An Ethereal Elopement in Shenandoah National Park
On the morning of October 4th, we gathered at the base of Shenandoah National Park’s Upper Hawksbill Trail, headlamps and flashlights illuminating the path before us. Korrin and Phil, along with their closest friends and family, had chosen to start their elopement day with a hike to the summit. (I was utterly impressed when we all filed in for our 5am start time!) The air was crisp, and the excitement of the day ahead mixed with the tranquility of nature’s early silence. The trail led us upward in the dark, hinting at the beauty that awaited us at the top—or so we thought.
Shenandoah wasn’t just a beautiful place for Korrin and Phil—it was woven into their story, a place full of memories, which made their choice to elope here even more meaningful. We all felt the importance of it as we made our way up the mountain, our breath misting in the cool morning air. As we reached the peak, however, instead of the sweeping sunrise we anticipated, we were greeted by a thick, impenetrable fog. The mountains, the valleys, everything was hidden. But in that moment, it felt like the world had narrowed its focus to just us—this intimate group of loved ones, wrapped in mist, celebrating something truly special.
Korrin, with her ever-glowing smile, set up a lantern and began applying her makeup while sitting under the pavilion at the top. It was such a simple, yet beautiful moment—watching her get ready in the soft glow of the lantern, surrounded by the people she loved most. Meanwhile, Phil’s dad helped him into his suit, the two of them laughing against the backdrop of swirling mist. It was a moment where everyone came together, laughing, lending a hand, and just enjoying being there. It felt like a family gathering in the purest sense—full of joy, love, and connection.
Then came the ceremony. The family and Phil lined up, the fog still thick around us, creating this dreamlike atmosphere. And then it happened—the first few notes of “Liz on Top of the World” from Pride & Prejudice started to play. The song floated softly through the air, and as Korrin stepped out, I felt time slow down. I often get so focused on capturing every detail of a wedding that I don’t always process the emotion in real time—but this was different. Tears welled up in my eyes as the moment unfolded in front of me. It was ethereal. Tears filled my eyes as Korrin walked towards Phil. It was so peaceful, so beautiful, like we were in our own little world.
Everyone felt it. The fog seemed to hold us close, but as Korrin and Phil began to exchange vows, something incredible happened. Slowly, the fog started to lift, and as they shared their first kiss, the colors of the sunrise began to break through. Through the mist, the soft hues of sunrise painted the sky, and the distant mountains finally revealed themselves; we all watched in awe as the park revealed itself just in time to celebrate with them. It was like the fog had been holding back until that perfect moment!
The rest of the day was nothing short of magical. After the ceremony, we spent the morning chasing the fog and sunlight, exploring different parts of the park together. The family shared breakfast and coffee and enjoyed sharing easy time together. We hiked back down the mountain, and Korrin and Phil joined me for a spontaneous adventure through Shenandoah. We drove along Skyline Drive, stopping at every overlook we could, laughing as we ran through Big Meadows, the fog still lingering here and there. We even stopped at the visitor center to grab a stamp for their National Park passport and, of course, got a picture by the Shenandoah sign to cap off the day. Every moment was filled with so much joy, laughter, and pure adventure—it was a day that perfectly reflected who Korrin and Phil are as a couple.
For couples looking for a stunning, natural setting, Shenandoah National Park is one of the best places in Virginia for intimate weddings and elopements. The park is known for its breathtaking vistas, mist-covered mountains, and a wide range of ceremony locations. Whether you’re dreaming of a mountaintop ceremony or a quiet woodland setting, Shenandoah offers it all. Blackrock Summit is perfect if you love dramatic rock landscapes, while Stony Man offers panoramic views with a much gentler hike. If waterfalls are your thing, Dark Hollow Falls is a dream, with cascading falls providing a stunning backdrop. And of course, Upper Hawksbill will always hold a special place in my heart—the way the fog and sunrise worked together that day felt like a gift from the mountains themselves.
The flexibility of the park also makes it ideal for elopements or small weddings, where you can easily explore multiple scenic spots throughout the day. Whether it’s a sunrise hike or a romantic meadow stroll, Shenandoah is a perfect fit for couples who want an adventurous and unforgettable experience.
As a Virginia wedding photographer specializing in Shenandoah National Park weddings, I can’t recommend this place enough. The park offers a unique mix of intimacy, adventure, and awe-inspiring beauty that creates moments you’ll treasure forever. Whether you’re drawn to the misty mountain tops, sweeping vistas, or quiet meadows, Shenandoah is the perfect backdrop for couples who want their love story to be as wild and beautiful as the landscape itself.
If you are thinking about eloping here’s a few quick need-to-knows for you:
- PERMIT: If you are having 15 or less total people (including yourselves, your photographer, an officiant and any other vendors) you do not need a special use permit. 16 or more total people you’ll need to apply for a special use permit to have your wedding in Shenandoah National Park. Check out the Shenandoah Permit Page for more information!
- SEASONS: it is open all year round! So you can take your pick as to when you’d like to elope!
- WHEN TO ELOPE: If you are considering Shenandoah I would strongly recommend a weekday as it is a popular park and trails can get crowded quickly on the weekends.
- STAY: There are many great lodges ON Skyline Drive within the Park which makes it easy for elopements. The Skyland Resort, for example, is a great location that also offers a fantastic restaurant. There is also The Big Meadows Lodge and The Cabins at Lewis Mountain.
- PARK FEE: It costs $30 to enter the park (good for a week) unless you have an America the Beautiful Pass. Permits for weddings at $150.
Korrin and Phil’s elopement was the perfect reminder of why I love photographing intimate weddings. There’s something magical about these small, intentional moments with the people who matter most. And on this day, that magic was wrapped in fog, kissed by sunlight, and celebrated in a place that felt like it was made just for them.
This is why I do what I do—and days like this remind me that no two weddings are ever the same, but they are all equally unforgettable.
