A Shenandoah National Park elopement is a wonderful, spontaneous, and meaningful way to get married! And, if you’re looking for an alternative to a large wedding, eloping may be the perfect option. That’s because a Shenandoah National Park elopement offers a lower cost and less stress than a traditional wedding. Most importantly, it gives you more control over how your day will look and feel.
Does a Shenandoah National Park elopement sound like the right choice for you and your partner? If so, learning how to elope in Shenandoah National Park is the first step in planning the perfect wedding day.
To help you get started, we’ll discuss the elopement planning process, including our top tips for how to elope in Shenandoah National Park. Plus, we’ll share some of the best and most beautiful locations for your Shenandoah National Park Virginia Elopement.
Let’s get into it!
How to Elope in Shenandoah National Park
Best Time to Elope in Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park Elopement Venues
Shenandoah National Park Wedding Cost
Tips for the Perfect Shenandoah National Park Elopement
Choosing a Shenandoah National Park Elopement Photographer
How to Elope in Shenandoah National Park – 8 Steps for Planning The Perfect Elopement Day
Eloping in Shenandoah National Park can be a magical and unforgettable experience. With some planning and preparation, you can organize a meaningful and beautiful ceremony that reflects your personalities and love for each other.
Here are some steps you can take to plan your Shenandoah National Park elopement:
1. Choose your Location
Shenandoah National Park has many beautiful locations to choose from, including scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and quiet meadows. Do some research and decide on a location that speaks to you and your partner.
Below, we will share some of our favorite Shenandoah National Park elopement locations to help inspire you.
2. Obtain Any Necessary Permits
Depending on the location you choose, you may need to obtain a permit from the National Park Service. Check the park’s website or contact them directly to find out if a permit is required and how to get one.
3. Hire an Officiant
If you plan to have a ceremony, you’ll need to find an officiant to perform it. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think. You can find one online or ask your hotel reception desk if they can recommend someone (it’s a common request). You’re looking for someone who has experience performing weddings in Shenandoah National Park and knows all the legal requirements for getting married in Virginia. The cost will vary depending on where you go, but on average, expect to pay about $200 per ceremony (without travel expenses included).
4. Find Your Vendors
You may want to hire a Shenandoah National Park elopement photographer, florist, and/or hair and makeup artist. Look for vendors with experience working in Shenandoah National Park who can help you create a beautiful and stress-free elopement experience.
5. Choose Your Attire
Shenandoah National Park can be hot and humid in the summer and cold and snowy in the winter. Choose attire that is appropriate for the weather, and that will be comfortable to wear during your ceremony and photo session.
6. Plan Your Shenandoah National Park Elopement Timeline
Decide on the time of day you want to have your ceremony and plan your timeline accordingly. Remember that popular park locations may be crowded during peak times, so plan accordingly.
To start planning the perfect timeline for your special day, check out our guide to creating an elopement timeline.
7. Consider Logistics
Depending on the location you choose, you may need to hike or walk to get there. Ensure you have the appropriate footwear and that you’re prepared for any possible weather conditions.
8. Enjoy Your Day
On the day of your elopement, relax and enjoy the experience. Take in the beautiful scenery and the quiet intimacy of your ceremony. Your Shenandoah National Park elopement photographer will capture all your special moments, providing you with memories to last a lifetime.
Now that you know how to elope in Shenandoah National Park, let’s look at some specific considerations.
Best Time to Elope in Shenandoah National Park
Spring and fall are the best times of year for a Shenandoah National Park elopement. These seasons offer mild weather and an abundance of beautiful scenery.
What about summer and winter?
- The summer weather in Shenandoah National Park is often too hot. Therefore, most people will want to avoid a summer elopement – especially if they’re not used to high temperatures!
- Winter is too cold for a wedding ceremony, but it’s great for snow photos!
If your date isn’t flexible, try planning your trip in winter or spring (or even early autumn). These are the most popular seasons for weddings in Shenandoah National Park.
Now, where is the best place to get married in Shenandoah National Park? Let’s take a look.
Where is the best place to get married in Shenandoah National Park?
Several factors must be considered when scouting potential locations for your Shenandoah National Park elopement.
Here are a few important elopement location considerations.
- Accessibility and ease of transportation – you want to make sure it’s easy for everyone involved to get there without any issues.
- Amenities – consider the amenities that are available at different locations. For example, does the location offer catering services, restrooms, or accommodations?
- Permits and/or regulations – be sure to research any permit and regulation requirements at the chosen venue.
- Weather conditions – it’s also essential to consider the weather conditions of your chosen location and any potential issues that may arise. Before confirming your date, research the average temperatures, precipitation chances, and peak times—such as high tourist season—that could influence your ceremony.
- Experience – the most important factor to consider when choosing a location is how it makes you and your partner feel. Make sure that the site provides the kind of experience you’re looking for and that it truly captures who you are as a couple.
Now, let’s look at some of the best and most beautiful locations for a Shenandoah National Park elopement.
Shenandoah National Park Elopement Venues
When choosing a location for your elopement, the possibilities are endless. Whether you prefer a remote, off-the-beaten-track location or a popular tourist destination, Shenandoah National Park has something for you!
Here are some of our favorite Shenandoah National Park elopement venues.
Skyline Drive
Skyline Drive offers a unique elopement location. This winding highway is full of scenic vistas, making it a perfect backdrop for your elopement. Selecting one of the drive’s many overlooks will allow you to have a romantic ceremony with stunning views.
