The formal gardens with historic mansion as the backdrop at Chippokes State Park is the perfect idyllic setting to say I do.

With your loved ones gathered near, it looks as if this place has been pulled straight out of the pages of a romantic story book.

A magical place to tie the knot

Wedding Photographer Lauren Simmons shares the following photos from one happy couple's special day at Chippokes State Park:

Wedding ceremonies either small or grand are welcomed

The options are endless, and as elegant or casual as you wish

Family and friends surround you with love for the big day

Newlyweds celebrate their new life together

Joy lives here

Just the two of you, together at last

Dreams do come true at Chippokes State Park

Say "I do" at this historic farm, your happily ever after

ABOUT

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.

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.

The park also has a fully screened conference shelter equipped with a full kitchen. It accommodates up to 200 people and is well-suited for large receptions and rehearsal dinners.

VENDORS

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. For rates and more information click here, or call 800-933-7275.

OVERNIGHT

Consider staying in the park's scenic cabins, which are historic colonial style farm cottages with reproduction furniture and set out amongst the farm fields. The bridal suite photos in the slideshow below were taken in one of the park cottages. Overnight accommodation information can be found here. Minimum night stays are required.

LOCATION

The Park is just across the James River from historic Jamestown in beautiful Surry County, Chippokes is one of the oldest continually farmed plantations in the country. Drive Time: Northern Virginia: 2 - 3 hours; Richmond: 1.5 hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach: 1.5 hours; Roanoke: 4 hours. Google map directions here.

Weddings at Chippokes State Park can be absolutely breathtaking, have a look at the magic captured here:

All photos courtesy of Lauren Simmons, see more of her fabulous photography at Lauren Simmons Photography here.

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Editor's note: In this series we 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:

• 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

Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance, and venue 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.

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 757-294-3625.