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How to Choose Which Season to Elope in Shenandoah National Park

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Shenandoah National Park’s four seasons just so happen to be some of the most beautiful that I have been able to witness. As an elopement photographer, I have worked with couples from all walks of life who have come to the park to get married in each of its unique seasons.

Do you need help choosing which season to get married in Shenandoah National Park?
Here is everything you need to know in order to pick the best time of year to elope.

 
Eloping in Shenandoah National Park's Four Seasons
 

HOW SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK’S FOUR SEASONS CAN AFFECT YOUR ELOPEMENT

 

One of the most significant choices you will make for your mountain wedding is what time of year to have it.

Shenandoah National Park is located in Virginia where we are lucky enough to be able to experience the highs and lows of Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall. All of which, can greatly impact your elopement.

September could be considered both Summer and Fall because of the weather. If you’re looking for the infamous orange leaf change, then I definitely suggest October because you will still have vivid greens in September.

That being said, knowing exactly what you want on your wedding day along with what each individual season can offer you, is SO important.

 

SPRING

 
Weather Chart for Spring in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

weather chart provided by www.weatherspark.com

 

Spring in Shenandoah National Park usually consists of the months of April (end of), May, and June. The average temperatures for the park during the spring average between 55° and 34° depending on when exactly you are visiting.

This time of year is when the mountains are just starting to come alive again!

In the Spring you can expect very cold mornings, some trees that are still bare, and some pretty shades of green.

 
Eloping in Shenandoah National Park's Four Seasons | Spring in Virginia

SUMMER

 
Weather Chart for Summer in Shenandoah National Park

weather chart provided by www.weatherspark.com

 

Summer in Shenandoah National Park usually consists of the months of June (end of), July, August, and September (first of). The average temperatures for the park during the summer average between 74° and 55° depending on when exactly you are visiting.

My favorite part about eloping in the park during the summer is definitely the huge ferns that you get to experience. If you are wanting lush green foliage, this is definitely the time for it! It is important to note that the overlooks tend to become overgrown in the summer months making them harder to navigate.

Wildflowers also start popping up in July. However, the best time for them is in August. On occasion, you will see some flowers in September, but I wouldn’t plan your whole elopement around it.

 

FALL

Weather Chart for Fall in Shenandoah National Park

weather chart provided by www.weatherspark.com

 

Fall in Shenandoah National Park usually consists of the months of September (end of), October, and November (first of). The average temperatures for the park during the fall average between 68° and 40° depending on when exactly you are visiting.

You won’t have full leaf change until October. Although it is one of my favorite seasons in the park, it is ridiculously busy during this time. I mean, we are talking about it taking 2-3 hours to enter the park.

SIDE NOTE: I will no longer be taking October, weekend elopements starting in 2023 because of the number of crowds the park experiences.

The fall is BEAUTIFUL here, and the fall leaves really are breathtaking. Just keep in mind that everyone is also wanting to experience it.

 
Eloping in Shenandoah National Park's Four Seasons | Fall in Virginia
Eloping in Shenandoah National Park's Four Seasons | Fall in Virginia

WINTER

 

Winter in Shenandoah National Park is typically the longest season. It usually consists of the months of November (end of), December, January, February, March, and April (first of). The average temperatures for the park during the winter average between 37° and 20° depending on when exactly you are visiting.

It is important to note that Skyline Drive, a road running north and south along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park, can sometimes close during these months because of snow and ice. So plan your elopement there, but always plan a back up spot just in case the Drive is closed.

In Virginia we don’t get a lot of snow, so it’s definitely not a given. The pros to a Winter elopement are that it is really peaceful and serene. There aren’t very many people that visit during this time so you don’t have to worry about crowd control at all. Sometimes I feel like I’m the only one on the Park or Skyline Drive on any given day in the Winter.

Sunrises/Sunsets in the winter are also so colorful because of the low humidity and cleaner air.

 
Eloping in Shenandoah National Park's Four Seasons | Winter in Virginia
Shenandoah National Park Photographer

HELPING YOU NAVIGATE SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK’S FOUR SEASONS

Hi! I am Gabrielle, a Shenandoah National Park Elopement Photographer. I am also kinda a self-proclaimed “know-it-all” when it comes to winter, spring, summer, and fall within the mountains of Virginia!

 

Looking for a photographer to capture your
SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK elopement?

 

ELOPEMENT P L A N N I N G & R E S O U R C E S :

 
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