Virginia Elopement Packages
Between the Blue Ridge Mountains, old-money estates, and coast views, this state packs a lot of variety into one place. Add in easy marriage laws, affordable permits, and plenty of hidden gems, and it’s no wonder Virginia is quickly becoming one of the most popular elopement destinations in the U.S.
Why Elope in Virginia?
Legal Process
Virginia is quickly becoming a popular elopement spot because people are finding out that this state offers A LOT of bang for your buck. There’s no waiting period, you don’t have to live there, and, you don’t need a witness. Licenses are $30-$50, and couples can marry the same day.
Permits & Access
Many Virginia state and national parks (Shenandoah) allow elopements at little to no cost, and even waive permit requirements for events with under 15 people. For other spots that do require permits (Blue Ridge Mountains), couples can still expect a reasonable price of $25-$50.
Geography
You’d think that since it’s so affordable, couples would be limited to venues and fields, but that’s not the case. Virginia is jam-packed with unforgettable places that offer a variety of atmospheres and experiences for couples to enjoy. Whether you want adventure, cliffs, and views, or romance, vintage mansions, and vineyards, I can confidently say there is something for you here.
What is Virginia Known For?
Lovers
“Virginia is for Lovers” has been the official state slogan since 1969, and rightfully so. With its rich history, old-money estates, beaches, and wineries, the vintage timelessness draws lovers from all around. Can you feel it pulling you?
Birthplace of Presidents
If you’re a history buff, you might find it interesting that 8 U.S. presidents have been born here, including Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, Harrison, Tyler, Taylor, and Wilson. Couples can expect to see many historic locations and monuments during their stay.
Blue Ridge Mountains & Shenandoah National Park
Most people think of rugged valleys, ridges, and the famous Blue Ridge Parkway drive when asked about Virginia. These places are the heart of Appalachia, and are often tied to well-known folk music and mountain culture, like “Take Me Home, Country Roads” and “Oh Shenandoah.”
What Animals Are Unique to Virginia?
When visiting Virginia, especially during prime times, couples have a higher chance of seeing black bear, deer, bald eagles, blue crab, and red fox. Make sure to look out your window and keep your eyes peeled during our hikes up to lookouts! As full-time outdoorsmen, we will always do our best to spot and point out wildlife for our couples.
How to Elope in Virginia
Learn about commitment ceremonies!
Obtain a Marriage License:
Bring a valid ID to any Virginia Court Clerk’s office to apply for a marriage license. The fee is typically between $25-$50. There is no waiting period, and couples are free to use it on the same day.
Find an Officiant:
In Virginia, marriages can be officiated by judges, certain public officials, and ordained ministers or clergy who have registered their credentials with the circuit court. Friends or family members may also officiate, but only if they are Virginia residents of the local judicial circuit and receive one-time authorization from the court, which requires filing paperwork and paying a fee. Unlike some states, Virginia does not recognize online ordinations for officiants and does not allow marriage ceremonies to be conducted virtually using a Virginia marriage license.
Choose Your Location(s):
Choose from famous places like Shenandoah National Park, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and Virginia Beach. For more adventurous couples, we can absolutely work together to find the most scenic and lesser-known spots that fit your vision and fill your explorative heart.
When is the Best Time to Elope in Virginia?
Please click each photo to view the applicable credited sources.
Spring (March to May)
Spring mornings average around 50°F and afternoons average in the 70s°F, with comfortable humidity and plenty of sunshine. It’s one of the best times to visit since flowers, trees, and mountains are blooming and entering that bright green, fluffy stage. Popular spots like Shenandoah National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Williamsburg, and Charlottesville draw big crowds during peak wildflower and festival season. Be prepared for higher travel rates and busier trails, especially during weekends and peak bloom times.
(Spring is awesome if you’re looking for that vibrant pop of color in your photos.)
Summer (June to August)
Warm mornings in the 70s°F and hot, humid afternoons in the 80s–90s°F. It’s peak season for beaches, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and historic sites, so expect crowds for those. Couples should plan around the heat and occasional thunderstorms, and look out for fireflies and dolphins along the coast.
