Weddings at Belle Isle State Park
1632 Belle Isle Rd., Lancaster, VA 22503; Phone: 804-462-5030; Email: BelleIsle@dcr.virginia.gov
Belle Isle State Park, on the Northern Neck's Rappahannock River, provides access to various tidal wetlands interspersed with farmland and upland forests. With over 9 miles of trails and seasonal canoe and kayak rentals, visitors are invited to explore the diverse habitats found throughout the park. Belle Isle is an ideal venue for large outdoor weddings, and the Bel Air House and adjacent Guest House provide the perfect space for the bridal party, close family or friends to stay overnight.
Park Amenities
- Outdoor space
- Kitchen facilities
- ADA accessible
- Campground
- Hike-in/paddle-in campground
- Bunkhouse
- Bel Air House and Guest House
- Picnic shelters
- Visitor center
Locations for Ceremonies and Receptions
Bel Air area
Dimensions: n/a
Ceremony Guests: 250 guests
Reception Guests: 250 guests
Amenities and Specifics
- The historic Bel Air area is available for outdoor ceremonies and receptions only.
- The Bel Air area features the Colonial-style Bel Air House, which sleeps six, and the Guest House, which sleeps eight. Both houses must be rented for special events, including weddings. Depending on the time of year, a two-night, four-night or week-long minimum stay is required. Learn more about this requirement here.
- Ceremonies and receptions cannot be held inside the houses.
- Wedding parties are responsible for all aspects of ceremonies and receptions if they rent the Bel Air area, including hiring a caterer, musician, or florist and renting tables, chairs, tents, etc.
- A Special Use Permit Application must be submitted to the park office more than 60 days before your event.
Fees
- $25 Special Use Permit fee.
- Bel Air House: $322/night (prime season), $291/night (standard season) for Virginia residents. Click here for non-Virginia resident rates.
- Guest House: $161/night (prime season), $145/night (standard season) for Virginia residents. Click here for non-Virginia resident rates.
- Parking fees for guests, unless you choose to have them pay as they enter. Fees are currently $5/vehicle and $10 for vendors (allows for two vehicles).
Service Providers
To view the availability of local florists, caterers, photographers, bakeries, etc., please visit our local chamber or tourism department websites:
Other Information
Contact
For specific questions, please contact the park at 804-462-5030 or email belleisle@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, the Bel Air area is available throughout the year for outdoor events. Reservations can be made 11 months in advance.
2. How many guests can this space accommodate?
- The Bel Air area can accommodate up to 250 guests.
3. Is the outdoor event space available for rent for the full day?
- Yes, depending on the time of the year, a two-night, four-night or week-long rental of the Bel Air area, which includes the Bel Air and Guest houses, is required.
4. Can receptions and weddings be held inside the Bel Air House?
- No, the Bel Air House is only available for overnight accommodations.
5. Do you have to rent the Bel Air and Guest houses to host a wedding in the Bel Air area?
- Yes, both houses must be rented to host an event in the Bel Air area.
5. Is internet access available?
- Yes, Wi-Fi is available at the Camp Store and Visitor Center. It is not available at any of the shelters or Bel Air area. Cell phone service is spotty in the park. Verizon, AT&T and U.S. Cellular generally work best.
6. Are tables and chairs available?
- No, tables, chairs and linens will need to be rented from an outside vendor.
7. Are restrooms available in the Bel Air area?
- Yes, the Bel Air House has restrooms; however, you must rent portable restrooms for your event.
8. 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.
9. Are DJs allowed?
- Yes, park staff will need a copy of their certificate of insurance before the start of the reservation. All music must end prior to 10 p.m. when quiet hours begin.
10. 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 at least one week before your event. The license should be posted at all times while the event is being held.
11. Are decorations permitted?
- Yes, decorations are permitted but may not be attached to painted surfaces and may not damage the park or its structures 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.
12. Is ice available?
- Yes, ice is available for purchase through the Camp Store. Please make arrangements with park staff at least one week prior to your arrival.
13. Is a grill available?
- No, gas and charcoal grills are not available at the Bel Air or Guest houses. Both houses have campfire rings, and the Guest House has a small pedestal grill.
14. Do I need to complete any additional paperwork through the park office?
- Yes, an approved Special Use Permit and Conditions Form will be sent to you for review and signature. A Special Use Permit Application must be submitted to the park office more than 60 days before your event.
15. What if I need assistance after the office closes?
- Staff will provide you with a ranger on-call phone number for after-hours assistance.
16. I would like to tour the outdoor spaces before making a reservation. Is this possible?
- Yes, please contact the park office at 804-462-4030 to schedule an appointment. The houses cannot be held for a tour, so if their status changes to reserved, your appointment will be changed.
17. Do you have overnight facilities for our wedding guests?
- Yes, there is the Bel Air House, which sleeps six, the Guest House, which sleeps eight, the bunkhouse, which sleeps 14, a full-service campground with 28 sites and four primitive sites at Brewers Point campground. Except for the bunkhouse, 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.
