Virginia Elopement Packages

If you’re dreaming of an intimate and unforgettable elopement, Virginia offers a wealth of beautiful locations, from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the picturesque coastline. Whether you’re envisioning a mountain-top ceremony, a romantic vineyard celebration, or a beachfront vow exchange, Virginia is a perfect destination for couples looking to elope. With its diverse landscapes, mild climate, and rich history, it’s no wonder Virginia elopement packages are becoming increasingly popular for couples seeking a more personal and stress-free wedding experience.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about planning your elopement in Virginia, including popular elopement locations, package options, and tips for making your special day a dream come true.

Vendors to Build Your Virginia Elopement Package

Photo by Apke Photography

When putting together your Virginia elopement package, you want to consider your overall elopement budget. Whether you’re planning an elopement in one of Virginia’s parks or a micro wedding, your budget is everything when planning! Elopements have a pretty big range when it comes to an average price because it all depends on what vendors you decide to include on your wedding day. Please note that you are not required to include every vendor type in your package.

Are you ready to start planning your Virginia elopement?

Check out our vendor categories to consider when thinking about your elopement package:

Photographers

These vendors are where most of your elopement budget will be going towards, but for good reason. On average, our photographers will charge $2,500-$6,000 per elopement. This depends on how many hours of coverage (half-day versus full-day) a couple is looking for in their Virginia elopement package.

Videographers

Like elopement photographers, videographers are going to be a great investment for your elopement day to document your adventures together. On average, our videographers will charge $2,500-$6,000 per elopement. Keep in mind, this depends on how long you want your elopement footage to be. For example, a full-day video coverage would cost more versus covering just your elopement ceremony.

Officiants

On average, our officiant members will charge $500-$800 per elopement. Officiants are great to orchestrate your favorite traditions and wedding vows. It’s also important to note that some other vendors are also officiants, so we recommend always asking.

Elopement Planners

You don’t necessarily always need a wedding planner for your elopement adventure, but having a planner does help if couples have a very clear elopement vision. The average price for our planner members is $1,000-$3,000. Planners are also great for couples who don’t want to DIY or worry about anything, or couples who live far from their elopement destination.

Florists

Since you’re planning an elopement, you’ll need fewer floral arrangements than your average traditional wedding in Virginia. If you aren’t down to DIY your own bridal bouquet, then a florist in Virginia can average $300 to $600.

Venues

Even though there are plenty of public land options to consider eloping to in Virginia, there are also some pretty neat private venues in Virginia too to include in your elopement package. Our team loves private venues because they do offer you more privacy and flexibility when you two are going to elope. Private venues, on average, will charge $300 to $4,000, depending on the location.

Places to Elope in Virginia

As we said earlier, there are some pretty awesome places to elope in Virginia. We are going to list some of our favorites to help you narrow down your list of some of the best places to elope in Virginia. However, we always recommend teaming up with a professional to elope in more remote locations. 

Shenandoah National Park

Location Map

Probably one of the most popular places to elope in Virginia is Shenandoah National Park. This is a huge park with so much to offer including waterfalls and mountain views. 

Within this park, you’ll find Big Meadows, a field filled with wildflowers and grass in the middle of the park. This is a gorgeous spot for your elopement and for the epic views all around you.

Another idea to find your elopement spot is to drive through Skyline Drive, which is the main road through the park. Here you’ll find multiple overlooks with epic views without the hike. If hiking is more of your thing, however, then explore one of the multiple trails in the park.

A special use permit ($150) is required for any type of wedding ceremony involving more than 15 people. If you’re planning on having fewer people with no wedding set up, then you don’t need a permit. 

Great Falls Park

Photo by Apke Photography

Location Map

This park is probably one of our favorites. Great Falls Park has giant rock formations and a gorgeous river. We love the way this park looks in elopement photos!

This is the perfect elopement destination if you’re looking for something whimsical. If you’re considering having your elopement ceremony here, then you need to apply for a permit.

All wedding ceremonies require a permit, which entails standard entrance fees. For more wedding rules at Great Falls Park, head over to their website.

Virginia Blue Ridge Parkway

Location Map

This is a popular spot and pretty huge! Blue Ridge Parkway is so big that it spans from Virginia to North Carolina. We love this place because there are multiple trails to explore including Cold Moutain Trail, Humpback Rocks, and Raven’s Roost. 

Since this area is so expansive, it’s easy to find a remote spot for your ceremony or elopement portraits. Our members who specialize in Virginia elopements are pros at finding the best spots here.

A special use permit is required for all ceremonies ($60 for application + $40 for permit), regardless of how many people are attending. In fact, you can’t have more than 25 people during a wedding ceremony at this location.

A Beach

Photo by Dogwood Lane Photography

While Virginia is known for Virginia Beach, there can be a lot of tourists there for your elopement.

