All about the barn, is basically what Florida+Colorado Photographer Chip Litherland thought as he was asked to shoot a June wedding at Belle Isle State Park.

Chip wrote,

“They had me at red.

           The night before this wedding as I sat in my hotel room charging batteries and formatting cards, T.J. texted me about possible photo locations for the next day…included that of a red barn amidst a field of wheat. Now, that may not excite you, but for a Florida photographer obsessed with primary colors and used to shooting on sand and under palm trees, it was great to hear and my mind started racing.”

Belle Isle's historic Bel Air area is popular and well-suited for weddings of all sizes. Also, the mansion and guest house have space that may be used for guests and small get-togethers.

Situated on the 33-acre grounds are the Colonial-style Bel Air House and Bel Air Guest House cottage. The park offers some amenities, such as tents and tables, and wedding parties arrange the rest - caterer, musicians, florists, chairs, etc. Generally, the park requires only payment of the season's standard overnight rental fees for both dwellings and a special use permit. Making this an affordable alternative to other wedding destinations.

Let's explore this stunning wedding venue along the shores of the Rappahannock River at Belle Isle State Park in photos:

LOVE IS IN THE AIR

You can make the venue suit your style as rustic, formal or casual as you like, and for large or small weddings and receptions.

Views of beautiful sunsets over the Rappahannock River make this Northern Neck landmark an ideal place to tie the knot.

DREAMS DO COME TRUE

The romantic red barn that got Chip's attention, while someone else caught the groom's attention, at Belle Isle State Park on the Northern Neck of Virginia

Belle Isle State Park drive time: Northern Virginia: two hours; Richmond: two hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach: two hours; Roanoke: five hours. Click here for a Google map.

All photos above by Chip Litherland, see more of his beautiful photography at Eleven Weddings 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. Just call the Reservation Center to help pick the perfect park and venue for your magical day, 800-933-7275.

The Bel Air Overnight Area hosts guests, and is frequently occupied, so you won't be able to have a walk-through without an appointment, the park phone number is 804-462-5030.