Modern Viking Wedding in Shenandoah National Park
When Heather & Kevin reached out about their modern Viking wedding day in Shenandoah National Park, they were planning everything from 500 miles away in Tennessee. They’ve always loved to hike and explore National Parks together, so the idea of gathering their loved ones and pups in the Virginia mountains felt just right.
What they needed was someone local who could help them figure out logistics and capture their day, and that’s where I came in. And if you’re also planning from out of state, you can think of me as your local elopement guide, handling permits assistance, scouting locations, and helping you feel confident in every Plan A and Plan B!
A Sunshine x Grumpy Love Story
Heather met Kevin over a decade ago when she started frequenting the comic book store his friends owned. From what Heather shared, it sounded quite a bit like sunshine x grumpy romance (if you know, you know), where she slowly wore him down. She said, “It sort of became a game for me to get the grumpy dude to like me.” This is one of my favorite romance tropes, so it was extra fun to hear their love story!
They do everything together. They love hiking, camping, road-tripping through national parks, and binge-watching shows with their pups. So when Kevin proposed during a waterfall hike in the Smokies, it made total sense.
They initially thought they might elope just the two of them, maybe on a cruise to Iceland. But eventually, they decided to invite a small group of family to join them. Heather said it best, “The stress of planning a full-blown wedding would be the death of me.”
So they went with something that felt more like them!
A Cozy Start to Their Modern Viking Wedding at Their Shenandoah VRBO
We started the day at their private VRBO rental tucked near Shenandoah with family and pups all hanging out. Heather had her hair and makeup done, while I photographed their incredible Viking-inspired details. They had braided hand fasting cords, engraved cuff links, drinking horns, mead, and their custom Viking ax!
They almost weren’t going to have details or plan time for getting detail photos, but once I walked them through our consultation, showing them what their day could look like, they realized they needed to carve out time for those detail photos, too. And they were so glad they did. Those quiet moments at the beginning of the day helped tell the whole story.
I also love it when couples rent a VRBO home instead of a hotel for their elopement day. It provides a cozy space for everyone to gather and relax, serving as an indoor Plan B in case of bad weather, and often features a yard with nice views for your ceremony.
Getting Ready Together
Instead of a traditional first look, Heather & Kevin decided to get ready together upstairs. They helped each other with buttons and ties, laughing as they assisted one another with all the little details.
It was a great way to start their day! Spending quality time together can be just as meaningful as getting ready separately and doing a first look. I always remind couples that there’s no right or wrong way to start your elopement day. What matters is that it feels right for you.
Modern Viking Wedding Ceremony at the Shenandoah River
Once everyone was ready, we caravanned a short drive down the road to the property’s private river access. The view opened up to a lush, green clearing framed by overcast sky and the rippling water of the Shenandoah River.
Surrounded by family and their pups, and officiated by Rev. Pamela Mann, the ceremony included a handfasting ritual that wove their braided cords around their joined hands, a nod to Celtic and Viking traditions.
The sky grew darker halfway through the ceremony, that unmistakable scent of rain rolling in. We wrapped up family photos just in time before the rainfall, when everyone grabbed umbrellas and sprinted to the cars.
Cozy Post-Ceremony Celebration
Back at the VRBO, we dried off, signed the marriage license, and gathered around the table for mini cheesecake cupcakes and toasts with mead in their Viking horns.
I always encourage couples to think outside the box and personalize their experience with something that fits their personalities or their story more than a traditional cake (totally fine if you still want a cake!) But celebratory donuts, cupcakes, or pastries can also be super cute, fun, and unique.
We had planned to have the cheesecakes in the park, but while waiting for the rain to pass, we decided to stay at the VRBO and let them spend more time with their families.
Mountain Elopement Photos in Shenandoah National Park
When the rain stopped, it was time to head into Shenandoah National Park for some mountain photos! We kept things flexible, as always, because the weather in the mountains changes quickly, and being able to adjust your timeline by even 15 minutes can make all the difference.
I always help my couples plan:
- A priority list of must-have locations
- A Plan A and Plan B timeline based on the weather
- The best overlooks for the best light and privacy.
We brought the mead and their Viking horns along again for portraits, and explored a few favorite overlooks just in time, before it began pouring rain again. Overall, it felt like the perfect ending to a beautifully untraditional day!
What The Wedding Couple Said
“Juliana really did everything to make sure we had a perfect Shenandoah elopement. Planning a wedding from 500 miles away is no simple feat- but Juliana was a huge help! She recommended some fantastic vendors and met with us regularly to keep our minds at ease. The whole day, she advocated for us and was super flexible when the weather took a turn. The sneak peaks came out BEAUTIFUL and I can’t wait to see the rest. I am so glad she convinced us to do the detail shots because they really encapsulated the vibes we wanted for the day. I highly recommend Juliana if you’re planning a VA wedding.”
Planning a Shenandoah Elopement from Out of State?
If you’re dreaming about eloping in Shenandoah National Park, whether you live nearby or across the country, having a local elopement photographer who knows the area can make the process feel effortless.
Every Elopement and Micro Wedding Package with Juliana Wall Photography Includes:
- 4 hours to two days of Photo Coverage with me, Juliana
- In-depth questionnaires, so I can truly get to know you and help create a day that feels right.
- Sneak peeks within 3 business days, so you have gorgeous photos to share ASAP.
- Personalized planning assistance – helping you with locations, permits, vendors, and timelines.
- A private online gallery – to easily download, share, and order prints of your photos.
- Photographer’s travel costs included
- A new adventure buddy!
If you’re dreaming of a summer elopement filled with meaning, mountains, and maybe a Viking horn toast, I’d love to help you make it happen! Learn more about my packages here! Please contact me if you have any questions, or even if you’d like to dive straight into the fun stuff!
Heather & Kevin’s Modern Viking Wedding Vendors
Photography & planning: Me, Juliana Wall Photography
Dress: Tara LaTour
Shoes: Blundstone
Flowers: Projektwianki (Etsy)
Suit: Men’s Warehouse
Her Ring: Staghead
Hair & Makeup: Bre Cohen
Officiant: Rev. Pamela A. Mann
