FAQs
Question
Why are you getting married in a state park?
Answer
Both Josh and Maren have devoted their careers to serving the public in Virginia. Josh has spent the past 13 years serving various communities throughout Virginia as an EMT (and soon to be paramedic!), police officer, and sheriff's deputy. Maren attends a public medical school whose mission is to produce physicians to serve communities throughout eastern Virginia. Getting married on, and having our money support, Virginia-owned public land that exists for all to enjoy felt right to us. Besides that, we have enjoyed exploring many state parks together and got engaged in a different state park. While we love hiking and being outside, we wanted to get married in a place that was both beautiful and accessible. Hungry Mother fit that description, and we hope that you enjoy it as much as we do!
Question
Is this an outdoor wedding? Do I have to go on some crazy hike to get there?
Answer
The ceremony will be outdoors, but the reception will be fully indoors in an ADA accessible building. While we love crazy hikes, our intention is to make this as accessible and inclusive an event as possible. The ceremony location is a short, flat walk from the parking lot. Part of the walk is paved and part is a wooden footbridge. There are a few short segments of gravel/mulch-like terrain. The reception hall is immediately adjacent to the parking lot and fully ADA accessible. Please reach out to us if there is something we can do to make our wedding more accessible for you.
Question
When should I RSVP by?
Answer
We are still finalizing hotel block and catering details, and therefore are not asking for official RSVPs yet. We anticipate sending formal invitations in late fall 2026 and will open the RSVP section of the website at that time. We appreciate your patience!
Question
Are kids welcome?
Answer
Yes, please bring your kids, toddlers, and babies! We have many children on our guest list. Adult kids are welcome too. We value family and want our wedding to be something for the whole family to enjoy.
Question
Is there a nearby airport? Will I need to rent a car?
Answer
Unfortunately, the closest airport to Marion is about an hour away. This is a rural area and rideshare services are limited/non-existent, so renting a car is likely your best option. If this is a barrier for you, please reach out to us and we will work to find a solution.
Question
Is there transportation between the hotels and the ceremony?
Answer
Yes, we intend to have a shuttle from the hotels that we partner with. Further details to come.
Question
Is there parking for the ceremony or reception?
Answer
There is ample parking next to the Lakeview Event Center, which is a short walk from the ceremony site. Parking is free of charge.
Question
If I have dietary limitations, can I make a special request?
Answer
Yes, please do! We want everyone to enjoy a full meal with us. While we are still working out catering details, we intend to have gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options. When our RSVP is active we will have a section for dietary requests.
Question
Are there any other events that I should know about around the wedding?
Answer
We are planning a casual welcome dinner with pizza and beer on the evening of Friday, March 12th 2027. More details to come!
Question
Where did the name "Hungry Mother" come from?
Answer
Legend has it that a pioneer named Molly Marley and her young daughter were kidnapped by a local Native American tribe in the area. The daughter escaped and when she finally managed to find help, she could only say "hungry mother." Molly was later found dead. Nobody really knows how true this story is. Before the state park was formed, one of the mountains was named Molly's Knob and the creek was called Hungry Mother creek.
Question
I'm coming from far away and want to spend more time in the area. Where else can I go?
Answer
There are many popular cities within 2-3 hour drive of Marion, including: -Asheville, NC: 140 miles -Knoxville, TN: 156 miles -Charlottesville, VA: 213 miles If you're willing to drive ~5 hours: -Lexington, KY: 257 miles -Richmond, VA: 281 miles -Atlanta, GA: 369 miles -Williamsburg, VA: 331 miles -Washington DC: 332 miles -Nashville, TN: 335 miles -Outer Banks, NC: ~400 miles (distance will depend on exact location)