More and more couples turn to the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and West Virginia for their wedding planning. **Your special use permit must be received by the permit office at least 6 weeks before your wedding date. Linda was there every step of the way and made sure the day ran without a glitch. I love spring in Shenandoah. For a reception at Skyland, there is a minimum of 50 paid adults required. 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 . Non-amplified music must be approved. In 2021 peak was in the last week of October going into the first few days of November. If you need assistance for all other weddings, ceremonies, or gatherings in the Park, contact the permits office prior to completing your application. Celebrating a Shenandoah National Park Wedding Together. NOTE: The National Park Service neither approves nor endorses the services or facilities outside the park area. By June the park is a stunning lush green, the ferns have bloomed, trees are all green (or colored with flowers) and the weather is starting to be warm all day. You can always venture into the park with just the two of you and your photographer before you meet up with guests. systems, tape players, etc.) PUBLISHED IN VIRGINIA BRIDE MAGAZINE Thank you to all the amazing vendors for this gorgeous wedding day! By December, the crowds have gone elsewhere. Download any maps or directions ahead of time. Bottomless Pit at Mammoth Cave A Jeep and a beautiful adventurous couple whose plans got ruined by Covid19 were the perfect ingredients for a . 2023 DNC Parks & Resorts at Shenandoah, Inc. "My partner and I had an excellent experience at Skyland! Anything youll need for special activities like a swimsuit, picnic supplies, camping gear, etc. If its a clear day, the light is an orange-gold glow that makes everything look fantastic! Vehicle or foot travel off designated roadways, walkways, sidewalks, or trails is not permitted. The natural ambiance and picturesque vistas of a Shenandoah National Park wedding will invite your guests to escape their everyday cares and embrace the moment, your moment! Waste Disposal (Pack-in, Pack-out) Shenandoah Cabins Elkmont Campground Located at 3,510 feet above sea level inside Shenandoah National Park on mile marker 51 of Skyline Drive is the Big Meadows Lodge offering perfect views of the picturesque surroundings that have drawn visitors to Shenandoah National Park for generations. I photograph about 90% of my elopements in Virginia each year, and of that, over half of them are typically in Shenandoah National Park its the park I know best! And, I cant wait to help you craft and capture your incredible elopement day experience in Shenandoah! Shenandoah National Park Lodging offers a fabulous spot for weddings and other occasions. Special permits for groups of more than 10 people cost $75. Let us help you create your special event! 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. (PDF - Requires Adobe Reader), Pinterest Galleries Some Airbnbs and Vrbos have great spaces to get ready in that are beautifully decorated and have lots of natural light. If youll have between 29 and 10 or so participants its best to choose an overlook for your ceremony because backcountry trails were not made for large groups and because many wedding guests are not prepared for or able to hike. All the legal paperwork will be filed by me after the ceremony. Skyline Drive has many beautiful overlooks you can get married at with no hiking required. All involved must stay on the designated trails and follow all signage. I understand that while planning an elopement or small wedding is simpler than planning a big traditional wedding, starting with such a blank canvas can be daunting. Welcome My Elopement Guide To Shenandoah National Park Weddings Planning Resources When it comes to amazing elopements near Washington DC, I can't recommend Shenandoah National Park enough! Mammoth Cave Historic Tour You can check flights arriving into Washington Dulles International (IAD), Reagan National (DCA), Charlottesville-Albermarle (CHO) or Richmond International (RIC) if you dont mind a little extra driving. 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 do you see and feel? Musical Instruments Some campgrounds are first-come, first serve and others require reservations in advance. Ceremony During our season Skyland and Big Meadows Lodge are popular and romantic locations for ceremonies with the picturesque view of the Shenandoah Valley to the west or the lush mountain scenery as the backdrop. The maximum number of participants for weddings and ceremonies held within park boundaries is limited to 100. From the Northeast take Interstate 76 or Interstate 78 west to Interstate 81 south. 