Overlooks – Buck Hollow, Jewel Holloa, and Hazel Mountain
Entering Shenandoah National Park near Mary’s Rock Tunnel and traveling the beautiful Skyline Drive, you will come across the tunnel and a handful of other overlooks. For example, Buck Hollow, Jewel Holloa, and Hazel Mountain – all perfectly amazing locations for your special day!
Dark Hollow Falls
Dark Hollow Falls is a stunning waterfall located in the Shenandoah National Park. It’s the perfect backdrop for couples looking to tie the knot and offers a beautiful hike.
The Dark Hollow Falls Trail is 1.4 miles out-and-back, beginning at the dedicated parking area at milepost 50.7 on Skyline Drive. There are some steep sections of the trail, but it’s well worth it for the breathtaking views of this 70-foot cascade.
Now, what about elopement costs? Let’s look at how much it will cost for a Shenandoah National Park.
Shenandoah National Park Wedding Cost
So, how much does it cost to get married in Shenandoah National Park? The truth is – it depends. That said, you’ll be happy to know that Shenandoah National Park offers the perfect elopement experience for any budget. So, even if you want to elope in Shenandoah on a tight budget, you’re in luck!
We all know that planning a wedding can be expensive, and it can be easy to overspend before even realizing what we’re doing. That’s why it’s essential to set your budget before you start buying things like flowers and dresses (which should also be kept simple).
Setting your budget is easy—all you need to do is write down how much money all of these expenses will cost:
- Venue
- Photography and videography – to learn more about the cost of elopement photography, check out Average Cost Of Wedding Photographers in Virginia
- Flowers and other decor (if needed)
- Music (if desired)
Tips for the Perfect Shenandoah National Park Elopement
Ready to start planning your Shenandoah National Park elopement? Here are some tips to help you plan the perfect day.
Dress the Part
The great thing about a mountain elopement is that you can wear whatever you want! There are no rules in this scenario, so feel free to get creative with your outfit and have fun with it. Like any other type of wedding, there are some ways to prepare for your special day.
First things first – dress for the weather! If you’re not from Shenandoah Valley or nearby areas, it’s easy to forget how quickly the temperature can drop when surrounded by mountains and trees (especially if an unexpected rainstorm blows through). Dress warmly without being overdressed — even if you don’t think it will be cold enough outside at first glance! You’ll want to be comfortable while taking photos around town and exploring the park afterward—and again later when everyone heads into town for dinner/dancing/whatever else might be on their agenda after getting married!
Incorporate Your Interests/Hobbies into Your Shenandoah National Park Elopement
This is where your DIY elopement will come alive! Incorporate your interests into your wedding day so that it’s not just any old day! For example:
- Plan a picnic for after you read your vows, perhaps with food from some local eateries.
- Have a glass of wine at one of Virginia’s vineyards, wineries, or breweries. This is the perfect way for you and your spouse to enjoy each other’s company while sipping some delicious drinks from Virginia’s finest.
- Go for a small hike in Shenandoah National Park or run around in the fields and valleys. Whatever it is that gives you two freedom from other people! After all, this is YOUR day—so do whatever makes YOU happy!
- Don’t forget about the music! Put on some of your favorite tunes from your phone and dance around until sunset comes along with its glow of warmth in those last moments before darkness takes over everything again.
Don’t forget to make it legal!
The town nearest to Shenandoah, Page County, has a courthouse in Luray. It’s located at 104 North Main Street and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am until 4 pm (closed for lunch).
You’ll need to file an application for a marriage license at the courthouse. You’ll also need a witness. Someone over 18 years old who isn’t related to you or your spouse-to-be by blood or adoption. The witness must also sign your application and provide identification with their photo on it (e.g., driver’s license).
You will have to pay a fee for the marriage license. This varies depending on where you go in Virginia but averages around $50 to $60 per couple. That money covers processing fees and a required online course about premarital counseling called “Preparation For Marriage.” This course costs $15 per person. It can be completed online within 48 hours of applying for your license – if you want it done immediately rather than waiting until after getting married! If there’s no one else working when you arrive, they may not ask these questions yet…so get there early!
Want more wedding day tips? Check out Debbie Elisa’s Stress-Free Wedding Day Tips. This wedding day guide will help ease your mind – so you can experience a fun and relaxing elopement in Shenandoah!
Choosing a Shenandoah National Park Elopement Photographer
Choosing a photographer for your Shenandoah National Park elopement is an important decision.
Here are some tips to help you find the best Shenandoah elopement photographer.
- Look for someone who can capture your love and sense of adventure.
- Ensure they have experience photographing outdoor weddings, especially in natural settings like Shenandoah National Park.
- Look for a photographer who has both formal and candid shots of past couples on their website, as well as photos that show off their ability to work with a diverse group of people (including pets!).
If you’re looking for a particular type of photo from your big day, ask the photographer if they’ve done something similar before. The best Shenandoah National Park elopement photographers will have plenty of examples to show you!
Need a Shenandoah National Park elopement photographer? Debbie Elisa Photography has you covered!
Debbie Elisa Photography is the coolest photographer out there! In addition to providing stunning photos that capture your love and sense of adventure, Debbie Elisa Photography has extensive experience photographing elopements in Shenandoah National Park.
Contact Debbie Elisa Photography today to start planning your Shenandoah National Park elopement!
