Shenandoah National Park Elopement Photographer

True-to-life editorial & DOCUMENTARY photography for couples who want an intimate, meaningful wedding in the MOUNTAINS of Virginia.

An elopement isn’t a smaller wedding. It’s a deeply personal celebration, built entirely around the way you want to experience this moment in your lives. It could be just the two of you on a quiet mountain overlook in Shenandoah National Park, or with a handful of loved ones gathered in the soft light of a Virginia vineyard.

My approach is refined, editorial, and true to life. I blend the beauty of the location with the real connection between you, creating timeless images that will feel as real decades from now as they do the moment you see them.

From location ideas to a stress-free timeline, I make sure your day flows naturally so you can be fully present

Why Couples Choose to Elope in Shenandoah National Park

Virginia’s beauty is unmatched — rolling vineyards, historic estates, lush gardens, and of course, the sweeping views of Shenandoah National Park. Elopements here can be as adventurous or relaxed as you want them to be. You could start your day in a charming Airbnb, exchange vows with the Blue Ridge Mountains as your backdrop, and finish with wine tasting or a private dinner in town.

Whether you envision something rustic and wild, or refined and elegant, Virginia offers endless possibilities to make your elopement feel entirely your own.

As a Virginia elopement photographer, I focus on easy-to-reach, scenic locations that allow you to fully enjoy the moment without rushing from place to place.

POETICally driven imagery

I’m Debbie — an editorial and documentary-style wedding and elopement photographer based in Virginia. I’m drawn to stories that feel honest and unposed, with a quiet kind of beauty that lingers long after the day is done. My style is rooted in true-to-life colors, thoughtful composition, and an approach that allows you to be fully present while I take care of the rest.

We can spend the day photographing an elopement at one of the many windswept Shenandoah overlooks with the glow of a Virginia vineyard at sunset, or an intimate ceremony in a historic estate. My goal remains the same, to create a visual story that feels timeless, intentional, and deeply personal.

— Claire & DaVonte

"Eloping in the mountains was everything we hoped for, and Debbie made it even more special. From the very beginning, she kept things easy and light, which helped calm all our nerves. She created our timeline and made sure everything flowed so naturally, which gave me so much peace of mind. On the day of, we felt beautiful, relaxed, and completely ourselves. Celebrating with a champagne toast on a snowy mountaintop was the perfect ending. We couldn’t have asked for a better photographer or experience."

" helped calm all our nerves"

1. Coverage by Debbie, your dedicated Virginia elopement photographer

2. True-to-life, editorial editing

3. Personal location and timeline guidance

4. Private online gallery with one year of access

5. High-resolution downloads of your entire gallery

6. Integrated print and album store for custom ordering at any time

7. Archival of your gallery after one year

NOTE: Shenandoah National Park allows up to 20 people total (including vendors) are allowed without a fee. To add more guets, a permit fee will be required.

Included

$2500

Includes:
2 hours of coverage
1 photographer
1 location
Up to 100 professionally edited images
Online digital gallery
Available for weekday elopements only
Must be booked within 3 months of the date
15% off gallery store discount

The Long Play (LP)

package three

$3500

Includes:

4 hours of coverage

1 photographer

Up to 2 locations

Up to 200 professionally edited images

Online digital gallery

Highlight slideshow

15% off gallery store discount

The Polaroid

package two - (Most Popular)

$4500

Includes:

8 hours of coverage

1 photographer

Up to 3 locations

Engagement session

Up to 400 professionally edited images

Online digital gallery

Highlight slideshow

15% off gallery store discount

The Golden Hour

package one

investment

* Travel included within a 1 hour drive time.
*Additional prints, albums, and framing options are available à la carte in your shop.

For couples who don’t necessarily identify as adventurous but would still love their entire day captured, this package is for you. With the Golden Hour, we’ll have time for a few light activities and excursions around the area that make for sweet moments and cute photo ops. We’ll also have enough time to capture the highly-desired staple shots including getting ready, ceremony, vows and couple portraits. Want to have a little champagne toast, cake cutting and one dance before I say goodbye? No worries, we can manage all that within your elopement timeline to make sure we capture your day in its entirety!

More time to tell your story and weave in a mix of beautiful portraits, candid moments, and personal adventures. Four hours can begin with getting ready photos and a first look, then flow into a ceremony in one location and portraits somewhere else. You might stroll through historic streets, stop for ice cream, sip coffee at your favorite café, or pause in a blooming garden. There’s also time for short scenic drives to a second overlook, a quiet riverside path, or another setting that feels like part of your story. This option balances meaningful traditions with space to breathe, explore, and enjoy.

Created for couples who want something small and meaningful. Two hours of coverage gives you time for your ceremony, portraits, and a few quiet moments together. Perfect for weekday elopements or couples planning something larger later but wanting to celebrate now in their own way.

a few extra tips

Best Seasons & Times of Day for Eloping in Shenandoah

Spring and fall are the most popular seasons for elopements in Shenandoah, offering soft blooms or vibrant foliage that make the landscape unforgettable. Early morning or golden hour are ideal times for dreamy, flattering light and fewer crowds. Whether you’re planning for the warm tones of October or a misty spring sunrise, the natural beauty is always stunning.

Scenic Features & Local Charm

Shenandoah National Park offers sweeping overlooks, winding trails along Skyline Drive, and peaceful spots like Wintergreen Resort. The area is filled with natural beauty, from iconic views at Raven’s Roost to serene waterfalls like Dark Hollow Falls and Whiteoak Canyon. Nearby mountain towns provide cozy lodging, charming cafes, and a laid-back pace—perfect for couples seeking an intimate, adventure-filled getaway.

My Editing Style

film-inspired

soulful

nostalgic

warm

romantic

modern

earthy

My editing style is inspired by the warmth and texture of the 1970s, creating images that feel timeless, elegant, and rich in emotion. Each photograph is refined with care to maintain natural tones and a sense of quiet nostalgia, allowing the beauty of each moment to remain honest and enduring.

I do not alter body shapes or remove natural features. Minor blemishes or temporary distractions may be adjusted, but my focus stays on preserving what is real and meaningful. The result is imagery that feels effortless, warm, and true to life.

Virginia Elopement Guide

how to elope: shenandoah

A Shenandoah Elopement

Elopement Timeline

Helpful RESOURCES

Stories, guides, and whatever you need to help you with planning your elopement.

Egliani & John

"Debbie was something else! Going into our elopement, we didn’t really know what we wanted. We just knew we wanted to get married. She helped us enjoy the planning process and made everything so easy. If you want to fall in love with your photos, have no stress on your special day, be truly present in the moment, and feel comfortable in front of the camera, then Debbie is your person."

Eleanor D

“As someone typically uncomfortable in front of the camera, I was astonished by how Vivienne created an environment where I felt completely seen. The resulting portraits captured a version of myself I recognized but rarely see documented—thoughtful, present, and unguarded.”

Love Letters

Yes I do. However, I only allow 4 or 5 larger weddings of over 100 guests per year. With larger weddings, or mulitple getting ready locations, a need for a second photographer will be discussed and added for $100/hr for extra coverage.

Do you photograph larger weddings?

Travel fees are based on the current IRS mileage which is $0.70 per mile from my zip code of 22485. Other travel fees such as flights, hotels and retnal vehicles are assessed and provided and are non refundable.

What are your travel fees?

For anything over 6 hours. The rate is $800 for a regular session, and when included it is 50% off.

Do you offer engagement sessions?

I would say around the same time that you book your venue. Like venues, photographers book out about a year in advance, so the sooner the better. Once you have made your 33% non-refundable retainer, your date will be officially booked!