Weddings at Hungry Mother State Park
2854 Park Blvd., Marion, VA 24354; Phone: 276-781-7400; Email: HungryMother@dcr.virginia.gov
Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains in southwestern Virginia, Hungry Mother State Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Boasting a pristine 108-acre lake, the park offers ample opportunities for water recreation and nearly 20 miles of hiking and biking trails that wind through lush forests. Hungry Mother provides the perfect setting for a peaceful retreat for your wedding guests. The park offers indoor and outdoor locations for ceremonies and receptions, including the Lakeview Event Facility, which offers catering and can accommodate more than 200 guests.
Park Amenities
- Indoor space
- Outdoor space
- In-house catering (Lakeview Event Facility only)
- Kitchen facilities
- ADA accessible
- Campground
- Cabins
- Family lodge
- Yurts
- Picnic shelters
- Visitor center
Locations for Ceremonies and Receptions
Amphitheater
Dimensions: n/a
Ceremony Guests: 40 to 60 guests
Reception Guests: n/a
Amenities and Specifics
- The Amphitheater is on an island and accessed by a footbridge from the main park area.
- The structure has one electrical outlet.
- Audio/visual equipment, including a microphone, is not provided.
- Up to 60 guests can be accommodated on the uncovered wooden benches. The additional standing room can accommodate another 40 guests. Wedding parties may bring additional chairs, but they must be removed after the ceremony.
- Depending on the event, a Special Use Permit Application may be required and submitted at least 30 days before your event. Park staff will provide an application if a permit is required.
- Please note: The reserved area includes the entire island, not the footbridge leading to the island. The bridge cannot be closed or blocked. No pinning, gluing, thumb-tacking or nailing of decorations to the amphitheater stage or seats is allowed. Other decorations used on the island must be removed promptly.
Fees
- Full-day rental (noon to 10 p.m.): $200 + tax (This price includes parking fees for guests)
Hemlock Haven Conference Center
Dimensions: n/a
Ceremony Guests: 100 to 200 guests, depending on the setup
Reception Guests: 100 to 200 guests, depending on the setup
Amenities and Specifics
- Three meeting rooms, ranging from 700 to 3,300 square feet
- Internet access
- Audiovisual equipment
- Restrooms
- Tennis court, basketball court, softball field and horseshoe pits
Fees
- Hemlock Haven Conference Center: $575 + tax
- Includes the main hall and upstairs of the Hemlock Haven Conference Center for the day (8 a.m. - 10 p.m.) with all tables, chairs, linens and parking included.
- Hemlock Haven Shelter and Ballfield ceremony: $350 + tax
- Includes a 2-hour rental for a ceremony in your chosen location, chairs, wedding/photography permits and parking.
- Hemlock Haven Shelter and Ballfield tent package: $15,00 + tax
- Includes Hemlock Haven Shelter and Ballfield for the day (8 a.m. - 10 p.m.) with a ceremony set-up at your chosen location. All tables, chairs, linens, wedding/photography permits and parking are included.
Hungry Mother Lake Beach
Dimensions: n/a
Ceremony Guests: 150 guests
Reception Guests: n/a
Amenities and Specifics
- Chairs are not provided.
- The park cannot block off any portion of the beach, so privacy is not guaranteed.
- A Special Use Permit Application must be submitted to the park at least 30 days before your ceremony.
Fees
- Two-hour rental (before 11 a.m. and after 7 p.m.): $250 + tax (This price includes parking fees for guests)
- $25 Special Use Permit fee
Lakeview Event Facility
Dimensions: n/a
Ceremony Guests: 80 guests/room, 240 total (indoors), 250 guests (outdoors)
Reception Guests: 80 guests/room, 240 total (indoors), 100+ guests (outdoors, depending on the size of tent rented)
Amenities and Specifics
- In-house catering available
- Tables, chairs and linens
- Restrooms
Fees
- Lakeview package: $1,500 + catering + tax
- Includes the Lakeview building (8 a.m. - 10 p.m.), deck, lawn, and Gazebo or Amphitheater. All tables, chairs, linens, wedding/photography permits and parking are included. Rooms can be priced out individually based on event needs. There is also an outdoor tent option at this location.
