Shenandoah National Park Wedding | Nick and Jocelyn. Look for stays in Luray, Culpepper, New Market, Sperryville, Stanley, Syria, Harrisonburg, Front Royal (near the northern district of the park), or Charlottesville (for locations in the southern district). You may also pre-purchase your park pass online at recreation.gov, which will make the overall entrance station experience go quicker. Click here for an application for a permit for your wedding or ceremony. Know the rules of the park for your wedding Step 2: Choose when to elope in Shenandoah National Park Which season should I get married in? There are a handful of hikes that start at boundary trailheads, but you can only access Skyline Drive through four different entrance stations. Other than the wedding cake, only food and beverages provides by the lodge are permitted for on-site events. Pick up any fallen petals, leaves, stems, and all other plant parts before you leave the area. As such, and because of the inherent impact/detraction from the purpose of park operations, weddings and ceremonies are not authorized at, in, or around the Dickey Ridge and Byrd visitor centers. Shenandoah Lodging (In Park) Cuyahoga Valley History I am out of office until July 20th and will respond to any inquiries or emails then. Quiet time for indoor group events, which is strictly enforced, is 9:30 pm at Skyland and 9 pm at Big Meadows. Box 727, Luray, VA Call About This Vendor Say "I do" in Shenandoah National Park. There are one room and two room options for the Lewis Mountain Cabins, although these are a bit more rustic than the lodges. Theres also camping in the Shenandoah National Park that is open from early spring to late fall. It can be quite cold especially with the wind chill so make sure to bundle up with a warm coat and gloves youre excited to be photographed in. Youll also need to apply for a special use permit if you plan to have a ceremony with any kind of set-up like: an arch, chairs, awning, decorations, or music. Newfound Gap 3655 U.S. Highway 211 East Congaree Boardwalk Loop Jewell Hollow Overlook I'M JULIANA Hi, friend! Jordan Pond Whether you live in Virginia or out of . Marie in Michigan! Mountain Wedding Venues in Shenandoah, VA - The Knot Be sure to communicate with your guests exactly where youll meet. This beautiful park in the famed Blue Ridge Mountains checks every box: jaw-dropping scenery in every season for equally jaw-dropping elopement photos. Outdoor ceremonies at Skyland can be held on the Pinnacles lawn area or at the Peak View Stage. But for a good reason- it is gorgeous! Sunrise is a must for elopements on the weekends! All involved must stay on the designated trails and follow all signage. The entire interior structure of the lodge, including the paneling . Sunrises and sunsets are extra beautiful this time of year because of the lower humidity and wind in the atmosphere. Big Meadows Lodge is the perfect setting for smaller, intimate weddings of up to 60 with an outdoor ceremony on the terrace, or an indoor ceremony in the Massanutten Room. Lexington | Buena Vista | Rockbridge County. 2023 Wedding Policies Elkmont Campground Shenandoah National Park Lodging | Reception Venues - The Knot Over the years, our Shenandoah Valley bed and breakfast, Glen Gordon Manor has hosted British royalty and set the scene for many memorable hunts, balls and Virginia weddings.. Our captivating retreat is c onveniently situated below Sky Line Drive, overlooking the stunning Shenandoah National Park.From our 45 acres of pastures, lawns, and gardens, you can glory in the gorgeous views of the Blue . Stony Man The photos were amazing and we are so happy with the way everything turned out!. Mammoth Cave Historic Tour A Massanutten Resort Wedding is the perfect destination for your special day. Food prices are guaranteed 90 days prior to the date. The park does not allow ceremonies to be held in the meadows, but you can take photos there before or after your ceremony. But this couple isn't just up for simple park trails, this is a couple who's first date was . document.getElementById( "ak_js_4" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_5" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_6" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_7" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley Weddings, Weddings at Luray Caverns and Shawnee Farms Estate. Life's hallmark events deserve destinations as grand as the occasion. Congaree Champion Trees, Cuyahoga Valley National Park Contact the Delaware North group sales office at 866-383-2922. Cadillac Mountain But, advance payment for guests can be arranged. The Frontier Culture Museum is pleased to be able to rent spaces to guests for use with their own privately hosted special events, and the success of each and every event held on site is important to the Museum. These are just a few examples of what it could look like. Lodging: A group code is provided for the party. . The closest locations to pick up a