Weddings at Bear Creek Lake State Park
22 Bear Creek Lake Rd., Cumberland, VA 23040; Phone: 804-492-4410; Email: BearCreek@dcr.virginia.gov
Less than an hour west of Richmond, Bear Creek Lake State Park is situated in the heart of the Cumberland State Forest in central Virginia. This 326-acre park features a 40-acre lake with a swimming beach, boat rentals, hiking trails and access to the adjoining 16,000-acre Cumberland State Forest. Bear Creek Lake State Park offers indoor and outdoor venues and is ideal for small-to-medium-sized weddings.
Park Amenities
- Indoor space
- Outdoor space
- Kitchen facilities
- ADA accessible
- Campground
- Group campground
- Cabins
- Bunkhouse
- Family lodges
- Picnic shelters
- Visitor center
Locations for Ceremonies and Receptions
Bear Creek Hall
Dimensions: n/a
Ceremony Guests: 65 guests
Reception Guests: 65 guests
Facilities
- Kitchen: Limited cookware, utensils, serving containers, flatware, dishes, ice and paper products are not provided. The park is not responsible for providing serving or kitchen supplies.
Amenities and Specifics
- No more than 25 vehicles are allowed at the hall. Regular parking fees apply to additional vehicles.
- Tables and chairs: Linens are not provided.
- Podium with amplification.
- The park has a 20x40 tent available for rent to cover the patio from Nov. 1 through the Thursday before Memorial Day weekend. The rental cost is $360. This tent is provided with rentals from the Friday of Memorial Day weekend through Oct. 31.
- Rentals from Oct. 15 through Dec. 31: Please note that the holiday light show plus scaffolding will be set up on the side of Bear Creek Hall. This requires an early setup for the annual Lights at the Lake event.
Fees
Nov. 1 up to Memorial Day
- Weekend full day (8 a.m.-10 p.m.): $236
- Wedding/event package (2-day rental 8 a.m.-10 p.m.): $315
- The rental includes parking for 25 vehicles. Regular parking fees apply to additional vehicles.
Memorial Day weekend through Oct. 31
- Full day (8 a.m.-10 p.m.): $350
- Wedding/event package (2-day rental 8 a.m.-10 p.m.): $400
- The rental fee includes a 20x40 tent that covers the back patio.
- The 20x40 tent is available for an extra fee outside of this time frame: $360 plus sales tax.
- The rental includes parking for 25 vehicles. Regular parking fees apply to additional vehicles.
Bear Creek Lake Beach
Dimensions: n/a
Ceremony Guests: 25 guests
Reception Guests: n/a
Amenities and Specifics
- A Special Use Permit Application must be submitted to the park office more than 30 days before your event.
- Staff cannot block off any portion of the public beach, and there is no expectation of privacy.
- During summer, the park reaches capacity on the weekends, and entry is not guaranteed.
Fees
- $25 Special Use Permit fee
- Regular parking fees
Bear Creek Lake Picnic Shelter
Dimensions: n/a
Ceremony Guests: 40 guests
Reception Guests: 40 guests
Amenities and Specifics
- A Special Use Permit Application must be submitted to the park office more than 30 days before your event.
- During summer, the park reaches capacity on the weekends, and entry is not guaranteed.
Fees
- $60 rental fee
- Regular parking fees
- $25 Special Use Permit fee
Rental Terms of Agreement
Special Use Permit
- Special Use Permit (PDF)
Service Providers
To view the availability of local florists, caterers, photographers, bakeries, etc., please visit our local chamber or tourism department websites:
- The Farmville Area Chamber of Commerce
- The Town of Farmville, Virginia
- The Powhatan Chamber of Commerce
- The Buckingham Chamber of Commerce
Other Information
Contact
For specific questions, please contact the park at 804-492-4410 or email bearcreek@dcr.virginia.gov. For reservations, please call the Virginia State Parks Customer Service Center at 1-800-933-7275 and select option 5.FAQs
1. Do you have a venue for ceremonies, receptions or rehearsal dinners?
- Yes, Bear Creek Hall and the Bear Creek Lake beach and picnic shelter are available throughout the year.
2. How many guests can these locations accommodate?
- The hall can accommodate 65 guests for a ceremony or reception, the beach can accommodate 25 guests for a ceremony and the picnic shelter can accommodate 40 guests for a ceremony or reception.
3. Is Bear Creek Hall available for rent for the full day?
- The hall is available from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.
4. Is internet access available?
- Yes, there is Wi-Fi. It is open with no password.
5. Are tables and chairs available?
- Yes, there are round and rectangular tables plus chairs. Please communicate set-up needs with park staff at least 30 days prior to the reservation date.
6. Are restrooms available in the hall?
- Yes, restrooms are located on either side of the warming kitchen.
7. Are caterers allowed?
- Yes, park staff will need a copy of their certificate of insurance and health department permit prior to the start of the reservation.
8. Are DJs allowed?
- Yes, park staff will need a copy of their certificate of insurance before the start of the reservation. DJs must set up inside the meeting hall. Park staff will discuss appropriate sound levels before the start of your event.
9. Can I serve alcoholic beverages at my event?
- Yes, we require an Alcoholic Beverage Control banquet license. Please provide a copy of the license to park staff before the start of your event. The license should be posted at all times while the event is being held. Alcohol may not be taken outside of the meeting hall or off the patio.
10. Are decorations permitted?
- Yes, decorations are permitted but may not be attached to painted surfaces and may not damage the hall in any way. Paint, glue, glitter or confetti are not allowed. No candles or open flames are allowed. Renters are responsible for damages or any excess cleaning required after the event.
11. Is ice available?
- Yes, ice is available for purchase through the park office.
12. Is there a fireplace?
- Yes, there is a fireplace with gas logs. Please coordinate the use of the fireplace with the park staff.
13. Do I need to complete any additional paperwork through the park office?
- Yes, a Rental Terms of Agreement Form will be sent to you for review and signature. Please return the signed copy to the park office. Depending on the location of your event, a Special Use Permit Application may be required. Park staff will send you an application if one is required.
14. What if I need assistance after the office closes?
- Staff will provide you with a ranger on-call phone number for after-hours assistance.
15. I would like to tour the hall before making a reservation. Is this possible?
- Yes, please contact the park office at 804-492-4410 to schedule an appointment.
16. Do you have overnight facilities for our wedding guests?
- Yes, there is the lodge (The Lakehouse), which sleeps 16, 10 two-bedroom cabins that sleep six, and two three-bedroom cabins that sleep eight. Guests can make reservations 11 months in advance through the Virginia State Parks Customer Service Center at 1-800-933-7275 and select option 5.
