The best time of year to have a Shenandoah National Park elopement with fall colors is late September to early November. The colors peak during this time, and if there are no heavy storms, will hang on the trees until mid-November in some areas.
Krysta and Ethan planned their elopement somewhat short notice. For this reason, they’re a good example for keeping an open mind when planning an elopement day. At the time they started planning their elopement, they had been together about 5 years already. They were both in the Navy, and originally imagined something efficient and simple. They were even still a bit on the fence about eloping!
As we chatted, I painted a picture of all that is possible in the Shenandoah area, and how maybe more time to include friends and family would be ideal. By the end of our call, they were super stoked about all their options!
Since their families were traveling out to Virginia all the way from the Western U.S., they decided to up coverage and make a whole day experience of it. Everyone got involved, including their VERY adorable dog named Bear.
Morning: Getting Ready and a Sentimental First Look Just outside Shenandoah National Park
I arrived at their AirBnB around 9:30 as the family was getting ready. They had all stayed there at the same AirBnB, just outside Front Royal, Virginia. The house had gorgeous views of the area and a big backyard as well (perfect for their first look!)
The two of them got ready separately, and I moved between photographing detail shots, their vow books and LOTS of photos of the dog, Bear. (He had on a tie and sort of stole the show.)
There were a number of tender moments that morning, including when Krysta’s dad helped him tie his tie, and then again when he absolutely lost it upon seeing her. That was a very special moment.
Once he got himself back together, they walked her down to Ethan, who was waiting in the backyard.
Afternoon: Rainy Shenandoah Vows at the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center
After their first look, we drove into the park. It was raining a little, so when we got to their ceremony location at Dickey Ridge Visitor Center, we timed a break in the rain.
The ceremony started with dry skies, but slowly turned to a light drizzle as they read their vows. After vows, we had their family portraits there in the park, with plenty featuring Bear and his tie as well. With a little light rain, a Shenandoah National Park elopement with fall colors in the background looks vibrant and moody at the same time.
Late Afternoon: Chester Gap Wine Tasting and cocktail hour with guests
Immediately after their portraits, we headed to the Chester Gap Cellars for wine tasting. Shenandoah is well known for their wineries, and it’s a popular activity for the area!
Their friends had even brought some special wine glasses for them, engraved with their names and elopement date. The winery here has gorgeous views, and on this day the fall colors were popping in the background while they toasted, exchanged gifts and chatted.
We ended the gathering at Chester Gap with a tour through the cellars and around the grounds. There were a number of plants with bright yellow leaves on the property, which made for a great backdrop.
Evening: Shenandoah National Park elopement with Fall Colors, Arboretum Sunset Portraits and a Rising Full Moon
Finally, to end the day, the three of us headed to a nearby arboretum. The fall colors were mesmerizing and the property had a beautiful building where we paused to take more portraits.
As the sun was setting, they read private vows just between the two of them.
PRO TIP: Private vows are such a great way to carve out some additional time for yourselves on your elopement day. I recommend all couples do it! It gives you the chance to make your vows very personal without fear anyone will over hear.
When they finished their vows, they sat down to watch the moon rise in the clear sky. With a bit more wine in hand, they toasted how well the day came together, and that ended our coverage!
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