How To Plan An 8-Hour Elopement In Shenandoah National Park

An 8-hour elopement might sound like a lot of time, until you’re in the middle of it, soaking in the views, laughing together, and living your best day ever. Then you’ll realize… it flies by.

The truth is, when you fill your day with meaningful moments, scenic drives, hikes, and intentional pauses to just be together, 8 hours is the minimum amount of time I recommend. It gives you time to slow down, explore multiple locations, and create a full, unhurried experience.

I’ve planned and photographed dozens of elopements in Shenandoah, and I can tell you from experience that planning the day right makes ALL the difference. Here’s how to dream up your perfect 8-hour elopement in Shenandoah National Park.

And if you want more insight on why giving yourself more time for your elopement matters, check out my blog on why booking a full-day elopement is totally worth it!

Step One: Sunrise or Sunset?

Your first big decision is choosing between having your ceremony at sunrise or sunset. Both of these options are stunning in Shenandoah, but each has its pros and cons.

Sunrise: 

• Cooler temperatures (a huge plus in summer)

• The park is much quieter, so you’ll definitely have more privacy for your vows

• Gorgeous, soft morning light over the Blue Ridge Mountains

Cons: It’s early, and in summer that can mean starting your day around 4 AM or even earlier, depending on what you’d like to do BEFORE your ceremony, like getting ready, hiking to your location, etc.

Sunset:

• Warm, golden evening light
  
• More time in the morning for a slow start and getting ready
  
• Perfect if you want to end with a romantic dinner, camping, or stargazing

Cons: Trails and overlooks can be busier in the afternoon, as more people tend to stay up late rather than wake up early.

Whichever you choose, we’ll work together to build a timeline that fits everything in without feeling rushed!

Step Two: Choose Your Ceremony Spot

Your chosen ceremony location sets the tone for the entire day and shapes the kind of adventure you’ll have. Once you know where you’d like to say your vows, you can start mapping out the rest of your experience.

Shenandoah is full of incredible ceremony backdrops from sweeping mountain vistas to tucked-away trails surrounded by wildflowers in the summer, as well as foresty trails, rocky summits, meadows, and more. If you want to keep it easy, there are plenty of overlooks right off Skyline Drive that give you jaw-dropping views without a long hike. If you’re up for a bit of adventure, we can hike to waterfalls, mountain ridges, or meadows that feel completely private.

Skyline Drive itself is an experience. It’s 105 miles of winding road dotted with over 70 overlooks, each one offering a slightly different view of the Blue Ridge Mountains and valleys below. Many couples choose to stop at several overlooks throughout the day to soak in the scenery, take portraits, and simply enjoy the moment.

Once your ceremony spot is set, we can find lodging within an hour’s drive so you can make the most of your time in the park and spend the day exploring as much beauty as possible.

You can check out some ceremony location ideas and Shenandoah National Park elopement planning tips here!

Step Three: Find the Perfect VRBO or Airbnb

You’ll need a place to stay for your Shenandoah elopement trip, and a unique VRBO is one of the best options, especially if you want the flexibility of hosting a part of your day there. Choosing the right rental can give you:

• A cozy, private space to get ready and start your day with beautiful detail photos
  
• An indoor backup plan in case of bad weather
  
• A scenic yard or patio where you could hold your ceremony or dinner if you’re planning to bring a few guests along.

If you’re planning to have guests for your ceremony or dinner, make sure you get permission from the rental host first. Look for properties with big yards and/or sweeping views so you can take advantage of both indoor and outdoor options. A VRBO with lots of natural light and aesthetics that match your elopement vibe will make your getting-ready photos even more stunning.

It’s normal for VRBOs near Shenandoah to be 30 minutes to an hour’s drive from park locations, depending on where you’re headed. That’s why it’s important to narrow down your ceremony spot or hiking trail first, then find a rental within an hour of that area.

Pro tip: If you fall in love with an Airbnb listing, cross-check to see if the same property is available on VRBO, since Airbnb doesn’t allow weddings, but VRBO technically does (may depend on the host though). However, if you’re not hosting guests or your ceremony at the property, staying in an Airbnb is fine.

For more tips, see my guide on how to plan a VRBO intimate wedding in Virginia.

Step Four: Plan Your Shenandoah Adventure

Shenandoah is made for exploring. We’ll use our time to combine a mix of hiking, scenic drives, and fun, unplanned moments that make your day uniquely yours.

