Old City Cemetery — Attraction in Lynchburg

This is a word of caution for anyone planning to rent the Bicentennial Chapel to host their wedding.

My wife and I made reservations eight months in advance to reserve this venue from 2pm-7pm, which included the chapel, comfort house, and any area of the grounds for our ceremony. It was communicated in advance that the area behind the comfort house, including underneath the chapel would be needed for the reception.

At 10AM the DAY OF our wedding we received a call that we would need to have our stuff cleared from underneath the chapel by 3:30pm so that a group of people could setup for an event scheduled the next day. It was explained to us that there was a scheduling conflict. After disputing the issue we were told that it had not been noted that we had reserved the spot underneath the chapel. Eventually we were passed off to the director, eventually coming to the resolution that this group which turned out to be cemetery founders would arrive at 7pm to setup instead.

While our wedding went splendidly after settling this “scheduling conflict” communication issues did not stop there. We were told that the day before the wedding someone would be available to unlock the doors so that we could rehearse and setup. Unfortunately no one was available despite arranging a rehearsal time in advance, so we were forced to setup the day of. We were also told there would be a refrigerator available underneath the comfort house. We learned the day of that this was not true. The final slap to the face was when the group showed up at 6:40pm, twenty minutes before our rented time slot was over and began setting up over top of our cleaning crew and guest.

Overall we were shocked by the poor communication and professionalism that came with renting this $700 venue. We were also disappointed that a handful of cemetery founders and staff found it acceptable to plan over our event so that they could prepare for their event the following day. An opportunity that was not provided to us, despite arrangements being made.

In conclusion, this is a beautiful spot to host a wedding but due to the lack of professionalism we experienced I am disappointed to say we cannot recommend...

We were married at the chapel of the Old City Cemetery in 2019. From the Chapel, to the grounds, to the use of the Comfort House it was absolutely perfect for our special day. Guests were welcome to arrive early for their own photo ops or just to take in some of the history and enjoy the peaceful gardens. The Comfort House was perfect for the Bridal party. The Chapel gave the illusion of a more personal and quaint atmosphere, almost the feeling of stepping back in time to a more simple way of life and celebration that we weren't able to find at the larger wedding venues. The tree and swing across from the Chapel quickly became one of our favorite wedding photo props. If we had to do it all over again we wouldn't change a thing and love that we live local and can go back at anytime to reminisce. Cindy...

Last night’s Candlelight Tour at Old City Cemetery Museums and Arboretum was one of the best living history events that I've ever witnessed. The scene actors and spirit guides were phenomenal. The amount of work that went into this event showed in all the details-- a great script, skilled actors & performers as well as parking attendants, those who placed hundreds of candlelight bags along the paths, to the ticket takers.

I was thrilled to see a women writer represented but even more excited that the interpretation of history included so much emphasis on the not-often-shared history including three examples of Black women who were interpreted through the lens of Black joy- these women's stories were respected...