Weddings at Chippokes State Park
695 Chippokes Park Rd., Surry, VA 23883; Phone: 757-294-3728; Email: Chippokes@dcr.virginia.gov
Chippokes State Park, nestled along the banks of the James River, is one of the oldest continually farmed plantations in the country. The park is a treasure trove of biodiversity and cultural heritage. Visitors can tour the park's historic area with its antebellum mansion and outbuildings, stroll through formal gardens and view antique equipment at the Chippokes Farm and Forestry Museum. For outdoor enthusiasts, this 1,900-acre park offers 12 miles of trails perfect for hiking, biking and horseback riding. With a Conference Shelter, the Jones-Stewart Mansion and formal gardens, Chippokes is ideal for small-to-large-sized weddings.
Park Amenities
- Indoor space
- Outdoor space
- Kitchen facilities
- ADA accessible
- Campground
- Group campground
- Cabins
- Family lodge
- Yurts
- Picnic shelters
- Visitor center
Locations for Ceremonies and Receptions
Boardroom in Jones-Stewart Mansion
Dimensions: n/a
Ceremony Guests: 15 guests
Reception Guests: 15 guests
Facilities
- Small kitchen
Amenities and Specifics
Only the boardroom is available for use inside the mansion. It includes:
- Dining room with table that seats 15
- Two small changing rooms
- Restroom
Fees
- $25 Special Use Permit fee
- When used as a meeting space:
- Half day (four hours between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.): $110.57
- Full day (eight hours between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.): $221.13
- Regular parking fees apply, unless you book the all-inclusive wedding package
Conference Shelter
Dimensions: n/a
Ceremony Guests: 200 guests
Reception Guests: 200 guests (The shelter can only accommodate roughly 85 guests for a sit-down dinner inside.)
Facilities
- Kitchen: Stove, oven and refrigerator
Amenities and Specifics
- Air conditioning and heat
- 60" round tables: 10
- Rectangular tables: 20
- Chairs: approximately 125 inside and 125 outside
Fees
- $25 Special Use Permit fee
- Regular parking fees apply, unless you book the all-inclusive wedding package.
- Full day (eight hours between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.): $331.70, this price includes tables and chairs
Historic Area Grounds
Dimensions: n/a
Ceremony Guests: 200 guests
Reception Guests: 200 guests
Amenities and Specifics
- Includes the grounds around the Jones-Stewart Mansion, which features the 5-acre Paradise Garden.
Fees
- $25 Special Use Permit fee
- Regular parking fees apply, unless you book the all-inclusive wedding package
- Half day (four hours between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.): $552.83
- Full day (eight hours between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.): $1,105.65
Inclusive Wedding Package
Dimensions: n/a
Ceremony Guests: 200 guests
Reception Guests: 200 guests (The shelter can only accommodate roughly 85 guests for a sit-down dinner inside.)
Amenities and Specifics
The all-inclusive wedding package includes
- All parking fees
- The Conference Shelter
- Historic Area Grounds
- The Mansion Boardroom
Fees
- Half day (four hours between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.): $1,486.84
- Full day (eight hours between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.): $2,182.87
Special Use Permit
Printable Brochure
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 by emailing chippokes@dcr.virginia.gov. Reservations for event/wedding rentals must be made by contacting the park directly by emailing chippokes@dcr.virginia.gov.FAQs
1. Do you have a venue for ceremonies, receptions or rehearsal dinners?
- Yes, depending on the size of your event, Chippokes offers indoor and outdoor locations for ceremonies, receptions and rehearsal dinners.
2. How many guests can you accommodate?
- Depending on the location of your event, the park can accommodate everything from elopements to large ceremonies with 200 guests. Please refer to the locations listed above for more information.
3. Are these locations available to rent for the full day?
- Except for the Conference Shelter, which must be rented for a full day, reservations can be made in four-hour and eight-hour increments between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.
4. Are these locations available for other events, such as corporate meetings, family reunions, etc.
- Yes, these locations are available for other events. Please contact the park for more information by emailing chippokes@dcr.virginia.gov.
5. Is internet access available?
- No, public Wi-Fi is not available.
6. Are tables and chairs available?
- Yes, tables and chairs are available for an additional fee, but they are included with the rental of the Conference Shelter. Decorations and linens are not provided. Please contact the park for more information by emailing chippokes@dcr.virginia.gov.
7. Are outside vendors allowed?
- Yes, outside vendors of your choice are allowed.
8. Does park staff help with set-up or breakdown?
- No, your group is responsible for the event setup and breakdown. If you are having an outdoor ceremony, you are responsible for transporting the chairs from the ceremony to the reception location.
9. 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.They are due no later than 30 days prior to your event date.
10. Are bands and DJs allowed?
- Yes, park staff will need a copy of their certificate of insurance 30 days before the day of the reservation. Park staff will discuss appropriate sound levels before the start of your event. Bands and DJs must stop playing one hour before the end of your reservation to allow time for breaking down equipment.
11. Can I serve alcoholic beverages at my event?
- Yes, alcohol may be served in some areas. We require an Alcoholic Beverage Control banquet license. Please provide a copy of the license to park staff 30 days before the day of your event. The license needs to be posted at all times while the event is being held. Additionally, we require a Surry County Deputy to be onsite while alcohol is being served or consumed. This should be coordinated directly with the Sherriff’s Office and special fees will apply.
12. 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. Chafing dish fuel is allowed to be used with chafing dishes to keep food warm. Renters are responsible for damages or any excess cleaning of the facility required after the event.
13. Is ice available?
- Yes, ice is available for purchase at the park office.
14. Is there a fireplace in the Conference Shelter?
- No, there is not a fireplace in the Conference Shelter.
15. 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 manager by emailing it to chippokes@dcr.virginia.gov. A Special Use Permit Application must be submitted to the park manager more than 30 days before your event.
16. Do my guests have to pay fees to enter the park?
- Regular parking fees apply, unless you book the all-inclusive wedding package. You may arrange pre-payment of your guests' parking fees. Please contact the park to organize payment by emailing chippokes@dcr.virginia.gov.
17. What if I need assistance after the office closes?
- Staff will provide you with a ranger on-call phone number for after-hours assistance.
18. I would like to tour the event spaces before making a reservation. Is this possible?
- Yes, please contact the park office at chippokes@dcr.virginia.gov
19. Do you have overnight facilities for our wedding guests?
- Yes, the park offers cabins, yurts and camping. Guests can make reservations for overnight facilities 11 months in advance through the Virginia State Parks Customer Service Center at 1-800-933-7275 and select option 5.