Fall (September to November)
Cool mornings in the 50s°F and mild afternoons in the 60s–70s°F, with low humidity and, you guessed it, 10/10 fall colors. It’s still very popular in Shenandoah and the Blue Ridge Parkway because of the color changes, but starts to wane mid-end season.
Winter (December to February)
20s–30s°F morning and 30s–50s°F afternoons. Snow is common in the Blue Ridge and Shenandoah mountains, while central areas see lighter, short-lived snow, and the coast stays mostly chilly and damp. Winter has fewer crowds, so things are generally more affordable and quieter.
Weather Warnings:
Virginia’s main weather concerns are hurricanes and winter storms. Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, peaking from August to October, and mainly affects coastal areas like Virginia Beach and the Chesapeake Bay.
In the winter, it is not recommended to travel in higher elevations during active storm warnings.
Read this official resource to stay prepared when visiting Virginia.
Where to Elope in Virginia
Read about whether you should elope in a State or a National Park!
National Parks
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Appalachian Trail National Scenic Trail
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial National Memorial
Assateague Island National Seashore
Blue Ridge Parkway
Booker T Washington National Monument
Cape Henry Memorial Part of Colonial National Historical Park
Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail
Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park
Chesapeake Bay Watershed (NPS managed area)
Civil War Defenses of Washington (Civil War Fortifications, NPS site)
Colonial National Historical Park
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Fort Monroe National Monument
Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park
George Washington Memorial Parkway
George Washington Birthplace National Monument
Great Falls Park
Green Springs National Historic Landmark District
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Historic Jamestowne Part of Colonial National Historical Park
Maggie L Walker National Historic Site
Manassas National Battlefield Park
Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail
Petersburg National Battlefield
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
Prince William Forest Park
Richmond National Battlefield Park
Shenandoah National Park
Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail
Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts National Park
Yorktown Battlefield Part of Colonial National Historical Park
State Parks
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Bear Creek Lake State Park
Belle Isle State Park
Breaks Interstate Park
Caledon State Park
Chippokes State Park
Claytor Lake State Park
Clinch River State Park
Douthat State Park
Fairy Stone State Park
False Cape State Park
First Landing State Park
Grayson Highlands State Park
High Bridge Trail State Park
Holliday Lake State Park
Hungry Mother State Park
James River State Park
Kiptopeke State Park
Lake Anna State Park
Leesylvania State Park
Mason Neck State Park
Natural Bridge State Park
Natural Tunnel State Park
New River Trail State Park
Occoneechee State Park
Pocahontas State Park
Sailor’s Creek Battlefield State Park
Shenandoah River Raymond R. “Andy” Guest Jr. State Park
Shot Tower Historical State Park
Sky Meadows State Park
Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park
Staunton River State Park
Staunton River Battlefield State Park
Tabb Monument State Park
Twin Lakes State Park
Westmoreland State Park
Wilderness Road State Park
York River State Park
Sweet Run State Park
USDA Forest Service:
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George Washington & Jefferson National Forest
Bureau of Land Management:
The Bureau of Land Management does not manage any land in the state of Virginia.
Unique Stays
Click to learn more about each property.
Each photo is credited to AirBnb
Popular Venues in Virginia
Clifton Inn - Charlottesville
Salamander Resort & Spa - Middleburg
Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards - North Garden
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden - Richmond
Most Popular Elopement Locations in Virginia
Shenandoah National Park
Blue Ridge Parkway
Grayson Highlands State Park
Great Falls Park
Sky Meadows State Park
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Where to Visit for Wedding Portraits in Virginia
Have the freedom to choose an elopement location and a variety of smaller, lesser-known areas that make for fun experiences and memorable photos. I keep every elopement (and location information) specific to each couple, so these are only a few of my favorite areas that I encourage readers to explore.
If you want to prioritize finding the best photographer for you, read how to find the best one.
McAfee Knob
Sharp Top Mountain
Humpback Rocks
Great Falls Park
Grayson Highlands State Park
Please respect all natural areas and leave it better than you found it. Vandalism will result in the closing and protection of such unique areas.
