How To Legally Elope In Virginia: Everything You Need To Know

Virginia is easily one of my favorite places in the world for elopements! From the charming cobblestone streets of Old Town Alexandria to the epic natural beauty in Shenandoah and Great Falls National Parks, it’s ideal for couples looking for adventure, natural beauty and romance.

If you’re planning your amazing wedding day in the state (Virginia is for lovers, after all!), here’s how to legally elope in Virginia along with some tips for planning your dream wedding that’s true to who you are and what you value as a couple. Oh, and bonus, elopement photography in Virginia is just pure perfection, especially in the spring and fall! 

Elopements, just FYI, can be any type of wedding that’s done on your terms! Whether it’s just the two of you or a group of friends and family, an elopement allows you to celebrate your love without the pressure, cost and stress of a traditional wedding. And from a legal perspective, can you elope in Virginia? You sure can! 

How To Elope In Virginia – The Details You Need To Know!

If you’re not planning to legally marry in Virginia, your elopement can be completely symbolic, and that’s 100% valid. A lot of couples choose to take care of the paperwork back home and then come to Virginia to celebrate in a way that feels true to them. No rules, just meaning.

But if you do want your ceremony to be legally binding here in Virginia, here’s what you need to know:

You’ll need to get a marriage license from any Clerk of the Circuit Court in Virginia. There are plenty across the state, so you can choose the one closest to home or wherever your elopement is happening.

There are no residency requirements. You don’t have to live in Virginia to get married here, which is part of what makes it such a great option for destination elopements.

To apply, you’ll both need to show up in person with a valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID). You’ll also need to provide both of your parents’ full names (as listed on their birth certificates).

There’s a $30 application fee, and once it’s issued, your license is good for 60 days with no waiting period.

You can usually fill out the application form ahead of time online. Just search for the website of the Circuit Court near you or near where you’re eloping.

That’s it! Quick, simple, and now you’re ready to say your vows in the mountains, city, or wherever feels most like you. How incredible is that?

Do You Need A Witness To Elope In Virginia?

Here’s what you need to know: while you don’t need any witnesses to get married in Virginia, you do need an officiant. Unlike nearby D.C., self-solemnizing (marrying yourselves without an officiant) isn’t allowed in Virginia, and the state doesn’t offer courthouse or Justice of the Peace weddings.

So, who can legally marry you? Virginia requires that your officiant be officially authorized by the state. This typically means a registered officiant, ordained minister, or licensed marriage commissioner.

If you’re dreaming of having a friend or family member officiate, it is possible, but there’s a catch. They must live in Virginia and be a resident of the same county where your elopement is taking place in order to apply for a one-time civil officiant license.

I know it can feel like a lot to figure out, especially if you’re traveling in from out of town. That’s why I keep a list of amazing, inclusive, and experienced officiants I’ve worked with over the years, and I’d be more than happy to send you a few personalized recommendations to make this part feel simple and stress-free.

What Would A Virginia Elopement Look Like?

If you were to plan a perfect elopement in Virginia, how would you do it? The first thing you need to know about elopements is that they’re all about you, so you truly can’t get it wrong! I encourage you to think about what the day means to you and plan your location and activities around what will be most special and meaningful to you both. 

As an example, a couple who loves the outdoors and wants to make the most of Virginia’s amazing natural beauty could look something like this:

• Check into your adorable B&B along Virginia’s Skyline Drive, one of the country’s most scenic roads and home to the spectacular Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountains.
  
• Spend the afternoon checking out one of the region’s amazing outdoor adventures together, whether it’s a waterfall hike, canoeing together or just a relaxing and romantic picnic near the water.
  
• Early morning, head to your elopement location for a magical sunrise ceremony before the crowds arrive. Some of the most beautiful places to elope in the Blue Ridge include just about anywhere within Shenandoah National Park, such as Blackrock Summit, Stony Man Trail and Dark Hollow Falls. Oh, and I absolutely love this part of the world and offer elopement packages in Virginia and Shenandoah!
  
• Invite all of your friends and fam to join you in the afternoon for a celebration in the park or at a local restaurant. Super fun, casual and stress-free — love it! 

Amazing Places To Elope In Virginia 

There are so many more incredible places to elope in Virginia, so it all depends on where you want to be! In Northern Virginia, mega convenient due to its proximity to the DC airports, great elopement spots include Old Town Alexandria, Great Falls and even Luray Caverns for something a bit different. 

Other top options across the state include Virginia Beach, Chincoteague Island or even a local Virginia winery or B&B. I love exploring our gorgeous state myself so am always happy to share secret spots or gorgeous places I’ve discovered along the way! 

Virginia Elopement Packages

Now that you know how to legally elope in Virginia, it’s time to start planning your adventure! I’m excited to hear what you dream up and I am always so happy to help with your elopement photography.

Every Virginia Elopement Package Includes:

• 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 have any questions about planning your Virginia elopement or how your elopement ideas might work for photography, please reach out! I’d love to meet you and start creating your elopement — a unique, exciting and fun occasion that seriously won’t be like anything else!