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Weddings at New River Trail State Park


116 Orphanage Dr., Max Meadows, VA 24360; Phone: 276-699-6778; Email: NewRiverTrail@dcr.virginia.gov


Stretching 57 miles along the banks of the historic New River, New River Trail State Park boasts breathtaking scenery and a variety of recreational activities. Whether hiking, biking or horseback riding, visitors are treated to stunning views. Anglers can cast their lines into the river's abundant waters, while kayakers and canoeists can navigate its gentle currents. History buffs will appreciate the remnants of the railroad that once ran alongside the river, providing insight into the area's rich industrial past. With its tranquil ambiance and diverse offerings, New River Trail State Park is a wonderful location for weddings, small or large.

Park Amenities

  • Indoor space
  • Outdoor space
  • ADA accessible
  • Inn at Foster Falls
  • Campground
  • Visitor center
  • Picnic shelters
  • Horse arena
  • Seasonal boat and bike livery

Locations for Ceremonies and Receptions

Amphitheater

Dimensions: n/a

Ceremony Guests: 100 to 150 guests, depending on seating setup

Reception Guests: n/a

Amenities and Specifics

  • Uncovered cement bench-style seating for roughly 100 guests. The wedding party must supply chairs for the additional guests.
  • 24'x40' stage.
  • Two 12'x20' non-climate-controlled rooms for the wedding party to change.
  • There's no vehicular access directly to the amphitheater. The closest vehicular access is about 35 feet away.
  • The amphitheater can be rented in conjunction with shelter 2 for reception space. Please contact the park for more information about wedding packages.

Fees

Additional fees may apply. Please contact the park for more information.


Dannley Park

Dimensions: n/a

Ceremony Guests: Small elopements only

Reception Guests: n/a

Amenities and Specifics

  • Playground.
  • Picnic tables.
  • This is a public space, and there should be no expectation of total privacy for your ceremony or reception.

Fees

Additional fees may apply. Please contact the park for more information.


Fries Access

Dimensions: n/a

Ceremony Guests: 50 guests

Reception Guests: 50 guests

Amenities and Specifics

  • Six first come, first served riverside picnic tables.
  • View of the Fries Dam.
  • There is no electricity at this location, and generators are prohibited.
  • Portable toilets are available.
  • This is a public space, and there should be no expectation of total privacy for your ceremony or reception.

Fees

Additional fees may apply. Please contact the park for more information.


Gazebo

Dimensions: n/a

Ceremony Guests: 50 guests

Reception Guests: n/a

Amenities and Specifics

  • Waterfront gazebo.
  • The gazebo can be rented in conjunction with shelter 1 for a reception space. Please contact the park for more information about wedding packages.
  • There is a playground and public picnic tables nearby, so there should be no expectation of total privacy for your ceremony.

Fees

Additional fees may apply. Please contact the park for more information.


Shelter 1 at Foster Falls

Dimensions: 30'x70'

Ceremony Guests: 75 guests

Reception Guests: 75 guests

Amenities and Specifics

  • Riverside picnic shelter.
  • Ten picnic tables.
  • Water.
  • Charcoal grill.
  • A portable restroom is nearby.
  • There is no electricity at this location, and generators are prohibited.
  • There is a playground nearby and public picnic pads surrounding shelter 1, so there should be no expectation of total privacy for your ceremony or reception.
  • A waterfront gazebo can be reserved for a ceremony for an additional fee. Please contact the park for more information about wedding packages.

Fees

Additional fees may apply. Please contact the park for more information.


Shelter 2 at Foster Falls

Dimensions: n/a

Ceremony Guests: 50 guests

Reception Guests: 50 guests

Amenities and Specifics

  • Enclosed shelter.
  • Six picnic tables.
  • Electricity.
  • There is no vehicular access to shelter 2. A short hike is required to reach it. 
  • The nearest restrooms, which are closed during winter, are at the Foster Falls Depot Gift Shop. Portable toilets are available year-round.
  • Shelter 2 can be rented in conjunction with the amphitheater for a separate ceremony location and access to a changing room. Please contact the park for more information about wedding packages.

Fees

Additional fees may apply. Please contact the park for more information.


The Inn at Foster Falls

Dimensions: n/a

Ceremony Guests: Please contact The Inn at Foster Falls for more information.

Reception Guests: Please contact The Inn at Foster Falls for more information.

Amenities and Specifics

  • Small boutique hotel located within New River Trail State Park.
  • Catering services provided.
  • Operated by New River Retreat.

To learn more, please contact The Inn at Foster Falls: 540-320-5777.


Upper boat ramp at Foster Falls

Dimensions: n/a

Ceremony Guests: 50 guests

Reception Guests: 50 guests

Amenities and Specifics

  • Waterfront location for ceremonies and receptions.
  • Vault restrooms are located within walking distance.
  • There is no power at this location, and generators are prohibited.

Fees

Additional fees may apply. Please contact the park for more information.


Walnut Grove at Foster Falls

Dimensions: n/a

Ceremony Guests: 50 guests

Reception Guests: 50 guests

Amenities and Specifics

  • Waterfront location for ceremonies and receptions.
  • Vault restrooms are located within walking distance.
  • There is no power at this location, and generators are prohibited.
  • Walnut Grove is located next to a campground. There should be no expectation of total privacy for your ceremony or reception.

Fees

Additional fees may apply. Please contact the park for more information.


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 276-699-6778 or email newrivertrail@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 a variety of locations for weddings of all sizes. Please refer to the list of locations above for more information.

2. How many guests can these locations accommodate?

  • The locations can accommodate everything from small elopements to large weddings with 150 guests.

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

  • Yes, most of the locations can be rented from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. Please contact the park for more information.

4. Is internet access available?

  • Yes, there is Wi-Fi available in some areas of the park.

5. Are tables and chairs available?

  • No, the park does not offer tables and chairs at this time.

6. 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.

7. Are DJs allowed?

  • Depending on the location, DJs are allowed. Park staff will need a copy of their certificate of insurance before the start of the reservation. Please contact the park for more information about the locations that allow DJs.

8. Can I serve alcoholic beverages at my event?

  • Yes, alcohol is allowed at some locations. An Alcoholic Beverage Control banquet license is required. Please contact the park for more information about the locations that allow alcohol.

9. 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.

10. Is ice available?

  • Yes, a limited amount of ice is available for purchase through the Foster Falls gift shop.

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

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

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

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

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

  • Yes, please contact the park office at 276-699-6778 to schedule an appointment.

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

  • Yes, the park offers 35 primitive 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. Guests can also reserve a room at The Inn at Foster Falls, which is located within the park. Please click here for more information.

Click here for other wedding FAQs.