In the Allegheny Mountains sits one of the gems of the Virginia State Parks system, one of the original six parks to open in 1936 built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, and features a small lake. Douthat State Park is a very unique place and has a waterfront restaurant, cabins, campgrounds and over 43 miles of trails.

Douthat State Park is popular for trout fishing, summer water related activities like swimming and canoeing, but it is also an authentic hot-spot for love and marriage, it's popular for weddings and honeymoons alike, and is the epitome of the old adage that "going to the mountains is like going home."

Couples have been joyfully saying "I DO" at Douthat State Park for decades

If your heart is in the mountains, then you will love learning more about Douthat State Park for your destination wedding. Simple, romantic and woodsy might just be what you are looking for the day you say "I do."

Photographer Craig Spiering shares special moments captured in time for two lovebirds at the park.

A special place to forge your love forever

A picnic shelter offers the ideal romantic backdrop to say I do, and available year-round to rent

Candles illuminate the mantle in the rustic picnic shelter for the wedding ceremony

Commit your love one for another in this authentic Virginia mountain venue

An amazing setting for your special day

A park cabin or lodge makes a lovely bridal suite

You can set-up the venue to suit your style as rustic, formal or casual as you like, and for large or small weddings and receptions. Click here for more details.

Renting a lodge for family and friends is a great way to spend time together and make precious memories before the big event. Call 800-933-PARK (7275) for more information.

Many couples choose a specific park for the amenities or venue for their wedding, others choose it due to a personal connection to the park, or fond memories. Virginia State Parks strive to make park wedding venues affordable, not price gouging.

As we are not really in the "wedding business," couples who love the great outdoors love our parks, and wish to be get married here.

The park's Alleghany Room, which seats 65 and is above the beach house, is perfect for weddings and receptions. The amphitheater is another scenic outdoor setting perfect for wedding ceremonies and is waterfront. Prices here.

This is a good way to pass the anxious time while the "groom's catch," the bride, gets ready 

A celebratory trip around the lake for the newlyweds was in order, even on this rainy fall day 

Love and the great outdoors are a natural combination, and one you share together

For those who love nature, love the change in the seasons, Douthat State Park in Virginia may be just the ticket you are looking for, with its breathtaking mountain beauty

Most importantly at every wedding is the love, the ceremony, the family and friends gathering, but the photos are keepsakes you will always cherish. Douthat State Park has some spectacular settings to capture the day.

Douthat State Park drive Time: Northern Virginia, four hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, five hours; Richmond, three hours; Roanoke, one hour. Click here for a Google map.

All photos above by Craig Spiering, see more of his beautiful photography at Spiering Photography here.

 

Editor's note: In this series we are introducing various wedding venues at Virginia State Parks from amazing photographers. Click the links throughout the article to learn more about the venue, we would love to help make your dreams come true. Here is our Pinterest board for park weddings. See another in this series:

• Stunning Wedding Venue along the Shores of the Rappahannock River

Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance, and venues are also available weekdays. Just call the Reservation Center to help pick the perfect park and venue for your magical day, 800-933-7275.

Lodges, restaurant, picnic shelters and cabins host guests, and are frequently occupied, so you won't be able to have a walk-through without an appointment, call the park to make arrangements at 540-862-8100.