Whether it’s a simple outdoor elopement or an elaborate event you are planning, Virginia State Parks offer breathtaking backdrops for any wedding style or budget. Department of Conservation and Recreation employee and Virginia State Parks lover, Courtney Raihall, provides insights into planning her special day at Pocahontas State Park. Her June 2024 wedding was not only beautiful but budget-friendly and meaningful. Gather a few tips and inspiration from Courtney and consider celebrating at a state park. 

Forest backdrop at the Pocahontas State Park wedding (Photo credit: Viviana Santini Photography)

What made you choose Pocahontas State Park as the location for your special day? 

My husband and I love camping, hiking and being outside, so we knew a state park wedding would be a perfect fit for us! Plus, we wanted a relatively small wedding, with around 100 guests, that was as budget-friendly as possible. Swift Creek Banquet Hall is beautiful, with its wood floors, ceiling beams, and gas-log fireplace, as well as economical, with its commercial-grade kitchen and tables and chairs for up to 150 people. We used the banquet hall for the reception and the big Swift Creek Field within walking distance for the ceremony. It was quite hot that day, but the trees provided good shade. 

Note: Pocahontas State Park offers a second indoor space, the Algonquian (Powhatan) Hall, with 125 guest capacity. More information on the Pocahontas Weddings page. 

Swift Creek Banquet Hall at Pocahontas State Park

How far in advance did you make reservations?

As one of the few cost-effective venues in the Richmond area, I heard it could be pretty competitive. So, I booked the reservation as soon as allowed: 11 months in advance! We needed the facility for the whole weekend so that we could set up on Friday and clean up on Sunday. I enlisted five of my best friends to place calls to the reservation center as soon as it opened, to ensure we got the reservation. 

Did any of the wedding party or guests stay overnight in the park? 

Yes, all of my out-of-town bridesmaids rented a cabin that they shared. This also gave us a place to get ready before the wedding.  

Note: Algonquian (Powhatan) Hall offers a bridal suite when you book it at Pocahontas State Park. More information on the Pocahontas Weddings page. 

Pocahontas State Park cabin

Are there any specific photogenic spots you recommend at Pocahontas? 

The middle of the road on the way to Swift Creek Banquet Hall is a great place for photos. It is so beautiful with the forest lining either side! The field where the ceremony took place is very picturesque as well. Near the banquet hall are two open fields to choose from; a smaller one up by the entrance road and the larger one we opted for down a hill in a clearing surrounded by trees. 

Photo spot near Swift Creek Banquet Hall (Photo credit: Viviana Santini Photography)

Did you use any local vendors? 

We worked with local vendors independently. I sourced my flowers from my own garden and a few of my friends’ gardens, Monarch Flower Farm made my bouquet, Bell Greek catered the food, and we rented ceremony chairs from Rent-E-Quip. We did have to apply for our own ABC license online to be able to have alcohol on-site, but my sister-in-law’s friends were our bartenders. My bestie made the cake, our DJ was the dad of one of our friends and my husband’s aunt and uncle were the officiants. Everyone pitched in to set up and clean up! 

Cake cutting at the Swift Creek Banquet Hall reception 

Do you have any tips for someone planning a wedding at one of Virginia’s state parks? 

Yes! Definitely tour the space beforehand. Take lots of photos and measurements. We toured the venue twice and the second time we actually pulled a couple of tables out just to see what it would look like. Be sure to call the park before you plan to tour it because you can only tour on days it isn’t booked. 

Courtney’s layout for her Swift Creek Banquet Hall reception

As a DCR employee, are there any other Virginia State Parks that you would recommend for a wedding? 

Hungry Mother State Park, Bear Creek Lake State Park, Natural Tunnel State Park, Chippokes State Park and Twin Lakes State Park also have beautiful outdoor spaces, as well as large indoor spaces that would be great for a reception. I have personally been to these parks and would recommend them to anyone planning their special day. 

Start planning your state park wedding. 

For more information on weddings at Virginia State Parks, visit www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/weddings. You will find a list of wedding venues and overnight accommodations, FAQs and inspiration to help you plan your event. Happily ever after can start at a Virginia state park!