Summer Shenandoah Elopement Full of Fun + Unique Elopement Ideas

Elopements

Katie & Quinlan are an outdoorsy, thoughtful, and playful couple, and they brought those vibes to their summer elopement day in Shenandoah National Park. They wanted to include meaningful moments with their cats, private vows under the trees, and a mountaintop ceremony at sunset with pizza and Katie’s parents by their side. It was intentional, emotional, and absolutely them.

They chose to elope because (and I’m quoting them here) “people = stressful.” After getting engaged at the top of the crag in Ozark National Forest, they loved those first few hours of just being in the moment together, offline and undisturbed. They wanted their wedding day to feel the same. And Shenandoah was the perfect backdrop for that vision!

If you’re dreaming of a fun summer elopement in Shenandoah National Park that’s full of joy and unique elopement ideas, Katie & Quinlan’s day will be the perfect inspiration!

summer elopement in shenandoah national park with mountain views and cloudy skies

Getting Ready at Their Airbnb (With Cats!)

The day started slow and peaceful at their private Airbnb tucked near Shenandoah National Park. They purposefully chose an Airbnb with lots of natural light and one that was pet-friendly because they wanted to include their two cats in their day. Pet-friendly Airbnbs and hotels are a wonderful way to physically include your fur babies in your elopement, as long as your pets do well with traveling and being alone in a new place.

As Katie got her hair and makeup done, I photographed all the fun and personalized items they brought for their day! Everything from customized vow books to DIY decorated sunglasses to Shenandoah National Park postcards and a wooden wedding sign to an ADORABLE pair of Mr. & Mrs. Pikachu stuffed animals in bride and groom outfits!

cozy airbnb near shenandoah national park

unique elopement details for a shenandoah summer elopement

First Look + Private Vows in the Yard

Outside, under the shade of a beautiful tree, Katie & Quinlan shared their first look and exchanged private vows. This is such a beautiful option if you want to keep your vows extra personal while still having a ceremony later on with guests.

After their private vows, we went back inside to do a few family group photos and get the photos with their kitties. They attempted to get their paw prints on the marriage license. Only one of them cooperated, but it was still such a fun time.

And before heading out, they cut their cake in the kitchen, which was also a super cute moment!

bride and groom elopement first look in a lush green field

bride and groom private vow exchange during a summer elopement in shenandoah

bride and groom with their cats at the airbnb

bride and groom cutting cake at the airbnb

National Park Adventures: Fun + Unique Elopement Activities in Shenandoah

When planning their elopement, they knew they wanted to do their ceremony near sunset at Blackrock Summit. However, this meant we had plenty of time to spend at various overlooks for photos and fun activities.

Katie & Quinlan had so many fun things planned! They did a gift exchange, scratched off a lottery ticket, and took photos with their wooden park sign before pulling out their Nintendo Switches for a “first game” of Mario Kart instead of a first dance. They love to play video games together, so doing that instead of dancing made sense for them!

I LOVED ALL of this, because it was such a unique way to reflect their relationship.

Then Katie’s parents brought pizzas for dinner! It was so fun to sit on the stone wall with the mountains behind them as they enjoyed their pizza with a view!

bride and groom exchange gifts at a mountain overlook during their shenandoah summer elopement

bride and groom scratching off a lottery ticket at a mountain overlook during their shenandoah summer elopement

pizza elopement picnic at a mountain overlook during a shenandoah summer elopement

bride and groom playing a video game together

A Quick Souvenir Stop at the Park Gift Shop

Before the ceremony, we stopped by one of the park’s gift shops to grab some souvenirs (which is such a fun idea for commemorating your wedding day!). They freshened up, browsed the shelves, and made memories in a place they’ll be returning to for years.

bride and groom inside gift shop at shenandoah national park

Unique Elopement Ideas to Make Your Day Personal

One of my favorite things about Katie & Quinlan’s day was how uniquely them it felt. From playful moments to quiet rituals, their Shenandoah summer elopement was packed with meaningful details. If you’re looking for unique elopement ideas, let this be your inspiration board!

