Best State Parks to Elope in Virginia

It’s no secret that Virginia is home to some beautiful state parks. As an elopement and intimate wedding photographer, I love when couples choose to elope somewhere scenic! If you’re planning an outdoor elopement, here are (in my opinion) the best state parks to elope in Virginia. Happy reading! 

Sky Meadows State Park

First on the list of best state parks to elope in Virginia is Sky Meadows State Park. I looove this park, in fact that’s where I took Cheyenne and Nicholas for their engagement session! Sky Meadows is open from 8 am ‘til around dusk, so perfect for a sunset elopement. Even if you want to elope during the day, there shouldn’t be too much foot traffic. The park itself is over 1800 acres, filled with woodlands, rolling pastures, and scenic views. Of course, all things that would make for a beautiful elopement location in Virginia! 

If you want something a little more than just a simple ceremony, there are two picnic shelters you can rent at Sky Meadows State Park. The first one is Mary’s Shelter (which is the bigger of the two) with a rental fee of $130. The second one is the Sky Meadows Large Picnic Pad with a rental fee of $64! There is also a standard vehicle parking fee of $10.

Grayson Highlands State Park

Did you know that you can see ponies at Grayson Highlands State Park? That’s not the only reason I love this park as an elopement location, but it certainly is a plus! GH is near two of Virginia’s highest mountain peaks; Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain. So if you’re looking for the dramatic views, look no further! Not to mention, the alpine-like peaks of about 5000 feet are some of the best in the state. 

There are multiple wedding ceremony sites throughout the park, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. For larger weddings, the Homestead area is the most popular place to hold your ceremony and reception if you choose to have one. It’s a beautiful, green, picturesque, open field that gently slopes to a calm, flowing mountain stream. There are two historical log cabins that would be a great focal point for your outdoor ceremony, but that’s not even the best part. The area is surrounded by hardwood forests that are stunning to look at in the summer or fall! Last but not least, there’s a rustic barn shelter that can seat up to 100 people if you choose to have a reception here. 

For more intimate events, Buzzard Rock Overlook would be the perfect setting to say your vows. The vista offers 180 degree views of the breathtaking mountain range, as well as the Christmas tree farms and the small town of Rugby. The observation deck can hold up to 8 people, but there can be seating arranged for up to 50 people along the walkway. 

Permits & Fees: All Virginia State Parks require a Special Use Permit in order to host your event. You can fill out the SUP application here, and the non-refundable fee is $25! The parking fee for Grayson Highlands is $10 on the weekends during the months of April-October, and $7 all other dates. 

Hungry Mother State Park

Being one of Virginia’s six original parks, Hungry Mother has long been a favorite for tourists and locals alike. One of the defining features is the 108 acre lake, right in the heart of the mountains! Imagine having an intimate, lakeside sunset ceremony with your loved ones, completely surrounded by mountains. How beautiful does that sound? Even if you’re having more of a celebration, Hungry Mother offers full service catering for weddings, courtesy of their executive chef. There are cabins, lodges, and indoor venues that you can most definitely take advantage of if you choose to do. And one of the best parts: there’s a sandy beach inside the park that you and your newlywed can take a post-elopement swim at!  

There is a $7 parking fee for all vehicles, all year round at Hungry Mother State Park. 

Smith Mountain Lake State Park

Smith Mountain Lake State Park is home to the second largest lake in the state of Virginia. Doesn’t that make you wanna check it out already? If you and your partner love watersports and would like to partake in them on your elopement day to spice things up, this would be the park for you! You can swim, rent a boat, and even go fishing here. There are miles of hiking trails if that’s more your thing, and tons of beautiful places to rest up and have a little elopement picnic. 

There is a $7 parking fee for all vehicles, all year round at Smith Mountain Lake State Park. 

Leesylvania State Park

Not many parks on this list are open early enough for a sunrise elopement, but Leesylvania is the exception. Their hours are from 6 a.m. to sunset Monday through Friday, and 5 a.m. to sunset on the weekends. If you do choose to elope here, I highly recommend hiking one of 5 the scenic trails that showcase the rich and historical features of the Potomac River. Although the park is situated right on the shores of this river, it’s important to note that there is no swimming permitted! You can, however, rent a kayak or canoe to engage in some post-elopement fun in the water. 

There is a $10 parking fee for all vehicles, all year round at Smith Mountain Lake State Park. 

Westmoreland State Park

Westmoreland State Park is also right on the shore of the Potomac River, but only about a mile and a half of it. There are no lifeguards on duty, but you are welcome to swim at your own risk at the beach! Fossil Beach is one of the highlights of this state park, where you can scoop up the sand and find various treasures like shark teeth and mollusk shells. Keep in mind that there is very limited cell service here, so make sure your guests know exactly where they’re going if you plan on having any. If you decide to elope here, we’ll discuss well beforehand where we’ll meet so there’s no stress on the day-of! If you’re up for a short and sweet hike, Rock Spring Pond Trail is only 1.2 miles and leads to a beautiful body of water that would be perfect for an elopement. 

The parking fee for Westmoreland State Park is $10 on the weekends during the months of April-October, and $7 all other dates. 

Douthat State Park

Last but certainly not least on our list of best state parks to elope in Virginia is Douthat SP! Another one of VA’s original state parks, this one is the largest in size of all the ones mentioned. Clocking in at over 4000 acres, this park truly has it all. Waterfalls, swimming beaches, hiking trails, mountain biking, you name it! There are multiple places to get married if you’re having guests, along with 32 cabins that you can reserve for your friends and family you stay at. 

Outdoor venues have a flat fee of $180 to rent for one day, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. This includes: The Amphitheater, Beach Complex, Discovery Center, Douthat’s Dam, and Douthat Shelter. All venues are available to rent after Labor Day through Memorial weekend, with the exception of Douthat Shelter. That one is available all year round!  They also have tent and equipment rentals available within the park for your convenience. 

There is a $7 parking fee for all vehicles, all year round at Douthat State Park. 

Ready to elope at one of Virginia’s state parks?

I’m ready to help you plan it! To get in touch with me about documenting your elopement, you can fill out my contact form and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.  In the meantime, we can connect on Instagram or you can visit my Pinterest profile for more Virginia wedding & elopement inspiration!