From a Shenandoah Elopement Photographer Who’s Seen It All

If you’re dreaming of saying your vows surrounded by rolling mountains, golden light, and just the two of you (or maybe a handful of your favorite people), Shenandoah National Park is pure magic. As a Shenandoah elopement photographer, I’ve had the honor of capturing intimate ceremonies along misty overlooks, forested trails, and open meadows that feel like they were made for this kind of moment. But before you pack your dress, hiking boots, and champagne, let’s walk through exactly how to elope and get married legally in Shenandoah National Park.

Step 1: Choose Your Elopement Location in Shenandoah

There’s no shortage of stunning spots here, but a few elopement favorites include:

• Big Meadows – golden fields, especially beautiful in fall.
• Skyline Drive Overlooks – like Timber Hollow, Hazel Mountain, or Thorofare Mountain Overlook for sunset views.
• Stony Man Trail – short hike, big views.
• Dark Hollow Falls – for waterfall lovers.
• Bearfence Mountain – a short rock scramble with 360° views.

Pro tip: I help couples scout locations based on their vision, hiking ability, and time of day (lighting matters!).

Step 2: Get a Special Use Permit from the National Park

Yes, you need a permit to elope and get married in Shenandoah National Park—even for a small elopement. Don’t worry, I help with this process!

Here’s how it works:

1. Download the Special Use Permit application from the official Shenandoah National Park website.
2. Fill it out and email it to the park’s permit office (the address is on the form).
3. Pay the $150 application fee.
4. Wait for approval and your official permit.

Important: They ask for at least 4 weeks’ notice, so don’t leave this step to the last minute!

Step 3: Get a Virginia Marriage License

To make it legal, you’ll need a Virginia marriage license, which you can get from any Virginia Circuit Court—it doesn’t have to be the county where you’re eloping.

Here’s what you need to know:

• No waiting period – you can get married the same day you get the license.
• No witnesses required in Virginia.
• License is valid for 60 days.
• Both partners must appear in person with ID.
• Cost is typically around $30–50, depending on the county.

Closest courthouses to Shenandoah include Page County (Luray), Augusta County (Staunton), and Rockingham County (Harrisonburg).

Step 4: Choose Your Officiant

You’ll need a Virginia-authorized officiant to sign your marriage license to elope and get married in Shenandoah. You’ve got a few options:

• Bring an ordained officiant who’s already authorized in Virginia.
• Hire a local officiant who knows the park (I can recommend a few amazing ones!).
• Have a friend or family member get authorized in advance through the court system (this takes a bit of extra paperwork and varies by county).

Note: In Virginia, you cannot self-solemnize (officiate your own wedding), even if you’re eloping.

Step 5: Plan the Experience (Don’t Skip This Part)

One of the most beautiful things about eloping is that you can make the day exactly what you want. Want to watch sunrise from a mountaintop and then picnic in a meadow? Let’s do it. Want to read private vows on a trail and then FaceTime your families? Absolutely.

As your photographer, I help build your timeline, recommend vendors (florals, officiants, HMUA, picnic stylists), and even bring snacks if needed. This is your wedding day—it deserves just as much intention and beauty as a traditional one.

Looking for inspiration for your full-day adventure elopement? Click here!

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Quick Checklist for Eloping in Shenandoah

✅ Apply for your Special Use Permit
✅ Get your Virginia marriage license
✅ Hire a Virginia-authorized officiant
✅ Scout your perfect ceremony spot
✅ Book your photographer (hi, that’s me!)
✅ Hike, vow, kiss, celebrate 🎉

Eloping in Shenandoah National Park is intimate, breathtaking, and totally unforgettable. If you’re dreaming of exchanging vows among the mountains with nothing but the sound of wind through the trees and birds overhead—this is the place.

As a photographer who knows these trails, overlooks, and permit quirks like the back of my hand, I’d love to help you make it happen—smoothly, legally, and beautifully.

Want help planning your Shenandoah elopement?