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.

Weddings and Virginia State Parks

A Natural Connection

From a simple outdoor wedding with a handful of people to an elaborate event, Virginia State Parks offer a variety of wedding venues and services. Click below for specific parks' wedding information.

Bear Creek Lake

804-492-4410
Cumberland, Virginia

BearCreek@dcr.virginia.gov

Bear Creek Hall Meeting FacilityThe Bear Creek Hall Meeting Facility at Bear Creek Lake State Park offers a beautiful setting for weddings, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, anniversary celebrations and other special events. The meeting hall can accommodate up to 65 guests and 25 vehicles. Forty guests can be comfortably seated for catered meals. There is a warming kitchen equipped with a refrigerator, freezer, microwave oven and oven. Bear Creek Lake State Park has a lodge, two three-bedroom cabins and 10 two-bedroom cabins. Campsites, group camping and a bunkhouse also are available. Bear Creek Lake is only one hour west of Richmond and is a convenient, natural, beautiful and historic place for families to get together.

Belle Isle

804-462-5030
Lancaster, Virginia

BelleIsle@dcr.virginia.gov

Bel Air HouseBelle Isle State Park's Bel Air historic area is frequently sought by couples wanting a memorable and beautiful setting in which to tie the knot. Situated on the 33-acre grounds are the Colonial-style Bel Air House (also called the Mansion) and Guest House cottage. Wedding parties may handle their arrangements - caterer, musicians, florists, tables, chairs, tents, etc. Generally, the park requires only payment of the season's standard overnight rental fees for both dwellings and a special-use permit. Contact the park or read the following documents for more details.

Chippokes

757-294-3625
Surry, Virginia

Chippokes@dcr.virginia.gov

Chippokes conference shelter set up for wedding.Chippokes State Park is a historic plantation with formal gardens, making it ideal for outdoor weddings. It's perfect for historically themed and traditional weddings, receptions and rehearsal dinners. Chippokes rents a tent, tables and chairs. Outside providers, such as caterers, are allowed but must have adequate insurance and permits. While the tent, all facilities, tables and chairs may be reserved a la carte, all-inclusive wedding packages are available, too. Read this wedding brochure for details on prices and packages. Although parking fees apply, they can be prepaid for paid through invoice. A special-use permit and a $25 application fee are required. Alcohol may be served in some areas with a Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Board banquet license permit. Specific dates can be guaranteed only after the application is approved by the park and a deposit is paid.

The antebellum Chippokes Jones-Stewart Mansion is perfect for small weddings and serves as a beautiful backdrop for wedding photos. Its board room has a small kitchen and a dining table that seats 15. There are also two changing rooms and a restroom. The room can be rented separately; it accommodates up to 20 people. Alcohol is allowed here with appropriate permits and personnel.

The park also has a conference shelter equipped with a full kitchen. It accommodates up to 200 people and is well-suited for large receptions and rehearsal dinners. Alcohol is allowed with appropriate permits and personnel but may be served and consumed only in the shelter or within the “backyard” area. The formal gardens and mansion lawn area also are perfect for outdoor ceremonies. (Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in these areas.)

Claytor Lake State Park

Call 800-933-7275
Dublin, Virginia

ClaytorLake@dcr.virginia.gov

Water's Edge Meeting Facility at Bear Creek State Park (no large image size)The Water’s Edge Meeting Facility at Claytor Lake State Park offers a beautiful setting for weddings, reunions, meetings and other special events. The meeting room overlooks the lake and has a scenic view from the water’s edge. It can accommodate up to 125 people. There's a kitchen with a refrigerator, freezer, warmer and microwave-convection oven. Audiovisual equipment is provided with rental. Claytor Lake is about two miles from Interstate 81 and offers fishing, swimming, hiking and camping for a memorable outdoor experience. Claytor Lake also has 103 campsites, three lodges and 15 cabins for rent.

Douthat State Park

540-862-8100
Millboro, Virginia

Douthat@dcr.virginia.gov

Wedding at Douthat State Park.Minutes from Clifton Forge and Interstate 64, historic Douthat State Park has everything you'd expect in the Allegheny Mountains. Mountain hiking trails, stunning views, swimming, fishing and more are just a short walk away. The park's Alleghany Room, which seats 65 and is above the beach house, is perfect for weddings, receptions, retreats and lectures in the fall, winter and spring. Beard's Mountain Lodge accommodates up to 16 people, Creasey Lodge accommodates up to 18 people, and the park has 32 cabins.