It’s important to remember there are multiple beach spots that will be less packed with people. We personally recommend Sandbridge Beach. 

This beach is close to Virginia Beach, but it’s more private, intimate, and lined with houses. This place to elope in Virginia is a great spot to consider if you’re looking to include some family and friends on your wedding day.

Grayson Highlands State Park

Photo by Flit Photography

Location Map

Grayson Highlands is another park that offers visitors mountain views. This park is also relatively close to North Carolina, so it would be a great opportunity to elope in Virginia and then explore another state after.

One of the reasons why we love this location… ponies! Yup, you heard right! This location has wide open spaces, ponies, and mountain views. It’s pretty hard to top that. 

A special use permit is also required for this location ($25 application fee). For more information on wedding rules and permits, head to their website.

When to Elope in Virginia

Photo by Glorianna Picini Photography LLC

Like most places, Virginia does have specific times of year that are ideal to plan elopements. While this state is beautiful year-round, we recommend staying away from weekends, specifically in the summer. 

Summers in Virginia are very hot, and a lot of tourists usually visit during this time of year. If you’re thinking about eloping in Virginia during Winter, then expect mild temperatures but some rain.

We personally think the best time to elope in Virginia is during the spring and fall months. We love elopements in Virginia during the spring because of the gorgeous wildflowers and new blooms. During Fall elopements, you’ll witness some of the most epic changing colors of the leaves.

Here’s a breakdown of the best times to elope in Virginia, including seasonal highlights and average temperatures to help you decide when to plan your special day:

Spring (March-May)

Why It’s Perfect: Spring is one of the most picturesque times to elope in Virginia, with flowers blooming and mild weather. The landscapes are lush and vibrant, making it ideal for outdoor ceremonies in gardens, vineyards, and along scenic trails.

Average Temperature: 60°F (16°C)

Seasonal Highlights: Dogwoods and cherry blossoms bloom, making spring a perfect time for romantic garden elopements or mountain views in full greenery.

Summer (June – August)

Why It’s Perfect: Summer offers warm weather and long daylight hours, perfect for beach or mountain elopements. Although it can get hot, Virginia’s coastal and mountain regions offer refreshing breezes.

Average Temperature: 75°F (24°C)

Seasonal Highlights: Enjoy summer sunsets on the coast or cool mountain breezes in places like Shenandoah National Park. This is also the peak season for beach elopements along Virginia Beach or the Eastern Shore.

Fall (September – November)

Why It’s Perfect: Fall in Virginia is iconic, with colorful foliage painting the landscapes in brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows. Cooler temperatures and crisp air make this the most popular season for elopements.

Average Temperature: 65°F (18°C)

Seasonal Highlights: The Blue Ridge Mountains and countryside vineyards are particularly stunning in the fall, providing a naturally romantic backdrop for your elopement.

Winter (December – February)

Why It’s Perfect: Winter elopements in Virginia are intimate and cozy, especially in historic venues or mountain lodges. While colder, the state’s mild winters allow for beautiful snow-covered landscapes without extreme cold.

Average Temperature: 45°F (7°C)

Seasonal Highlights: Charming mountain cabins, historic estates, and candlelit ceremonies make winter a magical time to elope, with occasional snowfall adding an extra touch of romance.

Whatever season you decide, consider having your elopement during the week. We usually recommend weekday elopements for all locations for multiple reasons including smaller crowds, cheaper prices, and more privacy. 

Consider teaming up with one of our awesome elopement vendors as you build your Virginia elopement package, so you can be prepared for multiple scenarios that may arise.

Virginia Wedding License

Obtaining a wedding license to legally get married in Virginia is actually really easy.

The license, unlike other states, can be used the same day you apply, but we always recommend applying at least a month before your wedding.

A Virginia marriage license has a $30 fee, and you don’t need to have witnesses sign your license. The only required signatures are your own and the officiant’s. 

The important thing to remember is to send your signed license back to the court within 5 days. 

Check out their website for more marriage requirements in Virginia. 

Places to Stay in Virginia

When planning your Virginia elopement, choosing the perfect place to stay is just as important as selecting your ceremony location. Virginia offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxurious resorts nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains to cozy beachfront cottages along the Chesapeake Bay. Whether you’re seeking a romantic inn, a rustic cabin, or a charming bed and breakfast, you’ll find plenty of options that will enhance your elopement experience. Here are some of the best places to stay in Virginia that will make your special day even more unforgettable.

Check out this cabin close to Blue Ridge.

Check out Beavers Hill Cottage in Wine Country. 

Check out this 3-bedroom cottage on a private island. 

Check out this 2-bedroom cottage close to the beach.

Check out this mountain getaway.

Let’s keep planning your flights and stay in Virginia:

Are you still not sure if Virginia is the best place for you to elope? Check out some of our best places to elope!

Photo by Flit Photography