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. The best way to have a great day is to go with the flow, expect the unexpected, and focus on the fact that you get to marry your best friend! But for a good reason- it is gorgeous! Check out the guides below for more information. Affordable elegance. Your wedding day is more than just a quick ceremony and a few photos. For weddings and elopements specifically, you can contact the authorized concessions operator at Delaware North at Shenandoah National Park. Learn. You can pick up your marriage license and get married the same day- there is no waiting period in Virginia. Box 727, Luray, Virginia 22835 | 877-847-1919. The Permittee shall not connect to any power sources located anywhere within park boundaries. Skyline Drive will likely have a few road closures so its (always) a good idea to have a backup location. Clingmans Dome Food prices are guaranteed 90 days prior to the date. The park reserves the right to have a ranger monitor the permitted activity. This figure varies by date/season. Then, if you need a permit, Ill walk you through application process to make things easy-peasy. Emergency Phone: 1-800-732-0911, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. 16 or more total participants and youll need to apply for a special use permit to have your wedding in Shenandoah National Park. When you picture yourself getting married, who can you not imagine the day without? Shawnee Farms . It is still pretty quiet in terms of other visitors and its incredibly special seeing the park come back to life after winter. This guide walks you through the process step-by-step and lays out everything you need to know in order to plan an elopement or small wedding in the park. Helen and Brandon communicated with us from start to finish to ensure our vision came to life. But thick clouds, a little rain or snow can actually make for stunning images (and a great story). And, Im stoked for you to see all that this amazing park has to offer! By the end of November, the crowds fade, the roads and trails can get icy, and the mountains turn brown and purple. Booking for Sept-Nov 2023 and 2024. Wedding & Events: 540-743-6551 Ext 2243. Get the latest events and things to do through our monthly e-newsletter. Or, maybe you want an incredible just-us experience! April ceremony in the park and dinner with family, Sunset + sunrise June elopement with waterfall and tubing, *split day coverage only available with top package. What does a typical Shenandoah National Park elopement timeline look like? 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? ** One other important thing to note if you are using GPS directions, particularly Apple Maps, they will sometimes direct you to the park via routes you cant take, like emergency or fire roads. Big Meadows can accommodate up to 40 people at the Massanutten Room. There are a handful of hikes that start at boundary trailheads, but you can only access Skyline Drive through four different entrance stations. Located on the Shenandoah River at the base of the Massanutten mountains, The Barn at Evermore is one of the most unique event venues in Luray, VA. This restored 19th-century barn features a 70 foot deck with mountain views, 400 feet of Get a copy of our travel guide, with all the best places the Shenandoah Valley has to offer. Audio devices (e.g. Including my 40+ page digital Elopement PlanningGuide, questionnaires, packing lists and unlimited consultations, Ill send over a list of local Shenandoah vendors (beyond the ones listed above) that can help bring your vision to life. Hogwallow Flats Overlook ". The staff were very patient as we made adjustments to our plans throughout the process. Imagine your wedding ceremony backdrop on Shadow Mountain Escape you wont have to go far to take advantage of some of the most scenic views the region has to offer. As the largest green space in the City of Winchester, the MSV offers both indoor and outdoor spaces, including the sites seven-acre Glen Burnie Gardens, At Heartfelt Events, we do more than wedding planning. About Us Affiliates Join SVTAMembership Benefits Contact Us. We will always treasure our special day at Shenandoah." Life's hallmark events deserve destinations as grand as the occasion. Interested in a shoot and a few days away in the Virginia mountains? Step 1: Ask yourself - "Who will be there?". Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse Step 5: Choose lodging near Shenandoah NP, How to get your marriage license for your shenandoah national park wedding. We sometimes do get snow in Virginia and the mountains usually get it first. Visit https://lnt.org/ to learn more about what you can do to minimize your impact. In early March, Nick, Jocelyn, and I took to the Manassas Battlefield for their engagement session. With its sweeping high ceilings, bright interiors, and sharp dcor, the event space at Hotel Madison presents itself beautifully for the unique sophisticated Shenandoah Valley wedding youve imagined. Life's hallmark events deserve destinations as grand as the occasion. Wedding and Ceremony Permits Shenandoah National Park provides a beautiful backdrop for your special day, whether it's your wedding or another special ceremony. The conference hall was the perfect setting for our reception. She helped us forget about everything to really take in the special moments we had