Why should you elope in Virginia?

Because you want something meaningful and intentional.

You’re introspective and you’re spontaneous and you’re adventurous.

You’re sentimental and want to truly connect with your partner on the day you get married.

You want to share the most beautiful day with your best friend filled with all of your favorite things to celebrate your marriage to each other.

Elopements aren’t just one hour courthouse ceremonies anymore. They’re a series of beautiful moments shared between you and your soulmate. They’re the blueprint of your perfect day with your partner. The beauty of it all? It’s all up to you. Imagine a day dedicated to your love and built on all of your favorite things to do together.

Doesn’t that sound like what your wedding day should be? Absolutely.

If you’re even a little on the fence about it, ignore the noise and just jump in. Your elopement will be the most amazing experience.

The simple steps to eloping in Virginia

Eloping in Virginia is actually quite simple.

1. Find a qualified officiant for your elopement
2. Apply for your license at any Virginia Circuit Court Clerk (don’t forget, you’ll need a valid form of ID and a form of payment for the application)
3. Complete your ceremony

From the time of applying for your license, you’ll have 60 days to complete your ceremony anywhere in Virginia. No witnesses needed, just your officiant and the two of you. Make sure you bring your license and any accompanying paperwork with you for your officiant and your officiant should take care of the rest.

It’s THAT simple.

Choosing an INCREDIBLE Virginia location

It can feel overwhelming on where to start when planning an elopement. So simply start here:

1. Narrow down what season you’d like for your elopement

Are you an Autumn person who admires all the vibrant colors of the changing trees? Or do you love the lush greenery of Summer? Maybe you love a beautiful winter wonderland. Think about what weather and scenery you’d like for your Virginia elopement.

2. Now you’re ready to pick a region of Virginia

Mountains, beaches, cities, lakes. Virginia truly does have it all. The stunning blue ridge mountains, beautiful and unique cities, the serenity of Virginia beach, and an abundance of gorgeous lakes. Pick the region that speaks to you the most.

3. Find the perfect ceremony location for you

Think about what time of day you’d like to have your elopement ceremony and if you’d like a more private area, this will help you determine your location. After you’ve decided on your specific elopement ceremony location, you can build in all the beautiful pieces like fun activities, food, and small celebrations with your closest friends and family for the rest of your elopement day.

Here are just a few incredible spots for your elopement ceremony location:

Shenandoah National Park

this park is huge so check out my blog post on the most incredible spots within Shenandoah for your elopement. You’ll be sure to get gorgeous forest backdrops and stunning mountain views here.

Grayson Highlands State Park

one of the most magical places I’ve been. The mountains here are unlike anywhere else in Virginia and the park is home to beautiful wild ponies (be sure to admire them from a distance and respect all wildlife – photo of pony pictured above was taken with a zoom lens at a distance).

False Cape State Park

a simply stunning and peaceful state park along the Atlantic Ocean. Imagine having your intimate elopement among the dunes or in the beautiful woodland part of the park.

Downtown Norfolk

such a picturesque downtown area with the cutest courthouse building. Elope along the waterside and then stroll along the streets exploring this unique city.

Then, build in all the beautiful pieces of your elopement

Now that you’ve narrowed down your perfect elopement ceremony spot, we’ll build in all the beautiful pieces, making your elopement the BEST day. Picture sitting around a warm campfire during twilight in your favorite sweater making s’mores with your new spouse and maybe sharing some laughs with your closest friends and family.

Or maybe you’ll choose to celebrate your elopement by having a small, luxurious catered dinner at a cozy AirBnB.

Imagine horseback riding along the east coast or strolling your favorite downtown area stopping by quaint coffee shops and bookstores or even hiking on the side of a mountain along waterfalls.

Really, the possibilities for your elopement are endless because it’s all up to you. Think about this day as YOUR perfect day, what are the things that you both love to do as a couple? Then fill your entire day with that.

That’s how you elope in Virginia.

Let’s get started on planning your dream elopement in Virginia!

Find out how I can help you plan and document all the beautiful details of your Virginia elopement.

I can’t WAIT to help you build your perfect elopement.