Shenandoah.
Gorgeous, serene, breathtaking. It’s the PERFECT place for your elopement and I can’t wait to guide you through all my go-to spots. Shenandoah truly is one of my favorite places and I know it very well.

This guide will go over must-have information on different places within Shenandoah National Park where you can have your ceremony and get some AMAZING portraits to commemorate your elopement.

I’m starting this blog with my favorite places within Shenandoah National Park because that’s a good place to start in planning your elopement, finding the best spot for your ceremony.
From there we can build the rest of the beautiful pieces like:

• Choosing the best season in the park for your elopement
• Proper steps to officially elope in Virginia
• Your relaxed timeline for the day
• Best activities for you and your partner in and near the park
• Incredible places to eat and stay near the park

General Shenandoah National Park Information

First things first, if you’re considering eloping in Shenandoah National Park, you do not need a special use permit unless your ceremony has more than 15 participants. Isn’t that nice and easy? You will still need to abide by Shenandoah National Park’s policies regarding ceremonies but it’s way easier than you thought, right?

Now that you can relax a little knowing that your elopement in Shenandoah National Park will be super easy, let’s talk locations!

Shenandoah National Park has 4 entrances to the main road that runs through the entire park. This road is called Skyline Drive.

The entrances in order from North to South are 

1. Front Royal Entrance Station (Front Royal, Virginia)
2. Thornton Gap Entrance Station (Luray, Virginia)
3. Swift Run Gap Entrance Station (Elkton, Virginia)
4. And Rockfish Gap Entrance Station (Waynesboro, Virginia). 

These entrances break the park into 3 separate districts (you do NOT have to go through entrances stations when you move into another district, Skyline Drive is one continuous road).

We’ll start in the Southern district of the park. This section of Shenandoah National Park runs from Rockfish Gap (mile marker 105) all the way up to Swift Run Gap (mile marker 65.7). 

Southern District of Shenandoah

1. Blackrock Summit, mile marker 84.5

One of my FAVORITES for elopements. It’s a 1.1 mile round trip hike and is beautiful no matter what time of year you go. It has almost 360 degree views of the blue ridge mountains and many location options for your ceremony and portraits afterwards. The short hike makes it easy to be at the summit for either sunrise or sunset because you won’t be hiking far in low light. Keep in mind, the parking lot is on the smaller side so plan for times that are less busy (sunrise, weekdays, Winter, early Spring). 

2. Ivy Creek Overlook, mile marker 77.5

This East facing overlook is the perfect place for a sunrise (always pay attention to whether an overlook faces East or West if you’re looking for a sunrise or sunset in Shenandoah National Park. Skyline Drive runs North to South so if you want a sunrise… look for an East facing overlook and vice versa for sunset). It has a stunning view of mountain layers. And it also has a trail that runs on either side of the overlook for a forest backdrop too. Another bonus is that the parking lot is pretty large.

3. Brown Mountain Overlook, mile marker 76.9

This overlook is GORGEOUS. It has a few different mountain views and is perfect for a sunset. The parking lot, like Ivy Creek Overlook, is larger and it’s one of the better overlooks for a snowy elopement because you’ll really be able to see all the beautiful snow on each mountain layer.

Central District of Shenandoah

Moving on to the Central district of Shenandoah National Park, these spots are from Swift Run Gap (mile marker 65.7) to Thornton Gap (mile marker 31.5). 
Keep in mind that the central district is often the most busy, especially during peak season in the Fall (September thru early November). Weekdays and early mornings are your friend for your Virginia elopement in Shenandoah National Park.

1. South River, mile marker 62.7

One of my favorite engagement sessions was at this overlook. I know I said earlier that if you want to catch the sunset, look for a West facing overlook. But sometimes the fading colors are still just as beautiful on the other side of the mountain. This was the case for that session (pictured in the middle).  In the late Summer, there are these gorgeous wildflowers that fill up the entire area. The parking lot is small for this overlook BUT it’s right next to South River picnic grounds which has an abundance of parking. AND after your elopement ceremony, you can have a luxury picnic at the picnic grounds which are located in a beautiful forest area (Please remember to leave no trace!). 
BONUS: if you’re a hiker, like me, hike down to South River Falls (trailhead located in the picnic grounds) for a really special ceremony space right in front of the falls. South River Falls is an moderately intense 4.3 mile hike (the falls are STUNNING though).

