We were privileged to have a couple share their intention to marry in a fun engagement photo session at Sky Meadows State Park.

The park offered a plethora of natural settings that sat softly as the backdrop to the love that shone brightly between them. We have featured weddings and elopements at various Virginia State Parks, but today we want to share a little something special before they said I do. 

Meredith Sledge Photography shared these beautiful photos from Sky Meadows State Park:

Sweet engagement photos at Sky Meadows State Park (this is Mount Bleak House)

The soft light created a radiant setting for these lovebirds

ABOUT

Rich in history, this 1,864-acre park has scenic views, woodlands and the rolling pastures of a historic farm that captures the colonial through post-Civil War life of the Crooked Run Valley. Hiking, picnicking, fishing and primitive hike-in camping for families and groups are favorite activities in this peaceful getaway on the eastern side of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The park has 10.5 miles of bridle trails, 24 miles of hiking trails, 9 miles of bike trails and Appalachian Trail access.

The historic area features the mid-19th century Mount Bleak House, which is open for tours by request at the visitor center. A log cabin, wash house, ice house and an active agricultural area are also there. All of these make for scenic backdrops for a photo shoot.

There are no indoor building or reception halls at this state park, but the setting can't be beat for photo shoots, and even intimate elopements. You can hire a photographer and have a photo shoot with the one you love at any of our state parks, just call the office ahead of time to find out what is required (special permit by the photographer). They can also recommend some of the more scenic places in the park to take gorgeous photos.

LOCATION

Sky Meadows State Park is less than two miles south of Paris, Va., via U.S. Route 50 to Route 17 South; or seven miles north of I-66, Exit 23 on Route 17 North. The park's main entrance is on State Route 710.

Its address is 11012 Edmonds Lane, Delaplane, Virginia. Click here for a Google map.

Drive Time: Northern Virginia, 45 minutes to one hour; D.C., over one hour; Richmond, two hours; Tidewater/ Norfolk/ Virginia Beach, three hours; Roanoke, two and a half hours.

See a compilation of photos from this lovely setting in the slideshow below:

All photos courtesy of Meredith Sledge Photography, see more of

her fabulous photography here.

Editor's note: In this series we share various wedding and engagement 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. Previously in this series:

• Stunning Wedding Venue along the Shores of the Rappahannock River
• An Authentic Mountain Wedding Venue
• Photo Opportunities Abound at this Virginia Beach Wedding Venue
• Happily Ever After is Proclaimed at this Wedding Spot
• A Fall Fairy Tale Wedding
• A Story Book Wedding in the Formal Gardens
• A Whimsical Woodsy Wedding
• Falling in Love is Forever at this Wedding Venue
• Love Shines in this Special Place

Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance for venues are also available weekdays (some with discounts in place). Just call the Reservation Center to help pick the perfect park and venue for your magical day, 800-933-7275. If you want to use a park as the backdrop for engagement or family photos, call the park to find out what is required.

Lodges, halls, picnic shelters and cabins host guests, and are frequently occupied, so you won't be able to have a walk-through at any state park venue without an appointment, call the park to make arrangements at 540-592-3556.