Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.

Home > Blog > Happily Ever After is Proclaimed at this Mountain Wedding Spot

Happily Ever After is Proclaimed at this Mountain Wedding Spot

By Shellie AnnePosted July 12, 2017

Another love story from Virginia State Parks, this time we shout it from the highest mountains.

While many wish to get married on the seashore, there are some who's happily ever-after is found at nearly 5,000 feet up, proclaiming their love in the mountains of Virginia, at Grayson Highlands State Park.

This story is shared by amazing Wedding Photographer Holly Cromer.

Dreams do come true - Wedding at Grayson Highlands State Park - All photos by Holly Cromer Photography

Wedding at Grayson Highlands State Park, photo courtesy of Holly Cromer Photography

FINDING THE PERFECT SPOT

While there is no venue proper at Grayson Highlands State Park, there are plenty of outdoor spaces where couples tie the knot. There are a few popular locations within the park that they can recommend for various sized gatherings.

Two Examples:

Buzzard Rock Overlook is ideal for those wanting a small, intimate ceremony. The vista is breathtaking, offering a 180-degree view of the mountain range, and the farming town Rugby. The observation deck itself holds up to eight, but seating for as many as 50 can be arranged along the walkway.

The largest weddings in the park are usually held in the Homestead area. It has a picturesque green field that gently slopes to a cool mountain stream. Two historical log cabins offer focal points for your ceremony or decorations, the surrounding hardwood forest is a beautiful backdrop in summer or fall, and a rustic barn shelter seating up to 100 is perfect for receptions.

Click here to learn more about weddings at this lovely state park.

ABOUT

Grayson Highlands State Park is near Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, Virginia's two highest mountains, Grayson Highlands offers scenic views of alpine-like peaks more than 5,000 feet high. The park is well known for its mountain and music festivals.

Please note that the season may be shorter to host weddings at this park due to its high elevation and less predictable inclement weather.

The Park is on U.S. 58 midway between Independence and Damascus and is reached from I-81 at Exit 45 in Marion. Drive times: Northern Va., 6.5 hours; Richmond, 5.5 hours; Tidewater, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, 7.5 hours; Roanoke, 2.5 hours; Winston-Salem, 1.5 hours; Charlotte, 1.5 hours; Raleigh, 4 hours.

All photos above by Holly Cromer, see more of her stunning photography at Holly Cromer Photography here.

Editor's note: In this series we plan to introduce 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. Previously in this series:

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, 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 276-579-7092.

PARKS

Grayson Highlands State Park