A Vow with a View

With their wild and wonderful terrain and accommodations that make it easy for any couple to host the ceremony of their dreams, West Virginia’s state parks make perfect destinations for unforgettable wedding experiences. These parks offer more than just venues—they provide a place where family and friends can gather to celebrate their loved ones while taking in the beauty and adventure of the Mountain State. By choosing a state park as their wedding venue, couples ensure their special day is unforgettable while introducing their guests to a stunning destination that often becomes a new favorite getaway.

Pipestem Resort State Park

Photo by Danielle Rutherford.

Alison and Hunter Leslie celebrated their marriage on July 20, 2024, at Pipestem Resort State Park. The ceremony was held on the park’s Cardinal Deck, which overlooks the stunning Bluestone River gorge.

Alison had been planning to hold her wedding at Pipestem since she was 16 working as a waitress at the Bluestone Dining Room, where she would take in the views of the deck and envision her wedding in that very spot. So, when the time came for the couple to decide on a location, the choice was clear.

The accommodations at Pipestem’s McKeever Lodge were essential for the couple’s wedding activities and preparations, offering pet-friendly guest rooms as well as a game room, indoor heated pool, sauna and dining options at the Bluestone Dining Room and the Black Bear Grill and Lounge. Alison also says the lodge’s Mountain Serenity Spa pampered her and her bridesmaids.

“We had numerous out-of-state guests attend our wedding,” she says. “Our families appreciated the staff’s hospitality, the stunning balconies overlooking the gorge, an all-day dining room accommodating our guests, the hotel’s cleanliness and a relaxing spa massage after traveling.”

As Summers County residents, the couple was able to inform their guests about the many activities Pipestem had to offer while they were in town for the wedding. Options included Pipestem Champion Golf Course, Pipestem Adventures, Adventure Lake and horseback riding, making Pipestem not only a beautiful place for a wedding but also a fun-filled vacation for guests.

Stonewall Resort State Park

Photo by Paige Photography.

For Allie and Camden Riley, the idea to host their marriage celebration at Stonewall Resort State Park originally stemmed from their desire to have a destination wedding. However, not wanting to make their wedding unreachable to their loved ones, they decided to choose a venue that was both close by and could offer guests a relaxing vacation.

“West Virginia is a very special place to us since my husband was raised there, I went to school there and that’s also where we met,” Allie says.

She also emphasizes how helpful the park’s accommodations were when it came to wedding planning. She says the park’s various locations for holding a ceremony, both indoor and outdoor, helped them adjust the venue to the number of guests. The location was so beautiful in itself, they hardly had to worry about decorating. She also acknowledges the park’s Assistant Director of Conference Services, Kelli Trumbull, for her help throughout the process.

“I was so nervous and had no idea what I was doing when it came to wedding planning, but Kelli was able to guide us through the process,” Allie says. “I also loved that we were able to have both the ceremony and reception at the park, which eliminated the need to arrange transportation after the ceremony.”

The wedding guests came from states ranging from Ohio to Florida and were amazed by what the Mountain State had to offer. They enjoyed encounters with local wildlife and took full advantage of outdoor activities like kayaking, paddleboarding and fishing. Allie shared that many close friends were so impressed by the experience that they’re already planning to return to the resort with their families.

“We both loved the resort and would 10/10 go back,” one friend shares. “My husband golfed while we were there, I walked the trails, and we enjoyed hanging out at the lake house. The lake was gorgeous.”

“It was beautiful, quaint, well-maintained and thoughtfully designed,” says another friend. “We loved the paths and how green everything was. I’d love to come back and spend a long weekend!”

Blackwater Falls State Park

Photo by Wild Native.

Jenna Pye and Rob Horner, who live in Washington, D.C., had been visiting the Mountain State for years before deciding to host their wedding at Blackwater Falls State Park. Hoping to get married with a beautiful natural background, they knew West Virginia was the perfect choice.

“Blackwater Falls State Park offered exactly what we were looking for: a stunning outdoor setting and a place where all of our guests could gather and stay on site,” Pye says.

With 75 guests attending the wedding, it was important to the couple that their friends and family could all stay comfortably on site together. Pye says Blackwater’s lodge and cabins did a great job of meeting their wishes, allowing them to host dinners at the park where all attendees could join together as they took in the stunning views.

Wedding guests came from across the country and beyond—from Alaska and Virginia to the United Kingdom.

“They loved the views of the gorge and the falls and the serenity of the setting,” Pye says. “Many were unfamiliar with the West Virginia State Parks system and were impressed by the accommodations. We think some of them are going to return to explore other parks.”

While in town, the couple and their guests went on a run in Thomas City Park, which ended with a tasty coffee at Tip Top, and explored main street. Some attendees even rode bikes down the Blackwater Canyon Trail. The couple also enjoyed Blackwater’s activities while planning the wedding such as exploring restaurants and watering holes and hiking the park’s trails.

“In summary, Blackwater Falls has a special place in our hearts, and we can’t wait to continue to visit regularly,” Pye says.