marriage license near Shenandoah National Park are in Luray, Culpepper, Waynesboro, Woodstock, and Harrisonburg. Stop to snap photos from breathtaking overlooks along Skyline Drive. How much does it cost to get married in Shenandoah National Park? Last updated: June 21, 2023. Special offer available for Monday through Thursday weddings from mid-June through August! See below for some great vendors Ive worked with in the past that work in Shenandoah. The Permittee and/or employees/associates, and/or participants, and/or guests under this Permit shall dispose of all such waste and debris associated with activities authorized within this Permit outside the park boundaries. Monitoring fees are $55 per hour for each NPS staff member necessary to adequately monitor the activity. Musical Instruments This figure varies by date/season. A huge thank you to all the staff members who helped make our special day go smoothly. Shenandoah National Park Wedding | Chris and Clare Generators are not authorized. From the rehearsal dinner to the Have it all, on the day that means everything. In the case of ice, snow, or other bad storms, stay up to date and check the website for any closures or cancellations. Shenandoah National Park has no shortage of perfect wedding ceremony locations, whether you're looking for popular vistas or totally private mountaintop nooks. Contact Info. Shenandoah National Park Wedding When youre ready with a date, time, and location for your ceremony, head to the ceremony permit page, print out the special use permit application and fill it out. The park will be less crowded and parking for popular trails will be easier to grab, A cool or rare Airbnb will be less likely to be already booked, You can use the time off as a mini honeymoon (wrap it around a weekend for an even longer vacation), You could have more time with any out of town guests, Wedding vendors will have more availability, You can choose a fun date or one with sentimental value, Cruze down Skyline Drive (you could even rent a vintage car or a convertible for extra fun), Have a dance party with friends and family, 3:30pm Meet up at a short trail, hike, and change into wedding attire for a First Look, 3:50pm Get some photos with beautiful mountain views, 4:35pm Explore Big Meadows taking photos along the way, 5:15pm Drive one minute to nearby overlook, guests and officiant arrive, 5:50pm Ceremony ends, take group family photos, 6:00pm Champagne toast with guests, cut a cake and share, enjoy the view as the sun sets, 6:30pm Pack up, photo coverage ends, head to dinner, 6:45am Meet at trailhead and begin hike to summit, 7:15am Watch the sunrise, get changed into wedding attire, have a First Look on top of the mountain, 7:40am (depending on the light)- Ceremony begins, 7:55am Ceremony wraps up, officiant leaves, take a few portraits at the summit, 8:20am Hike to Little Stony Man, relax, toast with hot chocolate and a little snack, then hike back to the trailhead, 10:50am Hike to Dark Hollow Falls taking photos along the way, 12:15pm Have a first dance in the forest, read letters from family, and have a picnic, 2:00pm Hair and makeup wraps up, candid photos of getting ready, then change into wedding attire, 3:00pm First Look at Airbnb in the woods, 3:15pm Drive 1 hour to an overlook in Shenandoah NP, 4:20pm Everyone arrives (including officiant), 4:30pm Ceremony at the overlook begins with beautiful views of the valley, 4:45pm Ceremony wraps up, hugs and photos with family, friends and pups, 5:15pm Guests leave, couple has a private first dance at the overlook, 5:30pm Couple and photographer hop to a few different overlooks for stunning views with no hike required, 8:00pm Arrive at Airbnb, family is there, catered dinner begins, guests can give a few toasts, 9:30pm Get a fire going, everyone is relaxing, having fun outside and roasting marshmallows, 5:00am Meet at trailhead in Shenandoah National Park, hike to best view, 5:45am Official sunrise time, get changed into wedding attire, have a First Look, 6:15am First Dance + portraits with mountain views, 7:45am Arrive at trailhead and drive 20 minutes to waterfall hike, 8:05am Hike 1 hour 15 min to base of waterfall, 9:20am Relax, exchange private vows + gifts, take photos with falls and have breakfast picnic, Break in coverage (this is a good time for a nap, relax at the Airbnb, have lunch, start tubing, etc. In Shenandoah, you can have a wedding deep in the woods, in a wild field, on top of a mountain, or even at the base of a rushing waterfall. Similar views in VA can be found along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Sky Meadows State Park, Grayson Highlands State Park, and other areas in the western part of the state. The Best Portrait Overlooks Shenandoah National Park - Stephanie Messick Weddings at Natural Bridge Hotel Bridging the Gap between Love and Natural Beauty Envision your wedding near the grand archway of the Natural Bridge, Natures Cathedral. Thank you!" If the friend or family member