How Much Does it Cost to Elope in Virginia?
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$50 — marriage license
$500 — 3 night airbnb stay
$3500 — photographer
$300 — bouquet + boutonniere
$500 — wedding dress
$200 — suit rental
$200 — restaurant dinner + drinks
Free — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest permit fee
Free — DIY hair + makeup
Total: $5,250
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Luxury
marriage license — $50
3 night luxury airbnb stay — $2000
photographer — $9500
bouquet, boutonniere, florals for ceremony and dinner — $1000
wedding dress — $3000
suit purchase — $1000
private chef — $800
5-6” custom cake — $350
On site hair + makeup — $800
Shenandoah National Park permit fee — Free
Total: $18,500
Unique Things to Do in Virginia as a Couple
Whether you want to celebrate a honeymoon or get off the tourist path with your elopement experience, there are a variety of things to do around the state that will add to your fun. Here are some of my personal favorites in Virginia.
Read about the best places to honeymoon in the US.
Go Underground to the Luray Caverns
Take a paved pathway through stalactite columns, travertine, and crystal-clear pools before finding a cathedral room with ceilings 10-feet high...all while underground.
Explore Maymont
Stroll through a 100-acre American estate with lush gardening, otters, goats, and tours of the mansion itself.
Visit the Past Together, Go to Jamestown
The original site of the first permanent English settlement in America showcases the first American lives of the 1600s.
Spend a Day at the Virginia Safari Park
Virginia’s only drive-thru safari park that’s home to over 1000 animals, including Giraffes, White Rhinos, Cheetahs, African Penguins, Zebras, Bengal Tigers, and more. Enjoy feeding experiences and encounters with sloths, rhinos, or penguins during your stay.
Virginia Elopement Timeline Examples
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10 AM - 1 PM: Photographer arrives, capture getting ready together + details
1 PM: Depart lodging for Shenandoah National Park
1:30 PM: Stop at park sign for portraits (Swift Run Gap Entrance)
1:50 PM: Depart to The Point Overlook (16 min commute)
2:10 PM: Short walk to The Point Overlook (0.6 miles)
2:15 - 3:10 PM: Ceremony + Portraits at The Point Overlook
3:10 PM: Return to vehicles
3:15 PM: Depart to Rose Falls parking area (10 min commute N on Skyline Dr.)
3:30 PM: Rose River Falls Hike (2.4 miles RT, 1.2 miles out ~ 45 min)
4:30 - 5:30 PM: Ham-mocking + cold plunge at Rose River Falls with a drink cheers
5:30 PM: Begin return hike (1.2 miles back ~ 55 min)
6:30 PM: Return to lodging for dinner prepared by a private chef
7 - 8:30 PM: Enjoy a private dinner together
8:30 - 10 PM: Light a bonfire, dance under the stars, end the evening sharing a slice of cake
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Day 1 – Ceremony
9:30 - 11 AM: Photographer arrival at cabin, getting ready separately + capture details
11 AM: First look at cabin, portraits at cabin
12 PM: Light snack / touch-up
12:30 PM: Depart cabin for McAfee’s Knob trailhead
Commute: ~25–30 minutes.
1 PM: Begin hike to McAfee’s Knob
Distance: ~4 miles one-way, moderate difficulty, ~2–2.5 hours.
3:30 PM: Arrive at McAfee’s Knob summit4 PM: Ceremony at McAfee’s Knob
4:30–5:30 PM: Portraits at summit
5:30 PM: Begin descent
Return hike: ~2 hours.7:30 PM: Drive back to cabin
Commute: ~25–30 minutes.8:00 PM: Prepare a cozy meal side-by-side in the kitchen.
9:30 PM: Bonfire, marshmallows & port wine
Day 2 – Adventure Session
9:00 AM: Depart cabin
Commute to Floyd, VA: ~1 hr 15 min.10:15 AM: Arrive at “Along the Water” stables
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM: 2-hour guided horseback ride through rolling fields, water crossings, and forest trails.