2. The Point Overlook, mile marker 55.3

This is a West facing overlook and it gets CROWDED at sunset so keep that in mind if you want a more secluded place for your ceremony. This is one of the few overlooks that you can walk down a short path to a rock outcropping for BEAUTIFUL mountain layers. If you really want sunset for your ceremony at this overlook, I would strongly recommend going on a weekday in the early Spring or Winter. This could be a good option for portraits after your ceremony if you opt for a ceremony location somewhere else. The parking is relatively scarce at this overlook so keep that in mind as well.

3. Story of the Forest Trail and Big Meadows picnic grounds, mile marker 51

These are two of my favorite spots. They’re fairly secluded but also located right next to a visitor’s center so it’s super convenient for bathrooms and parking. Most people pass over this spot but, if you’re looking for a true forest backdrop, definitely go here. There are ferns all over the bed of the forest and, in the Spring and late Summer, beautiful wildflowers. I would recommend doing your elopement ceremony on the Story of the Forest trail and then taking some portraits and having a luxury picnic at Big Meadows picnic grounds. How perfect does that sound? Again, please make sure you leave no trace and respect Shenandoah National Park.

4. Dark Hollow Falls, mile marker 50.7

This is a steep but short (1.3 miles out and back) hike down to a beautiful waterfall. It is one of the most popular hikes in Shenandoah National Park during every time of year, even on the weekdays, except Winter. To beat the crowds, go just after sunrise. You’ll get the falls all to yourself. 
Pro Tip: I recommend parking at Fishers Gap Overlook and hiking down the Rose River Fireroad. There is a connection at the bottom of this fireroad between Dark Hollow Falls trail and Rose River Falls trail. This way you can hike up to Dark Hollow Falls and catch some beautiful, more secluded spots on the way up.

5. Rose River Falls, mile marker 49.4

To get to this trailhead, you’ll need to park at Fishers Gap Overlook. The trailhead is located just across the road. When you get to the trailhead, you’ll have two options, go down the trail or go down the Rose River Fireroad. It’s a loop so you’ll loop around no matter what BUT I recommend going down the trailside first. On the way back up from the falls, there are some slippery rocks that are MUCH easier going up than down, trust me (ask me how I know). This is a moderate 3.8 mile trail loop and it’s one of my absolute favorites in the park. The falls are amazing and you’ll follow a beautiful stream most of the trail so there are plenty of opportunities for some stunning photos!

6. Spitler Knoll Overlook, mile marker 48

This overlook has AMAZING mountain layers and is perfect for some sunset portraits. The parking is scarce here though so be mindful of that. It’s not as popular as some others like the Point Overlook so you don’t have to worry about crowds as much and it really is just as beautiful (honestly one of my favorites).

7. Hawksbill Summit, mile marker 45.5

This summit is one of the more popular summit hikes in Shenandoah National Park so this summit hike is best for a weekday, sunrise, or Winter hike and it will give you almost 360 degree mountain views. Be aware that there are multiple ways to get to this summit. The shortest way (1.4 miles out and back) is Lower Hawksbill but this is also the steepest so make sure you give yourself some time for breaks on the way up. The parking at Lower Hawksbill is also very scarce.

Northern District of Shenandoah

Now, let’s talk about the Northern district of the Shenandoah National Park. These spots are from Thornton Gap (31.5) to Front Royal (0). This section is less busy than the central district but still keep in mind that the most busy times of Shenandoah National Park are the Fall, Summer and the weekends no matter what district you plan to visit. I still always recommend planning for a weekday, early morning, early Spring or Winter.

1. The Range View Overlook, mile marker 17

This is a perfect East facing overlook, the sunrises here are GORGEOUS! And the mountain layers are abundant. The parking is pretty large here as well and it is an overlook that’s less popular in Shenandoah National Park so you might get away with a weekend sunrise all to yourselves!

2. North Marshall trailhead, mile marker 15.8

This location within Shenandoah National Park is really magical. The trees in this section of the park are really beautiful. The parking for this section is only big enough for about 2-3 cars so if you’re planning for just you two, your officiant, and your photographer (who is hopefully me!), you’ll be all set! Otherwise, this section is perfect for some portraits after you have your ceremony elsewhere. I highly recommend stopping here.