Fairy Stone State Park

276-930-2424
Stuart, Virginia

FairyStone@dcr.virginia.gov

Fairy Stone lake.Fairy Stone is the place for your wedding and guests if your ideal spot to say "I do" overlooks a beautiful lake, beach or a wide open field. Gather at the amphitheater or have a smaller ceremony at the beach. Have a simple outdoor reception at a picnic shelter or have one inside at Fayerdale Hall. A large deck adds to the wedding options at Fayerdale Hall. A tent remains on the deck from April through October and is not available November through March. Overnight accommodations include a family lodge and 25 one or two-bedroom cabins. There are also four yurts and 56 campsites. Plan a fairy tale wedding at Fairy Stone State Park.

First Landing State Park

Call 757-412-2320
Virginia Beach, Virginia

FirstLanding@dcr.virginia.gov

Wedding at First Landing, on the beach.First Landing State Park is a natural oasis in the midst of urban development. It is the perfect setting for a beach or maritime forest wedding, reception and rehearsal dinner. First Landing State Park rents tables and chairs for events. Parking is limited during peak seasons so a shuttle bus or carpools are recommended for large parties. Per car parking fees apply, but the fees can be prepaid. A special-use permit application and $25 application fee are required. Specific dates cannot be guaranteed until the application is approved by park management and a deposit is paid.

Chesapeake Bay Center and Beach - With 1.5 miles of Chesapeake Bay shoreline, it is the perfect place for a sunset beach wedding. The center's large, open-air courtyard has a gazebo and an amphitheater with a maximum capacity of 300. The gazebo, which accommodates up to 40 people, can be rented separately. Alcohol is allowed with the appropriate permits and personnel.

Picnic shelter - The picnic shelter, about a mile from the beach, is in the park’s maritime forest area. The area is perfect for casual outdoor events. There are tables in the shelter, which is under tree canopies draped in Spanish moss. There is also a large open air fire ring. The shelter's capacity is 80. Alcohol is not permitted here. This facility is not available for weekend rentals Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Accommodations - First Landing State Park is about 10 miles from Interstate 64, exit 282. It's about 6 miles north of the Virginia Beach oceanfront area. The park has 205 campsites, 4 yurts and 20 cabins.

Grayson Highlands State Park

276-579-7092
Mouth of Wilson, Virginia

GraysonHighlands@dcr.virginia.gov

Grayson Highlands State Park is perfect for simple weddings in a natural setting. The most popular ceremony locations are detailed below, but weddings have taken place at many sites throughout the park.

The Homestead at Grayson Highlands.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.

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, Christmas tree farms 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 park supplies beautiful settings; all other aspects of the wedding are up to the wedding party. A special-use permit and $25 application fee are required prior to the wedding. Parking fees are required, and facility rental fees may apply in the Homestead area. Alcohol may be served in some areas as long as a Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Board banquet license permit has been obtained. Call park staff for more details on locations and to arrange for site visits.

Grayson Highlands State Park is located at 829 Grayson Highland Lane, Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363. Call 276-579-7092 or email graysonhighlands@dcr.virginia.gov for more information.

Hungry Mother State Park

276-781-7425
Marion, Virginia

HungryMother@dcr.virginia.gov

Couple about to be wed.Special weddings require a special place. Hungry Mother State Park can provide that special place to complement your perfect wedding. Imagine your wedding on an island or on the shore of the park's 108-acre lake. Whether you choose the outdoors or indoors, Hungry Mother is the place to be.

The park offers full-service catering for weddings, rehearsal dinners and many other functions. Its event planner and executive chef are at your disposal. The rehearsal dinner, reception and other group events can be customized to your liking. Beautiful weddings can be affordable. Hungry Mother provides quality catering at reasonable prices. In fact, you decide on price as you select from various services. Choose from simple buffets to over-the-top hors d’oeuvres. Flexible catering services are available any style of reception, from buffets to family-style dinners or more traditional served entrees.