with each other! Mailing Address: Shenandoah National Park 3655 U.S. Highway 211 East Luray, VA 22835 Phone: 540 999-3500 Emergency Phone: 1-800-732-0911 Contact Us Tools. I can help recommend a few spots that will work best for your guest count and the type of views you like best. Some property owners will let you have your dinner, reception or even the ceremony on site if you ask (just be sure to get permission first). The historic estate was completed in 1863 and was recently renovated into a classic wedding venue and lodging getaway. Grotto Falls Mammoth Cave History Full day coverage (6+ hours): Starting at $3700, Up to three hours: $2500. Electrical Power document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.write( new Date().getFullYear() ); Shenandoah Valley, Inc. | 1-800-VISIT-SV | Privacy Policy, document.write( new Date().getFullYear() ); Shenandoah Valley, Inc.1-800-VISIT-SV Privacy Policy, Lexington | Buena Vista | Rockbridge County. Thank you! If you want a friend or family member to preside over your service to make it more personal, you have three options: For more info, check out this blog post about VA officiants and legalities. Bearfence Mountain The maximum number of participants for weddings and ceremonies held within park boundaries is limited to 100. Outdoor Space Price Guest Capacity Support Diversity Award Winners + More Filters New Market, VA 5 (2) Court Manor Weddings and Events 151-200 Guests $$$ Outdoor Event Space Court Manor Weddings and Events is a stately wedding venue in New Market, VA. DNC hosting weddings within their land assignment limits the number of participants to 100. Be ready to drive most lodging outside of the park will require at least a 45 minute drive one way. This beautiful park in the famed Blue Ridge Mountains checks every box: jaw-dropping scenery in every season for equally jaw-dropping elopement photos. 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. You can customize the short service anyway you like (which I will provide guidance on). Shendandoah in November Is there a crisp breeze because youre standing on top of a mountain? The natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains serves as the backdrop for Montfairs relaxed LAuberge Provencale creates a lifetime of memories and we can help you coordinate all facets of your special day from the rehearsal dinner, to the ceremony, to the reception, to the last toast of champagne. She was flexible and organized with planning. Weddings + ceremonies are not allowed in or around the visitor centers. Skyline Drive 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. I have helped couples plan their elopements and small weddings in Shenandoah National Park - with suggestions of places to go, things to do, and awesome spots for food and drink to make your wedding day into a wedding getaway in the awesome local small towns. Sunrise is a must for elopements on the weekends! Due to the extremely high volume of visitors to the park on fall weekends, any ceremony, gathering, or wedding ceremony taking place at an authorized overlook on a Saturday or Sunday during the months of October or November must be completed no later than 10 A.M. Do not park on roads, road shoulders, or block any access. Some of my favorites places are Rose River Farm Cabins, Hotel Laurance in Luray, the yurts at Rock Tavern River Kamp, and Getaway Shenandoah. Whether it's on the water, looking at mountains, or in your backyard. Permittee employees/associates, and/or participants, and/or guests under this Permit shall not dig, scrape, remove, or otherwise disturb any natural features. Cuyahoga Valley History Baldface Mountain Overlook Sand Beach ", "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). The use of decorations may be considered only in amphitheaters and will be approved in advance. For the latest information about our available services, please visit our Service Updates page. ", "We are so happy we chose Skyland for our wedding! Shenandoah National Park boasts stunning landscapes and no shortage of things to do which makes it a perfect place for an elopement or small wedding. 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. Wherever the wedding or ceremony is held, the Permittee and/or employees/associates, and/or participants, and/or guests but will, by the end of the permit, police the area and remove all such materials to include petals, leaves, stems, pieces and/or plant parts from the park at the conclusion of the permitted activity, to mitigate the potential introduction of non-native and invasive species left behind. We loved the natural beauty all around. You are strongly encouraged to visit the park in advance of making your ceremony plans to familiarize yourself with available park resources and deciding where you want to hold your ceremony. All three options are located in the central district of the park. It's a collection of a visitor . The closest locations to pick up a marriage license near Shenandoah National Park are in Luray, Culpepper, Waynesboro, Woodstock, and Harrisonburg. Newfound