Feeling Lucky in Love? New micro wedding chapel opens in Richmond

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Nestled between local restaurants, apartment buildings and corporate offices in the heart of downtown Richmond, love stories are blossoming. A new micro wedding chapel bursting with reds, pinks and vintage-inspired decor is catching the city’s attention.

Lucky in Love Chapel, located at 402 E. Grace St., is offering couples an intimate and affordable option for wedding ceremonies. The business is owned by officiants Tia Ballard, Kasie Murphy and Savannah Manzie.

“Everyone knows Virginia is not just for lovers, it’s for all lovers. So we say cat lovers, dog lovers, pizza lovers. Love is love here at Lucky in Love,” Ballard said.

In Virginia, couples looking to tie the knot can get a marriage license at Circuit Courts, but the ceremony itself has to be performed by an authorized officiant. Ballard says it’s been a dream of hers to have a quirky location for couples to meet with an authorized officiant to get married.

 Lucky in Love serves 20 guests or fewer, not including the couple.

“The average cost of a wedding in Virginia is about $34,000. The average price of a wedding here is about $1,800, but we have packages starting at $250,” Ballard said.

The cheapest option is called "Virginia is for Elopers." Couples are given a customized ceremony lasting up to 30 minutes. There is also room for a first dance under the disco ball and, owners say, a lollipop and Polaroid photo is included in every ceremony.

The middle option is called "The Picture Perfect Couple," and includes everything in the first package plus a professional photographer. Lucky in Love partners with photographers Aly Hansen and Alex Hines.

The most expensive option is called "The Jackpot" offering a full-service wedding. Lucky in Love plans, coordinates and officiates the entire experience, from a cake to floral arrangements.

And if you just want to make it legal, Lucky in Love offers same-day signings, as well.

The chapel is carefully curated with shades of red, pink, white and cream and dotted with classic imagery of hearts, cherubs and swans, giving it a classic, retro flair.

“Don’t forget to visit our lovebirds bathroom crafted by Savannah and Kasie,” Ballard said, “It’s absolutely gorgeous.”

“It definitely took a community to build this,” Murphy said, “So many loving people came forth and were like, ‘I can build a desk. I can help you with the curtain system. I can build a heart.’”

Murphy, who moved to Richmond five years ago, says the river city is the ideal location for this venue because “People are fun. People are kind here. They love each other.”

Owners expect micro weddings to increase in popularity because of tighter budgets and younger generations straying away from traditional marital norms.

“As our generations grow older, especially Gen-Z, they want to make sure they are in a safe space,” Ballard said.

“We want your wedding to represent you and we’re also here to celebrate you and have as much fun as we possibly can,” Ballard said, “So, if you want to mention your fur babies during the ceremony. We got you. If you guys want to jump the broom. Absolutely. If you guys want to do a little dance at the altar. We are jumping in there with you.”