Shenandoah National Park offers something for everyone who wants to plan a celebration here—whether your vision includes wandering through forests, discovering jaw-dropping waterfalls, or hiking with your partner at sunrise to the top of a summit for epic views.
As a Shenandoah elopement photographer, I love helping my couples plan their dream elopement or wedding here. The possibilities are endless, and the best part is that you get to choose what makes you happiest!
Let’s take a look at some of my favorite places for weddings in Shenandoah National Park!
Top Shenandoah Elopement Locations
Here’s a round-up of my top recommendations to choose from for your Shenandoah elopement:
Dark Hollow Falls
Dark Hollow Falls Trail is a very popular spot in the park. Who doesn’t love waterfalls? The trail is steep and rocky but oh-so-beautiful. From Dark Hollow, you can also connect to the Rose River Loop, which is often less busy and has more waterfalls to check out. The trail is located at mile 50.7, and it is a 1.4-mile circuit hike.
Raven’s Roost
This is a great spot if you are looking for something easily accessible and with stunning views. Raven’s Roost Overlook is situated near the northern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway at mile marker 10.7.
It has westward-facing views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and valley. While there’s not a huge amount of ground to cover here, Raven’s Roost is a unique mix of beauty and ease of access.
Jewell Hollow
Jewell Hollow is one of my favorite overlooks on Skyline Drive. It is one of the biggest, which means it’s easy to grab a little spot for yourself – even if there are other visitors.
If you’re only going to pick one overlook, this would probably be my suggestion because you have epic west-facing mountain views, meadows, and woods to work with. It is located at mile marker 35.6, and if you choose this spot, you will have breathtaking views of both the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley.
Pro tip: Consider planning a fall elopement here! If you do, you’ll be surrounded by vibrant fall foliage, crisp fall air, and, of course, stunning scenic views.
Stony Man Summit
Stony Man is a pretty easy hike that should be suitable for pretty much anyone with a basic fitness level. It’s a great spot with a rock area to stand on and views of the valley below, and the hike to get there isn’t too long.
This enjoyable hike to the second-highest peak in Shenandoah National Park offers an outstanding view of the Shenandoah Valley, Massanutten Mountain, and beyond. Stony Man Summit is located at mile marker 41.7, and it is 1.6 miles out and back.
Big Meadows
The first thing to know about Big Meadows is that Shenandoah National Park does not allow you to have your ceremony in the meadows; however, you can take pictures there before or after your ceremony.
It is an incredibly stunning spot for portraits, as you’ll have the vast meadow, forest, and vibrant wildflowers as your backdrop. Furthermore, it is easy to access, close to Big Meadows Lodge and campground, and there is lots of parking. Also, you can have your ceremony at Tanners Ridge Overlook, which is just across the road from Big Meadows!
Little Stony Man
Little Stony Man, not to be confused with Stony Man, has a beautiful outlook that is the perfect spot to say “I do.” Getting to the overlook is a short hike along the Appalachian Trail.
From the viewpoint, you will see the valley below and the seemingly endless ridge lines of the Virginia Blue Ridge.
Old Rag
Old Rag is my absolute favorite hike in Shenandoah, but it can be quite strenuous if you are not prepared.
The Circuit contains a lot of rock scrambling and bouldering (which is what makes it so much fun, in my opinion), while the Berry Hollow avoids the Ridge Trail rock scramble. Both are amazing options, but you will need a day permit. You’ll find Old Rag via Berry Hollow. Also, this is a 5.4-mile round-trip hike.
Bearfence Mountain Trail
Bearfence is another one of my favorite hikes in Shenandoah. It has some steep climbs and a rock scramble section. You’ll have to climb up various boulders, but you don’t need to be a pro rock scrambler to make your way up to the summit.
Also, this might not be the best hike for children or those who have problems with heights. However, if you are up for a little bit of a challenge, the 360-degree views from the summit are well worth the effort! This trail is located at Mile 56.4, and it is 1.2 miles out and back.
If you don’t want to worry about doing any rock scrambling for your elopement, the other way to get to this overlook is through a forested path that involves an easy to moderate climb.
Hawksbill Summit
Hawksbill Summit is a shorter, yet steeper, route to Shenandoah’s highest peak. The viewing platform on top of Hawksbill offers a magnificent 360-degree panoramic view of the Shenandoah Valley, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Virginia Piedmont.
This is a fairly steep hike, but once you are at the top, there is a good amount of space, and the views are amazing.
Mary’s Rock
Mary’s Rock is one of the must-see spots in Shenandoah National Park! The entrance to the trail is at the end of a large parking lot just off Skyline Drive at Milepost 31.6 near the Thornton Gap entrance.
This trail may be more challenging than some of the other trails on the list, but believe me when I say that the payoff is worth it. You’ll definitely want to save this hike for a clear day because the view from the summit is something you won’t want to miss!
Mary’s Rock has westward views of the Shenandoah Valley and Massanutten Mountain. You don’t have to use Skyline Drive or the Blueridge Parkway to access it, which is a huge plus as both are often closed in the winter and up to mid-spring because of the weather. Plus, there’s a flat, spacious area at the top, which is perfect for your ceremony.
If you’re feeling brave, you can even do a little careful rock climbing to get an even better view, and I highly recommend that you do! Mary’s Rock is a 3.6-mile out-and-back trail.
Blackrock Summit
A short hike to a viewpoint on top of a rocky talus slope with incredible views of the Shenandoah Valley, Massanutten Mountain, and beyond. I like this trail because it is accessible and has lots of space.
Even on a busy day, I feel like everyone can find their own quiet spot. Blackrock Summit is a 1-mile circuit!
South River Falls
South River Falls is a trail that leads to a beautiful waterfall and it is 2.4 miles out and back! It’s a lovely hike with an incredible reward when you reach the falls.
Compton Peak Summit
Compton Peak Summit is famous for its amazing volcanic rock formations. It is 2.3 miles out and back, and it is a moderate hike with beautiful, panoramic northwest-facing views.
Stunning Overlooks for Your Elopement Ceremony in Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah also has so many jaw-dropping overlooks you could choose to have as the backdrop of your ceremony! An overlook is a great option if you don’t want hiking to be a part of your elopement, but you still want access to epic views.
Some of my favorite overlooks in the park are:
- Hazel Mountain Overlook
- Pinnacles Overlook
- Timber Hollow Overlook
- Spitler Knoll Overlook
- Franklin Cliffs Overlook
- Hazeltop Ridge Overlook
- The Point Overlook
- Rocky Top Overlook
Ready to Plan Your Shenandoah Wedding?
I hope you found this overview of different places for elopements or weddings in Shenandoah National Park helpful! It truly is such a special place to elope with its epic trails and endless activities – plus, it’s very easy to get a permit to elope here.
Now, you just need a Shenandoah elopement photographer who is ready to take on this adventure with you (hint hint: me!). I love being in this park and just being a part of telling your love story.
You can find out more about my elopement photography services here, or you can reach out to me here to directly to chat about your own elopement!
Check out these additional resources I’ve made about eloping in Shenandoah National Park:
Shenandoah National Park Elopement – Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Adventure
Why You Should Plan An Epic Mountain Elopement in Shenandoah