Ideas for your 8-hour elopement day in the park:

• Picnic with favorite snacks & drinks (or even pizza & beer!)
  
• Cheers with a glass of wine or champagne
  
• Stopping at one of the gift shops in the park to get souvenirs
  
• Hike to a waterfall or summit (I’ll help you choose trails that match your comfort level)
  
• Write vows together on a blanket overlooking the mountains
  
• Gift exchange with each other, OR just bring something special from home that reminds you of the other person to share together
  
• Sit & listen to your favorite songs
  
• Play video games together
  
• Share a First Dance together in the middle of a meadow
  
• Capture Polaroid photos of each other and take selfies
  
• Try something fun like temporary tattoos, scratch-off lottery tickets, or blowing bubbles
  
• Create your own tradition (like choosing a leaf, making a wish, and letting it go in the wind)

You can also think beyond Shenandoah National Park

The Shenandoah Valley is full of incredible experiences outside as well. These options are great to consider if you’d like to make a whole weekend getaway or mini-moon out of it (which I HIGHLY recommend):

• Visiting local wineries & breweries
  
• Sipping coffee in small-town cafes
  
• Exploring apple orchards in the fall
  
• Taking a tour of the Luray Caverns
  
• Booking a farm-to-table dinner at a local restaurant
  
• Wandering through historic towns
  
• Riding in a hot air balloon

Step Five: Plan Your Celebration

One of my favorite ways to wrap up an 8-hour Shenandoah elopement is with a relaxed dinner back at your VRBO. Especially if you’re bringing guests, you can spend time adventuring in the park and head “home” to celebrate with your loved ones.

You can keep it casual with takeout and a campfire, or go all-out with a private chef like Megan & Nick did. See their story for inspiration here! 

Sample 8-Hour Shenandoah National Park Elopement Timeline

• 4:30 AM – Getting ready at your VRBO (detail photos, first look if you want one)
  
• 5:15 AM – Drive to ceremony location in the park
  
• 5:45 AM – Arrive at overlook + set up for ceremony
  
• 6:00 AM – Sunrise ceremony + vow exchange
  
• 6:30 AM – Newlywed portraits at the overlook
  
• 7:00 AM – Scenic drive along Skyline Drive with portrait stops
  
• 8:00 AM – Short hike to a waterfall or summit for more photos
  
• 10:00 AM – Picnic breakfast + champagne toast
  
• 10:30 AM – Gift exchange or personal activities (reading letters, Polaroids, bubbles, etc.)
  
• 11:15 AM – Final portraits before heading back to VRBO
  
• 12:30 PM – Wrap up coverage at VRBO (casual lunch, relaxing moments, or hot tub soak)

Consider The Travel Time

One thing many couples don’t realize at first is that travel time is part of your total coverage hours. In Shenandoah, this matters because the park is huge, and getting from one overlook to another can take 20–40 minutes along Skyline Drive, and trailheads may be spread out.

By factoring travel into your timeline, we can plan your day so every stop feels intentional, and you’re not rushing from one spot to the next. This is also why having your VRBO or Airbnb within an hour of your ceremony location is so helpful! It means you can spend more time in the park making memories and less time sitting in the car.

When I build your elopement timeline, I’ll account for all of this so your day flows naturally and you get the most out of your 8 hours.

How To Plan an 8-Hour Elopement In Shenandoah + Extra Resources

There are some rules on how to elope in Virginia and you will have to fill out some paperwork beforehand. Luckily, I have a whole blog post about everything you need to know about how to legally get married in Virginia! Make sure to read over that here!

I also have a full guide on eloping in Shenandoah National Park that has everything from how to get there, the best locations to elope, and what you should pack. I highly recommend reading over that blog as well! All of these resources will be your go-to on how to plan an 8-hour elopement in Shenandoah!

The Freedom to Create Your Dream Elopement

Elopements offer the freedom to slow down, savor every moment, and focus on what truly matters – your love and the experiences you share. It’s about cherishing beautiful locations, creating memories, and celebrating your unique journey together.

In planning your own elopement, remember that I’m here to listen to your vision and provide you with options tailored to your preferences. With a million different locations and variations of timelines, we can create the perfect elopement day for you. Ready to start planning your Shenandoah elopement? Let’s make it unforgettable! Contact me here to get started!