The Williamsburg Wedding Blog

Weddings and the Crim Dell Bridge, College of William & Mary

One of the most iconic images of the Williamsburg wedding scene is the Crim Dell Bridge on the campus of the College of William & Mary. Every freshmen learns the legend on the first day of orientation: kiss your sweetheart on the Crim Dell and someday the two of you will marry.

The bridge dates back to 1966 when it was opened on the first-ever "Parent's Day". It is nestled in a private little dell at the end of the Sunken Gardens and is the result of damming College Creek. Evidently before becoming a romantic destination students used to use it to dispose of their trash (nice). Most visitors wouldn't even know it was there, especially in spring and summer when the foliage has returned and shrouds it in secrecy.

The bridge was funded by the 1964 class gift - that class seems to have endowed half of the college, incidentally. It is named after "distinguished alumnus" John Crim (Class of 1901). The plaque that is mounted near the bridge features a quote from the college president who commissioned the bridge, Davis Paschall: "that one may walk in beauty, discover the serenity of the quiet moment, and dispel the shadows".

It is certainly the beauty (and even the shadows) of the bridge, along with the legend of the kiss that bring to it newlywed and engaged couples alike, with photographer in tow. But there are other rumors about Crim Dell too (that would be as cool in photographs if you ask this alumna): the only cure if you've kissed on the bridge to prevent marriage? You must throw the person you kissed off the bridge (I'm sure campus security loves that one). And another gem: women should not walk alone over the bridge. If they do, they are doomed to a life of spinsterhood.

It's lucky, then, that the bridge doesn't provide convenient access to anything. In fact, if you decide to take the requisite "Crim Dell Bridge Photo" on your wedding day, be prepared for a little offroading. All paths that lead to the site are unpaved and involve weathered steps or steep grading.

Did you, or will you have a Crim Dell photo taken on your wedding day? Why don't you share your photo on the Williamsburg Wedding Design Facebook page and tell your best bridge story!

Resources:

Photo courtesy of Brad Howe Photography: www.bradhowephotography.com

Wikipedia.org: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crim_Dell

Website of the College of William & Mary: https://alumni.wm.edu/magazine/spgsum_2006/feature_5.shtml

Top 5 Reasons to Wed in Williamsburg

It occurred to me that it's been awhile since I've reviewed the main reasons that people cite when they first call for holding their weddings in Williamsburg. This region is a unique mixture of accessible, convenient and appealing. These were first featured on our World According to Weddlady blog back in 1997...but they are absolutely timeless Is your reason listed?

1. They visited Williamsburg many moons ago and fell in love - with the 'burg!  It took them a little longer to find Mr. or Ms. Right, but now they're on their way back for the perfect destination wedding.

2. Williamsburg is a popular retirement area - if Mom and Dad live in Williamsburg and are paying, they may just have a say in where the nuptials will be held!

3. They attended the College of William & Mary: whether or not the intention is to marry at the Wren Chapel, something about 4+ years at this venerable institution draws alumni back to wed near their alma mater...or makes them feel entitled to do so!

4. We're right in the middle - of the east coast, that is.  We've hosted many couples who have family from New York to Florida and beyond.  We're near easy transportation, have great historical facilities and excellent access to accommodations and services.  We're ideally situated to help with geopgrahic compromises!

5. They are local - of course, if you were born and raised here, there are dozens of reasons that could compel you to take the plunge in your home territory.  Maybe local parents are paying, maybe your high school football team will be in your bridal party, or maybe your little girl (and little guy, I suppose) dreams of a fairytale wedding involve a fife & drum or horse-drawn carriage on DOG street.  In any case, many true Williamsburg natives stay close to home to wed.

I hope Williamsburg is right for you too!  I'd be delighted to help you decide - start by requesting your complimentary copy of the Where to Wed Guide to Williamsburg, Yorktown, Providence Forge and Newport News, or give me a call at 757-592-3365!

Image Courtesy of Brad Howe Photography

Happy Planning.

Shayna Walker

Owner, Williamsburg Wedding Design

We're on Facebook and Twitter too - Like and Follow Us Today!