The best outdoor elopement location near Washington DC is definitely Shenandoah National Park. It’s only 75 miles from DC, meaning you can escape from the city and enjoy waterfalls, wildflowers and quiet forests in just a couple hour’s drive. The park has over 200,000 acres of land where you can enjoy a slower pace for a few days, hiking and observing the local wildlife.
If you live in the DC area and are looking to elope outdoors closer to home, here is how to make the most of Shenandoah as your elopement location.
Activity ideas for a Shenandoah elopement
WINE TASTING
This area of the US has some of the oldest vineyards in the country, and it’s a great activity to enjoy on your elopement day. Whether you stop at one of the vineyards for a tasting or buy some bottles for a picnic later, it’s a great way to experience the local culture.
HIKING
Shenandoah National Park has over 500 miles of hiking trails, all of which you can enjoy during your elopement day!
PICNICS
The park has lots of picnic areas and lookout points perfect for a break and a picnic to refuel
STARGAZING AND DARK SKY AREAS
The Big Meadows area near Rapidan Fire road and the amphitheater in the SKyland area are the best places to view the night sky in the park. Especially if you’re coming from light-polluted Washington DC, take a moment to look up on your elopement day and enjoy the stars!
Overview of the best hiking trails in Shenandoah for an elopement
Hawksbill summit or loop trail: this trail can be done as an out and back trail or as a loop. The out and back trail is 1.6 miles and takes roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete. It’s a popular hike, so you’ll want to plan around sunrise/sunset times for a bit more privacy.
Little Stony Man: this trail is 3.3 miles long and takes just under 2 hours to complete. The rocky lookout point offers incredible views over the park, and is therefore a popular trail. You’ll want to time your hike around sunrise and sunset for more privacy.
Story of the forest: at 1.8 miles, this trail is another easy loop trail in the park. It takes just under an hour to complete, and with almost no elevation gain, is a very manageable walk for most fitness levels. You’ll encounter lots of flowers and wildlife on this trail.
Best time of year for an elopement located near Washington DC
The best seasons for an outdoor elopement located near Washington DC are spring or fall. In spring, the wildflowers are blooming and the weather is mild. In fall, the trees change color and the weather turns mild again.
I don’t recommend winter or summer. Summer is too hot and humid and winter is just wet, cold and brown.
Fees and permits for your Shenandoah elopement ceremony
One important tip for your Shenandoah elopement is regarding permits – if your group has over 15 people, you’ll need a special use permit for the park.
I recommend visiting the national park website for specific and up to date information here.
As a guideline, the park service requires a minimum of 6 weeks to process special use permit requests, so make sure to begin the process with enough time before your elopement day. Additionally, don’t finalize your wedding plans in the park until a special use permit is approved and issued.
If your group is under 15 people, you do not need a special use permit and can visit the park normally.
I’m Nicole, east coast elopement photographer
If you’re searching for an east coast photographer for your Shenandoah elopement, use the contact form below to reach out and get started!