In 2017 when I started officiating weddings in Richmond, I quickly realized something was missing: thoughtful, inclusive wedding services for couples who wanted to celebrate their love their way. So many people were searching for meaningful, intimate wedding experiences something less traditional, more intentional, and fully aligned with who they are. That’s why I created ElopeRVA.

I believe eloping or planning an intimate wedding isn’t about doing less it’s about doing what matters most. It’s about celebrating your love with the people closest to you, in a way that feels honest, beautiful, and true to your story. Whether that’s just the two of you on a mountaintop or a cozy ceremony with 75 of your favorite people, you deserve a wedding that feels like home.

I also believe in working with all couples. Richmond is this incredible, vibrant mix of cultures, identities, and traditions, and I’m endlessly inspired by the diversity of the love stories we get to witness. At ElopeRVA, we proudly serve couples of all backgrounds, faiths, and orientations and we partner with vendors who share our values of inclusivity, respect, and care.

So, if you’re looking for a team who will truly listen, who will honor your vision, and who will help you plan a celebration that’s as joyful as it is stress-free you’re in the right place. I’d be honored to be part of your day.

Our Values

  • We proudly serve all couples across identities, cultures, faiths, and love stories. Everyone deserves a wedding that reflects who they are.

  • Whether you're planning for two or 75, every detail is chosen with purpose and care. We don’t do “cookie-cutter.”

  • Your love story is one of a kind—your wedding should be too. From venue choices to personal touches, we help bring your unique vision to life.

  • We connect you with vendors we believe in people who care about your day as much as you do, and who reflect our shared commitment to professionalism and kindness

  • We don’t believe in performing tradition for the sake of it. We support you in crafting a day that feels true to you, not anyone else's expectations.

Meet the ElopeRVA Team

Chantal McHenry

Owner + Lead Planner

Chantal is our founder with a special love for florals and tablescapes. A Hampton Roads native, she enjoys summer trips to the beach, pinning wedding inspiration on Pinterest, and spending time with her adorable Pomeranians, Simba and Sammy.

During her first year as a wedding officiant in Richmond, VA, Chantal McHenry discovered a need for elopement and intimate wedding planning services catered to the city’s diverse population.

Richmond is a melting pot of couples who have unique cultural backgrounds and faiths, and who are a part of the LGBTQI+ community. Fast forward to 2018, ElopeRVA was founded with the mission to create tailored wedding experiences so couples can say, “I do,” their way.

Rev. Dr. Jamie Lynn Haskins

Officiant + Premarital Counselor

Reverend Jamie Lynn serves as a chaplain for spiritual-but-not-religious students at the University of Richmond, offering thoughtful guidance and support to those seeking meaningful connections and purpose.

A proud member of the queer community, Jamie Lynn wholeheartedly embraces the belief that love is love and delights in celebrating the unique stories of every couple. With over a decade of experience officiating countless weddings, she is passionate about crafting ceremonies that are as special and personal as the love you share.

Ordained in a progressive Christian tradition, Jamie Lynn also offers premarital counseling to help couples deepen their connection and prepare for the journey ahead. When she's not helping lovebirds plan their big day, you'll find her experimenting with new recipes, enjoying great music and whisky, hiking scenic trails, or hosting relaxed evenings with friends in her backyard.

Ready to bring her expertise, creativity, and compassion to your celebration, Reverend Jamie Lynn would be honored to work with you to create a ceremony that perfectly reflects your love story.

Rev. Suzanne Vinson

Officiant +Premarital Counselor

Rev. Suzanne Vinson is an artist and ordained minister dedicated to intentional living, fostered through wholeness, compassionate listening, mindfulness, and care. Residing in Richmond with her beloved and two children, she creates soul-nourishing art that deepens connection and enriches life.

With over 17 years of experience officiating weddings, Suzanne is an open hearted advocate for marriage equality who delights in designing ceremonies that honor each couple’s unique love story. She specializes in custom ceremonies—spiritual, religious, or secular—crafting meaningful words and rituals that reflect the uniqueness of each couple’s love.

Drawing on two decades as a pastor, chaplain, retreat leader, meditation teacher, writer, and artist, Suzanne creates spaces that invite healing and celebration.

Whether in nature, on a farm, in your backyard, or at a wedding venue, Suzanne excels at creating shared moments that celebrate and honor the love between two people embarking on a shared journey. Her expertise lies in creating custom ceremonies—spiritual, religious, or not—where every word, intention, and ritual is carefully chosen to craft a wedding that feels perfect for you.

Ariane Caday

Lead Coordinator

Ariane Caday is honored to be a part of each couple's special day. With over three years of experience in the wedding industry as both an assistant coordinator and lead planner, Ariane became a certified wedding planner in February 2025. Her passion for the craft began while planning her own destination wedding during the height of the pandemic—a whirlwind experience that sparked a deep love for blending creativity with project management.

In addition to her work in weddings, Ariane wears many hats. She’s a proud mom to two fur babies and one energetic toddler, works full-time in the operating room as both a circulator and scrub nurse, and enjoys exploring her hobby in photography. An avid reader and foodie, she loves to travel but has also embraced her inner homebody—dreaming of one day starting a homestead filled with a garden and animals.

Ariane’s favorite part of any wedding is the ceremony and the heartfelt exchange of vows. She finds joy in getting to know each couple and feels deeply privileged to help bring their unique love stories to life.