Gap Shenandoah National Park Wedding | Nick and Jocelyn. Generators are not authorized. Our staff provides professional and personalized attention from the moment of inquiry to the end of the event. Hayley went above and beyond anything I could imagine for our wedding day! Our staff is attuned Melrose Caverns farmland provides a beautiful setting for a picture perfect wedding! Parking is limited and is not reservable. Find, research and contact wedding professionals on The Knot, featuring reviews and info on the best wedding vendors. Personal attention to detail, regional cuisine and charming accommodations make your wedding here truly an event of a lifetime. So whether youre looking to hike parts of the Appalachian Trail or pull off the road to an overlook with a gorgeous view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, beauty and adventure can be found in every corner of the park no matter what you choose to do! - Sarah & Gavin, September 2022, "We are so happy we chose Skyland for our wedding! Some are small pull-offs with room for a few cars. After celebrating with family, we planned for everyone to head down the mountain to a nearby restaurant while we stayed for awhile. If you had a second or third favorite choice you could just pivot to one of those and still have an amazing experience. Some overlooks and parking lots only have space for a few cars. Bonus tip* if your dress can blow in the breeze it makes for extra magical photos, Accessories, hair pieces, or jewelry that wont easily fall out, Rain gear- like an umbrella, poncho, or rain jacket, Money to get into the park they do take card, Sunscreen, + sunglasses if you have sensitive eyes, Allergy medicine- pollen in VA is no joke. Tip: if you are hiking near and plan to enjoy the sunset, dont forget to pack a flashlight or headlamp for your walk back. Our goal was to explore the local trails to showcase their love for each other and for the outdoors. The Permittee and/or employees/associates, and/or participants, and/or guests under this Permit shall follow a leave-no-trace policy and restore the area of use to the same condition prior to use, or better. Please email the Commercial Services Office (SHEN_Permits@nps.gov) well in advance of the event with activity specifics and receive a determination concerning required monitoring. Every single elopement day is different- and each timeline looks different too depending on the time of year, what activities are important to a couple, and more. Just be aware that the Blue Ridge Parkway has their own set of rules when it comes to wedding permits. Choose clothes that are easy to walk in and are not restricting when you take deep breaths. Marriage licenses cost $30. Audio devices are not permitted at any time. Compton Gap Helen and Brandon communicated with us from start to finish to ensure our vision came to life. Congaree Canoe Trail ), 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. Please review our Service Updates that impact your visit, See All The Lodging Options Shenandoah Has to Offer, First Access to Exclusive Discounts, Events, & Offers, P.O. Getting Married in Shenandoah National Park. Are you bringing family along? Cuyahoga Valley Birding Shenandoah has tons of amazing spots (and more than are listed here)- dont feel like you have to choose just one. You need to . Congaree Champion Trees, Cuyahoga Valley National Park I dont usually recommend a mid-day centric timeline because it is the busiest time in the park, its the hottest time of day in the summer, and its when the light is not as flattering for photos. The most southern end of the park is 35 miles west of Charlottesville and the most northern part is 70 miles or about 1 hours west of Washington, DC. Attachments and Coverings Due to a fire at the entrance gate, Thornton Gap - one of the park's busiest entrance stations - will be down to one lane. Permittee and/or participants under this Permit will not cover or remove signs, fences, or posts, natural features, etc. Call our Group Sales Office at 540-217-6131 or submit a Request for Proposal today! Congaree Fireflies Skyline Drive Mile Markers To reach the Valley from the east, the main highways are Interstate 66, which brings you directly from the Washington, D.C. area and connects with I-81 near Strasburg, VA. Interstate 64, which brings you directly from Richmond and connects with I-81 near Staunton. The Sinks, Mammoth Cave National Park A huge thank you to all the staff members who helped make our special day go smoothly. Shenandoah National Park Weddings read more Elopements at Shadow Mountain Escape read more Weddings at The Mimslyn Inn read more L'Auberge Provencale Weddings read more Peaks of Otter Lodge Weddings read more Melrose Caverns Weddings read more Weddings at Luray Caverns and Shawnee Farms Estate read more The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley Weddings A warm layer it may be colder than you expect. The sun being directly overhead can cast harsh shadows on the face on a clear day. Stop to snap photos from breathtaking overlooks along Skyline Drive. Skyland accommodates wedding parties of up to 100, and offers an outdoor ceremony with the picturesque views of the Shenandoah Valley below or an indoor ceremony in the historic conference building. Oaks Overlook Its always better to do it earlier if you can because there is no guarantee the permit will be approved and youll want extra time to figure out a backup. We're Mark & Carolyn How to Elope FAQs Shenandoah National Park Elopement/Wedding - How to Guide [2023] Dreaming of a Shenandoah National Park Elopement or Wedding? Plant Material more information on current conditions Delaware North at Shenandoah National Park. Doyles River Overlook are prohibited. 