- Lakeview reception: $750 + tax
- Includes reception set-up in the Main Dining Room, Lake Room, access to the deck (8 a.m. - 10 p.m.) and parking fees. (8 a.m. - 10 p.m.)
- Lakeview ceremony (outdoors): $350 + tax
- Includes a 2-hour rental of the Gazebo for an outdoor ceremony, chairs, wedding/photography permits and parking.
- Early access to the Lakeview Event Facility is allowed for an additional fee.
- Off-site catering fee: $250
- Using an off-site caterer at the Lakeview Event Facility requires a $250 catering fee. The caterer will not have access to the kitchen or food prep areas.
Picnic Shelters
Dimensions: n/a
Ceremony Guests: 75 to 80 guests
Reception Guests: 75 to 80 guests
Amenities and Specifics
- Shelter 1: This universally accessible shelter accommodates 75 guests and is close to the beach, playground, boat rentals, restaurant and universally accessible restrooms. Amenities include electrical outlets, a fireplace at each end, a large Texas-sized charcoal grill and 12 picnic tables. The tables surrounding the shelter cannot be reserved; they're available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- Shelter 2: This secluded shelter accommodates 75 guests and is near the boat rental area and Amphitheater. Amenities include electrical outlets, fireplaces at each end, a large Texas-sized charcoal grill and 12 picnic tables. The tables surrounding the shelter cannot be reserved; they're available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- Shelter 3: This shelter accommodates 40 guests on each of its two sides (a & b - but it can be rented as a whole). Amenities include electrical outlets on each side of the shelter; brick fireplaces, a large Texas-sized charcoal grill and six picnic tables at each end of the shelter. This shelter and its restrooms are not universally accessible. The tables surrounding the shelter cannot be reserved; they're available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Fees
- Shelter 1 & 2: $90 for a full-day rental (8 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
- Shelter 3 a & b: $60 per side, $120 total, for a full-day rental (8 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
- $25 Special Use Permit fee
- Regular parking fees
Printable Brochure
Other Information
Contact
For specific questions, please contact the park at 276-781-7400 or email HungryMother@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 park offers a variety of indoor and outdoor options for weddings of all sizes. Please refer to the locations listed above for more information.
2. Are the park's venues available to rent for a full day?
- Rental times vary by location and wedding packages selected. Please refer to the locations listed above for more information.
3. Is internet access available?
- Yes, there is Wi-Fi available at the Lakeview Event Facility and Hemlock Haven Conference Center.
4. Are tables and chairs available?
- Yes, tables and chairs are available for weddings at the Lakeview Event Facility and Hemlock Haven Conference Center. Please communicate set-up needs with park staff at least 30 days prior to the reservation date.
5. Are restrooms available?
- Yes, restrooms are located inside the Lakeview Event Facility and Hemlock Haven Conference Center. Restrooms are located at or within walking distance of all shelters.
6. Do you offer catering?
- Yes, in-house catering is available for weddings at the Lakeview Event Facility. Please contact the park for more information.
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. A catering fee is also required.
8. Are DJs allowed?
- Yes, park staff will need a copy of their certificate of insurance before the start of the reservation. 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 is only allowed at the Lakeview Event Facility and Hemlock Haven Conference Center.
10. Are decorations permitted?
- Yes, decorations are permitted but may not be attached to painted surfaces and may not damage the park 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.
11. Is ice available?
- Yes, ice is available for purchase through the park office.
12. Do any of the event venues have fireplaces?
- Yes, the Hemlock Haven Conference Center has one fireplace, and the Lakeview Event Facility has one fireplace in each of its three rooms.
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 event venues before making a reservation. Is this possible?
- Yes, please contact the park office at 276-781-7400 to schedule an appointment.
16. Do you have overnight facilities for our wedding guests?
- Yes, the park has 31 cabins, one family lodge is the lodge, two yurts and 80 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.
