Mount Ida Farm & Vineyard Weddings

Hello, I'm Aarron Watson, a premiere and award-winning Charlottesville photographeer with over 20 years of expertise in wedding photography. As a seasoned and experienced Charlottesville weddinng photographer I pride myself on offering my brides and grooms invaluble resources for their weddings. If you are considering a wedding at Mount Ida Farm & Vineyard, then explore all our insider tips and information for your wedding day.

What is Mount Ida Farm & Vineyard?

Mount Ida Farm & Vineyard is a venue celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and versatile settings that cater to both grand black-tie weddings and charming rustic celebrations. Situated south of downtown Charlottesville, Virginia on a secluded 4,000-acre propeerty, Mount Ida Farm & Vineyard boasts Albemarle’s historic character with state-of-the-art ammenities.

Why Choose Mount Ida Farm & Vineyard?

Choosing Mount Ida not only ensures your wedding will be set against a backdrop of incredible natural beauty and historic elegance, but it also guarantees that your guests will be treated to an exquisite stay filled with luxury, relaxation, and entertainment. It's a place where memories are made, and every detail is crafted to enhance your Mount Ida wedding experience.

Secluded Vibes With a Convenient Location

Situated just just minutes from the University of Virginia (UVA) and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, Mount Ida Farm & Vineyard offers a convenient central location but feels completely secluded thanks to it's 4,000-acre grounds. This venue isn't just a wedding location; it's a weekend getaway, providing a picturesque setting for both large celebrations and intimate gatherings.

Unmatched Historical Elegance

Mount Ida is a sanctuary of historical elegance, with properties like the Mount Ida Manor, a breathtaking 10,000 sqft home meticulously rebuilt on its current site overlooking the picturesque Mount Ida Lake. Constructed circa 1795, this manor combines historical charm with modern amenities, providing a unique lodging experience.

Wedding Day Turned Wedding Weekend at Mount Ida - Perfect for Destination Weddings

Choosing Mount Ida isn’t just about one day; it’s about an immersive experience. From luxurious on-site accommodations to a variety of rehearsal dinner locations, every aspect is designed to create a seamless and memorable weekend. You and your guests can revel in the beauty and tranquility of the estate, turning your wedding into a joyful escape. These amenities are especially useful for couples planning a destination wedding in Charlottesville, as they meet many of your accommodation needs.

Ample Space for Relaxation and Recreation

The accommodations offer not just a place to stay but a retreat filled with activities. Guests can enjoy picturesque decks, private vanities, home theaters, and wet bars. Highlighting the emphasis on entertainment and leisure, amenities include pool tables, table tennis, foosball, and courts for tennis, basketball, volleyball, and pickleball. Not to forget the expansive spaces designed for getting ready, lounging, or entertaining.

Experiential Amenities

Beyond the physical accommodations, Mount Ida ensures that every guest's stay is an experience to remember. From sprawling estates that allow guests to bring their horses, to properties with easy access to the Tasting Room and vineyards, there’s a unique blend of activities that cater to various interests and ensure a memorable stay.

Photography Opportunities Abound

From the stone walls and bluestone walkways at The Lodge to the picturesque lakeside gazebo at The Event Barn, each setting provides unique and engaging backdrops for your wedding photos. As photographers, we find Mount Ida’s diverse landscapes and architecturally rich environments a dream to shoot in, offering a multitude of captivating scenes to capture your special moments.

Venue Choices for Every Style

• ‍The Lodge: Originally a horse stable, The Lodge has transformed into a luxurious wedding venue. With its preserved oak timber framing, it features nearly thirty-foot high vaulted ceilings and offers dramatic mountain views, making it a spectacular choice for your ceremony and reception.‍
• The Event Barn: Echoing the romantic vibes of a lakeside historic manor, the Event Barn integrates rustic appeal with modern facilities, surrounded by the grandeur of the historic Mount Ida manor house. It's perfect for couples looking for a blend of tradition and comfort.‍
• Water’s Edge: For a more intimate setting, Water’s Edge presents a cabin-style vibe beside a serene lake, ideal for those who wish to have a smaller, more private celebration.‍
• The Tasting Room & Taphouse: This venue delivers a relaxed atmosphere with panoramic views of the Blue Ridge, suited for those who appreciate Virginia’s rich wine and craft beer culture.

Why Choose Aaron Watson Photography for Your Mount Ida Wedding

Selecting Aaron Watson Photography for your Mount Ida wedding means you're not just choosing a photographer; you're ensuring a timeless and meticulous documentation of your special day. Here’s why Aaron Watson Photography is the impeccable choice for capturing your Mount Ida wedding:

• Local Insights and Exclusive Connections: My foundational involvement with Mount Ida, from initiating their very first styled wedding photoshoot and capturing the initial images for each venue, provides an unmatched advantage. I’m deeply connected to the local scene and familiar with Mount Ida’s hidden gems — from secluded pastures offering panoramic mountain views to the iconic Clydesdales.
• ‍Authentic Storytelling: Specializing in authentic portrayals, Aaron Watson Photography captures every moment, from the most grandiose to the intimately subtle. Your love story becomes a visual narrative, told through vivid and heartfelt imagery that reflects the genuine essence of your wedding.‍
• Stunning Backdrops, Expertly Framed: With its expansive vistas and refined architecture, Mount Ida serves as the perfect canvas for your wedding photos. Our deep familiarity with this location allows us to beautifully frame you and your guests against these impressive backdrops, making every photo a stunning piece of art.‍
• ‍Personalized Experience: Understanding that each wedding is unique, we tailor our services to meet your specific desires and expectations. From the initial planning stages to the final delivery of your photos, our process is designed to align seamlessly with your vision.‍
• Expertise and Reliability: Aaron Watson Photography brings years of professional experience to your wedding day, guaranteeing a reliable service where every magical moment is captured. Our proven track record speaks for itself, ensuring peace of mind throughout your celebration.

By choosing Aaron Watson Photography, you entrust your precious memories to not just a service, but a storyteller who is part of the fabric of Mount Ida. Your wedding photos will not only capture moments; they will tell your story, framing the beginning of your life together against some of the most beautiful backdrops imaginable.

Aaron's Tips for Your Mount Ida Wedding

• Clydesdale Brothers—A Photographic Marvel: Fun Fact! At Mount Ida, there are two Clydesdales who starred in iconic Budweiser Super Bowl commercials. These two horses are not just any horses; they are brothers with a magical presence. This unique duo was the inspiration for one of our most memorable photoshoots featuring a bride elegantly riding through the fields. Consider incorporating these majestic animals in your wedding photos for a touch of cinematic magic.
• Explore Hidden Gems for Stunning Photography: Mount Ida boasts four distinct venues and spans thousands of acres, offering a myriad of spectacular photography spots. Some of my personal favorites include the secluded pastures with breathtaking mountain views. These spots are perfect for capturing intimate moments surrounded by nature, away from the usual paths.
• A Glimpse of Celebrity: Fun Fact! Did you know that the only house visible from the original Mount Ida estate belongs to Dave Matthews of the Dave Matthews Band? This little piece of trivia not only connects you to local celebrity folklore but also adds an interesting backdrop and story to your wedding venue selection.

Contact Aaron to Get Started with Your Mount Ida Wedding

If Mount Ida Farm & Vineyard captures your heart, feel free to reach out to us at Aaron Watson Photography. We are thrilled to help you envision and capture your wedding day with beautiful, heartfelt photography that you will cherish forever.

Aaron Watson Photography is honored to guide you through these choices and excited to capture the beautiful moments of your wedding day. Let us help make your wedding as picturesque and memorable as the setting you choose.