12:45 PM: Option for casual picnic or local Floyd café stop
1:30 PM: End of coverage
Previous Client Galleries in Virginia
Previous Client Experiences in Virginia
The Runaways
My experience with Micaela and Scott felt straight out of an old romance movie. Two people drunk in love, sneaking off into the mountains to tie the knot while their friends and family thought they were out hiking.
We met at the Swift Run Gap entrance, took portraits along Skyline Drive, and found a mountain overlook for the ceremony. Afterwards, we hiked to Rose River Falls and set up a hammock, where they celebrated their first moments as man and wife with drinks, a joint, and their dog (as an unofficial witness).
They topped their day off with a spontaneous cold plunge at the falls before heading home to decide how they would share the incredible news with their family and friends.
Is Eloping in Virginia Right for Me? (Quiz)
Not the perfect fit? Try these similar states instead:
North Carolina
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Feel adventurous? Read about eloping out of the country.
Virginia Elopement Packages
All elopement packages include:
All Travel Fees (prices don’t change per location!)
Customized Location Options
Permit Assistance
Personalized Vendor Options
Activity Suggestions Unique to You
An Elopement Timeline
Every elopement gallery includes high-resolution digital images with printing rights and a private online gallery to view, print, download, and share with your family and friends to relive the day with you - forever!
4 Hour ~ $3500
This package is perfect for couples who want a simple elopement experience. It includes getting ready, a short hike to the ceremony location, and couples portraits.
8 Hour ~ $5500
This package is perfect for couples who want to spend a day of adventure together, such as a long hike, off-roading, or visiting multiple locations. It's great for capturing the complete story of
your elopement day. Typically, couples who are eloping and want to document their day for their friends and family who couldn't attend will choose this package. It's also ideal for couples bringing their friends and family along and would like to have their reception captured. Your reception could be as simple as having pizza with your loved ones or as elaborate as a private chef serving a three-course meal during a welcome dinner.
12 Hour ~ $7500
This package is perfect for couples wanting complete elopement coverage. It offers the ultimate storytelling experience, from waking up and having coffee with your partner to roasting marshmallows on a fire after sunset. This is an ideal option for couples looking to document their entire day with their guests included. Couples eloping alone also select this package to document every detail for their loved ones at home.
Multi-Day ~ $9500
Perfect for couples wanting a multi-day experience with a lot of adventure. This package is best if you want to elope in one epic location and experience another the following day. An example of this would be hiking out to McAfee’s Knob and having your ceremony in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Ending your evening back at your cabin cooking dinner side by side and then lighting a campfire to enjoy a few smores and port wine. The next morning waking up and driving out to stables in Floyd, VA for a private horseback tour in the mountains and picnic.
Which Elopement Package is Right for Me?
4-Hour Elopement Package:
This package is right for you if:
You want a short and intimate ceremony.
You prefer minimal planning and coordination.
You prefer natural decor and scenic backdrops.
You prefer to stay closer to your accommodations.
8-Hour Elopement Package:
This package is right for you if:
You want to explore multiple locations and activities.
You want to have a full day but not too much stress in planning.
You want to include a larger group of friends and family.
You want to incorporate multiple outfit changes or additional decor.
12-Hour Elopement Package:
This package is right for you if:
You want to document everything without feeling scheduled or rushed.
You want to include extended friends and family or have a formal reception.
You prefer to include elaborate decor.
You prefer the freedom to switch between activities and locations with ease.
Multi-Day Elopement Package:
This package is right for you if:
You want to combine elopement with a romantic getaway.
You prefer to explore multiple locations.
You want to include extended friends and family or have a formal reception.
Current Specials for Virginia Bookings
So, is Virginia Really for Lovers?
Is it for you?
Are We a Match?
I get it, choosing a photographer can be overwhelming. Who has the right style, personality, etiquette, and professionalism to make your wedding day perfect?
My goal as an elopement photographer goes beyond taking pictures of happy couples in amazing places and extends to creating the most perfect experience for you in every aspect. Take the quiz to see if I’m what you’re looking for.