3. Signal Knob Overlook, mile marker 5.5

This overlook is personally really special to me. It’s a spot that my husband and I first went to while we were still dating. We hiked nearby (Land’s Run which is a really good workout hike with some pretty falls!) and on the way back out, got caught in a severe thunderstorm and it POURED. It was actually really romantic and we both love the rain so we just rolled with it. On the way out of Shenandoah though we stopped at this overlook (where I took the photo you see above to the right) for a stormy and unbelievable sunset. It’s a great overlook for sunset photos and has a decent amount of parking. You can also see the Shenandoah River in the distance.

Honorable Mentions

Hazel mountain Overlook, mile marker 33
This East-facing overlook is really beautiful, especially at sunrise. It has a small rock outcropping that is perfect for a ceremony spot for just the two of you. The parking is fairly large as well if you plan to have a few guests. This overlook can get pretty busy during peak seasons (Fall and Summer, especially on weekends) but, if you go on a weekday during sunrise, you’ll have the entire place to yourselves.

Stony Man, mile marker 41.7 – this hike is steep but only about a 1.5 mile loop which is why it’s one of the most popular hikes in Shenandoah National Park. It’s on the honorable mentions list because of its immense popularity. You basically HAVE to go either in the Winter (watch out for icy conditions!) OR early in the morning at sunrise. However, if you go at the right time, the views are extraordinary.

Tunnel Parking Overlook, mile marker 32.5 – This is a popular spot on the drive because it features Mary’s Rock Tunnel. The tunnel is pretty cool but as an east-facing overlook, the mountain layers at sunrise are stunning. If you’re planning a sunrise ceremony and don’t want to hike, keep this location in mind.

Mary’s Rock, mile marker 32.2 – Mary’s Rock is a 3.4 out and back trail and is so beautiful because of the rock outcroppings and mountain layer views. It is very popular though so the same rules that apply to Stony Man apply here. There are two ways to get to Mary’s Rock, through the trailhead located almost directly outside of Thornton Gap Entrance Station OR via Meadow Spring Trail.

Whiteoak Canyon, mile marker 42.6 – this hike from Skyline Drive is LONG (9.4 miles) but, if you don’t want to do the whole thing, there are spots along the way to the major falls that are really pretty. 
Please note that there are TWO ways to access this hike. One is on Skyline drive at mile marker 42.6 within Shenandoah National Park (this is the 9.4 mile out and back option). 
The other is outside of the park boundary at Lower Whiteoak Canyon Falls parking area. If you choose to start the trail outside of the park, it’s 2.9 miles out and back to see the major falls on the trail so definitely an option if you love hiking and want to do your ceremony at this falls.

Side note: The trail portion accessible from Skyline Drive is one of the most beautiful places in Shenandoah when there’s fresh snow on the ground. I went this Winter during a light snow and it was simply magical, like a winter wonderland (pictures -taken with my phone- of that day seen above).

Special Note

One of the things you need to know about Shenandoah is that there’s really no such thing as weather that’s bad for photos, you truly never know what you’re going to get (i.e. a rainy/foggy day can quickly turn into one of the most beautiful sunsets you’ve ever seen) and I honestly think things work out the way they’re meant to. So if you’ve planned your elopement and rain is in the forecast, embrace it and you might be pleasantly surprised at the magic you find.

Important Information

Skyline Drive is a STRICT 35 mph road (except in certain areas such as visitor centers and picnic grounds where it drops to 25 mph). This is for a reason. The curves can come up quickly and can be severe. Also, Shenandoah National Park is home to A LOT of wildlife. So please be respectful and abide by the speed limit.

Speaking of wildlife, it is AGAINST the law to feed wildlife. It’s extremely dangerous for them on many levels but especially because it attracts them to the road and increases their chance of a vehicular strike. So please, again, be respectful and don’t feed the wildlife.

LEAVE NO TRACE. Please don’t litter. Please be respectful and dispose of all trash in the appropriate places.

Shenandoah National Park’s entrance fee is $30. If you’re a park enthusiast like me, you can get the all inclusive yearly pass at $80 which counts as your entrance fee for most U.S. National Parks OR if you live in the area and are planning on going to Shenandoah more than once a year, you can get the Shenandoah National Park yearly pass for $55.

Make sure you know Shenandoah National Park’s policies for your elopement. For example, you are not allowed to put up decorations anywhere except within an amphitheater and only under approval from the park.

Soooo…

…definitely consider having your elopement in Shenandoah National Park. Not only is it super easy (waaaaay easier than you thought!) but you’ll get stunning views at every turn. So let’s schedule a call today to start creating the most beautiful story for your adventure elopement and perfect day in Shenandoah National Park. You won’t regret it, I promise.