Natural Tunnel and Cove Ridge Center

276-940-2696
Duffield, Virginia

CoveRidge@dcr.virginia.gov

Weddings at Natural TunnelWhatever you’re looking for in a wedding venue, Natural Tunnel has it. Views, history and nature come together here. Depending on the size of your wedding, the park has four different sites for rental.

The deck at Natural Tunnel is probably the most exceptional location for a wedding in the park. Imagine your wedding taking place at the mouth of the tunnel with its impressive cliff faces illuminated by spotlight. The deck can handle 50 chairs comfortably. The deck may be rented only when the chairlift is open.

The gazebo gives the sensation of being on top of the world. It overlooks Rye Cove, and the 360-degree view is breathtaking. The gazebo can accommodate up to 50 chairs. If more space is needed, the wedding party may bring event tents.

The Cove Ridge Center wedding package is the most comprehensive. Rental includes a catering kitchen, great room, library, meeting room, deck and auditorium. Overnight lodging is available for an additional charge. The auditorium seats up to 100. The deck provides an wonderful view. Portions of the deck are covered, and a breezeway is available.

The amphitheater, which is the largest wedding venue at Natural Tunnel, seats up to 200. Some seating is covered. The amphitheater rental includes a sound system and dressing room. Adjoining the Cove Ridge Center are two six-bedroom lodges, each capable of accommodating up to 30 guests. Each room has two bunk beds, and one of the bunks in each room has a double bed bottom. Restrooms and showers are centrally located within the lodges. Lodge guests can enjoy the convenience of a kitchen and have free use of a Junior Olympic size pool during regular operating hours. Park staff will happily arrange an after-hours pool party for an additional fee.

Pocahontas State Park

804-796-4255
Chesterfield, Virginia

Pocahontas@dcr.virginia.gov

Lily pad at Pocahontas State Park.Only 30 minutes from downtown Richmond, Pocahontas State Park is the perfect setting for that special day you’ve always dreamed of. The park offers outdoor locations ideal for a tranquil ceremony. The Beaver Lake Overlook and the Swift Creek Overlook provide serene backgrounds of lily pad covered lakes. The Civilian Conservation Corps Memorial Garden offers a charming wooded setting with nearby and accessible parking.

Deep in the woods are the Swift Creek and Powhatan dining halls. Each may accommodate up 150 people, making them ideal for large weddings and receptions. The main hall of each has hardwood floors, open wood ceiling beams, a gas fireplace and plenty of windows. Both also have commercial-grade kitchens with stainless steel sinks and countertops, a large refrigerator, a freezer, an ice machine and an oven. The climate-controlled buildings include tables and chairs. Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance by calling the Customer Service Center at 800-933-7275. Starting on Jan. 1, 2019, payment in full will be required at the time of reservation.

arbor at southwest virginia museumSouthwest Virginia Museum

276-523-1322
Big Stone Gap, Virginia

SWVaMuseum@dcr.virginia.gov

Wedding memories are treasures. Create those memories outdoors under an arbor in a flower garden or under a large open tent lined with white lights. The surrounding mountain range and historic three-story mansion make beautiful backdrops. The Southwest Virginia Museum is an unforgettable location and offers wedding packages including space for bridal portraits, rehearsal dinners and receptions. This flier has details and prices.

Twin Lakes State Park

434-392-3435
Green Bay, Virginia

TwinLakes@dcr.virginia.gov

Cedar Crest Center and gazeboLocated in central Virginia and backed by the beautiful and historic Prince Edward Lake, Cedar Crest is the perfect location for your wedding preparations, ceremony and reception.

Included in your rental is access to two dressing rooms, a large indoor reception area, a banquet room, caterer’s kitchen, a large outdoor deck, several picnic shelters and event parking for your guests.

Wilderness Road State Park

276-445-3065
Ewing, Virginia

WildernessRoad@dcr.virginia.gov

Karlan Mansion.Marriage is a sacred and binding tradition meant to stand the test of time. Those very attributes make the picturesque Karlan Mansion at Wilderness Road State Park the perfect setting for your wedding. The stately 1878 mansion stands proud as a community icon, near Daniel Boone’s fabled Wilderness Road, with the majestic Cumberland Mountain offering a captivating backdrop.

For more information

A state parks reservations counselor will help with all your reservation needs. Just call 800-933-PARK.

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