Here are some of my favorite personal touches from their day:

First game vs a first dance
Getting a pet-friendly accommodation to bring their cats along
Having their cats sign their marriage license
Pizza picnic with a view!
Visiting a gift shop for souvenirs
DIY wedding details and personalized decorations (like their custom vow books, wooden sign, and Pikachu plushies in wedding outfits!)
Having private vows before the ceremony, so you don’t have to make those promises in front of anyone else but yourselves!
Having a sand unity ceremony.

The best part about eloping is that there are no rules. You can bring in traditions you love or make up new ones. Your day should be full of whatever makes your relationship feel celebrated.

Looking for more unique elopement ideas? I’m always happy to help you brainstorm ways to make your wedding day reflect your love story.

Sunset Ceremony at Blackrock Summit

We met their officiant, Pamela, in the trailhead parking lot for Blackrock Summit. This is one of my favorite Shenandoah elopement hikes, because it’s short, easy, and opens up to stunning 360° views. I scouted a few possible ceremony spots, and once we found the perfect rock outcropping, Katie touched up her makeup and they made their way out for the ceremony.

There were very few people out on the trails that day, so it was truly a private experience!

Katie & Quinlan shared a beautiful ceremony and added a sand unity ritual, which will now live in their home as a keepsake from this unforgettable day. After the ceremony, we wandered the trail and took portraits during blue hour. Katie & Quinlan lit up lanterns and climbed out onto the rocks for those final newlywed portraits.

BTW, you don’t have to climb out on the rocks for gorgeous photos. However, if you’re up for a little adventure, it’s totally worth it! In this case, don’t worry, we take our time and go slow at your own pace, so you feel safe and secure. Make sure to wear sturdy shoes! But preparing for your hike and elopement day in Shenandoah is what I’m here to help with, too!

bride and groom and parents hiking a trail in shenandoah national park

shenandoah national park elopement ceremony at a mountain overlook

bride and groom sand unity ceremony at shenandoah national park

elopement couple kissing at a mountain overlook during their summer elopement in shenandoah

Kind Words from the Couple

“Juliana is one of the most wonderful humans I’ve ever met!! She was SO HELPFUL in every single aspect of the planning process – she helped us find vendors, plan our timeline, and met with us as often as we needed to come up with a game plan for our elopement. She captured every moment of our day so beautifully and we received our full album so much earlier than I expected!! Every single photo is perfect; she captured every single magical moment of our day. I could not recommend Juliana enough, and I have so so so much love for her and her work. Thank you SOOOO much Juliana for everything you’ve done for us!! <3” – Katie & Quinlan

If you’d like to see more reviews from other couples, check them out here!

elopement couple with lanterns at a mountain overlook during their summer elopement in shenandoah

Throwback to Their Sunrise Cherry Blossom Engagement Session

Before their elopement, I photographed Katie & Quinlan’s engagement session in Washington, DC, during Cherry Blossom season! We met at sunrise to avoid the crowds (pro tip: sunrise is always best during peak bloom), and while it was chilly that March morning, it was so worth it. Their joy, the iconic Tidal Basin views, and those fleeting pink petals made for an absolutely magical morning.

I love it when my elopement couples also plan an engagement session with me because it’s a great way for us to meet each other before the wedding day and for you to get comfortable in front of the camera. It felt full circle to go from the blossoms in DC to the wildflowers and mountain views of Shenandoah a year later!

Take a look at more of their cherry blossom engagement photos and tips to plan your own session here!

the engaged couple in Washington DC during the National Cherry Blossom Festival

the DC couple sitting on a bench during the National Cherry Blossom Festival in DC

Planning Your Own Summer Elopement in Shenandoah?

Whether you’re drawn to sunset hikes, pizza picnics, and other unique elopement ideas like a “first game” with your partner, Katie & Quinlan’s day is proof that you can have an elopement that’s both chill and deeply meaningful.

I’m here for the couples who crave personal connection, intentional experiences, and finding adventure wherever they can. If this sounds like you, whether you’re eloping in Shenandoah National Park, Washington, DC, or anywhere else on the East Coast, I’ll be there to support you on your adventure and cheer you on!

You can inquire with me here to get started planning your elopement together. Let’s chat about how we can make your elopement day feel exactly like you. I look forward to connecting with you!

See more from Katie & Quinlan’s Shenandoah summer elopement, and save your favorites to Pinterest as you plan your big day!