Exhibit 23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption “Experts” in this Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of Union Bankshares Corporation for the registration of common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants, purchase contracts, and units and to the incorporation by reference therein of our reports dated February 28, 2017, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Union Bankshares Corporation, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Union Bankshares Corporation, included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2016, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Richmond, Virginia

September 8, 2017