I love the authenticity and beauty of elopements – they’re an intentional choice to get married in a meaningful way, representing and reflecting who you are as a couple. Of course, they’re an awesome adventure too! I love how every couple I meet is so unique, and I firmly believe that your wedding should reflect who you are and what you believe in.
Oh, and did I mention that elopements are an adventure?! From hiking to traveling to buzzing city breaks, your elopement will be a ton of fun – and I really recommend considering eloping in the beautiful state of Virginia. It has stunning scenery that ranges all the way from mountains and dense forests to gorgeous lakes and coastlines, plus plenty of really cool urban environments too.
To help you get started, here are the best locations for adventure weddings in Virginia – perfect if you’re seeking something out of the ordinary and memorable. That being said, I’m also a local to the area and would be more than happy to suggest some more adventure elopement ideas in Virginia – I love helping couples plan their dream wedding!
1. Old Town Alexandria Elopement
Wondering where to elope in Virginia that’s mega convenient? If you or your guests are flying in from out of town, Old Town Alexandria is just south of DC but feels a world away.
You’ll find such cute scenery in this historic town – think cobblestoned streets, waterfront views, and beautiful brickwork and architecture. You can also rent sailboats or book a boat tour, which would be such a fun way to celebrate with your loved ones. And rest assured that as your Northern Virginia elopement photographer, I’ll scope out all of the best places in advance for your photos!
For your venue, check out The Rectory on Princess St, a classic and stately home that dates back to 1785.
2. Shenandoah National Park Elopement
As an adventure wedding photographer in Virginia, I can’t recommend a Shenandoah National Park elopement enough! This national park in Northern and Central Virginia is an epic location incorporating the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains (especially stunning at sunrise and sunset).
Skyline Drive, which runs for over 100 miles through the park, has lots of drive-up lookouts where we can take awesome photos. For small VA adventure elopements, there are no permits needed for under 15 people, so planning is simple, and you’ll find camping and lodging options within the park itself.
3. Blue Ridge Parkway Elopement
Ah, the Blue Ridge Parkway! This Southern Virginia mountain range, which also runs into North Carolina, is south of Shenandoah. There are so many great hikes and lookouts here, giving you quintessential mountain views as you exchange your vows.
Some of the best are Ravens Roost Overlook, Sharp Top Trail, and McAfee Knob. However, note that here you do need a special use permit and groups must be smaller than 25 people.
4. Great Falls National Park Elopement
Great Falls National Park is so great for adventure wedding photography in Virginia! The falls themselves are so dramatic and breathtaking, but you don’t need to hike far to see them, as there are multiple lookouts that are easily accessible. The falls straddle the Maryland/Virginia border, but the VA side has easier trails and plenty of cool cliffs and views.
I also love that the park offers picnic and cookout areas, so you can throw a low-cost celebration after your ceremony. The entry fee for the park is $20 per car, or you can use the annual National Park pass for free access. (If you’re planning on visiting a few parks per year, it easily pays for itself!)
5. Arrowhead Lake, Luray VA Elopement
Arrowhead Lake is a serene and lovely lake within the Shenandoah Valley, so it’s surrounded by mountains! For summer elopements, the lake is just so picturesque – you and your guests can swim in the public beach, rent boats or kayaks, and grill in one of the picnic areas.
As your trusty VA elopement photographer, let me make a suggestion: because Arrowhead is so close to Shenandoah, you can have a half-day adventure there and then celebrate with family at the lake for the best of both locations. Score!
6. Virginia Beach Elopement
Virginia Beach is easily one of the most popular beaches on the Eastern Seaboard, with miles of gorgeous coastline, a fun boardwalk, and lots of nice hotels and restaurants.
However, if you want a beach that’s a bit more low-key, Virginia has those too! Chincoteague Island and First Landing State Park are both ideal for beach adventure weddings in VA.
7. Richmond, Virginia Elopement
Richmond is such a great urban area with a wonderful historic downtown to explore, plus plenty of rooftop bars with city views.
A few places that are great for Richmond weddings are Maymont Park, a 1001-acre historic estate and Japanese garden; Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, rated one of the best gardens in the US; and Belle Isle, a gorgeous islet known for its trails and scenic shoreline.
8. Grayson Highlands State Park Elopement
A gateway to Virginia’s highest peaks, Grayson Highlands State Park is a stunning alpine wonderland filled with scenic mountain views, waterfalls, wildflower (and wild blueberry!) strewn fields and cute-as-anything wild ponies. We can hike with our own two feet or take advantage of the many horse trials that wind their way up and across this outdoor lovers paradise.
One of my favorite elopement itineraries for Grayson Highlands State Park is to take the Mount Rogers trail, which offers incredible views of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests that surround the park.
9. Bear’s Den Park Elopement
Bear’s Den Park is such a unique place for adventure weddings in Virginia! Set near Bluemont in Northern Virginia, this is an easy 1.7-mile trail with mountain lookouts, so you’ll find plenty of secret spots where you can elope while immersed in nature.
It’s just off the Appalachian Trail, so you can definitely combine it with longer hikes too.
10. Natural Bridge, Virginia Elopement
If you haven’t been to Natural Bridge yet, you seriously need to check it out. It’s a 214-foot limestone gorge in Southern Virginia, formed over time by Cedar Creek. The result is a spectacular natural formation that attracts not only tourists but also artists and photographers.
It’s a good choice for a larger elopement too, as it can comfortably seat up to 50 people and there’s venues nearby for a reception – the Natural Bridge Historic Hotel is a top choice for accommodation, since it’s walking distance from the park.
I hope this list has gotten you excited to think about elopement ideas! Virginia really has it all; we’re so lucky to have such wonderful natural beauty right in our own backyard. As your elopement photographer in Virginia, I would be thrilled to help you plan your elopement anywhere in the state. After all, as the old tourism slogan goes, Virginia is for lovers – so what better place to elope!
Interested in planning your adventure elopement in Virginia?! Fill out my contact form and let’s get this party started!
We are from Mississippi. Wanting to travel out of state for a micro wedding. We are asking our parents, siblings and nieces and nephews to come join us. Which would be around 20 people. We are looking for a spot that has beautiful mountains fews