When it comes to amazing elopements near Washington DC, I can’t recommend Shenandoah National Park enough! An adventure elopement in the Shenandoah Valley seriously delivers with epic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, plenty of gorgeous lookout points, cliffs and hiking trails, and the famous scenic Skyline Drive. Shenandoah is in Virginia, but only 75 miles from DC, and it’s even home to 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. 

If you’re looking for a unique and adventurous wedding for you and your partner, here’s my elopement guide to Shenandoah National Park!

How to elope in Shenandoah National Park

The first step: to elope within the park, you’ll first need to obtain a Virginia marriage license from the Circuit Court Clerk’s office in your home county. It’s valid for 60 days and requires a $30 fee. 

Next, you’ll need to find a wedding officiant, which is required by Virginia’s marriage laws. As your Shenandoah elopement photographer, I’m more than happy to suggest some officiants or other local vendors. 

As for the park itself, you don’t need a marriage permit for weddings of fewer than 15 people, but for 16 or more, a special use permit is required. Note that weekend elopements in October and November must be done at the overlooks by 10am, due to the crowds arriving for the fall foliage. 

How to get into Shenandoah NP

There are actually four entrances to the park, but once you’re in, there are over 100 miles of Skyline Drive with lots of easy, drive-up overlooks. You could even rent a vintage or sports car to take photos along the drive. The park mile markers start from 0 at the top northern point of the park and increase to 105 at the very southern entrance. 

The northern Visitor Center is Dickey Ridge Visitor Center, and the central Visitor Center is Byrd Visitor Center, both ideal for stops if you want to get stamps for National Park passports or hit up the gift shop. 

The entrances are:

• Front Royal Entrance Station (mile 0) by Rt. 66 and 340 in Front Royal, Virginia
• Thornton Gap Entrance Station (mile 31.5) by Rt. 211 near Luray, Virginia
• Swift Run Gap Entrance Station (mile 65.5) by Rt. 33 near Elkton, Virginia
• Rockfish Gap Entrance Station (mile 104.6) by Rt. 64 and Rt. 250 (also the northern entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway)

Where to elope in Shenandoah National Park

Where can I elope in Shenandoah National Park? Just about anywhere! One of the incredible things about your elopement here is that it can be completely customized, whether you want to say your vows on an epic hike or on an overlook just off the road. 

Wherever you decide, I’ll be right behind you with my camera, as Shenandoah elopement photography is a passion of mine! As we shoot, just a note that I’m a firm believer in Leave No Trace principles, as it’s so important to protect our precious planet. I always like to make sure my couples know about Leave No Trace ethics, such as staying on marked trails, no campfires outside of designated areas, and not picking wildflowers or plants. 

OK, back to the fun stuff: where to elope! Your Shenandoah National Park elopement itinerary could include any of the following places, as they’re all incredibly beautiful:

• Stony Man Trail 
• Mary’s Rock 
• Hawksbill Mountain, VA 
• Dark Hollow Falls
• Hazel Mountain Overlook (milepost 33, east facing)
• The Point Overlook (milepost 55.5 west facing)
• Rocky Top Overlook (milepost 78, west facing)
• Blackrock Summit
• Old Rag Mountain (day pass needed)

Two more fantastic options just outside the park are Raven’s Roost, part of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and Lake Arrowhead in Luray, VA. 

What time of year is best to elope in Shenandoah National Park?

You can honestly enjoy an amazing and scenic elopement 365 days a year as long as the weather is nice in Shenandoah. The park is open 24/7, but may have road closures due to inclement weather, so always check the forecast if you’re heading out in winter. 

Here are a few things I love about each time of the year:

• Shenandoah winter elopement: Fewer crowds, gorgeous sunsets, and (if you’re lucky) you can elope while the snow falls! 
• Shenandoah spring elopement: Think beautiful wildflowers, blooms, and everything looking green and lush – spring means love is in the air, and it’s such a romantic time of year to elope. 
• Shenandoah summer elopement: Warm weather and long days mean plenty of time for hiking, swimming in the park’s watering holes, and leisurely picnics. 
• Shenandoah autumn elopement: You’ll absolutely love the beautiful changing of the leaves in fall! Yes, it’s one of the busiest times of year in the park, but it’s also one of the most picturesque – an ideal time for wedding photography. I promise we can find some great spots away from the crowds!

Elopement guide to Shenandoah NP hotels

While Shenandoah can be an easy day trip from the DC area, why not spend the night? After all, it’s your wedding celebration, and it can be so much fun to make a weekend out of it! 

Here are some of the best accommodation options in or near the park:

• Skyland: Located between miles 41.7 and 42.5
• Big Meadows Lodge: Located at mile 51
• Lewis Mountain Cabins: Located at mile 57.5

These lodges can all be booked through the National Park’s websites, but camping inside the park is also an option. 

Shenandoah National Park elopement ideas

There is so much to see and do inside the park, so it can be fun for you and your guests to arrange some special activities. Depending on the time of year, horseback riding, fishing, biking, and hiking are the best ways to enjoy Shenandoah. 

You’ll also probably want to stock up on snacks, supplies, or gifts. In that case, Elkwallow Wayside or Big Meadows Wayside are your best options. 

What should we pack?

Basic backpacks and hiking boots are a definite must. Even on Skyline Drive, we’re still in the mountains, so it helps to bring layers and be prepared for some wind. I also provide an Elopement Clothing and Gear guide to help you make sure you have everything you need for the outdoors as well as your elopement! 

I’m so excited to help you plan your wonderful day, and I’m also glad to offer Virginia elopement packages designed especially for Shenandoah. Your adventure elopement awaits – and I’ll be right by your side, capturing every moment for you! Fill out my contact form to get started today!