Everyone LOVES Shenandoah in the fall but did you know the park is open year-round?

It’s the perfect place if you’re looking for a cozy, winter vibe for your elopement.

Shenandoah stretches from Front Royal, Virginia all the way to Waynesboro, Virginia giving you so many location options and opportunities for a chance to have a snowy elopement. And because the park is located all along the Blue Ridge Mountains, the odds are really good for some gorgeous snow!

Incredible Spots for Your Winter Elopement in Shenandoah

The Point Overlook

The Point Overlook is one of the best in Shenandoah National Park for beautiful mountain layers. And when the snow falls, the layers are even more stunning. Both of the photos above were taken at the Point Overlook at Sunset. The overlook is West facing so its the perfect spot for a snowy sunset. This overlook is located at mile marker 55.5 on Skyline Drive.

Whiteoak Canyon

This hike is SO beautiful in the snow. I’ve done this one many times in the snow and it’s really just like a winter wonderland. You can access this hike from Skyline Drive hiking down at the Upper Whiteoak Falls Trailhead at mile marker 42.6 or hiking from the bottom at the Lower Whiteoak Falls Parking Area. The waterfall photo above was taken from Lower Whiteoak while the two forest photos were taken from Upper Whiteoak. Both Upper and Lower will give views of waterfalls and streams along the way.

Mary’s Rock Tunnel

One of my favorite spots in the park, Mary’s Rock Tunnel is located just South of the Thornton Gap Entrance Station and Mary’s Rock trailhead. This part of the mountain is really beautiful in the snow with all the rock formations. Mary’s Rock Tunnel also has an overlook located right next to it so you can safely park and take in all the snowy views.

Big Meadows

I absolutely love Big Meadows. It has incredible forest backdrops and a huge meadow with gorgeous mountain views. It’s perfect for your winter wonderland elopement and amazing snowy portraits. Imagine taking some time here to warm up with some hot cocoa and your favorite fleece blankets for some beautiful, cozy photos!

Panorama 

Panorama is the first spot you’ll drive past heading South after entering Shenandoah National Park at the Thornton Gap Entrance Station. It has bathrooms as well as a very large parking lot where you’ll also see Mary’s Rock trailhead. This spot is great for the Winter because, if Skyline Drive is closed (and Shenandoah National Park is still open – it’s very rare for the actual park to shut down), you can park in this parking lot and hike along Skyline Drive still taking in all the beautiful views of the park covered in snow. Be aware that Shenandoah National Park runs very large plows through the road for clearing when Skyline Drive is closed so keep an eye out for them. All photos above were taken while hiking along Skyline Drive near Panorama.

Tips for Planning Your Winter Elopement in Shenandoah

• have a back up plan in case of closures

• have a back up plan for your back up plan

• pack LOTS of warm layers. Even if you need to take them off for photos, you’ll still have them to warm up in between shots

• bring warm drinks!

• be prepared – bring flashlights, extra blankets, extra clothing and jackets, have an emergency plan for if you get stuck, bring nonperishable food and bottles of water

• if you’re looking for snow, Jan-Mar is your best bet – surprisingly, March is one of the months that Shenandoah National Park gets a decent amount of snow! February and late January are also great months to pick for a snowy elopement.
  
  

What Can You Do for Your Snowy, Winter Wonderland Elopement?

Uhhh snowball fight!! Duhh! 🙂

But seriously, snowy portraits are the BEST because the snow reflects the light giving a very natural illumination. And you can have SO MUCH fun in the snow like little kids at heart!

Imagine this-

You’re at a gorgeous AirBnB blanketed by beautiful snow where you’ll take in the small, relaxed moments of getting ready while I capture all the little details that you’ve put into your special day before you head out to your first look.

In the crisp Winter air, you have an intimate first look in the snow covered woods by your AirBnB. The biggest smiles and laughs will be documented along with the tiny, raw emotions of saying your handwritten vows to each other so you can remember exactly what it felt like to say your vows.

After your first look and vows, picture heading out to your beautiful ceremony in Shenandoah National Park, the very spot where you’ll join your lives together forever. Every second, every little moment will be taken in by the two of you as I document it all. No rushing, no anxiety, no stress. Just the two of you.

Can you see it yet?

In the first moments as newlyweds, picture a serene walk in the snowy woods with the tree branches glistening from the freshly fallen snow. We’ll stop to have a little moment to sit down (on a waterproof picnic blanket. Yes! They do make those!) and the two of you can warm up under a cozy, soft blanket with a hot cup of cocoa or coffee. Just think about breathing in the quiet, peaceful moments here and enjoying the serenity all around you. 

Then back at your AirBnB, there will be a sweet and cozy catered dinner waiting for you and your closest friends and family. Or maybe just the two of you! Remember, your elopement day is all about what YOU want for yourselves.

Can you picture it? Me too. And it’s AMAZING!

Are you ready for your winter wonderland elopement in Shenandoah National Park?

What are you waiting for? Let’s plan your perfect and incredible winter elopement in Shenandoah National Park!

Important Info

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. Also, please respect their space. The photo of the buck taken above was taken at a distance with a telephoto lens.

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