is a Virginia local, they can petition the court that they are a resident of and post a $500 bond to get a one time civil celebrant authorization. Paul and Shannon were married in the Shenandoah National Park at Skyland Resort, an absolutely beautiful place for a wedding! Mount Marshall My Elopement Guide To Shenandoah National Park Weddings Wedding & Events: 540-743-6551 Ext 2243. Talk to me about your shenandoah wedding! The whole affair went off smoothly and the ceremony was beautiful!" Schoodic Peninsula If you are a Virginia local, any time 60 days before your wedding, plan a time to go to your local Clerks Office and pick up your marriage license. Cultural Sensitivity And, spring is the best time to do a waterfall hike before the summer heat decreases their volume and the summer crowds hit the trails. This is a great option if you want to have a flower arch or decorations that you wouldnt be able to bring into the park! My first wedding in the Shenandoah National Park. Life's hallmark events deserve destinations as grand as the occasion. By late April, green is usually starting to return and by the end of May it has really spread across the mountains. The staff were very patient as we made adjustments to our plans throughout the process. Shenandoah National Park has two lodges, Skyland and Big Meadows Lodge, and cabins at Lewis Mountain. Please plan accordingly. Shenandoah National Park You deserve a fun, stress-free wedding day, and that should include planning it too. A Jeep and a beautiful adventurous couple whose plans got ruined by Covid19 were the perfect ingredients for a . Lured by the regions spectacular natural beauty and affordable prices on venues and services, the Shenandoah Valley would be the perfect place to take your vows. Your email address will not be published. Step 4: Choose where to get married in Shenandoah National Park, Places to elope + take pictures in Shenandoah National Park. The Shenandoah Valley has so much more to offer! We will always treasure our special day at Shenandoah." Learn more about wedding venues in Shenandoah on The Knot. ), 5:45pm Photographer arrives to capture the end of tubing and hanging out by the river, 7:00pm Arrive at Airbnb, change and relax, 7:30pm Candlelit dinner on deck outside with private chef, 8:30pm Hop in the hot tub with a drink to enjoy the sunset, 9:00pm Head inside to dry off, Facetime love ones and read letters from family, 10:15pm Head outside Airbnb to watch the stars come up and take photos with the milky way. systems, tape players, etc.) Big Meadows Lodge | Shenandoah National Park If you had a second or third favorite choice you could just pivot to one of those and still have an amazing experience. Learn. Weddings or ceremonies held in an amphitheater may bring plants or flowers for use during the ceremony. All three options are located in the central district of the park. All cars entering the park must pay the entrance fee. From the Northeast take Interstate 76 or Interstate 78 west to Interstate 81 south. Big Meadows Lodge, "My partner and I had an excellent experience at Skyland! Know the rules of the park for your wedding, Step 2: Choose when to elope in Shenandoah National Park. You have the whole day and afternoon to do fun activities and hang out and then you save the best for last- saying I do. But the fun doesnt have to stop at sunset, you could also plan a candlelit dinner back at your airbnb, sharing stories around a firepit with your families, or watching the stars come up. Our experienced drivers will pick you up from the airport and drop you off at your destination. - Sharon & Jacob, "My wedding day was more perfect than I could imagine and all of my guests said they will be back to Skyline after this (including my makeup artist). 53 Weddings at Big Meadows ideas | shenandoah national park - Pinterest In early March, Nick, Jocelyn, and I took to the Manassas Battlefield for their engagement session. Music, setup, or decorations of any kind are not authorized in these specific areas. The stunning natural, scenic beauty are prime reasons for the establishment of Shenandoah National Park and is an outstanding example of natures regenerative ability and a testament to the benefits of Americas conservation ethic. Audio Devices With venues for up to 100 guests and a host of spectacular natural settings, Shenandoah National Park is a unique and memorable wedding destination. What about pets? Visit https://lnt.org/ to learn more about what you can do to minimize your impact. About Big Meadows Lodge. All content + images 2021-2023 | Hayley-Ann Vasco Photography LLC | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy, Epic + accessible views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Some of my favorite easy hikes in Shenandoah lead to the best places to elope in the entire park. Call our Group Sales Office at 540-217-6131 or submit a Request for Proposal today! In support of the park Natural Resources program and propagation of