Beautiful, Unique, Historic
Couples looking to say “I Do” in a truly inspired landscape will love Lynchburg, Va’s “GraveGarden” and Old City Cemetery’s 27-acres of expertly maintained Victorian gardens, nationally recognized Arboretum, and the largest public collection of antique roses on the east coast. With multiple locations, both indoors and outdoors, we offer everything from timeless elegance,  to quirky charm.
Contact the Cemetery Center for more information, or to request a tour of our venue: (434) 847-1465 or occ@gravegarden.org

 

 
 

Ceremony Sites

The Bicentennial Chapel

Quaint and charming, this little chapel on the hillside provides the perfect setting for a classic, timeless wedding. Salvaged wooden pews seat approximately 50 guests. Celebrate with the ringing of the church bell, made by the  same company who made the Liberty Bell. 

The Shrub Garden

Featuring our collection of historic, architectural sculptures from around Lynchburg, our Shrub Garden offers an excellent location for the couple looking for a charming, garden venue. 

The Confederate Section

Tie the knot in the shade of century-old  sugar maple trees. The garden wall and boxwood hedge enclose this stately section, complete with seating area  and “gazebo” (speakers belvedere).

The Lotus Pond

Our Lotus Pond and butterfly garden provide an ideal natural setting for a serene and colorful ceremony. Peak lotus bloom is in July & August. Peak butterfly activity is in August.

The Facilities
The Comfort House offers restrooms and private changing space for weddings and receptions of all sizes. We also offer use of our Columbarium for getting ready. The terrace behind the comfort house make a great option for an outdoor reception space. Use of the building and its terrace is included in all wedding rentals.

The Edith Lee Reading Room is available for indoor receptions at an additional fee of $50 an hour. 

Essential Information

Rates

All wedding rates include the following:

   •      Use of the Bicentennial Chapel or any area of the grounds for your ceremony
   •      Use of the Comfort House for wedding party and guests
   •      One hour of rehearsal time on a selected date

9 a.m. – 2 p.m. $700
2 p.m. – 7 p.m. $700
9 a.m. – 7 p.m. $1,200

All rented facilities and spaces must be vacated by the end of the rental period, including take-down and clean-up. If additional staff time is required before 9 a.m. or after 7 p.m., the following rate applies: $100 per hour.

Optional Charges:
Six-seat golf cart and driver: $100/hour
Piano tuning: $125
Take-down/clean-up service: $100

A 50% non-refundable deposit confirms your reservation. The balance is due 14 days prior to the wedding date. No dates may be held without a deposit.

Rules & Guidelines

General

  • Any pre-wedding preparations or post-wedding clean-up must be part of the rental period. All wedding activity, including clean-up and take-down, must be completed by dusk. The Cemetery gates are locked at sunset. The renter is responsible for returning all furnishings to their designated places. (This “take-down” service can be provided for $100.)
  • Please discuss your parking needs with the Cemetery staff. Space is limited; carpooling is encouraged. (A five-passenger golf cart and driver can be provided for $100.)
  • All decorations, equipment, supplies, and trash must be removed from the grounds at the conclusion of the wedding.
  • No rice, confetti, or bird seed may be showered on the bride and groom. Many couples choose to ring the Chapel bell instead.
  • All wedding reservations include one hour of rehearsal time on another day.
  • The renter is responsible for any damage or loss as a consequence of the event.
  • The Chapel piano may be tuned in advance of your ceremony for an additional fee of $100.

Bicentennial Chapel

  • Nothing may be attached to the Chapel walls in any way. No decorations may be attached to the windows. No tape may be used on railings or pews.
  • No food or drink is allowed in the Chapel.
  • No candles may be lit inside the Chapel, with the exception of ceremonial candles.
  • No incense or air fresheners are allowed.
  • No smoking is allowed inside any Cemetery building.
  • Included in rentals of the Chapel are use of the piano, electrified pump organ, pulpit, and ringing of the bell.

Garden Areas

  • Visitors are expected to be respectful of gravesites and plantings. Parents are responsible for the actions of their children throughout the entire Cemetery.