An Image

Weddings at First Landing State Park


2500 Shore Dr., Virginia Beach, VA 23451; Phone: 757-412-2300; Email: firstlanding@dcr.virginia.gov


This 2,888-acre park is rich in history and natural beauty. It’s where English colonists first landed in 1607, and Native American canoes, Colonial settlers, 20th-century schooners and modern cargo ships have all navigated its waterways. First Landing offers 1.5 miles of pristine Chesapeake Bay beach frontage, 20 miles of trails and many unusual habitats, including bald cypress swamps, lagoons and maritime forests. A natural oasis in the midst of urban development, First Landing is a great location for ceremonies, receptions and rehearsal dinners of all sizes, from five guests to 200 guests.

Park Amenities

  • Outdoor space
  • Campground
  • Group campground
  • Cabins
  • Yurts
  • Picnic shelter
  • Visitor center

Locations for Ceremonies and Receptions

Amphitheater

Dimensions: n/a

Ceremony Guests: 200 guests

Reception Guests: n/a

Amenities and Specifics

  • Uncovered outdoor seating
  • Electricity 

Fees

  • Amphitheater (7 a.m.-10 p.m.): $333.90
  • Courtyard, including the gazebo, amphitheater and grass area (7 a.m.-10 p.m.): $835.28
  • $25 Special Use Permit fee
  • Regular parking fees

Beach

Dimensions: n/a

Ceremony Guests: 200 guests

Reception Guests: n/a

Amenities and Specifics

  • Chairs can be rented for an additional fee.
  • No more than two ceremonies per day can take place on the beach.
  • Between May 1 and September 30, weddings cannot be held on Saturdays or Sundays before 5 p.m., and set up may not begin before 4 p.m.
  • Your ceremony location cannot be within 50 feet of any beach access point (boardwalks or vehicle crossings).
  • Privacy is not guaranteed as the beach remains open to the public during all events. The beach cannot be cordoned off for special events.
  • While bubbles are permitted, throwing rice, bird seed or flower petals and releasing balloons, etc. is prohibited.

Fees


Courtyard

Dimensions: n/a

Ceremony Guests: 200 guests

Reception Guests: 200 guests

Amenities and Specifics

  • The courtyard includes the gazebo, amphitheater and grass area.
  • Tables and chairs can be rented for an additional fee.

Fees

  • Courtyard, including the gazebo, amphitheater and grass area (7 a.m.-10 p.m.): $835.28
  • $25 Special Use Permit fee
  • Regular parking fees

Equipment rentals

  • Round table with six chairs: $42.40/table
  • Rectangle table: $7.50/table
  • Chairs: $5.30/chair

Gazebo

Dimensions: n/a

Ceremony Guests: 40+ guests, depending on seating

Reception Guests: 40+ guests, depending on seating

Amenities and Specifics

  • Covered for 40 guests. Chairs and tables can be rented for additional uncovered seating.
  • Electricity. 

Fees

  • Gazebo (7 a.m.-10 p.m.): $89.04
  • Courtyard, including the gazebo, amphitheater and grass area (7 a.m.-10 p.m.): $835.28
  • $25 Special Use Permit fee
  • Regular parking fees

Picnic Shelter

Dimensions: n/a

Ceremony Guests: 80 guests

Reception Guests: 80 guests

Amenities and Specifics

  • Large open-air fire ring
  • Electricity
  • Picnic tables
  • Access to a restroom
  • To reserve the shelter, you must contact the Virginia State Parks Customer Service Center at 1-800-933-7275 and select option 5.
  • The shelter is not available for rentals on Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
  • The shelter is in the main picnic area, which is not on the beach side of the park. Seating for larger parties is available around the shelter in the main picnic area. The picnic area as a whole is not reserved and the general public will be permitted to use the other tables around the shelter.
  • Alcohol is not allowed at the picnic shelter.

Fees

 


Special Use Permit

Printable Brochure

Other Information

Contact

For specific questions, please contact the park at 757-412-2300 or email firstlanding@dcr.virginia.gov. Reservations must be made by calling the Virginia State Parks Customer Service Center at 800-933-7275.

FAQs

​​​1. Do you have a venue for ceremonies, receptions or rehearsal dinners?

  • Yes, the park offers several outdoor options, including the beach, courtyard, amphitheater and gazebo. Please refer to the locations listed above for more information.

2. How many guests can these locations accommodate?

  • The courtyard and beach can accommodate 200 guests, the gazebo can accommodate 40+ guests, the amphitheater can accommodate 200 guests and the picnic shelter can accommodate 80 guests.

3. Are the locations available for rent for the full day?

  • Yes, they are available for rent for the full day.

4. Is internet access available?

  • Internet is available at the visitor and trail centers.

5. Are tables and chairs available?

  • Yes, tables and chairs are available for rent.

6. Are restrooms available?

  • Yes, each location has access to restrooms.

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 at least seven days before your event. Park staff will discuss appropriate sound levels before 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 at least seven days before your event. The license should be on hand at all times while the event is being held. Additionally, you must hire an off-duty police officer with arresting authority in Virginia for your event. Please note, alcohol is not allowed at the picnic shelter.

10. Are decorations permitted?

  • Yes, decorations are permitted but may not be attached to painted surfaces and may not damage park facilities/buildings in any way. Renters are responsible for damages or any excess cleaning required after the event. Any signs that require a post to be driven into the ground must be approved by park staff.

11. Is ice available?

  • Yes, ice is available for purchase through the Camp Store during its operating hours. Outside of the park, you can purchase ice from Food Lion and 7-Eleven.

12. Do I need to complete any additional paperwork through the park office?

  • Yes, a Special Use Permit Application and a $25 non-refundable application fee are required.

13. What if I need assistance after the office closes?

  • Staff will provide you with a ranger on-call phone number for after-hours assistance during your event.

14. I would like to tour the park before making a reservation. Is this possible?

  • Yes, please contact the park office at 757-412-2300 to schedule an appointment.

15. Do you have overnight facilities for our wedding guests?

  • Yes, the park offers 20 cabins, four yurts and 200 campsites. 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. Please note, the cabins will be closed for renovations from November 2024 through summer 2026.

Click here (PDF) for more information about having a wedding at First Landing. Click here for additional wedding FAQs.