rare native plants in the Big Meadows area, the small open meadow immediately below Tanners Ridge Overlook is the only authorized area for weddings in the Big Meadows. The maximum number of participants for weddings and ceremonies held within park boundaries is limited to 100. Is there a crisp breeze because youre standing on top of a mountain? The Mimslyn Inn is the perfect wedding venue enjoy our historic vibe and classic Southern setting. Entry Fees Hayley was amazing when it came to relieving stress. Even in the unprecedented times of 2020, we were able to have the perfect cozy ceremony. Get legally married at the courthouse earlier by a commisioner/Justice of the Peace. From permit info, to location and lodging suggestions, getting your marriage license, to sample timelines, elopement photography packages and more, this guide is the best place to start. VA The Elopement Wedding Package includes an on-site History becomes your backdrop when you host your wedding at The George Washington Hotel. Others have trailheads leading to "leg stretcher" hikes (short jaunts of less than a quarter mile.) There are stops on both the east and west sides of Skyline Drive so some overlooks are better for sunset than sunrise. If you are having 15 or less total participants (including yourselves, your photographer, an officiant and any other vendors) for a simple, stand-up ceremony you do not need a special use permit. Required fields are marked *. Special permits for groups of more than 10 people cost $75. Off-trail is not permitted. Cuyahoga Valley Birding Check out the guides below for more information. Find, research and contact wedding professionals on The Knot, featuring reviews and info on the best wedding vendors. Shawnee Farms Estate The wedding views, catering, and celebration exceeded our expectations. ". She was flexible and organized with planning. In 2022, peak was around the second week of October. South River Overlook Emergency Phone: 1-800-732-0911, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Yes! Interstate 81 is the main north-south route to and through the Shenandoah Valley. The minimum is 35 paid adults at Big Meadows. There are no shuttles. Just because youre having an elopement or small wedding doesnt mean you have to have small plans. Learn more about mountain wedding venues in Shenandoah on The Knot. About Us Affiliates Join SVTAMembership Benefits Contact Us. Other things to consider when choosing your location- How much hiking are you comfortable with and excited to do on your elopement day? Shenandoah Valley Bed and Breakfast | Virginia Weddings They took precautions to make sure all our guests were safe and comfortable during COVID-19. With basketball courts, turf fields, volleyball courts, pickleball courts, and 16 unique Clip n Climb walls, we are the valleys destination for sports and family entertainment. Chef John created an unforgettable meal for us and our guests. are prohibited. White tablecloths and napkins are available from the park. Shenandoah National Park Wedding | Nick and Jocelyn From the west, I-64 is again the most direct route, coming from West Virginia and linking to I-81 near Lexington, VA. Get the latest events and things to do through our monthly e-newsletter. How to Elope and Get Married at Shenandoah National Park Bar Harbor The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley offers a variety of beautiful surroundings ideal for hosting your wedding. Step 1: Ask yourself - "Who will be there?". The price for Skyland is $2,000-$2,500 and the price for Big Meadows is $600-850. Its important to keep it beautiful so that we can still visit our favorite spots in the park years from now without them being closed for restoration, trashed, or non-existent. If you need assistance for all other weddings, ceremonies, or gatherings in the Park, contact the permits office prior to completing your application. Im Hayley-Ann, a Shenandoah National Park adventure wedding photographer and Im here to help make the experience of planning your incredible wedding day stress free and simple (+ maybe a little fun too). Being in the mountains can be up to 10 degrees cooler compared to the towns nearby. Hogback Mountain Affordable elegance. Wedding Photography by Rob Jinks, robertjinksphotography.com. Attachments and Coverings Overall, it was an amazing day and I cannot wait to see my pictures from Rob :)", "We had always dreamed of a national park wedding and Shenandoah made our dreams come true. Monitoring The Ultimate Guide to Shenandoah National Park Weddings + Elopements Big Meadows Elevate your wedding. I love spring in Shenandoah. Part of having a wedding in nature is knowing that there are some things we cant control- like the weather. Camp. Park footer. Shenandoah National Park, Attn: Shen Permits 3655 US HWY 211 East Luray, VA 22835 With the exception of First Amendment permits, special use permits may take six weeks or more to process. Congaree Camping Shenandoah Wedding Nick Hanyok Imaging