Are you and your partner looking to elope among breathtaking scenery on the East Coast? Shenandoah National Park
is one of the beauties of the East Coast that would make for a perfect backdrop on your elopement day.
With the stunning mountain views, lush forests, and serene atmosphere,
it’s for the adventurous, storybook kind of love.
Planning your elopement can entail lots of time and research.
That’s why I am going to tell you all that you need to know about planning your elopement
at Shenandoah National Park, including locations, permits, vendors and more:
The 5 Step Elopement Guide: Shenandoah National Park
1. Choosing a Scenery that’s Best for You and Your Partner
Shenandoah National Park is known for its 105 mile Skyline Drive that runs along the lengths of the park and offers incredible views and access to trailheads. Some of the most elopement worthy stops along
this road include:
- Dark Hollow Falls: One of the park’s most stunning waterfall backdrops.
- White Oak Canyon: More secluded area with waterfalls and rich forest scenery.
- Blackrock Summit: Absolutely breathtaking views with the variety of a 360 degree view of the mountains and valleys, greenery, and rock formations.
Overlooks:
- Hawksbill Mountain: The highest point in the park with amazing panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah Valley, and parts of the Appalachian Trail.
- Big Meadows: A large, open area that provides stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- South River Overlook: A quieter spot with sweeping views of the Shenandoah Valley. With late summer bringing in colorful wildflowers.
2. Permits and Regulations
When eloping in Shenandoah National Park, you might legally need to obtain a Special Use Permit (SUP).
I’m sure most of you are wondering...
“What does this process look like and how do I know if this applies to me?”
Let me break it down for you!
Do I need a Special Use Permit and if so how should I go about this:
A Special Use permit is not required if all
the following are true:
- No props, sets, decor, music, or other equipment will be used and
- The group size* is 15 or less people.
A Special Use permit is required if any of
the following are true:
- Any props, sets, decor, music, or other set up is requested, or
- The group size* is 16 or more people.
*Group size includes all people associated with the elopement: officiant, photographer, videographer, guests-even children-,
you and your partner, etc.*
Timeline:
You’ll need to apply for the permit through the National Park Service (NPS). It’s encouraged by Shenandoah National Park to submit your application at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance, and must be submitted within at least 30 days of your requested elopement date in order to process a permit.
Click Here to find the application form and more information for Shenandoah National Park.
Permit Fees: The permit application fee is currently $150. This fee is for the park's administrative costs and helps preserve
the natural beauty of the area!
3. Time of Year, Weather, and Accommodations
- Time of Year: Shenandoah is a popular destination, especially during the peak of fall foliage in October, if you’re planning for this season be sure to book early! It’s also just as stunning during the summer months, but you’ll want to be sure you plan accordingly to avoid the crowds. Spring and winter months are the least crowded for the park, but ice and snow are very common during this time!
- Weather: Weather in the mountains can change quickly, so it’s best to be prepared for varying conditions! Make sure you have suitable clothing and be mindful of potential changes in temperature. Having a backup location in mind can also help in case your first choice is unavailable!
- Accommodations: If you’re looking to stay in Shenandoah, the park offers both campgrounds and lodging nearby! Alternatively, you can stay in nearby towns like Luray, Waynesboro, or Harrisonburg for more lodging options. There are also some pretty cool Airbnb’s that might be worth checking out near the outskirts of the park! Just take into consideration how much time it will take you to get from your accommodation to your elopement location, Skyline Drive is a windy road and might take longer than expected to get from point A to B.
4. Vendors
Photographer: You’re spending the time and energy curating the perfect elopement for you and your partner, making sure you have professional documentation of your special moments and the breathtaking views is a must!
It’s important that you find a photographer that supports you, your vision, and feels comfortable and confident in what your elopement day calls for. Whether this be traveling to your elopement location, hiking to the destination, and being aware of the leave no trace practice. All of these are great things to know prior to booking! Be sure to inquire with your dream photographer as soon as possible to ensure that they have your date available.
✨I am an avid nature lover, hiker, and adventurer! Whatever your elopement day calls for,
I will come prepared and ready to make your day flow with ease✨
Officiant: Do you have someone special in mind to officiate your elopement? Does your photographer have someone to provide these services? An officiant is a must to make sure you are legally married!
✨When booking your elopement with Laced Honey Photography, you have the option
to include an officiant in your package! My partner, Camryn, who is also my assistant,
is ordained and happy to officiate your union. ✨
Hair + Makeup Artist: Are you planning to have a professional help you get ready on your elopement day? There are many elopement hair and makeup artists that are willing to travel to accommodate you prior to your ceremony. It’s best to look into who you’d like/trust to do your hair and makeup early on in the planning stage so that you can do a trial beforehand if possible! There are also professionals that offer 1-on-1 classes to teach you what supplies you will need and how to create your wedding day look on your own, this is a great option for elopements!
5. Legal Requirements
Marriage License: When eloping in Shenandoah National Park you’ll need to obtain a marriage license from a county in Virginia. Make sure to check the requirements and fees
of the county you plan to apply in, as each county has slightly different rules.
Keep in mind both you and your partner must be present to obtain the marriage license!
Leave no Trace
It’s important to remember while you're eloping in a national park to respect the environment.
Leave no trace, stay on designated paths, and keep noise levels low.
