Our mission is to champion the preservation of the varied elements that give the Richmond metropolitan area its unique historic character and to preserve the vitality of Richmond's distinctive heritage.
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Preservation; it's the answer. Preservation is what helps Richmond keep its voice. It is a multidisciplinary process that preserves our distinctive heritage, improves quality of life, creates meaning and drives tourism.
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Preservation

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Main Photo: Monumental Church. Taken from the archives of Historic Richmond Foundation. (photo by Richard C. Cheek)

Monumental Church

Located at 1224 E. Broad Street, Monumental Church was designed by Robert Mills, America’s first native born architect. Constructed in 1814, the structure is a memorial to the 72 individuals that died in the Richmond Theater Fire of 1811. Monumental Church was placed on the National Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark in 1969. It resides in Richmond’s historic Court End, slightly north of Shockoe Slip and west of Church Hill.

Monumental Church is unique for many reasons. It was most notably designed during the Neoclassic period, and is one of the earliest and best examples of Greek revival architecture in the United States. Mills was the only architectural pupil of Thomas Jefferson. In his design, Mills adaptively used a Delorme dome from notes which Jefferson had taken during his tenure in France as the French Ambassador. The ashes of those who died in the Richmond Theatre Fire of 1811 are buried in a crypt beneath the floorboards of the Church. Famous parishioners included Chief Justice John Marshall and Edgar Allan Poe.

Since acquiring the Landmark from the Medical College of Virginia Foundation in 1983, HRF has spent several million dollars on its restoration. The organization hopes that it will become an important gathering place for the Richmond community. Monumental Church is truly a National Treasure.

Open for tours by request only.
$5 per person
$40 per group

Weddings at Monumental Church

Historic Richmond Foundation would be happy to help you celebrate your monumental occasion at Monumental Church. Monumental Church is a non-denominational deconsecrated church ideal for any wedding or group event. The unique historic character of the indoor and outdoor spaces at Monumental Church will make your special day even more memorable.

The sanctuary can accommodate wedding ceremonies, lectures, concerts, etc. for up to 250 guests, and the Side Green is available for garden receptions. The acoustics of the church have been designed in such a way as to ensure every guest can hear the ceremony without the use of microphones. Monumental Church does not provide parking; however, the Department of Transportation across the street allows parking upon request on weekdays and all day Saturday and Sunday. Due to the historic nature of the venue, we ask that certain restrictions regarding the use of candles and flowers be observed.

If you would like to come visit Monumental Church to see if this beautiful facility is a good fit for your wedding, please contact Elizabeth Singleton at esingleton@historicrichmond.com or call 804.643.7407 x 25 regarding availability, pricing and any additional information you may need. We look forward to taking part in your special day at Monumental Church!

For more information about planning your wedding please go to WedAlert.com: Plan Your Wedding in Virginia-Richmond.