful! Wishing you all the best and we hope you come back to visit us anytime you are in the neighbourhood!
Emmie, Tess and the rest of the Grelen Team :)
Chelsea R.
· Married on 05/30/2019
5.0
Quality of service:
5.0
Responsiveness:
5.0
Value:
5.0
Flexibility:
5.0
Professionalism:
5.0
Magical Wedding Day
When I stumbled upon the Market at Grelen while searching for venues, I just had a feeling it would be the perfect spot to host our intimate wedding. It truly lived up to all our expectations! We absolutely loved the setting (especially the backdrop of the greenhouse) and so did our guests. Just felt like a magical day all around. Thank you to the Grelen team who paid attention to all my ideas during the planning process, and helped bring every detail to life. Will be a day we treasure forever!