2023 Wedding Policies Find out how this wild, Horizons Edge Sports Campus is the Valleys Premier Place to Play! Shenandoah National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour, Baltimore Washington International Airport. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.write( new Date().getFullYear() ); Shenandoah Valley, Inc. | 1-800-VISIT-SV | Privacy Policy, document.write( new Date().getFullYear() ); Shenandoah Valley, Inc.1-800-VISIT-SV Privacy Policy. The Permittee and/or employees/associates, and/or participants, and/or guests is/are expressly prohibited from entering any closed/out-of-bounds areas or from leaving established trails, walkways and visitor areas. 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. Having a wedding along Skyline Drive is great because its super accessible for couples or guests who dont hike and you can still get lots incredible scenery. For more information please contact the Assistant Fee Program Manager at (540) 999-3500, ext 3406. They are one of the most genuine and kind couples I've ever worked with. Special linen colors may be rented from a local provider. If youre looking for a spot to say your vows near Big Meadows, Tanners Ridge Overlook is a great option just across the road. 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. Nestled in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, backed by the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, Natural Cathedral-sized filled with ancient stone formations and crystal-clear pools makes the world-renowned U.S. Natural Landmark the ultimate backdrop for a most spectacular occasion beneath Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. Keep in mind that all accommodations in Shenandoah National Park close for the winter season. The average bar estimate is $15-30 per guest. 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. Horsehead Overlook There is a maximum number of rooms available for the wedding guests to ensure the availability of the park facilities to other guests. These are just a few examples of what it could look like. Hogback Mountain Contact Info. What time of day is best? You may also pre-purchase your park pass online at recreation.gov, which will make the overall entrance station experience go quicker. Bug spray is a must in the summers. Are dogs allowed in Shenandoah National Park? Native materials shall not be disturbed and/or used for props except, as a natural backdrop. Call our group sales office, or visit our website, to start planning your unforgettable day! Being adventurers and lovers of national parks, they knew that having their wedding at Skyland Resort in the Shenandoah National Park would be perfect. 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. If youre planning a wedding in Shenandoah National Park, youre probably drawn to natures beauty. Indian Run Overlook Ravens Roost Overlook, a popular spot for ceremonies and photography, is actually along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Waynesboro, not Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. It costs only $30 (the park entrance fee) if you do not need a permit. The simple-to-use gallery makes it easy to relive your day over and over, share your elopement day with family and friends, and download and print your images. Dinner charge depends on menu. - 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). The coordinators were exceptional, detail oriented, and professional. Marys Rock Tunnel Overlook Paul and Shannon were married in the Shenandoah National Park at Skyland Resort, an absolutely beautiful place for a wedding! Afternoon at Valley Forge National Historical Park in December 2017, We Bought Camping Air Pads to Review Next Year, Columbus Day Weekend in Acadia National Park, Two Days at Mammoth Cave National Park in September 2017, Our Day at Dry Tortugas NP via the Yankee Freedom III, Our June 2017 Stop in Everglades National Park, Visiting Colonial National Historical Park and Jamestown in June 2017, President Obama Designates Three National Monuments and Expands Two, President Obama Designates Two National Monuments, Our Christmas Eve Stop at Cuyahoga Valley National Park, 2 Day November Fall Foliage Trip to Shenandoah National Park, 3 Days in Yellowstone National Park in May 2016.
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shenandoah national park wedding
