Weddings at Southwest Virginia Museum
10 West First St. N., Big Stone Gap, VA 24219; Phone: 276-523-1322; Email: SWVAMuseum@dcr.virginia.gov
Nestled in the heart of Big Stone Gap, Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park captivates visitors with its compelling narrative of the Appalachian region's past. As you wander through the corridors of the beautifully restored mansion you're transported through time. From the antique furnishings to the meticulously curated exhibits showcasing the area's cultural heritage, every corner holds a treasure trove of stories waiting to be discovered. The Southwest Virginia Museum is an unforgettable location and offers indoor and outdoor options for weddings of all sizes, from small elopements to receptions with 200 guests.
Park Amenities
- Indoor space
- Outdoor space
- Kitchen facilities
- Cottage
- Visitor Center
Locations for Ceremonies and Receptions
Great Room
Dimensions: n/a
Ceremony Guests: 40 guests
Reception Guests: 40 guests
Facilities
- Small kitchen
Amenities and Specifics
- The Great Room is located in the park's administrative building.
- Tables and chairs are provided and can be arranged in a variety of configurations to suit your needs.
- Linens are not provided.
- The rental includes the use of the garden immediately outside of the office building.
Museum Lawn
Dimensions: n/a
Ceremony Guests: 100 guests
Reception Guests: 100 guests
Amenities and Specifics
- Tables, chairs and pole, frame and pop-up tents are available for rent.
- Linens are not provided.
Fees
- Please contact the park for fee information: 276-523-1322.
Railcar Lot
Dimensions: n/a
Ceremony Guests: 200 guests
Reception Guests: 200 guests
Amenities and Specifics
- Tables, chairs and pole, frame and pop-up tents are available for rent.
- Linens are not provided.
Fees
- Please contact the park for fee information: 276-523-1322.
Victorian Garden
Dimensions: n/a
Ceremony Guests: 100 guests
Reception Guests: 100 guests
Amenities and Specifics
- Tables, chairs and pole, frame and pop-up tents are available for rent.
- Linens are not provided.
Fees
- Please contact the park for fee information: 276-523-1322.
Victorian Parlor
Dimensions: n/a
Ceremony Guests: 50 guests
Reception Guests: 50 guests
Amenities and Specifics
- Tables and chairs are provided and can be arranged in a variety of configurations to suit your needs.
- Linens are not provided.
Fees
- Please contact the park for fee information: 276-523-1322.
Wedding Package A
Dimensions: n/a
Ceremony Guests: 200 guests, depending on the chosen location
Reception Guests: 200 guests, depending on the chosen location
Amenities and Specifics
This package includes:
- Use of the Victorian Parlor, Ayers Room, choice of Victorian Garden or museum lawn, railcar lot and deck, Great Room and kitchen.
- Parking area (with parking attendant) for one four-hour period and one eight-hour period.
- Set up of white folding chairs and tables for 100 guests.
- 20X30 tent.
- Lighting under the tent and on the railcar deck.
Fees
- Please contact the park for fee information: 276-523-1322.
Wedding Package B
Dimensions: n/a
Ceremony Guests: 200 guests, depending on the chosen location
Reception Guests: 200 guests, depending on the chosen location
Amenities and Specifics
This package includes:
- Use of the Victorian Parlor, Ayers Room, choice of Victorian Garden or museum lawn, railcar lot and deck, Great Room and kitchen.
- Parking area (with parking attendant) for one eight-hour period.
- Set up of white folding chairs and tables for 100 guests.
- 20X30 tent.
- Lighting under the tent and on the railcar deck.
Fees
- Please contact the park for fee information: 276-523-1322.
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 questions or to make a reservation, please contact the park at 276-523-1322 or email SWVAmuseum@dcr.virginia.gov.FAQs
1. Do you have a venue for ceremonies, receptions and rehearsal dinners?
Yes, the park offers two indoor locations, the Victorian Parlor and Great Room, and three outdoor locations, the museum lawn, Victorian Garden and railcar lot.
2. How many guests can the locations accommodate?
The number of guests allowed depends on the location. Please refer to the locations listed above for more details.
3. Are the locations available to rent for a full day?
Each location is available from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. in four-hour blocks.
4. Is internet access available?
Yes, there is Wi-Fi.
5. Are tables and chairs available?
Tables and chairs are included with indoor space reservations. For outdoor space reservations, the park has 100 white folding chairs and an assortment of round and rectangular tables available for rent. Please contact the park for more information.
6. Are restrooms available?
Yes, there are restrooms located inside the museum.
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 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?
If the event is held during museum operating hours, alcohol is not permitted. If the events is afterhours, alcohol is allowed, but an Alcoholic Beverage Control banquet license is required. Please provide a copy of the license to park staff before the start of your event. The license needs to be posted at all times while the event is being held. Alcohol may not be taken outside of the designated area.
10. Are decorations permitted?
Decorations are permitted but may not be attached to painted surfaces and may not damage the park or its buildings 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 of the facility required after the event.
11. Is ice available?
Yes, ice is available for through the park office.
12. Is there a fireplace in the museum?
No, a fireplace is not available.
13. Are pets allowed?
Animals are allowed in the cottage, but a pet fee is required. They are also permitted in all our outdoor spaces, but leashes are required, and all pet waste must be picked up. As far as inside other park facilities, only certified assistance animals are permitted.
14. Do I need to complete any additional paperwork through the park office?
Yes, a Rental Terms of Agreement Form and a Special Use Permit Application must be completed and returned to the park office at least 30 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 a tour of the park before making a reservation. Is this possible?
Yes, please contact the park office at 276-523-1322 to schedule an appointment.
17. Do you have overnight facilities?
Yes, the park offers the Poplar Hill Cottage. The three-bedroom, two-bathroom furnished cottage features a kitchen with a microwave, refrigerator and oven, an ample living area and a TV. Guests can rent overnight facilities 11 months in advance through the Virginia State Parks Customer Service Center at 1-800-933-7275 and select option 5.
